MATH 160: Mathematics for Everyday Living - A Liberal Arts Course

• Construct valid arguments and find fallacies in faulty arguments.
• Perform set operations and use Venn diagrams.
• Recognize and apply the concepts of mathematics as a problem-solving tool to other disciplines.
• Demonstrate a strong number sense to recognize reasonable claims.
• Demonstrate an understanding and working knowledge of math related consumer topics, including simple and compound interest, loans, and mortgages.
• Present statistical analysis of data in a variety of descriptive ways.
• Calculate measures of central tendency and measures of variation.
• Apply the rules of simple probability.
• Use the normal distribution curve to estimate probabilities.
• Recognize and utilize linear and exponential growth patterns.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the use of technology in mathematics, including use of calculators and other devices.

Unit I Thinking Critically

1. Explore Common Fallacies and How to Avoid Them
2. Basic Components of Logic: Propositions, Truth Values, Truth Tables, and Logical Connectors
3. Sets and Venn Diagrams
4. Inductive and Deductive Arguments
5. Applying Logic to Common Situations

Unit II Approaches to Problem Solving

1. Dimensional Analysis
2. Review of Standardized Units
3. Problems Solving Guidelines and Hints

Unit III Numbers in the Real World

1. Uses and Abuses of Percentages
2. Use of Scientific Notation to Gain Perspective on Small and Large Numbers
3. Significant Digits, Rounding, Errors, Accuracy and Precision
4. The Role of Index Numbers (CPI)
5. How Numbers Deceive: Polygraphs, Mammograms, and Morgages

Unit IV Financial Management

1. Basics of Personal Budgeting
2. Compound Interest
3. Savings Plans and Investments
4. Loan Payments, Credit Cards and Mortgages

Units V Statistical Reasoning

1. Fundamentals of Statistics
2. Eight Useful Guidelines for Evaluating Statistical Claims
3. Descriptive Statistics
4. Common Types of Media Graphics
5. Correlation and Causality

Unit VI Putting Statistics to Work

1. Measures of Central Tendency
2. Measures of Variation
3. The Normal Distribution

Unit VII Probability

1. Fundamentals of Probability
2. Combining Probabilities: Addition and Multiplication Rules
3. The Law of Large Numbers
4. Permutations and Combinations

Unit VIII Applications of Exponential Growth and Decay

1. Linear vs. Exponential Growth
2. Doubling Time and Half-Life
3. Logarithmic Scales: Richter, Decibel and pH scales