MTH103: Exploring Quantitative Skills
Course Objectives
This course aims to develop the basic mathematical skills which ultimately enhance problem-solving skills using inductive and deductive reasoning, Polya's strategy, and sets. The basic concepts will be develop with applications form the real world such as algebraic models with equations, rates, ratios, and percentages will be discussed. Students will also explore linear models, including rectangular coordinates, functions, empowering them to analyze real-world problems with logical precision. By the course's end, students will have honed problem-solving, logical reasoning, and mathematical modeling abilities to tackle diverse challenges confidently.
Course Contents
Numeracy and Arithmetic:
Introduction to number systems, square roots, cube roots, highest common factors, lowest common multiples, visualizing fractions, decimals, systems of measurements, an overview of contributions of mathematicians, unit analysis as a problem-solving tool.
Problem Solving using Sets
Inductive and deductive reasoning, Problem Solving strategies including Pólya’s Problem-Solving Strategy and Problem solving using sets.
Functions:
Introduction to functions, rates of change, composition of functions, transformation of functions, absolute value function, inverse function, linear functions, polynomial functions, rational functions and applications related to functions.
Algebraic Models:
Linear equations, quadratic equations and their applications in social and economic problems.
Simple and Compound Interest:
Percentage, profit, loss, discount, taxation, and other scenarios involving percentage, simple and compound interest with applications.
Geometry:
Fundamentals of Geometry, Applications of Pythagorean theorem, Introduction to unit circles, trigonometric functions and inverse trigonometric functions, problem solving with geometry,
Notes, assignments, quizzes & handout
Notes
Please download PDF files of the notes given below. To view PDF files, there must be PDF Reader (Viewer) installed on your PC or mobile or smartphone. It can be downloaded from Software section or a user viewing on Android Smartphone may consider EBookDroid to view PDF on their smartphone.
- Slides 26-09-2023 | Download PDF | View Online
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Recommended Books:
- R. N. Aufmann, J. S. Lockwood, R. D. Natio and D. K. Clegg , Mathematical Thinking and Quantitative Reasoning(2008), Houghton Mifflin Company(New York).
- Bennett, J. & Briggs, W. (2015). Using and understanding mathematics (6th Edition). Pearson Education, Limited.
- Blitzer, R. (2014). Precalculus. (5th Edition). Pearson Education, Limited.