Course Syllabus

Syllabus ID: syllabus-cb2b51defd47

Course Syllabus
Structured Public Version

MATH 1324-72

Mathematics for Business & Social Science
Instructor
Hay, Paul
Term
Fall 2026
Department
GEDS
Workflow Status
Published

Instructor Information

Instructor: Paul Hay

Email: haypa@lamarpa.edu

Phone: (409) 984 - 6549

Office Hours:

Monday           10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Tuesday           10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Wednesday     10:00 AM - 12:30 PM  and  2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Thursday         10:00 AM - 12:30 PM  and  2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Friday               Virtual Meetings Available By Appointment

Additional Contact Information:

All emails must be sent with an official lamarpa.edu email address. Emails from personal accounts may be ignored.

Course Description

The application of common algebraic functions, including polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and rational, to problems in business, economics, and the social sciences are addressed. The applications include mathematics of finance, including simple and compound interest and annuities; systems of linear equations; matrices; linear programming; and probability, including expected value.

Required Textbook & Materials

Mathematics for Business and Social Sciences, by Kathryn Bollinger and Vanessa Coffelt, 2020.

This is an open source text and is available to download for free online at:

https://oaktrust.library.tamu.edu/handle/1969.1/188687

Textbook Purchasing Statement

Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

Additional Materials/Resources

Pre-requisites/Co-requisites

MATH-0332 Intermediate Algebra

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

  • Apply elementary functions, including linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and exponential functions to solving real-world problems.
  • Solve mathematics of finance problems, including the computation of interest, annuities, and amortization of loans.
  • Apply basic matrix operations, including linear programming methods, to solve application problems.
  • Demonstrate fundamental probability techniques and application of those techniques, including expected value, to solve problems.
  • Apply matrix skills and probability analyses to model applications to solve real-world problems.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and/or visual communication.

Critical Thinking Skills: Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions.

Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Students will demonstrate applications of scientific and mathematical concepts.

Lecture Topics Outline

Chapter 1 Matrices

1.1 Basic Matrix Operations

1.2 Matrix Multiplication

Chapter 2 Linear Models and Systems of Linear Equations

2.1 Review of Lines

2.2 Modeling with Linear Functions

2.3 Systems of Two Equations in Two Unknowns

2.4 Setting Up and Solving Systems of Linear Equations

Chapter 3 Linear Programming

3.1 Setting Up Linear Programming Problems

3.2 Graphing Systems of Linear Inequalities in Two Variables

3.3 Graphical Solution of Linear Programming Problems

3.4 Simplex Method

Chapter 4 Basic Probability and Applications

4.1 Mathematical Experiments

4.2 Basics of Probability

4.3 Rules of Probability

4.4 Probability Distributions and Expected Value

Chapter 5 Functions

5.1 Relations and Functions

5.2 Polynomial Functions

5.3 Rational Functions

5.4 Power and Radical Functions

5.5 Piecewise-Defined Functions

5.6 Exponential Functions

5.7 Combining and Transforming Functions

5.8 Inverse Functions and Logarithms

Chapter 6 Mathematical Finance

6.1 Interest and Effective Rates

6.2 Annuities, Sinking Funds, and Amortization

Major Assignments Schedule

Week

Dates

Content

Graded work

Due

1

Aug 24-30

Module I:

1.1 Basic Matrix Operations

Section 1.1 homework

Sun Aug 30

2

Aug 31-Sep 6

1.2 Matrix Multiplication

Section 1.2 homework;

Chapter 1 Quiz

Sun Sep 6

3

Sep 7-13

2.1 Review of Lines;

2.2 Modeling with Linear Functions

Section homework;

Chapter 2 Quiz 1

Sun Sep 13

4

Sep 14-20

2.3 Systems of Two Equations;

2.4 Setting Up and Solving Systems

Section homework;

Chapter 2 Quiz 2

Sun Sep 20

5

Sep 21-27

Review for Module I Exam

Finish any late work for Module I

Module I Exam

Sun Sep 27

6

Sep 28-Oct 4

Module II:

