Math 160: Finite Mathematics for Business

Course Prerequisites

One of:

• MATH 090 (Intermediate Algebra)
• Grade of C or better in MATH 110 (College Algebra)
• Appropriate performance on the math placement test

Course Description

Finite Mathematics is a course focusing on mathematical concepts that have applications to business related ideas.  The course will cover most of chapters 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8 of the textbook.

Topic areas include Systems of Linear Equations, an introduction to Matrix concepts plus an Economics application, the graphing approach to Linear Programming, counting techniques with basic combinatorial calculations, probability including conditional probability, independent events, and Bayes’ Theorem, an introduction to Statistics, and an introduction to Markov processes using matrices.

There is very strong emphasis throughout the material on applications, so the student should expect the exercises to lean heavily on word problems.

There is also an emphasis on using some technology to assist in finding the answers to many exercises in many of the topic areas. This emphasis is chosen to give business degree students an opening look at how technology will likely enter into their working careers once they leave the university.

Credit Awarded

5 hours of credit

Credit is not given for MATH 160 if the student has credit in MATH 125

Textbook

Finite Mathematics and Its Applications, 12th Edition by Larry J. Goldstein, David I. Schneider, Martha J. Siegel, and Steven Hair.

Note that a MyLab Math code is required for this course while the printed textbook is optional.

MyLab Math

A MyLab Math code linked to your Blackboard account is required for this course.  To ensure your MyLab Math code is properly linked to your blackboard account you should purchase your MyLab Math code through the link in Blackboard.  Your MyLab Math code will include an electronic version of the textbook, buying a printed copy is optional.

If you wish to buy a printed copy of the textbook, a bundle including both the the printed textbook and MyLab Math access code is available from the UIC Bookstore.  You may instead wish to purchase a MyLab Math code via the link in Blackboard and buy a used textbook.

If you purchase your access code in any other manner than following the link in blackboard, be sure not to use this access code for any other purpose before you link your Blackboard account to your MyLab Math account.

The course will cover most of chapters 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8. The online software MyMathLab will be used with the textbook. Students are required to purchase a MyMathLab Student Access Kit and register for the appropriate course number. Students can purchase the Student Access Kit in the campus bookstore or online. A paper copy of the textbook is recommended but not required, as there is an abridged electronic version available with the MyMathLab account.

Calculator

A calculator is necessary to do many problems throughout the course. A graphing calculator such as the TI-83 or TI-84 with matrix, list and statistics capabilities is required.