MTH 1: Introduction to Mathematics

Arvind Borde
arvind dot borde at liu dot edu

Supplementary reading: An Introduction to Mathematics, Alfred North Whitehead, 1911.

Project links: Schedule, directions and suggestions Proposal form Front and back covers

Week 1:

• Lecture
  Introduction. Graphs.
• Homework
  See a movie from this list, or one that you choose with prior permission, and write a one-page report on how mathematics and mathematicians are portrayed in it. In your opinion, are the depictions accurate, fair and sympathetic? If they involve special circumstances -- such as madness -- do you think all mathematicians are like that?
  • A Beautiful Mind
  • Good Will Hunting
  • Sneakers
  • Mirror has Two Faces
  • Straw Dogs
  • Sneakers
  • Proof

Week 2:

• Lecture
  Natural numbers, prime numbers
• Homework
  Assignment A

Week 3:

• Lecture
  More about numbers
• Homework
  Read chapters 1 and 2 of the text and summarize chapter 1 in one page.

Week 4:

• Lecture
  Complex Numbers.

Week 5:

• Lecture
  Proofs. Equations. The Golden Ratio.
  The Golden Chalkboard
• Homework
  Assignment B

Week 6:

• Lecture
  Infinity and Dimension.
  Test review and Test.

Week 7:

• Lecture
  Infinity and dimesion. Projects start.

Week 8:

• Lecture
  Geometry and Relativity I.
• Homework
  Assignment C

Week 9:

• Lecture
  Geometry and Relativity II.
• Homework
  

Week 10:

• Lecture
  Estimates. "Powers of 10".

Week 11:

• Lecture
  Compound Interest
• Homework
  Assignment D

Week 12 (Thanksgiving week):

• Lecture
  Review
  Sample questions for Test 2
  Project submissions begin

Week 13:

• Test 2: December 1

Weeks 12--14:

• Project submissions; movie