Mathematics 209: Finite Mathematics

Course Orientation

Introduction

Welcome to Mathematics 209: Finite Mathematics, a university-level course that covers several areas of mathematics—including linear equations, functions, matrices, linear inequalities, linear programming and game theory—with applications in economics, business, the social sciences and the life sciences.

There are no prerequisites for Mathematics 209; however, students are expected to have completed Mathematics 30, or an equivalent matriculation-level high-school mathematics course, and to have an excellent understanding of high-school algebra.

This Course Orientation document is designed to supply you with essential information about the course design, the course materials, and the procedures you should follow to complete the course successfully. If you have any questions about the course itself, or how to proceed with your studies, please contact your tutor.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to

• demonstrate a foundational understanding of finite mathematics, with a focus on linear equations and inequalities, matrices, functions and graphing, and linear programming.
• apply introductory methods of mathematical finance, Markov chains, and game theory.
• use finite mathematical methods for applied problem solving in economics, business, social sciences, and life sciences.
• apply your knowledge to pursue further learning in discrete mathematics (including MATH 309).
• communicate mathematical ideas and analyses in a clear and organized manner.

Course Materials

Textbooks

This textbook is a customized monograph prepared exclusively for Athabasca University’s Mathematics 209 from

The customized solutions manual included with the textbook contains all the solutions to odd-numbered exercises. It is based on

Athabasca University Materials (online)

Student Evaluation

Your final grade in Mathematics 209 is a composite of the grades you achieve on four assignments worth a total of 35%, a midterm examination worth 35%, and a final examination worth 30%.

To pass this course, you must submit all of the course assignments and complete them to the satisfaction of your tutor. You must also achieve a grade of at least 50 per cent on each examination, and a course composite grade of at least 50 per cent. Students who do not achieve a minimum passing grade of 50 per cent on an examination will be allowed to write a supplemental examination. For further information, see the “Procedures for Applying for and Writing Examinations” section of the online Student Manual.

You may wish to use the following table to keep a record of your achievement in Mathematics 209. Note: It is recommended that you print this for your reference.

You can find instructions for completing the assignments in the Assessment section of the course home page. Please use the online assignment drop boxes to submit all assignments. If you have difficulty, contact your tutor.

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.

Examinations

You must write two exams to complete Mathematics 209: Finite Mathematics. You should write the first examination (the midterm) after you have completed Unit 4, and the second (the final) after you have completed Unit 8.

Both examinations are closed-book; however, you are permitted to consult your personal notes contained on one 8 1/2 × 11 inch sheet of paper (double-sided). You will be asked to hand this sheet in with your examination.

The use of a simple scientific calculator (non-programmable, non-graphing) is permitted in each examination. Please note that you will not be allowed to bring a cell phone or any other mobile device into the examination room, nor will you be allowed to consult with anyone while writing the examination.

We strongly recommend that you begin the examination by glancing over all of the questions, then answering those you feel most confident about first. If any questions present special difficulty for you, leave those until last.

Note that you are allowed three hours for each examination. Divide your time among the questions to ensure that you have sufficient time to finish each one.

You may be familiar with some of the questions in the exams, but be prepared for unfamiliar ones as well. Do not panic when confronted with an unexpected question but read it carefully to make sure you understand what it is asking you to do. These questions are not necessarily difficult; they are designed to test your understanding of concepts, and how well you can put them to use when solving problems.

Although you do not need permission to apply for an examination, we recommend that you consult your tutor about your readiness to write, and about examination writing strategies. Your tutor can also provide information about the examination format and study strategies.

The information on applying for and writing examinations can be found in the online Student Manual.

Course Structure and Study Strategy

The Study Guide consists of eight units.

Unit 1  Linear Equations and Graphs
Unit 2  Functions and Graphs
Unit 3  Mathematics of Finance
Unit 4  Systems of Linear Equations; Matrices
Unit 5  Linear Inequalities and Linear Programming
Unit 6  Linear Programming: The Simplex Method
Unit 7  Properties of Markov Chains
Unit 8  Games and Decisions

Each unit of the Study Guide contains the components listed below.

Objectives

The objectives describe what you should be able to do when you finish the unit. Questions in the examinations and assignments aim to test whether you have met the objectives.

Sections

Each section of each unit includes the features listed below. Some sections also contain additional comments that are designed to supplement the textbook materials.

Indications: identify the parts of the textbook (and Study Guide, if any) that you must read, the exercises and problems we recommend that you solve, and the questions you must answer. Please note that many exercises and problems are recommended in each unit. We recognize that in some sections the number of problems identified may be more than you have time to complete, and we leave it to you to do as many as is necessary and possible. Try to find a balance, and do as many as necessary to master the skills you will be tested on.

Questions: at the end of each section are designed to help you to reflect on and get better insight into the concepts presented in the textbook reading. Answers are provided in Appendix A of the Study Guide. If your answers differ from those given, they might still be correct. If you are in doubt, consult your tutor.

Finishing This Unit

The final portion of each unit is designed to help you review the material presented, and to direct you to the assignments, if any, that you must complete.

Practice Examinations

Each unit closes with a practice examination consisting of questions drawn from the “Review Exercise” at the end of the appropriate textbook chapter. Follow the instructions given in the “Finishing This Unit” section, take the examination as if it were a regular exam for credit, and evaluate your performance using the solutions provided in the “Student Solutions Manual” part of the textbook. Do be strict in your self evaluation. Give yourself credit for everything you do correctly, but not for things you only intended to do. This strategy will give you a fairer idea of how well you are doing, and will help you improve your skills.

Suggested Study Schedule

Mathematics 209 is a three-credit (one-semester) course designed to be completed in approximately seventeen weeks. Students registered in the individualized-study version of the course are permitted to take up to six months, but we recommend following the schedule below, to save time in case of unexpected delays or emergencies.

If you decide to follow the suggested study schedule, you should have no difficulty completing the course within your six-month contract. If you find yourself falling behind, contact your tutor to discuss the situation. You may also extend your course contract, as explained in the online Student Manual. Check it carefully well before your contract end date.

You may, of course, proceed more quickly than is suggested by this schedule. Please note that students who are receiving funding may be required to complete their studies within a shortened time period. If you are receiving funding from any source, please check the details of your obligations and adjust your personal study schedule accordingly.

Download the Study Schedule.