MATH160 Mathematics 1
| Summer School | Also available: First Semester Second Semester |
Introduction
Algebra and calculus form the basic tools used to produce most mathematical frameworks for modelling quantifiable phenomena. For example, in order to model the movement of an object through space, we first need to create an algebraic structure in which to specify where our object is, and then we can study how that position changes with time (i.e. its movement) using calculus.
Many other problems, arising in areas such as Economics or Chemistry, can be examined in a mathematical way using the same basic ideas. For example, we may need to minimise a manufacturing cost, or the time for a chemical reaction to take place, or the effects of river pollution; in each case the techniques used for the minimisation are based on a mixture of algebra and calculus theories.
This course aims to develop these tools and techniques both for use in other subjects and in preparation for further study of Mathematics.
Paper details
This paper is the natural continuation of Year 13 Mathematics, and is divided between algebra and calculus.
In the algebra half, you will learn about three-dimensional vectors and their many uses (such as in geometry, computer graphics, surveying and even calculus). The vector representation of lines, planes and projections leads naturally to the discussion of linear systems of equations and matrices. The basic properties of matrices are studied together with some applications. Complex numbers and polynomials complete this section of the course.
In the calculus half, you will study the ideas and methods of differentiation and integration, using an approach that is intuitive and avoids excess formality. Applications will include optimisation, related rates, and the definition of area.
Potential students
MATH 160 is intended both for those with a main interest in studying Mathematics and/or Statistics, and those whose interest in Mathematics is mainly to support other areas of study. These areas might include the physical, health and biological sciences, computer and information science, engineering, surveying, architecture, economics and finance, and philosophy of science. An understanding of basic algebraic and differential and integral techniques is of benefit to all students exposed to the analysis of processes, whether involving one or several variables.
Prerequisites
Formally, MATH 160 has no prerequisites other than "sufficient achievement in NCEA Level 3 Calculus". However, we strongly suggest that if you have not passed the externally assessed NCEA Calculus papers "Apply differentiation methods in solving problems" (AS91578) and "Apply integration methods in solving problems" (AS91579), then you should consider taking MATH 151 before attempting MATH 160. If you have high achievement (mostly Excellences and Merits) in NCEA Level 3 Calculus, please see a maths advisor for consideration of direct entry to MATH 170. The placement tool can help you decide which paper is appropriate for you.
Main topics
Algebra:
- Vectors; linear and planar geometry and applications
- Solving linear systems
- Matrices and applications
- Complex numbers
- Polynomials and their roots
Calculus:
- Introduction to functions of one variable
- Limits and continuity of functions
- Differentiation of functions and applications
- Integration of functions and applications
Texts
Algebra: MATH 160 Algebra Outline Notes are available from the Print Shop (or as a pdf file from the resource webpage)
Calculus: MATH 160 Calculus Outline Notes are available from the Print Shop (or as a pdf file from the resource webpage)
Recommended text for Calculus: Calculus by James Stewart (Truncated edition) or the full Calculus (metric edition 8) by James Stewart are available from the University Book Shop; if you are planning on taking MATH 170, you should consider getting the full version.
Useful references
Several standard texts are suitable for reference. For example:
- Elementary Vector Algebra by A.M. MacBeath
- Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry by M.V. Sweet
- Calculus with Analytic Geometry by Howard Anton (Wiley)
- Calculus by James Stewart (full edition)
Lecturers (Summer School)
Algebra: Lydia Turley, email: lturley@maths.otago.ac.nz
Calculus: Josh Ritchie, email: jritchie@maths.otago.ac.nz
Lectures (Summer School)
Algebra: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu 10-11am
Calculus: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu 2-3pm
Office hours (Summer School)
by arrangement
Tutorials
Mon 11-12 and Thu 11-12, room 124 (Science III)
You are expected to attend two tutorial per week, and they contribute to your final grade. In total, there are 9 tutorials.
Quizzes
After most lectures there will be an online quiz, which must be completed before the beginning of the next lecture. Quizzes are available at 12 noon, and they are due 10am on the following day. The top 13 out of 17 quiz grades will be used to determine your quiz mark Q.
Assignments
There are 5 marked weekly assignments, which are available Wed 10am and due Tue 10pm in the following week.
Help sessions
There are two optional help sessions each week, and you can attend as many of these as you like. They provide the opportunity to ask tutors about the material from lectures, the homework assignments and the quizzes.
Internal Assessment Marks
You can check your marks for tutorials, quizzes, and assignments by clicking on the Resources link at the top of this page.
Terms Requirement
There is no terms requirement for MATH160.
Exam format
The 3-hour final exam consists of multiple-choice questions and long answer questions.
Calculators
In the exam, you may use any calculator from List A (Scientific Calculators) of the University of Otago's approved calculators; these are Casio FX82, Casio FX100, Sharp EL531, Casio FX570 and Casio FX95.
