MAT 331: Mathematical Problem Solving with Computers
Fall 1996
Professor Sutherland, with B. Hinkle and J. Latschev

General Information:

This course serves as an introduction to computing for the math student. After a general introduction to the use of the computers, including use of email and the world-wide-web, we will turn to more mathematical problems. We will try to keep the emphasis in this course on the ``problem solving'' portion of the title: we will take a series of problems and try to find solutions (or approximate solutions), keeping in mind that we have access to computers. The discussion of the problems and development of necessary mathematics will be done in the classroom, and then we will turn to the computers to explore and work out the solutions. The solutions to the problems should be found by the class with a combination of experimentation and mathematical analysis (and maybe a few hints from the instructors).

Computers:

We will use the math computer lab in S-235 of the math tower; this lab contains 15 Sun workstations running Unix, as well as a number of PCs running Windows 95. We will make use of whatever facilities seem appropriate. We will rely heavily on Maple (a program that can do algebra, calculus, graphics, etc.), although if other tools are better suited to the task, we may make use of them. No previous experience with computers is needed.

Maple is available for most platforms (DOS/Windows, Macintosh, Unix, ), and can be purchased through the bookstore. You can also use the campus modem pool to dial-in to the mathlab computers.

Text:

There is no required text for this course. However, you might find it useful to obtain a book about basic UNIX commands, and/or about Maple. Most of what you need will be covered in class, but it is often useful to have a reference at hand.

The most up-to-date version of any class handouts, and other useful materials will be posted on the class web page, at http://www.mathlab.sunysb.edu/~mat331

Grading:

Your grade will be based on the projects (95%) and participation (5%). There will be no exams.

Projects:

For each problem, we will discuss it in class and attempt to solve it together, or in small groups. Working together is encouraged. Once the problem is solved to our satisfaction, each student will be responsible for turning in a write-up of the problem and solution. This should contain a detailed description of the problem, what means were used in solve it, and the solution. These write-ups should be produced by each student individually, and should be detailed enough so that someone who has not taken the class can read and understand them, and will believe the solution is correct. These write-ups are often acceptable for the mathematics writing requirement.

Special Needs:

If you have any condition such as a physical or mental disability which will make it difficult for you to carry out the work as I have outlined it, please notify me in the first two weeks of the course so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Instructors:

All three of us can be reached via email to mat331@mathlab.sunysb.edu.

Prof. S. Sutherland Math 5D-148 phone: 632-7306 scott@math.sunysb.edu

Ben Hinkle Math 2-104 hinkle@math.sunysb.edu

Janko Latschev Math 2-104 latschev@math.sunysb.edu

Office hours will be announced later.

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