3.1 Linear Programming;

3.2 Systems of Inequalities

Section homework;

Chapter 3 Quiz 1

Sun Oct 4

7

Oct 5-11

3.3 Graphical Solutions;

3.4 Simplex Method

Section homework;

Chapter 3 Quiz 2

Sun Oct 11

8

Oct 12-18

4.1 Mathematical Experiments;

4.2 Basics of Probability

Section homework;

Chapter 4 Quiz 1

Sun Oct 18

9

Oct 19-25

4.3 Rules of Probability;

4.4 Distributions and Expected Value

Section homework;

Chapter 4 Quiz 2

Sun Oct 25

10

Oct 26-Nov 1

Review for Module II Exam

Finish any late work for Module II

Module II Exam

Sun Nov 1

11

Nov 2-8

Module III:

5.1 Relations and Functions;

5.2 Polynomial Functions

Section homework;

Chapter 5 Quiz 1

Sun Nov 8

12

Nov 9-15

5.3 Rational Functions;

5.4 Power and Radical Functions

Section homework;

Chapter 5 Quiz 2

Sun Nov 15

13

Nov 16-22

5.6 Exponential Functions;

5.8 Inverse Functions and Logarithms

Section homework;

Chapter 5 Quiz 3

Sun Nov 22

14

Nov 23-29

6.1 Interest and Effective Rates;

6.2 Annuities, Sinking Funds, and Amortization

Section homework;

Chapter 6 Quiz

Sun Nov 29

15

Nov 30-Dec 6

Review for Module III Exam

Finish any late work for Module III

Module III Exam

Sun Dec 6

16

Dec 7-10

Final Exam week

Finish any remaining late work

Final Exam available for submission after all three Module Exams are completed

Thu Dec 10

Final Exam Date

The regular Final Exam deadline is Wednesday, December 9 at 11:59 PM. A final 24-hour late-pass window is available through Thursday, December 10. A Final Exam submitted during this late-pass period receives a 25% penalty.

Grading Scale

 90 - 100=A 80 - 89=B   70 - 79=C   60 - 69=D   Below 59 = F

Determination of Final Grade

Homework - 15%

Quizzes - 15%

Module Exams - 45% (3 Module Exams @ 15% each)

Final Exam - 25%

Instructor Policies

BLACKBOARD AND MYOPENMATH

Blackboard is the primary location for this course. Begin by completing the Start Here: Course Orientation module. You must complete the orientation materials and earn 100% on the Course Orientation Quiz before Module I becomes available. The orientation quiz does not count toward your course grade, and you may attempt it as many times as necessary.

The Course Information and Resources module contains the syllabus, weekly schedule, instructor office hours and contact information, and links to Tutor.com and TimelyCare medical and mental health services. This module will remain available throughout the semester.

MyOpenMath is integrated into Blackboard and is used for homework and other course activities. You will not need to purchase an access code or create a separate MyOpenMath account. The course uses open educational resources at no cost to students. Links to the relevant textbook material are embedded directly into the course content, so you do not need to download the entire textbook.

If this is your only course or all your courses use open educational resources, you may wish to consider opting out of the Seahawk Book Bundle. Consult the college’s Book Bundle information for eligibility, instructions, and opt-out deadlines.

COURSE ORGANIZATION AND REQUIRED SEQUENCE

The course consists of three instructional modules followed by a comprehensive Final Exam:

  • Module I: Matrices and Linear Systems
  • Module II: Optimization and Probability Applications
  • Module III: Functions and the Mathematics of Finance
  • Final Exam

Course materials must be completed in the order presented. Module II becomes available after Module I is completed, and Module III becomes available after Module II is completed. The Final Exam becomes available after all three Module Exams have been submitted.

Students may work ahead. If you complete a module before its scheduled deadline, the next module will become available immediately after all applicable completion and release requirements have been satisfied.

Each section folder contains the textbook material for that section, videos explaining the primary learning outcomes, and a MyOpenMath homework set. Work through the materials in the order presented: read the embedded textbook material, watch the instructional videos, and then complete the homework. Continue through the remaining section folders and chapter quizzes in Blackboard sequence.

