Math Department, Mission College, Santa Clara, California

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Welcome to the Math G Page.

Last Updated 5/27/10

Semester is over - great job everybody - happy summer!
Final grades are posted below
Four final papers have been added



The class is designed to be a CSU transfer level class for students who are not math or science majors, and concentrates on mathematical critical thinking.

Starting Fall 2009, the class prerequisite was Elementary Algebra (Mission College Math 903).  The class meets the Mission College graduation competency requirement in mathematics for an associate degree.

The class is on the CSU GE Breadth Area B4 list for 2009 - 2010.  In December 2009 the class prerequisite was  raised to Intermediate Algebra (Mission College Math C) to comply with CSU requirements.

If you intend to transfer the class to any other college be sure to check with them that it meets their specific college and department/major requirements.

On this page you'll soon find homework assignments, handouts and other useful course information, links to some math sites that may help with your papers, plus examples of previous student work. Enjoy !!

Ian's Office Hours (see above for any temporary changes):

Monday 4:00pm - 4:45pm and 6:50pm - 7:20pm /  Wednesday 2:00 - 3:00pm and 4:00pm - 4:45pm and 6:50 - 7:20pm 

Ian's Office:  N2-403 North Wing, Second Floor, near the outside door.

Ian's Mailbox:  S2-403 South Wing, Second Floor.

Ian's Voicemail:  (408) 855-5323.

Ian's email:     ianwvmedu@redshift.com

This class web page:  www.missioncollege.org/depts/math/classes/ians10mathg.htm

Ian's Biography Page:  www.missioncollege.org/depts/math/ftbios/ianwalton.html

The class does not use the college Angel course management system.

The required TEXTBOOK is The Heart of Mathematics, 2/e by Burger and Starbird, Key College Publishing
It's available in the Mission College Bookstore.
And here's a search engine that compares book and shipping prices for many online vendors.
You are NOT required top purchase the optional CD.

Where else can I get help ?

Check out all sorts of college services

For math questions try the Math Learning Center

For help with papers and writing try the LATC Learning Assistance and Tutorial Center

For source materials for projects try the Mission College Library

Grade Sheets

These will also be passed around in class.  You need your student ID number - last 4 digits.

Some Handouts You Can Download

These will become available close to the time that the assignment is given in class.

They can be printed at home or at the college.  The Math Learning Center can help.

Class Green Sheet (Syllabus) and Student Information Sheet - use for first homework assignment - and keep for your records.

Algebra Diagnostic questions from first class

Rules/Tips for Papers and Class Presentations - use for first presentation and midterm and final.

Homework Assignments and Due Dates

(See greensheet/syllabus for rules on late homework.)
(Homework Assignments with Numbers # have material that must be turned in, and show up directly on the gradesheet.)

Mandatory final week meeting on Wednesday 5/26  (No meeting on 5/24)

Last Possible Day to hand in ANY class work is Wednesday 5/19.

Early Warning    Takehome # 2 will be handed out in class on 5/12 and will be due on 5/19.
It will not be available on the web site.

Homework # 9  Assigned 5/5/10   Due  5/12/10
Textbook Chapter 7.6.  Mindscapes # 1, 2, 10, 23, 25, 26.  Chapter 7.7 Mindscapes # 3, 4, 24.
Show every step and complete explanations for full credit.

Completed Final Paper due 5/10/10 - check the rules about length and number/type of sources.

Homework # 8  Assigned 4/28/10   Due  5/5/10
Textbook Chapter 7.1.  Mindscapes # 1, 2, 3.  Chapter 7.2 Mindscapes # 1, 3, 5, 8, 9.  Chapter 7.4 (NOT 3) Mindscapes # 1, 3, 6, 8.
Show every step and complete explanations for full credit.

Due 5/5/10  Assigned 4/14/10  Video Report. 
Download complete  instructions above.

Homework # 7  Assigned 4/19/10   Due  4/26/10
Read Chapter 3.
Textbook Chapter 3.1.  Mindscapes # 1, 2, 3, 8, 9.  Chapter 3.2 Mindscapes # 1, 6, 11, 21.  Chapter 3.3 Mindscapes # 1, 4, 5, 10.
Show every step and complete explanations for full credit.

