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Quiz Policy:

There will be a short quiz at the end of the class each Monday (see the course calendar for exact dates). These will be definition quizzes; that is, you will be asked to give the precise definitions of several of the terms that we have presented in class. The quizzes will not include proofs or computations.

The definitions are the basis for all the rest of the work in the class. You can not be successful doing mathematics without a good grasp of the definitions. These quizzes are intended to help you get in the habit of internalizing these. Note, however, that the goal is to understand the definition (not simply memorize a bunch of words). If you understand the idea codified by a definition, you don't have to memorize it, since the definition should be a natural expression of that idea.

Many definitions include both notation and description. A definition is incomplete if it does not include the words telling what all the parts are. One thing to keep in mind is that you should be able to deal with both the symbolic and the verbal forms of each definition. When you see a new definition, you should get in the habit of trying to translate it from one form into the other: if it is given as words, what is the corresponding information given symbolically? If it is given in symbols, what are the words the represent the idea those symbols express? This translational process is one of the most difficult for new mathematicians, and is one you need to practice consciously.

There will be no make-up quizzes, but your lowest quiz grade will be dropped. See the grading policy for the contribution of quizzes to your final grade.



[HOME] Math 140 (Winter 2001) web pages
Created: 31 Dec 2000
Last modified: 31 Dec 2000 23:59:59
Comments to: dpvc@union.edu
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