HOMEWORK

Homework is intended to provide practice and allow you to develop mastery of the course material. For each homework problem, you may submit up to three attempts on the version initially provided. After those attempts have been used, you may request and complete new versions of the problem. You may continue working new versions until you earn full credit.

After earning 100% on a homework assignment, you may continue generating new versions for additional practice. Additional practice will not lower the 100% score you have already earned.

CHAPTER QUIZZES

Each module contains chapter quizzes designed to help you prepare for the Module Exam. Each quiz has a 75-minute time limit and may be attempted as many times as you wish. Only your highest quiz score will be retained.

A Module Exam becomes available after every chapter quiz in that module has been submitted and has a recorded score in the range of 1% through 100%. This is a completion requirement, not a minimum mastery-score requirement. However, a blank submission or a score of zero will not satisfy the release condition. Students are strongly encouraged to use additional quiz attempts to improve their understanding and prepare for the Module Exam.

MODULE EXAMS

Each instructional module ends with a Module Exam. Module Exams allow only one attempt and have a 90-minute time limit. Begin an exam only when you have sufficient uninterrupted time to complete it and a reliable internet connection.

Each Module Exam must be submitted before the corresponding module can be considered complete. All three Module Exams must be submitted before the Final Exam becomes available.

DUE DATES, LATE WORK, AND LATE PASSES

The weekly due dates displayed in Blackboard are pacing deadlines intended to help you remain on schedule. A homework due date displayed in Blackboard may be earlier than the due date shown in MyOpenMath. MyOpenMath homework due dates coincide with the applicable Module Exam deadline so that unfinished work from the module may be completed without penalty through that deadline.

Before a Module Exam deadline passes, you may complete unfinished homework or quizzes from that module without a late penalty, even if the weekly pacing date displayed in Blackboard has passed. All required assessments must still be completed in the established sequence before you can advance.

After a Module Exam deadline passes, unfinished assessments from that module require a late pass. Each late pass provides a 24-hour period in which to complete the individual assessment. Students have unlimited late passes, but the following penalties apply:

  • Homework and chapter quizzes completed with a late pass receive a 50% penalty. The earned score is multiplied by 0.50.
  • Module Exams completed with a late pass receive a 25% penalty. The earned score is multiplied by 0.75.

For example, an earned score of 80% on late homework or a late quiz is recorded as 40%. An earned score of 80% on a late Module Exam is recorded as 60%.

A late pass does not allow you to skip an assessment or bypass the required course sequence. All required assessments must still be completed before later course content can become available.

FINAL EXAM

The Final Exam becomes available as soon as the Module I Exam, Module II Exam, and Module III Exam have all been submitted. You may take the Final Exam early if you complete all three modules and Module Exams ahead of schedule.

The Final Exam allows only one attempt and has a 90-minute time limit. It will be proctored online using Honorlock. Additional information concerning Honorlock installation, technical requirements, identification, room preparation, permitted materials, and the exam check-in process will be provided before the Final Exam.

The regular Final Exam deadline is Wednesday, December 9. A final 24-hour late-pass window is available through Thursday, December 10. A Final Exam submitted during this late-pass period receives a 25% penalty, and the earned score is multiplied by 0.75. No work may be submitted after the final course deadline.

Attendance Policy

Since this is an online course and we will not be meeting in person, the rate and pace of attendance is left somewhat up to the student. It is the sole responsibility of the student to make sure that they are current and up to date in the material and to participate in all posted assignments and activities, and they are expected to do so out of their own desire to learn and succeed. The student's online participation will be observed to an extent, and for any borderline cases of assigning final grades, this record will be taken into consideration.

Additional Information

The syllabus may be updated, as needs arise, throughout the semester. Any major changes will be accompanied by an announcement on Blackboard.

MyLSCPA

Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.

Academic Honesty

Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.

ADA Considerations

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator, Room 119, in the Ruby Fuller Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.

Facility Policies

No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.

HB 2504

This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.

Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect

As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct

LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.

Clery Act Crime Reporting

For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.

Grievance / Complaint / Concern

If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.