Math 181 Problem Solving is designed to follow Math 180 and introduces students to more in-depth problem solving. Students will solve problems in class in smaller groups and out of class individually. Students will develop problem-solving ability as well as oral and written presentation skills. This course is intended for all non-science majors. It may be especially useful for students who want to prepare to teach math at the elementary school level and have completed MATH 180.
Prerequisites: Foundations of Mathematics 11 or MATH 56 or Pre-Calculus 11 or MATH 50 with a minimum grade of 60%
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
|---|
| Total Credits | |
|---|
| Total Hours | 45 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Describe problem solving strategies in mathematics
- Discuss and document possible approaches to solving a new problem
- Objectively document the success and failure of a problem solving strategy
- Solve problems similar to problems solved in class
- Attempt to solve novel problems
- Make clear oral presentations about mathematics and solutions to mathematical problems
- Make clear written presentations about mathematics and solutions to mathematical problems
- Evaluate and critique solutions to problems
- Demonstrate an ability to solve problems in counting and probability
Teaching and Learning Approach
Class meetings are dedicated to active learning where students discuss, evaluate, and modify problem solving
strategies by investigating a series of problem sets. The majority of graded activities occur during scheduled
class meetings and include collaborative and independent work. Students are expected to complete readings
and online activities before each class meeting.Learning Resources
All learning resources are available through the course Moodle site. A textbook is not required.
Required:
Access to a computer with an internet connection capable of streaming video.
Paper, a pencil, and an eraser. Bring these items to every class meeting.
Optional:
A basic calculator is not required but is permitted for graded activities. It does not need to be scientific and it
does not need graphing capabilities.Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Problems versus exercises; solutions versus answers
2. River crossings and counterfeit coins
3. Latin Squares: Beyond Guess-and-Check
4. Truth Tellers and Liars: Case Analysis
5. Divisibility
6. Counting Strategies
7. Bridges and Euler: Combinatorial Graphs
8. Sequences: Finding Patterns
9. Combinatorial Games: Winning Strategies
10. Magic Squares and Series: summation problems
11. Tetris and Polyominoes: tiling problems
12. Dice and Cards: Pigeon Hole and Probability
13. Hailstones, Palindromes, and Perfection: unsolved problems
14. Review
15. The Exam Period is available online at https://selkirk.ca/apply-register/important- datesAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
|---|
| Participation | 1-9 | 10% |
| Presentation | 1-9 | 15% |
| Collaborative Problem Solving | 1-9 | 15% |
| Independent Problem Solving | 1-5, 9 | 30% |
| Final Exam | 1-5, 9 | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.