Syllabus
MATH 282 Foundations of
Mathematics II Spring 2004
Instructor: Richard
Stark, SB 172, ext. 4371,
e-mail: rkstark@smcm.edu, rstark@gmpexpress.net
Office
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Time: MWF
Text: Foundations
of Abstract Mathematics -- A set of notes written for this
course by the St.
Mary's mathematics faculty.
Contents
The second semester continues the discussion of natural
numbers, then proceeds to a construction of the integers. The properties of integers are derived and
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 real numbers.
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
There will be lectures, discussions, and group work. Your participation is expected.
Help
Feel free to come to my office for help, or just for a chat. Bring your questions and discuss your
problems with me.
Gwyn Whieldon will be the teaching assistant for this class.
She will attend classes, schedule weekly
help sessions, and give some lectures. She will also be available for
individual help.
Homework
Homework will not be collected but 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
There will be tests, quizzes, and a final.
Examination Schedule
Tests: Test 1 – Friday, February 20
Test
2 – Friday, March 26
Test
2 – Friday, April 23
Final: Saturday,
May 8, 9:00 – 11:15 a.m.