Mathematical Literacy A Math course students WANT to take Jack Rotman AMATYC 2011 Session S163
Here s What is Coming What is mathematical literacy? Math119 at LCC intended audience, purpose Overview of content Detailed Examples from the course Discussion of Mathematical Literacy
Mathematical Literacy We have a vague notion what this is Has something to do with using mathematics A description to start from: Mathematical Literacy is a general education course (or concept) which includes multiple domains of mathematics with the goal of providing concepts applicable in a variety of other courses and occupations (and life)
Math119 at Lansing CC Title: Math Applications for Living Currently 3 credits, will be 4 credits Prerequisite is beginning algebra Not much algebra is actually needed The most general of our courses that can be used for an associate s degree Transfers to about half of the state universities in Michigan
Audience for Math119 Original intent was criminal justice majors Has shifted to include child development, and others those which do not specify another math course Not necessarily easier however, students can relate to the course Provides some preparation for science courses (includes exponential functions)
Overview of Content Emphasis is on concepts and applications Very little algebraic manipulation A lot of problem solving Quantities (geometry, proportional reasoning) Percents (absolute versus relative change) Finance (formulas provided) Probability (theoretical and experimental) Statistics (studies, descriptive, basic inferential) Functions (linear, exponential)
More on Content For quantities, we do conversions reference chart provided; emphasis is on proportional reasoning For finance, we also provide formulas emphasis is on identifying variables In probability & statistics, we do about ¼ of an intro statistics course For functions, focus is on representations (methods are often numeric)
Examples of Quantities 25. A family is filling a child s swimming pool a round pool that is 6 feet in diameter (3 feet radius). They will fill the pool to a depth of 2 feet, and will be using a garden hose to fill the pool We know that there are about 7.5 gallons of water in 1 cubic foot, and the hose will deliver about 10 gallons per minute. How long will it take to fill the pool, starting from empty, to the desired volume of water?
Example of Percents For problems 3 and 4, use this situation. Car sales at a certain company have reached $28 million per year, and are growing at 9% annually. 3. At this rate, what will the amount of sales be next year (nearest tenth of million)? 4. If this exponential growth continues, what would the equation be to find the sales (y) based on the year in the future (x)?
Examples of Finance 8. Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones put $250 per month in an investment plan that pays an APR of 4% compounded monthly. (A) How much money will they have in 16 years? (B) How much interest will be earned in those 16 years?
Example of Finance 9. For a vacation, a family wants to have $6000 after 4 years. They find a plan to put monthly payments into an account that pays 2% annual interest, compounded monthly. What is the amount needed for each monthly payment?
Examples of Probability 17. A family is going to have 4 children. Assuming that boys and girls are equally likely, what is the probability of having 2 boys followed by 2 girls?
Example of Probability 18. The probability of a major earthquake in a given year is 0.06 for a region in California. What is the probability that the region will have at least one major earthquake in the next 5 years?
Examples of Statistics 12. When the unemployment rate rises, the sales of luxury cars falls. State whether this correlation is positive or negative, and whether the correlation is most likely due to coincidence, a common underlying cause, or a direct cause.
Example of Statistics 14. In a poll of 1200 adults, 62% said they usually try to eat healthy foods. Find the 95% confidence interval.
Examples of Functions 21. A company finds that it costs $2.50 per glass, in addition to a basic set up cost of $80. (A) Write the linear function for the total cost based on the number of items. (B) Graph this function for a domain 0 to 100.
Example of Functions 23. A radioactive substance has a half-life of 30 hours. If we start with 100 milligrams of this substance, how much will remain in 40 hours? Use the exact formula.
Example of Functions 24. A drug follows an exponential model. The patient starts with 25 mg (at 0 hours), and after 1 hour there is 20 mg in the body. Create a table showing the amount of the drug in the body for the next 5 hours (for hours 2 to 6).
Discussion of Mathematical Literacy Algebra or Statistics or Mathematical Literacy as general education requirement Priority to citizenship OR priority to academic needs Problem solving OR reasoning?
Wrap Up Other questions? rotmanj@lcc.edu www.devmathrevival.net