Statistics, Functions, and Rates of Change
Revised: November 2006
Course Description
Descriptive statistics, probability distributions, functions, and an introduction to derivatives. (3 semester hours)
Objectives
1. To expose students to concepts in elementary statistics
2. To review basic concepts of algebra (including function
notation, linear functions, and exponential functions)
3. To expose students to the concept of the derivative
4. To prepare students for MGT 235
Text
Bruce Bowerman and Richard O'Connell. Business Statistics in Practice, Third Edition. McGraw-Hill, 2004.
Supplement: Online Course notes.
Grading Procedure
Grading procedures and factors influencing course grade are left to the discretion of individual instructors, subject to general university policy.
Attendance Policy
Attendance policy is left to the discretion of individual instructors, subject to general university policy.
Course Outline
- Chapter 1: An Introduction to Business Statistics - Sections 1 - 4 (3 days)
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Chapter 2: Descriptive Statistics - Sections 1 - 5 (7 days)
Note: Sections 6 - 9 are optional. In particular, instructors are encouraged to briefly address section 2.7.
Note that scatter plots of bivariate data (introduced in section 2.6) will be covered in MGT 235. - Chapter 3: Probability - Sections 1 - 4 (5 days)
Sections 1 - 4 and selected additional topics (5 days)
Note: Instructors may find supplementary material on the WWW to be useful. The online materials are strictly optional. - Chapter 4: Discrete Random Variables - Sections 1 - 3 (4 days)
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Chapter 5: Continuous Probability Distributions - Sections 1 - 3 (5 days)
Note: Instructors should give particular emphasis to section 5.3; a solid understanding of the normal distribution is prerequisite material for MGT 235. Instructors are encouraged to briefly address the optional section 5.6. -
Course Notes:
functions, linear functions, the distributive property and factoring, percentages, exponential growth, simplifying rational expressions, limits, average rate of change, introduction to derivatives (15 days) This material is to be covered to the extent that time allows.
* Note: At appropriate places in this course, time should be allotted to elaborate on the historical aspects relevant to the subject.