Office Hours: W 2-4pm, R 3:30-4:30pm, or by
appointment. Homework help session every Thursday 3:30-4:30pm at
Jones 131.
Text: Mathematical Proofs--A Transition to Advanced
Mathematics by Gary Chartrand, Albert D. Polilmeni, and Ping
Zhang (Third Edition). ISBN-13: 978-0321797094.
Course goal: The primary goal is to learn how to read
and write rigorous and sophisticated mathematical statements and
proofs. An integral part of this goal is mastering mathematical
fundamentals such as logic, sets, functions, relations and
numbers. Examples and problems are drawn in such a way to survey
some different branches of "higher" mathematics.
Quizzes and Tests: There will be 5 (20 min) quizzes on
Sept 11, Sept 25, Oct 9, Nov 6 and Nov 20, all on
Thursdays. There will be one mid-term exam (80 min) on Oct
23 (Thursday). Make-up quizzes tests are only given in
extreme circumstances such as documented serious illness or
personal circumstance. I must review such cases prior to
the start of the test.
Final Exam: final exam will be held on Tuesday Dec
16, 2pm-5pm. Location Jones Hall 306.
Homework: There will be weekly homework assignments. We
cannot emphasize the importance of homework enough. Although
understanding material while you read the text or listen to
lecture is certainly important, your most important studying
will be in completing the homework assignments. Perhaps the most
fundamental part of this course is learning how to write and
read precise mathematical ideas. Part of writing precise
mathematical ideas is writing complete sentences with correct
grammar. Homework written incoherently will not be judged
complete! Incoherently includes, but is not limited to, using
incomplete sentences, using incorrect grammar and overusing
unnecessary mathematical notation. You are STRONGLY encouraged
to discuss your homework with us prior to handing in homework.
Start homework early and work steadily! Homework is usually due
5pm Friday. You are strongly
suggested to use LaTeX to type your homework. LaTeX is
a programming language to type texts with math content. You need
to use some text editor to compile your .tex file, then use a
latex compiler to typeset your latex file. Two lowest homework
scores will be dropped.
Help Session: A weekly homework help session will be
offered every Thursday at Jones Hall 131. Time: 3:30-4:30pm
Attendance: Regular attendance is critical for your
success in this course. I expect your presence at every lecture.
Grading: Your final grade is calculated as follows:
Quizzes 20%
Homework 20%
Mid-term Exam 25%
Final Exam: 35%
The letter grade is assigned using the scale:
A > 93 > A- > 90 > B+ > 87 > B > 83
> B- > 80> C+ > 77 > C > 73 > C- >
70 > D+ > 67 > D > 63 > D- > 60 > F
Honor Code: Students will uphold William and Mary's
stated honor code as it is written, any infractions will be
referred to the Honor Council.