AL AIN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

College of Business

COURSE SYLLABUS

1. COURSE INFORMATION

Course Title Mathematics for Business

Course Code 0508200
Credit Hours 3
Pre-requisite
Co-requisite Statistics
Academic Year 2nd Semester-2018/2019

2. INSTRUCTOR’S INFORMATION

(a) Name Dr. Nuha Hamada

(b) Contact Details Office Extension: 507

Phone: 00971-2-6133507
Email: nuha.hamada@aau.ac.ae
Office Hours: Sun, Tue: 3:30-4:30pm & Mon, Wed: 2:00-3:00
pm

3. Brief Course Description

This course is intended for students who are studying mathematics as a subject on economics,
business or management courses. The course assumes minimal mathematical background but
demonstrates the usefulness and relevance of basic mathematics in economics and business. The
course covers some mathematical preliminaries, the straight line and applications, simultaneous
equations, non-linear functions as quadratic, cubic and other polynomial functions, simple and
compound interest, annuities, applications of differentiation in marginal function and average
function, introduction to linear programming.

4. Course Goals
 Assisting students, particularly those who are apprehensive about mathematics.
 Understanding the features of a straight line and its applications in economics and
business.
 Solving simultaneous linear equations.
 Using several types of non-linear functions in economics, management and business
studies.
 Recognizing the general form of the equation representing a non-linear function as well as
the main characteristics of the graph representing the function.
 Manipulating non-linear functions algebraically, particularly in economic applications.
 Using exponentials and logs in a range of applications, such as production and
consumption.
 Assessing and appreciating the importance of mathematics positively in solving business
problems.

5. Course Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, students are expected to:
1. Solve two simultaneous linear equations in two unknowns using algebra and Graphical
methods.
2. Determine the equilibrium price and quantity both graphically and algebraically.

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 3. Solve a quadratic equation using ‘the formula’.
4. Calculate the break-even point both graphically and algebraically.
5. Apply the differentiation in business life.
6. Optimize the function in one variable.
7. Recognize the notation for indefinite and definite integration.
8. Use matrix inverses to solve systems of linear equations arising in economics.

6. Course Contents
Topics in this course include:
 Linear Equations
 Non-Linear Equations
 Differentiation.
 Integration
 Matrices

7. Learning Strategies
Active learning strategies are employed in this course to encourage students' participation in class
discussion. Active learning methods include regular attendance of classes, collaborative team
assignments, presentations, and discussion of important issues to reinforce course material.
Brainstorming is encouraged in every class no matter what the topic is. No student stays in his or
her shell and everyone will actively participate. Exams, papers from journals, and team
presentations will be used to assess the expected level of learning in this course.

8. Required textbook
Jacques, I. (2015) Mathematics for Economics & Business. 8th. Ed. Prentice Hall

9. Required Calculator
Each student must have a scientific calculator. Certain homework assignments and exam
questions require numerical calculations. You will not allowed to share calculators during exams
and quizzes.

10. References
 Salzman, S., Miller, C. & Clendenen, G.(2011), Mathematics for Business (9 th
Ed).Addison-Wesley
 Baratto, S. & Bergman, B. (2008). Elementary and intermediate algebra: a unified
approach (3rd. Ed.). New York: McGraw Hill.
 Streeter, Hutchison, Bergman, and Hoelzle, (2001) Intermediate Algebra, 4th Edition.
 Murphy, Johnson.(2006). Intermediate algebra (2nd ed.). USA: Foresman.
 Slater, Jefrey (2003). Practical business math procedures (7th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill.
 Bradley, T. & Patton, P. (2002). Essential mathematics for economics and Business (2nd.
Ed.). John Wiley& Sons.

11. STUDENT EVALUATION

Following is a distribution of 100 score across assessment tools:

Assignments ( 4 online assignments) 20

Tests ( 2 tests) 20
Midterm 20
Final 40
Note: There will not be make-up exams whatever the reasons. You missed what you missed.

Policies:

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 1. Exams are based on all the materials covered and assigned in the classroom and in the
homework assignments. So students are strongly advised to attend all the lectures and to
be on time.
2. Assignment must be submitted by the end of each chapter.
3. Mobile phone use is prohibited. You are not allowed to make calls, receive calls, send or
receive text messages, or communicate with anyone outside class during class. All ringers
should be off or muted. You are not allowed to have a mobile phone during exams or
quizzes. They must be OFF and AWAY. Mobiles cannot be used as calculators in class or
exams.
4. Questions are encouraged in this course; so ask as many as you want! Please get help
when you have questions about the material covered and DO NOT wait until just before
an exam to seek for help.
5. Academic dishonesty: The university is committed to creating a learning environment
that is honest and ethical. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated at the university.
Academic dishonesty includes cheating, plagiarism or any other attempt to gain an
academic advantage in a dishonest or unfair manner.
6. Note: The course outline is subject to possible changes. In case of any possible changes
you will be notified in advance.

12.Tentative Course Schedule and Contents

Wee Chapter Topic
Textbook
k
Chapter 1 Arithmetic operations
Simplify algebraic expressions
Perform basic arithmetic operations with fractions
1-3
Linear equations Chapter 1
Graphs of linear equations
Algebric solution for simulatenous linear equations
Supply and demand analysis
Chapter 2 Non-linaer equations
Quadaratic functions
4-6 Chapter 2
Revenue, cost and profit
Indices and Logarithm
Chapter 3 Mathematics of Finance
7 Solve problems involving a percentage increase or decrease. Chapter 3
Compound Interest
Chapter 4 Differenation
The derivative of a function
8-11 Rules of differenation Chapter 4
Marginal functions(Production function)
Elasticity
Optimization of economic funtions
Chapter 5 Integration
12-13 Indifinite Integration Chapter 6
Defiinte Integration
Chapter 6 Matrices
Basic matrix operations
14-15 Chapter 7
Matrix inversion(2X2)
Solve system of equations by matrices
16 Final Exam

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 Grading Key
Grade Percent Description Grade Point
A 90-100 Excellent 4
B+ 85-89 Very good 3.5
B 80-84 Good 3
C+ 75-79 Very Satisfactory 2.5
C 70-74 Satisfactory 2
D+ 65-69 Pass + 1.5
D 60-64 Pass 1
F Less than 60 F 0.0
I Incomplete 0.0

1. ATTENDANCE POLICY

Students are expected to attend their classes. Absence never exempts a student from the
work required for satisfactory completion of the courses. Excessive absences of any course
will result in:
1. First warning for absence of 10% of the class hours
2. Second warning for absence of 20% of the class hours
3. A failing grade in the course for an absence of 25% of the class hours
4. Exception to (3) may be made in the case of serious illness or death to an
immediate family member if approved by the dean of the college. In such
case, the student will receive a W grade in the course

2. PLAGIARISM

It is use of someone else’s idea, words, projects, artwork, phrasing, sentence structure, or
other work without properly acknowledging the ownership (source) of the property.
Plagiarism is dishonest because it misrepresents the work of someone else as one’s own.
Students who are suspected of plagiarism will answer to an investigation. Those found
guilty will face a disciplinary action as per the university rules.