Math 142 Course Syllabus

Instructor: David Manuel
Office Hours: Instructor Office hours M 1-2pm; MTR 4-5pm; R 10:30-11:30am in BLOC 243C.

TA Office hours M 3-5pm; TRF 11:30am-12:30pm in BLOC 602

Contact Points: Office: BLOC 243C
e-mail:

Web Page:

Main Office Phone #: 845-3261 (last resort ONLY)

Course Name: Business Mathematics II

Course Description: Derivatives, curve sketching and optimization, techniques of derivatives, logarithms and exponential functions with applications, integrals, techniques and applications of integrals, multivariate calculus.
Required Texts:Calculus: Applications and Technology, 3rd edition, by Tomastik

Meeting Times/Locations: TR 12:45-2pm in MPHY 204

Prerequisite: High school Algebra I and II and Geometry or satisfactory performance on a qualifying examination.

Calculator Policy: A non-algebraic graphing calculator (such as the TI-83 or TI-84) is required and will be allowed on most (if not all) assignments and exams.

Course Objectives: This course focuses on quantitative literacy in mathematics found in business and everyday life. At the conclusion of this course, students should be able to:
I. Identify basic functions, piecewise functions and their properties.

II. Find cost, revenue, and profit functions and use them to determine a company's break-even point.

III. Understand exponential and logarithmic functions as well as their applications to business and growth/decay.

IV. Compute limits numerically, graphically, and algebraically

V. Apply limits to the concepts of continuity, asymptotes, and the definition of the derivative.

VI. Calculate derivatives using differentiation formulas.

VII. Apply derivatives to curve sketching, optimization, and business applications such as elasticity of demand and marginal analysis.

VIII. Compute antiderivatives and understand the concept of integration as it relates to area.

IX. Use the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to evaluate integrals

X. Apply integration to areas between curves, accumulated change, average value of a function, and business applications such as consumers' and producers' surplus.

XI. Understand functions of two variables as well as their application to business.

XII. Compute 1st and 2nd order partial derivatives, and then use them to find maxima and minima of functions of two variables.

Grading Policy:

A = 540-600

3 exams = 300 pointsB = 480-539

Quizzes/HW = 150 points C = 420-479

Final = 150 pointsD = 360-419

Total = 600 pointsF = 0-359

Attendance: Attendance of lectures is important. If you must miss class on days something is to be turned in, please contact me as soon as you know. I suggest you find a study partner or two to get notes on days you have to miss. Completed notes will be posted on my web page IF you do not use these as a substitute to attending class.

Make-up Policy: If you miss an exam for a University-Excused reason, you should inform me in writing or email PRIOR TO the day of the exam when feasible. If prior notification is not feasible, you must inform me in writing or email within 2 business days (5pm Monday for Thursday exams), including an explanation of why you were unable to inform me in advance. Exams will be made up at a regularly scheduled time TBA and require appropriate documentation of a university-excused absence. Make-up policy for quizzes and homework are discussed below.

Scholastic Dishonesty: Remember the Aggie Code of Honor: An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate those who do! There will be many opportunities (homework) for you to work together in an appropriate manner. However, each student is responsible for submitting their own unique work. During exams and quizzes, you are not allowed to receive any kind of assistance from anyone. Any instance of scholastic dishonesty will be handled according to the processes outlined on the Honor Code website at .

Expectations: I expect you to have read the material and attempted the examples before class, and I expect you to treat me with respect. You can expect me to be prompt and consistent in grading and treat you with respect.

Weekly Schedule: The weekly schedule is posted on the MATH 142 course homepage at

Exams: Dates for the exams are Thurs 6 Feb, Thurs 20 Mar, and Thurs 17 Apr during class.

Final Exam: A comprehensive final exam for this class will be given Wednesday, 7 May from 8-10am. All final exam times are posted at

Homework: Suggested homework is posted on the MATH 142 course homepage. These problems are for practice and will not be handed in; however, quiz and exam questions may be similar to suggested homework problems. (NOTE: If you purchase a student solution manual, it is recommended that you do not open it until AFTER you have attempted the question on your own!)

In addition, there will be online homework assignments over the previous week's material due every Monday (starting 20 Jan) at 11:55:00pm. Automatic extensions may be requested in WebAssign for up to 48 hours for a 30% penalty on the entire assignment. Access to electronic homework and an electronic copy of the textbook are included in your course fees. The URL is Only the highest 25 homework grades will be counted (60 points = 10% of total grade)

Quizzes: Each Tuesday (except the week of and week after an exam), you will receive a take-home quiz over the concepts from the online homework assignments due the previous night. The quiz will be due at the beginning of class Thursday. Late quizzes may be turned in up to 5pm Friday for a 30% penalty. You may not receive help from anyone except me or your TA, but you may use notes and calculators. Only 6 quiz grades will be counted (Week 1 and the highest 5 of the remaining weeks); therefore, missed quizzes may not be made up (60 points = 10% of total grade).

Clicker Quizzes: Starting Tuesday 21 Jan, we will have a clicker quiz each class day (except exam days and review days). In order to participate you will need an i>clicker+ or i>clicker2 (i>clickerGO is NOT allowed). The quizzes may be given at any point during class, so it is very important that you arrive on time to class each day. Details on how to set up your i>clicker are available on my webpage.

Additional information regarding clicker quizzes:

  • You will NOT be allowed to share or loan clickers. If you forget your clicker, your batteries die, etc., you will not receive credit for that day's clicker quiz.
  • Clicker quizzes are INDIVIDUAL-no discussion allowed. You are allowed to use your book and/or notes
  • The Clicker quiz question (1 per quiz) will be conceptual (not actual problems to solve) covering previous material. Therefore, you will only have 30-60 seconds to answer the question.
  • Clicker quizzes will be worth 2 points each: 1 point for attempt; 1 point for correct answer.
  • Only the highest 15 Clicker quizzes will be counted (30 points = 5% of total grade), so missed quizzes may not be made up.
  • In addition, you will have a “Warm-Up” at the start of each class over the UPCOMING material for that day. Unlike clicker quizzes, the warm up will be a problem and may be discussed. It is worth 1 point for attempt (regardless of right or wrong answer). I will use these warm-ups to adjust borderline grades at the end of the semester as I see fit.

Disabilities: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact Disability Services, in Cain Hall, Room B118, or call 845-1637. For additional information visit

Copyright Statement: All printed handouts and web-materials are protected by US Copyright Laws. No multiple copies can be made without written permission by the instructor.