Early Warning  Final Paper  Draft due 5/3/10  Completed Paper due 5/10/10 
Review instructions in Tips/Rules.

Due 4/14/10  Takehome # 1   Assigned 4/7/10
questions were handed out in class on Wednesday April 7 -  not be available on the website.
However you get help, be sure that the write-up is your own words and that you understand them. 
If I have concerns I will schedule you for an office interview.
I will grade on correctness of answers, correctness of steps and explanations, and on appearance of your paper.

Midterm Paper and Presentation   Due  Monday April 5
Be prepared to make your speech.  Turn in the paper even if you don't give your speech.
(Preliminary written draft is due Monday March 22 - give me a mixture of outline, topics, sample writing, some of your sources.  The purpose is to show me how it is developing in your own words and ideas. Do NOT give me the first few pages of the completed product.  Read the rules and tips again.)

Homework Assigned  3/22/10  Read chapter 7 of your textbook.

Homework # 6  Assigned  3/22/10  Due  4/7/10  Homework from 3/15 class handout on Linear Programming - or download above.
Show every step and complete explanations for full credit.

Homework  Assigned  3/17/10  Review algebra of simultaneous equations: graphs/substitution/elimination.

Homework # 5  Assigned 3/15/10   Due  3/24/10
Textbook Chapter 2.6.  Mindscapes # 1 through 5.  Chapter 2.7 Mindscapes # 1, 6, 7, 8, 17, 18.
Show every step and complete explanations for full credit.

Homework Assigned 3/8/10
Review the algebra of straight line, graphs, equations and slope.

Homework  Assigned 3/3/10
1)  Explore the proof that Sqrt(2) is irrational. 
2)  Review algebra fractions.

Homework # 4  Assigned 3/3/10   Due  3/10/10
Textbook Chapter 2.1.  Mindscapes # 6, 7.  Chapter 2.2 Mindscapes # 1, 3, 10.  Chapter 2.3  Mindscapes # 1, 3, 11.
Show every step and complete explanations for full credit.

Homework   Assigned 2/22/10    Due  2/24/10
1)  Explore equations that require you to create new numbers - find one that needs rational numbers and another that needs irrational numbers.
2)  Explore whether the set of counting numbers and the set of whole numbers have the same size.

Homework # 3  Assigned 2/17/10   Due   3/1/10
1)  Problems 1) and 2) from Venn  Diagrams for Surveys handout in class on 2/17 - or download above.
Show every step and complete explanations for full credit.
2)  Review your arithmetic fractions - how to add, subtract, multiply, divide.
3)  Read Chapter Two in your textbook.

Homework # 2   Assigned  2/8/10  Due  2/15/10    2/17/10
Textbook Chapter 1.  Mindscapes # 1, 3, 4, 10.  Show every step and complete explanations for full credit.

CLASS PRESENTATION  Assigned 2/3/10   Due  2/24/10 
Prepare a five minute in-class speech on "Something Interesting in Math"
See Rules/Tips for papers in handouts area of website.  Turn in your sources, in class.

MERLOT Report  Assigned 2/3/10  Due  2/17/10
See detailed instructions in handouts area of website. Turn in names of pages you review, in class.

Homework   Assigned 2/3/10  Due  2/8/10
1)  Read Chapter 1 in your textbook.
2)  Download and read Rules/Tips for Papers and Instructions for MERLOT - handouts area of website.
3)  Use your resources to understand problems # 1-9 of the algebra diagnostic - questions in handouts area of website.
4)  Check your grade online.  Your ID does not appear until you add the class.

Homework # 1   Assigned  2/1/10  Due  2/3/10
1)  Visit the class web site and use one of the links to send an email to Ian.
2)  Print the syllabus/green sheet from the handouts area and read it completely.
3)  Select a class buddy and fill out the two information pages and turn in, in class.
4)  Make sure you have your textbook - read the introductory material (before Chapter One).
5)  Prepare a list of the algebra resources you will use throughout the semester.
6)  Think about Governor Zen.

