Course Description: Math 123 is designed to review elementary functions, explore the mathematics of finance, and to apply systems of linear equations and inequalities to realistic application problems. A major objective of the course is to provide the student with mathematical methods for solving a variety of problems such as: investment analysis, profit and loss analysis, production scheduling, and resource allocations. All students are required to have a graphing calculator. The graphing calculator is used to help the student visualize the geometric interpretation of problems, determine mathematical models to describe sets of data, and to manipulate large sets of data.
Prerequisite(s): Two years of algebra and one year of geometry in high school, or satisfactory placement exam score. Math 119 is an appropriate course to prepare the student for Math 123; Math 130 is also acceptable.
Audience: The typical student in Math 123 is majoring in one of the following subjects: business, economics, social science, agriculture, architecture, communications, or human ecology (see the Undergraduate Catalog for details). This course will not satisfy the calculus requirement for students who wish to major in mathematics, physical sciences, engineering or computer science.
Topics Include (but are not limited to):
linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic
functions, mathematical modeling, simple and compound interest, annuities,
amortization, systems of linear equations, matrices, Leontief Input-Output
analysis, systems of linear inequalities, linear programming, the Simplex
method, and the dual of the Simplex method. Least squares method may be
included.