Math 3283W, Sequences, Series and Foundations
Fall 2009 Course Page


Location and time: 11:15 A.M. - 12:05 P.M., M,W,F, EE/CSci 3-210
Lecturer: John Baxter, office Vincent Hall 254
(612) 624-9851
baxter@math.umn.edu

Textbook: Sequences, Series and Foundations,
by Wayne Richter (available at Alpha Print, 1407 Fourth Street SE, Dinkytown, 612-379-8535).
We will cover most of the topics in this text. Some additional material will be presented in the lectures.
Approximate Schedule
The goal of this course is to gain a precise understanding of mathematical analysis for sequences and series, include the ability to read and construct proofs. This sort of analysis is helpful in many important areas of pure and applied mathematics. Reading and reflection, problem-solving, and practice in writing out mathematical expositions are all essential aspects of the course.
The writing-intensive problem assignments give an opportunity to develop mathematical thinking with extra clarity and precision, and possibly also with a wider context than usual. Writing-intensive problems will be submitted twice. First, an initial draft will be submitted, which may be marked up by the graders with comments on style and substance. Then, after necessary changes have been made, the final version will be submitted, together with the commented initial draft.
It is worth noting that all problems, not just the writing-intensive ones, should be written up carefully. The effort which you give to this part of the course will have a great effect on your understanding and skill.
Comment on sections not covered on homeworks: Because of scheduling issues, some sections of the text may not be covered on homework assignments. This does not mean that these sections are unimportant. Material from these sections is just as likely to appear on examinations as any other material. Consequently, it is important that students should work problems from all sections on their own (and ask questions about them to the lecturer or discussion instructor).
Grading procedure : The grade for this course is based on two components: the writing intensive work and the other homework, quizzes and examinations. All tests and examinations will be closed-book (no books or notes allowed). Calculators will be permitted.
Homework policies: You may discuss homework problems with your classmates. However, when you write up your solutions, you must do this on your own. Collaboration during the write-up stage or handing in homework that is almost identical to a classmate's is a form of cheating and may result in a score of zero. If you have discussed a problem with others, then when you write up your own solution you should state whom you talked with.

Late homework will be graded only under unusual circumstances and only if arrangements have been made in advance.

Point scores for homeworks (both writing-intensive and regular) will be based on a combination of correct content and clear justifications. The score on each writing-intensive assignment will be the sum of a score for the submitted draft and a score for the final version. Each draft will be graded similarly to a regular homework. It is expected that the final version will give a more complete and organized presentation, and will also deal with any errors found in the draft. The draft will account for 20% of the overall score on each writing-intensive assignment, with the final version accounting for the remaining 80%.

Homework assignments, exam schedules and any extra notes will be posted to this page later.
Midterm Examination 1, in class on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 Solutions for Midterm 1
Topics for Midterm 1 ... Sample test questions ... Sample test answers
Midterm Examination 2, in class on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 Closed book, closed notes, calculators allowed. Solutions for Midterm 2
Topics for Midterm 2 ... Sample test questions ... Sample test answers
Comments on these samples. This is somewhat longer than an actual exam, to give more chances for practice. Also, there will likely be more sequence problems on the actual exam.
Any corrections of typos will be posted here.
Correction made for Problem 5.
summary of set terminology
Assignment 1 due Thursday, September 17, 2009.
update Hint for problem 6(a): there are two possible values for the number of members in A. One of them is 0.
Solutions for Homework 1
Assignment 2 due Tuesday, September 29, 2009.
Solutions for Homework 2
Writing Intensive Assignment 2 (updated) draft due Thursday, October 22, 2009.
Homework 3 due Thursday, October 15, 2009 (corrected: exercise 2.14 not 2.13)
Solutions for Homework 3

Homework 4 due Thursday, October 29, 2009
Solutions for Homework 4
Writing Intensive Assignment 3 draft due Tuesday, November 10, 2009.
Homework 5 due Thursday, November 5, 2009
Solutions for Homework 5 with typos corrected in the answer to Problem 3
Writing Intensive Assignment 4 draft due Tuesday, December 1, 2009.
Homework 6 due Tuesday, December 1, 2009.
Feedback and Questions
It is very useful to get feedback and questions, both during and outside class. Office hour times will be posted on my homepage after the start of classes. You can also make appointments to see me at other times. If you are near my office at any time you are welcome to stop in and check whether I am available. If I am busy we will schedule another time.
general information for all courses:
Incompletes: The Department policy is: The grade of "I" is assigned when a student has satisfactorily completed all but a small portion of the work of the course and has made arrangements to make up the work. You cannot get a grade of "I" just because you are behind in your work or it appears that you are failing the course.
Student Conduct: Academic honesty and respect for others are required in every course. Students are expected to follow the university policy on student conduct. Instructors and students are expected to follow the university policy on class expectations.
For an explanation of the general grading system of letter grades see the university grading policies.