Merlot Mathematics - website for a nationwide project of collaborating universities and colleges to identify and evaluate multimedia resources for teaching mathematics (and other disciplines). Merlot Mathematics Click on Mathematics from this main page.

Mathematical Sciences Digital Library - mathematical resources for teacher and students from the Mathematical Association of America. Math Digital Library

Award winning comprehensive archive at St. Andrews University on the history of mathematics and mathematicians. St. Andrews Math History.

Math Professor David Joyce at Clark University has many resources including history and geometry. Clark University Math.

Some mathematician's biographies from Trinity College, Dublin. Dublin Math Biographies.

Descriptions and graphics of some of Archimedes work from Drexel University. Archimedes

Some material on Mendel and genetics and probability. Mendel

A large selection of material for K-16 math education. Math Forum

Award winning site on Fibonacci Numbers and Golden Section.

Interesting collection of Interactive Applets.

This site features a comprehensive collection of math resources for students and educators and includes a math encyclodedia - "Platonic Realms".

Online software that solves arithmetic and algebra problems and includes steps.  Wolfram Alpha

Description of the math used in the TV crime series. Numb3rs

Careersthat use Math - salaries and qualifications.   whenwilliusemath.com

Where can I learn about graphs and linear programming? - Try a Finite Math textbook
- or take a free look at this chapter of the online text by Rupinder Sekhon at:    http://cnx.org/content/m18903/latest/

Mathematical Association of America.

American Mathematical Society

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

American Mathematical Association of Two Year Colleges

California Mathematics Council

Comprehensive List of Math, Physics, and Engineering Departments

This W.H. Freeman site provides additional material for a good additional resource textbook(now in its 8th edition) featuring
real-life applications of mathematics  - "For All Practical Purposes".
The original text was based on a series of Annenberg/PBS videos which are available in the Mission College Math Lab.

This Prentice Hall site has some material for users of three of their liberal arts textbooks.

This McGraw Hill software was developed with faculty from U.C. Irvine and features a sophisticated assessment and placement system called ALEKS, for algebra level classes. You can try out a free demonstration. ALEKS Demo

This site describes the  technology mediated interactive multimedia material used in some of our algebra sections at Mission College. It was originally developed by local startup company Academic Systems, and is now owned by Plato.  Technology Mediated Algebra

This Pearson site features interactive algebra software that is used in many sections at Mission College.  You can purchase an individual subscription if you want to use it to review your algebra.  MyMathLab

A series of free streaming videos on pactical applications of statistics - Agaist All Odds - from Annenberg Media

These are examples of some of the best student work in Math G from previous semesters. They may inspire you to do equally good work and may also give you some ideas for topic selection. Some layout and illustrations may not look correct on this web version.

Spring 10 Chris Coakley Final paper on GPS.

Spring 10 Selena Gutierrez Final paper on Graph Theory.

Spring 10 Angel Serran Final paper on Infinity.

Spring 10 Anhtai Huynh Final paper on Math Anxiety.

Spring 10  Jake Foraker Midterm paper on Decibels.  (!Large File!)

Fall 09  Pati Brown Final paper on Math and Learning Disabilities in Education.  (! Very Large File ! )

Fall 09  Mike Lydon Midterm paper on Mathematics of Volcanoes.

Fall 09  Pati Brown Midterm paper on Inherent Abilities in Mathematics.  (! Large File !)

Spring 09  Sally McMullen Final paper on The Golden Touch.

Fall 08  Jessica Kahlich Midterm paper on Time Travel.

Fall 08 Anonymous student Midterm paper on Hypatia.

Spring 04 Dusty Sykes' Midterm paper on Chaos.

Spring 04 Leanne Collins' Midterm paper on Kepler.

Fall 03 Kathy Phelan's Final paper on Einstein.

Fall 03 Heather Porter's Midterm paper on Archimedes.

Fall 03 Kathy Phelan's Midterm paper on Math Anxiety.

Spring 03 Rod Peterson's Final paper on Light, the Big Bang and Inflation Theory.

Spring 03 Tammy Vu's Final paper on Children and Math Education.

Spring 03 Noel Dietz's Textbook Review-"History of Mathematics" of two different Math G textbooks.

