Math 300, Wednesdays, Fall 2016 (Whyte)
2-2:50 W, TH 317
Professor: Kevin Whyte
E-mail: kwhyte@uic.edu
Resources
- Syllabus
- Mathematical Sciences Learning Center
- Writing Center
- Introduction to LaTeX
- The mathematics librarian is David Dror, with office hours Th 5-7pm in the library's Idea Commons. You can also e-mail him to make an appointment at another time.
- The library resource guide for math 300
- A guideline for term papers
Assignments and Due dates
Assignments are due by e-mail in pdf format by 4pm on Sundays
Most weeks we will also be discussing some of what yourclassmates have written. These readings will be mailed to you in advance
- please print these and write notes/comments/suggestions on them. I will collect these at the end of the class discussion.
- Aug 28 : Install LaTex or other typesetting software, submit your write-up of one of the proofs discussed in class on Aug 24.
- Sep 4 : Write-up and expand on the Calculus topic from your in-class writing exercise.
- Sep 11 : Find another proof of the Pythagorean theorem, write an explanation and compare/contrast with the one presented in class.
- Sep 11 : Submit 1-2 paragraphs explaining the topic you've chosen for your term paper.
- Sep 25 : Essay on "What is Mathematics and why is it interesting?" aimed at Elementary/Middle school students who are bored with the material they're learning in school.
- Oct 2 : Outline and bibliography for your term paper.
- For class Oct 5: Read sections 1-17 of A Mathematician's Apology by G. H. Hardy. Write your comments ( agreements, disagreements, parts that are interseting, boring, or confusing, etc) and bring them to class for discussion (they will be collected along with your comments on the student works discussed).
- Oct 9 : Write a detailed explanation of the proof that the square root of two is irrational, with a specific focus on why basic facts of aritmentic are true ( why is odd times odd = odd ? Why is every number either even or odd ? Why can every fraction be written in lowest terms ? etc ).
- For class Oct 12: Finish reading "A Mathematician's Apology" and bring your comments for discussion.
- Oct 16: First draft of term paper ( 8-10 pages ) is due.
- Oct 30: Write up probablitiy puzzles from class.
- Nov 6: Write "Nim": rules, strategy, and justification.