Math 234 Functions of Several Variables, Summer 2011

Announcement: Here is the solution for Exam 3. Have a great summer.  

Schedule:

LEC

10:20-11:35 am

MTWR

B115 VAN VLECK

Wafik Lotfallah

DISC 301

1:10-2:00 pm

MW

B329 VAN VLECK

Wafik Lotfallah

DISC 302

1:10-2:00 pm

TR

B329 VAN VLECK

Alison Gordon

 

Lecturer: Wafik Boulos Lotfallah

E-mail: lotfalla@math.wisc.edu

Office: B127 Van Vleck, Tel: 263-1541

Office Hours: 12:00-1:00 pm MW;

      9:15-10:15 am TR, and by appointment.

Mailbox: On the 2nd floor of Van Vleck.

Weblink: http://www.math.wisc.edu/~lotfalla/math234.htm

TA: Alison Gordon

E-mail: gordon@math.wisc.edu

Office: 722 Van Vleck, Tel: 263-7902

Office Hours: MW: 11:45am-12:45 pm, T: 9:00-10:00am, R: 2:00-3:00pm.

Mailbox: On the 2nd floor of Van Vleck.

 

Course Description: Math 234 is the third semester in the mainstream calculus sequence at UW-Madison. It concentrates on calculus (differentiation and integration) of functions of several variables. The following topics are covered:

1.     A brief review of vector valued functions.

2.     (Partial) derivatives of functions of several variables, and applications.

3.     (Multiple) integration of functions of several variables, and applications.

4.     Calculus of vector fields (functions from R3 to R3), and applications.

Textbook: Thomas’ Calculus 11th and 12th Edition, Addison Wesley, Non-ET version, including differential equations. ISBN: 032149069X, ISBN-10: 0-321-60075-4.

 

This is probably the same text you used for Math 221 and 222.  There are also many supplementary books available to help you, if you want something more. Some people get copies of the solutions book showing worked out answers to odd-numbered problems. This can be helpful if you consult it after you have worked a problem, to see how valid your process was, but can be quite harmful if you use it to find out how to do the problems.

 

Prerequisites: Math 222. If it has been a while since you took that (or an equivalent) course, this is what you will need to look at before the class starts. Even if your preparation is adequate, it will not hurt to browse through these topics in the text to make sure you are OK with them.

§  Chapters 1-6 (Calculus of One Variable): Pretty much everything.

§  Chapter 7 (Transcendental Functions): The more the better.

§  Chapter 8 (Integration Techniques): All except 8.6 and 8.7.

§  Sections 10.5, 10.6 (Polar Coordinates): We will quickly review them.

§  Chapter 12 (Vectors in Space): Very crucial.

§  Chapter 13 (Vector Valued Functions): We will start covering it.

 

Calculator Policy: You are not required to have a calculator. However, a scientific calculator might be helpful, if you are used to using it. Some of the assigned problems require you to do a significant amount of arithmetic. On exams you will be allowed to use non-programmable calculators, but the questions will be designed to be fair to those not using calculators. Also, you will be allowed to have one two sided A4 formula sheet.

 

Theory and Problem Solution: While the main goal of this class is the ability to understand and solve problems using the tools of calculus, a theoretical base is also needed.

 

Contacting you: I will sometimes send e-mail messages to the class: Make sure your e-mail address is correctly entered through EASI. The university maintains the e-mail list based on your email address on record with the registrar.

 

Exams and Grading: The course is divided into three disjoint parts, each ends with an exam done in class. Makeup exams will not be allowed. The exam schedule is:

    · Exam 1: Tuesday, June 28 (100 pts) 

    · Exam 2: Tuesday, July 19 (100 pts)

    · Exam 3: Thursday, August 4 (100 pts)

Additional (100 pts) will be on your weekly homework assignment.

Math 234: Schedule & Assigned Problems

Reading Assignments: See the lists of homework assignments below. Each section covered should be read before we reach it.

 

Homework Assignments: Starting from Section 13.1, the homework assignments are posted on MathXL. Please check the MathXL handout for instructions on how to register.

 

However, assigned problems are also represented by the lists of problems below (for each version of the text). Note that almost all problems are odd-numbered, so you can compare your answers with the ones given at the end of the textbook.

 

Homework and Review Problems from the 11th edition.htm

Homework and Review Problems from the 12th edition.htm

 

Help Resources: List of all math help resources on campus is at: 

                             http://www.math.wisc.edu/~tprogram/mathhelp.html

 

Drop-in Tutoring: Study at the tables, finish homework, prepare for exams, and get help when needed.

Place: Supplemental Instruction Room in Engineering Hall Lobby. Free and open to all. Look for Red table sign.

Time: Mondays, at 2-6 pm

TA in Charge: Elizabeth Henning

 

Sample Exam for Exam 1

Exam 1 Solutions.pdf

Sample Exam 2 and its solution.

Exam 2 Solutions.pdf

 

Exam 1 curve is:

Grade         Range         No. of Students

A                 68-80          11

B                 58-67          9

C                48-57          10

D                35-47          9

F                 0-34            2

 

Exam 2 curve is:

Grade         Range         No. of Students

A                 64-75          11

B                 55-63          8

C                44-54          11

D                35-43          8

F                 0-34            3