Fall 02 Mary O'Malley's Final Paper on Infinity.

Fall 02 Kim Ly's Final Paper on Poetry and Math.

Fall 02 Lynn Sanitate's Textbook Review-"Math in Life, Society & the World" of two different Math G textbooks.

Fall 02 Mary O'Malley's Textbook Review-"Math in Life, Society & the World" of two different Math G textbooks.

Fall 02 Lurraine Rees's Video Report on Social Choice - Election Theory, from the "For All Practical Purposes" Video Series.

Fall 02 Connye Paris's Video Report on Statistics, from the "For All Practical Purposes" Video Series.

Fall 02 Mary O'Malley's Midterm paper on Einstein.

Fall 02 Lynn Sanitate's Midterm paper on Barcodes and Error Correction.

Spring 02 Heidi Chun's Final paper on Tessellations and the Art of M.C.Escher.

Spring 02 Wendi Clouse's Final paper on A History of Infinity.

Spring 02 MacKenzie Hamilton's Midterm paper on Girls and Math: Achieving Equality in Mathematics Education.

Spring 02 Brian Doore's Midterm paper on Longitude.

Spring 02 Wendi Clouse's's Midterm paper on Diamond Cutting.

Spring 02 Nomi Goodnight's Video Review on Patterns of Nature., from the series Life by the Numbers.

Fall 01 Jackie Tacorda's Final paper on Ocean Waves.

Fall 01 Sandy Farnsworth's Final paper on Fractals and Art.

Fall 01 Teresa Adam's Textbook Review-"Nature of Mathematics" of two different Math G textbooks.

Fall 01 Britney Maracchini's Textbook Review-"History of Mathematics" of two different Math G textbooks.

Fall 01 Johnny Posada's Midterm paper on Math Anxiety.

Fall 01 Britney Maracchini's Midterm paper on Probability.

Spring 01 Susan Agee's Final paper on Charles Babbage.

Spring 01 Nazih Malak's Final paper on Pythagoras.

Spring 01 Ryan Olein's Final paper on Hilbert's Problems.

Spring 01 Charles Keller's Midterm paper on the Golden Mean.

Fall 00 Kathie Kratochvil's Final paper on Gender Equity in Math.

Fall 00 Jill Buckley's Final paper on Chaos.

Fall 00 Jim O'Meara's Midterm paper on Auto Racing Design.

Fall 00 Kama Weinberger's Midterm paper on Euclid.

Fall 00 Teresa Adams Video Report on Computer Science - Numerical Representation, from the "For All Practical Purposes" Video Series.

Spring 00 Jeanette Turkus Final paper on Zero.

Spring 00 Jeanette Turkus Textbook Review-"Mathematical Palette" of two different Math G textbooks.

Spring 00 Sandy Farnsworth's Video Report on Computer Science - Graphics, from the "For All Practical Purposes" Video Series.

Spring 00 Jonathon Jude Frost's short Power Point Presentation on Functions.

Fall 99 Lisa Corbett's Final Paper on Chaos.

Fall 99 Leanna Allen's Final Paper on Space and Time.

Fall 99 Louise Anderson's Midterm Paper on Math Anxiety.

Fall 99 Judy Cuturrufo's Midterm Website on Statistics.

Fall 99 William Ho's Midterm Website on the Four Color Theorem. This requires a Flash 4 player or plug-in.

Spring 99 Michelle Beard's Final Paper on the Four Color Theorem.

Spring 99 Michelle Beard's Midterm Web-Page Project on Fibonacci.

Spring 99 Venus DeGuzman's Midterm Web-Page Project on the Golden Gate Bridge.

Fall 98 Michael Lacey's Final Paper on Chaos Theory.

Fall 98 Ed Smith's Midterm Web-Page Project on Mathematical Climate Modeling.

Spring 98 Beverly Jackson's Final Paper on Fermat's Last Theorem.

Fall 97 Victoria Wilson's Midterm Web-Page Project on Fractals.

Fall 97 Chris Anderson's Final Paper on Chaos Theory.

Final Paper on Fermat's Last Theorem-removed at student request.

  If you use information from this page please let me know by email

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