Math 131 - Calculus 1 B
Syllabus for Spring 2009

Professor

Catalog Description

This course in the differential calculus of transcendental functions is designed for students skilled in the calculus of rational functions. Topics covered include exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and inverse trigonometric functions and their derivatives, as well as applications to physical problems.

Rationale

Calculus is the most powerful tool in the mathematician's basic toolbox. Its invention and development was also one of the great achievements of the human intellect and imagination.

The spectacular advances in physics since the late 17th century could not have been achieved without the use of calculus, particularly differential equations. Consequently, many of the great achievements of modern engineering also rest on a foundation of calculus and differential equations. Additionally, the concept of a function, which is central to the study of calculus, underlies the very idea of the algorithm, and so plays a crucial role in the conceptual framework of computer science. Therefore, calculus is key to the study of mathematics, physics and computer science. It's also highly recommended for those wishing to distinguish themselves for advanced study in medicine, economics and business.

This course is only the second part of a sequence, whose logical structure is cumulative. Please bear this in mind: if you work diligently at this course, and make every effort to retain the information and techniques you learn as this semester progresses, there will be a tremendous payoff later in the calculus sequence, as well as in those subsequent courses in your discipline which make use of calculus.

Class Schedule

The class meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12:00 to 1:10 p.m. in Hagedorn Hall, room 108.

Text

The textbook store sells a package consisting of both the textbook and an eduspace.com account.

Homework Assignments

Homework will be assigned regularly. Some will be done on-line, through the eduspace.com website. Additional homework from the textbook will be assigned. This additional homework will not be collected but it will form the basis of exams and quizzes, along with the on-line homework assignments.

Quizzes

Most Wednesday classes will begin with a short quiz, to test the concepts and techniques covered in recent classes. These quizzes are an essential part of this course, and will account for 15% of your final grade. Quizzes will be given on the following days: January 28, February 4, 11, 18, March 4, 11, 25, April 8, 15, 22, and May 6.

Important Dates

Course Objectives

Students shall:

Lecture Schedule (tentative)

Dates Textbook Sections
January 26 Review of Calculus 1A
January 28 - February 2 6.1, 6.4, 6.5
February 4 - 13 Chapter 7
February 16 - 23 Chapter 8
February 25 Test #1
February 27 - March 13 Chapter 9
March 23 - 30 Chapter 10
April 1 Test #2
April 3 - 17 Chapter 11
April 11 - 27 Rational Functions
April 29 Test #3
May 1 - 4 L'Hospital's Rule
May 6 - 8 Advanced Topics
May 11 Tie up loose ends, Review
May 13 Final Exam: 10:30-12:30

Evaluation

The final grade will be determined by your on-line homework and your performance on quizzes, tests, and the final examination. It is weighted as follows:

Last modified: January 23, 2008.