Final mark
Your final mark F in the paper will be calculated according to this formula:
F = max(0.6E + 0.25A, 0.75E + 0.1A) + 0.1Q + 0.05T
where:
- E is the Exam mark
- A is the Assignments mark
- Q is the Quizzes mark
- T is the Tutorials mark
and all quantities are expressed as percentages.
Students must abide by the University’s Academic Integrity Policy
Academic integrity means being honest in your studying and assessments. It is the basis for ethical decision-making and behaviour in an academic context. Academic integrity is informed by the values of honesty, trust, responsibility, fairness, respect and courage.
Academic misconduct is seeking to gain for yourself, or assisting another person to gain, an academic advantage by deception or other unfair means. The most common form of academic misconduct is plagiarism.
Academic misconduct in relation to work submitted for assessment (including all course work, tests and examinations) is taken very seriously at the University of Otago.
All students have a responsibility to understand the requirements that apply to particular assessments and also to be aware of acceptable academic practice regarding the use of material prepared by others. Therefore it is important to be familiar with the rules surrounding academic misconduct at the University of Otago; they may be different from the rules in your previous place of study.
Any student involved in academic misconduct, whether intentional or arising through failure to take reasonable care, will be subject to the University’s Student Academic Misconduct Procedures which contain a range of penalties.
If you are ever in doubt concerning what may be acceptable academic practice in relation to assessment, you should clarify the situation with your lecturer before submitting the work or taking the test or examination involved.
Types of academic misconduct are as follows:
Plagiarism
The University makes a distinction between unintentional plagiarism (Level One) and intentional plagiarism (Level Two).
- Although not intended, unintentional plagiarism is covered by the Student Academic Misconduct Procedures. It is usually due to lack of care, naivety, and/or to a lack to understanding of acceptable academic behaviour. This kind of plagiarism can be easily avoided.
- Intentional plagiarism is gaining academic advantage by copying or paraphrasing someone elses work and presenting it as your own, or helping someone else copy your work and present it as their own. It also includes self-plagiarism which is when you use your own work in a different paper or programme without indicating the source. Intentional plagiarism is treated very seriously by the University.
Unauthorised Collaboration
Unauthorised Collaboration occurs when you work with, or share work with, others on an assessment which is designed as a task for individuals and in which individual answers are required. This form does not include assessment tasks where students are required or permitted to present their results as collaborative work. Nor does it preclude collaborative effort in research or study for assignments, tests or examinations; but unless it is explicitly stated otherwise, each students answers should be in their own words. If you are not sure if collaboration is allowed, check with your lecturer..
Impersonation
Impersonation is getting someone else to participate in any assessment on your behalf, including having someone else sit any test or examination on your behalf.
Falsification
Falsification is to falsify the results of your research; presenting as true or accurate material that you know to be false or inaccurate.
Use of Unauthorised Materials
Unless expressly permitted, notes, books, calculators, computers or any other material and equipment are not permitted into a test or examination. Make sure you read the examination rules carefully. If you are still not sure what you are allowed to take in, check with your lecturer.
Assisting Others to Commit Academic Misconduct
This includes impersonating another student in a test or examination; writing an assignment for another student; giving answers to another student in a test or examination by any direct or indirect means; and allowing another student to copy answers in a test, examination or any other assessment.
Sample problem
The aircraft’s flightpath goes through coordinates (1,2,0) and (23,-19,3). The top of the hill is at (18,-13,2).How close does the aircraft get to the top of the hill? Vectors make this an easy calculation.
J Willard Gibbs...
..., 1839-1903, was a pioneer in vector analysis. His family lived in Connecticut and Gibbs became Professor of Mathematical Physics at Yale in 1871 — rather surprisingly before he had published any work! He made major contributions to thermodynamics, the electromagnetic theory of light and statistical mechanics.Sample problem
In a certain city, commuters go to work by car or bus. A study shows that from each year to the next year 20% of car users change to travelling by bus, while 15% of bus users change to travelling by car. What percentage of commuters travel by car, once things have settled down?
Suspension bridges
The main cable of a suspension bridge naturally forms a curve called a catenary. When it is loaded with the horizontal road structure it deforms into a parabola. Unless very carefully designed, suspension bridges are susceptible to collapse from high winds or earthquakes.Sample problem
Let $N$ be the number of individuals in a population. One model for studying $N$ says that the rate of increase of $N$ depends on both $N$ itself (since the more individuals there are the more offspring will be produced) and on some residual amount $M-N$ (since there will be competition for resources like food); so we have $$\frac{dN}{dt}=N(M-N)$$ for some constant $M$.Will the population die out or reach some maximum value?
Gottfried Leibniz...
..., 1646-1716, was one of the developers of calculus — the other was Isaac Newton. They used different approaches, and different notation. Leibniz also was a pioneer of mathematical logic.