MATH 1311

Instructor Rafael Gonzalez

Email: Rafael.gonzalez@brooklyn.cuny.edu

Text: The Heart of Mathematics: An Invitation to Effective Thinking, Second or Third Edition by

Burger and Starbird

Additional topics or readings from Elements of Mathematics by Stillwell

Course Description: Problem solving and applications of mathematical thinking in the real

world and in the ideal world of mathematics. Elementary number theory, probability, geometry,

and their applications. Number systems and the sizes of various infinite sets. Additional topics

chosen from: elementary topology, discrete mathematics, chaos and fractals, probability.

Satisfies Pathways Required Core Math and Quantitative Reasoning requirement. (Not open to

students who have completed Mathematics 1006, 1011, 1012, 1026, 1201, 1206, 1501, or any

other Mathematics course numbered 2001 or higher.)

Tentative sections to be covered (in order given):

2.2 Fibonacci Numbers

4.3 Aesthetics through Golden Rectangle

2.3 Prime Numbers

2.4 Clock Arithmetic and Bar Codes

2.5 Encrypting using Modular Arithmetic

2.6 Irrational Numbers

2.7 Real Numbers

3.2 Comparing the Infinite

3.3 Missing Member

3.4 The Power Set

3.5 Infinite within Geometrical Objects

4.1 Pythagoras

4.5 Platonic Solids

5.3 Relationship among Vertices, Edges and Faces

4.6* Non-Euclidean Geometry

5.1* Equivalence by Distortion

5.2* Mobius Band and Klein Bottle

Order and numbers of some of the sections are subject to change. Sections with * next to them

will be covered if time permits.

Your Final Grade: Provided that you attend class regularly and on time, AND pass the Final

Exam, your final course grade will be calculated as follows:

Homework/Quizzes 20%

Exam I 22.5%

Exam II 22.5%

Final Exam 35%

Grading scale:

A = 93-100 (4.0) C+ = 77-79 (2.3) F = 0-59 (0)

A- = 90-92 (3.7) C = 73-76 (2.0)

B+ = 87-89 (3.3) C- = 70-72 (1.3)

B = 83-86 (3.0) D+ = 67-69 (1.3)

B- = 80-82 (2.7) D = 60-66 (1.0)

Exams: Throughout the term there will be few quizzes (how many will be determined as we go

along) and not all of them will be announced ahead of time. I will consider the average of all

quizzes/class-exam and that would count for 20% of your grade. There will be two exams worth

22.5%. The final exam will be accumulative and will count for 35% of your grade. Dates for

term final exams of course will be announced in advance.

Homework and Class Participation: Reading and rereading the sections that will be covered is

of crucial importance in this course, hence that would count as homework beside other

assignments that will be given from time to time. You are expected to be active and participate in

this class.

Brooklyn College Math Department Statement on Academic Integrity: Submitting the

work of another person or persons without proper

attribution is considered plagiarism, and will be treated accordingly.

Proper attribution requires identifying the source of your work.

Failure to do so may result in a charge of plagiarism, and students

can be subject to administrative actions, including

A "0" grade on the assignment or exam,

A "F" grade on the course.

Additional actions may be taken by the College, including admonition,

warning, censure, disciplinary probation, restitution, suspension,

expulsion, complaint to civil authorities, and ejection