MATH& 107 Math in Society

5 credits

Math in Society is a survey course in practical mathematics. Core topics of the course include proportional reasoning, probability, descriptive statistics, growth and decay models (linear and exponential), and the mathematics of personal finance. Other topics that might be addressed include, but are not limited to: modern geometry, trigonometry, sets and logic, discrete math topics (such as graph theory, scheduling, voting theory, game theory, or fair division), and math in the arts.

This course meets the Quantitative Reasoning general education distribution requirement.

Prerequisites: MATH 98 (recommended) or MATH 99 (or placement into MATH& 107)

Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Use proportions and ratios to interpret quantities and estimate the relative size of quantities
Apply proportionality to solve and analyze a variety of multi-step contextual problems
Use formulas and perform relevant calculations pertaining to personal finance to solve context-based scenarios
Analyze and critique claims related to personal finance (i.e. loans, mortgages, annuities, etc.) to make informed decisions
Calculate and interpret probabilities, including conditional probabilities, and use those calculations to make informed decisions
Analyze and critique statements about probability and risk that appear in the media (i.e. advertisements, odds, medical test results, etc.)
Recognize and categorize methods for obtaining data, discuss possible sources of bias, and use this information to make an informed decision given a scenario
Use appropriate tools and strategies to describe and display authentic data (including boxplots, histograms, pie charts, and other graph types)
Calculate, interpret, analyze, and critique numerical summaries of data (including measures of center and spread), and use these values to compare and contrast two or more samples or populations
Analyze data and/or scenarios to determine if they describe linear or exponential growth
Create linear and exponential models for an authentic situation
Use, interpret, and analyze linear and exponential models to make predictions, discussing appropriateness and limitations of the model
Read a complex problem requiring quantitative and/or symbolic analysis, use flexibility in selecting a solution strategy, and impose an appropriate mathematical structure or mathematical procedure in solving the problem
Determine the reasonableness and implications of mathematical solutions, recognize the limitations of the methods used in context, and then apply those methods to making personal and societal choices

General Education Distribution Area Outcomes
Students who successfully complete courses in the Quantitative Reasoning distribution area will be able to:

Gather, organize, and interpret data using multiple approaches
Develop and use mathematical models to describe and evaluate physical situations
Communicate problem-solving strategies and mathematically justify solutions
Select and utilize appropriate technology to analyze mathematical problems

Total Hours: 50 Theory (Lecture) Hours: 50