- Welcome! Thanks for signing up! I'm glad that you're here.
- Today we'll handle basic logistics, then you'll take a
diagnostic test to predict how well you're going to do,
based on your preparation in algebra.
(Dirty Trick!)
Results of that test, and predictions, will be shared with you next time.
- You have a reading assignment for next time: please read sections 1.1 and 1.2. These are considered review by the department (as is 1.3, which we will check out on Friday).
- Name (that you want me to call you)
- Hometown
- What is your calling? ("a calling has to do with one's larger purpose, personhood, deepest values, and the gift one wishes to give the world.... A calling is about the use one makes of a career." David Orr, Earth in Mind)
- What is your dream job?
- What is something special about you?
- The course website will be useful:
http://www.nku.edu/~longa/classes/mat128
- Syllabus (logistics, etc.)
- The plan of attack: we'll get through (much of) chapters one
through three in Stewart.
Assignments will be updated on the website. Keep checking on those....
- You'll want access to either a copy of Mathematica, or a
calculator at least on a par with a TI-89 -- that is, a graphing
calculator with a "CAS" -- Computer Algebra System.
These really reduce the tedium associated with some aspects of advanced mathematics, and allow you to check your work. That being said, you'll have access to neither for the exams, so you want use them as aids, but not as crutches.
- Calculus lab (MEP 457) may prove helpful.
- You should do the reading in advance of our discussion of
each section in class. We'll start by working on some
background (review) material in chapter 1. Please read sections
1.1-1.3 for this week (and at least through 1.2 for Wednesday).
- Sign your classroom
agreement. Major upshot: no electronics (other than calculators,
and laptops if explicitly allowed) in class....
- Please don't write on the test itself (so I can reuse these). You may use scratch paper, as needed.
- Please try your hardest. Nonetheless, this will not be counted in your grade. It is simply designed to help you to assess your preparation for this course.