Math 132

Getting Started

Enrollment Issues

1. Course requires a C or better in MA 121, 131, or equivalent.

2. It is best to take the class as soon as you can after Calculus, but we have enrollment caps, so it's hard to get in! The class is offered fall, spring, and summer I and II. If you are a graduating senior, and need the course to graduate, go talk to Dr. Griggs in HA 255, and he will get you in. Otherwise, keep trying TRACS. The instructor can't override TRACS.

Class Website:

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Classroom mechanics and policies

• This room is not available as a lab. It is locked when classes are not meeting in it.
• When you come in, log in and sign the attendance. Make sure you can get up all the software that we will need that day.
• If your computer isn't functioning well, log off and find another one. Usually there is at least one available somewhere.
• If your computer isn't functioning, please put its top down and make a note of it on the daily Computer Problems sheet.
• Because this is a computer lab, no food or drink is permitted, even water. If you have some with you for later, keep it below the table.
• You are not welcome to come to other sections of MA 132 because enrolled students will not have enough computers.

Course outline

Part 1, weeks 2-5, Data Modeling
Part 2, weeks 6-10, Modeling with Differential and Difference Equations
Part 3, weeks 11-12, Optimization
Part 4, weeks 13-15, Putting it All Together

Excel

• Open up a worksheet
• Type in the following data

 

Price per item ($)	Units sold
150	10
145	20
141	30
139	40

• Make a graph using the ChartWizard:
  • Select the cells containing the headings and data that you entered (mouse: click-hold-drag-release)
  • Click on ChartWizard
  • Select "scatter" type, without connecting the dots
  • Follow directions
• Save spreadsheet on K: drive as ma132les0.xls

Maple

• Open Maple window.
• Try a few commands:
  • sin(0);
  • sin(Pi);
  • sin(Pi/4);
  • sin(x);
  • diff(sin(x),x);
  • plot(sin(x),x=0..2*Pi);
• Save worksheet on K: drive as ma132les0.mws

WebAssign

• Sign attendance
• Do HW 1