MATHEMATICS 470 Special Topics in Mathematics:  Creativity in Mathematical Problem Solving -- Fall 2007

 

INSTRUCTORS:  Everyone enrolled in the course

 

MODERATOR:   Dr. Christopher Swanson                   Office Phone:  419-289-5264               Office:  209 Patterson

                                E-mail:  cswanson@ashland.edu       Home Phone:  See first day handout!!!

                                Web Page:  http://www.ashland.edu/~cswanson

 

OFFICE HOURS:                Mon. 11-12; Tues. 4-5; Wed. 10-11, 1-2 (in Kett. 119); Thurs. 9-10, 3-4; Fri. 3-4, 4-5

                                                OR by appointment OR almost any other time I am in my office.

 

CLASSES:            Wednesday  9:00 a.m.-9:50 a.m. in Kettering 130

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Students in mathematics courses are often given the impression that to solve a problem, you imitate the solution to a problem similar to it that has already been solved.  However, this approach seldom works when mathematicians conduct research or solve problems involving real world applications.  Mathematicians often must be creative in discovering the solution of a problem and how certain results apply.  This course will attempt to develop students’ creativity in solving problems by considering problems not commonly encountered in other courses at Ashland University, but which can be solved using some basic mathematical techniques.  Students planning to take the Putnam Examination on Saturday, December 1st are especially encouraged to enroll in this course for they will learn techniques useful in solving these types of problems.

CLASS EXPECTATIONS:  This class will be informal, meeting for 50 minutes each week.  The typical class will consist of students and Dr. Swanson presenting solutions to problems they have solved during the previous week followed by Dr. Swanson briefly introducing the topic for the following week’s problems.  Each problem will be assigned a point value ranging from three to five points depending upon its level of difficulty.  A problem worth three points will typically be one that you can solve with a straightforward application of the techniques discussed in class, while a problem worth five points will be a problem with a solution requiring significant creativity, the type of problem you would typically encounter on the Putnam Exam.  Although to receive the full point value of a problem, the student must demonstrate a completely correct solution, partial credit will be awarded based on effort and perseverance.  For example, a student may receive three points on a five point problem for significant, thoughtful exploration of the problem that does not lead to a productive result.  Homework sets will be evaluated weekly by Dr. Swanson and given a score out of 10 possible points.  Students are expected to submit at least one correct solution per week, with a maximum homework score of 8 points if a correct solution is not submitted.  These correct solutions will be presented to the class during the weekly meetings.  You should expect to present approximately one solution per week.

 

GRADING:           Homework assignments      80%                        Attendance                           5%

                                Solution presentations        15%

 

Scaled course %                   Grade                      Scaled course %                   Grade

93 to 100                                   A                          73 to 77                                     C

90 to 93                                     A-                        70 to 73                                     C-

87 to 90                                     B+                        67 to 70                                     D+

83 to 87                                     B                          63 to 67                                     D

80 to 83                                     B-                         60 to 63                                     D-

77 to 80                                     C+                        below 60                                   F