Math 145. Problem solving.   Fall 2003.

Prerequisite: Math 76.

Hours: 3.

There is no text for this course. You will be provided handouts.

Content: Topics to be covered include Dirichlet's box principle (also called pigeonhole principle), Principle of mathematical induction, specialization, generalization, analogy, recursion, invariants, logic, GRE problems, coloring proofs, mathematical games and algorithms, problems from math olympiads and journals. More topics may and probably will be added later. Students will be asked to present their solutions on the board. Working in groups is encouraged.

See also the Catalog Description.

Grading policy: Your grade for the course will be based on your performance on exams and homework (more information on these below). The number of points awarded for these is as follows.

Exams: There will be three hour tests and one final comprehensive exam. If for any reason you can not take a test at the scheduled time, please let me know as soon as possible, and certainly before the test. See schedule for exam dates.
Solutions to past exams will be posted here in the future.

Class attendance is strongly encouraged. In addition to new material, important course information will be given in class, often various handouts will be given.

There will be weekly homework due Friday at 1 pm (NOTE: homework due days have been changed! See schedule for the new due days!) covering the material of the preceding week. Please bring your homework to class. We will sometimes discuss homework in class, so no late papers will be accepted unless you are sick or have another serious reason to miss the class.

Extra Help: It is essential not to fall behind, because each class may use the material studied previously. If you have trouble with some material, seek help in the following ways:

• Ask me, either in class or privately. Don't be shy to ask questions. If you don't understand something, chances are very high that somebody else doesn't understand that either. My contact info is given on the course web page.
• Work with your classmates. Note: working on your homework together is allowed, however, every student should write down their solutions on their own. Also, if you have worked with someone, please indicate that on your paper.

Students with disabilities: upon identifying themselves to the University, students with disabilities will receive necessary accommodation for learning and evaluation. For more information, see http://studentaffairs.csufresno.edu/ssd

Academic honesty: cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated in this class. For information on the University's policy, see the University Catalog (section Policies and Regulations).