Syllabus

 

 

MATH 282                                                 Foundations of Mathematics II                                     Spring 2003

 

 

Instructor:      Richard Stark,  SB 172,  ext. 4371,  e-mail: rkstark@smcm.edu, rstark@gmpexpress.net

 

Time and Place:  MWF 9:20 -10:30,  SB 161

 

Text:               Foundations of Abstract Mathematics -- A set of notes written for this course by the St.         

Mary's mathematics faculty.

 

Contents

 

The second semester begins with a construction of the integers from natural numbers.  The properties of integers are derived, then the rational numbers are introduced.  Real numbers are defined by using “cuts” of rational numbers, and the completeness property of the real number system is proved.  The complex numbers are seen as ordered pairs of reals.

 

The course then proceeds with a discussion of the elementary properties of metric spaces:  the properties of open, closed, compact, and connected sets are explored.  Finally, continuous functions are defined and discussed, and some [PC1] important theorems of the calculus are proved.

 

Classes

 

The format of classes will be discussed in the first class meeting.

 

Help

 

Feel free to come to my office for help, or just for a chat.  Bring your questions and discuss your problems with me.

                       

Kristine Roinestad will again be the teaching assistant for this class.  She will attend classes and schedule weekly help sessions, and she will also be available for individual help. 

                               

Homework

 

Homework will not be collected but please turn in problems that you have worked if you are not sure about your answers or need some feedback.  Any homework problems can be discussed in class at your request.

 

Evaluation

 

This will also be discussed in the first class meeting.

 

Examination Schedule

 

Tests  --  Friday, February 21;  Friday, March 28;  Friday, April 25.

Final  --  see the college exam schedule.

                       


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