Raritan Valley Community College

 Business Math Course #161-02

 Spring 2004

 Course Syllabus

Instructor: Mr. Vincent Barra

Telephone: (908) 431-0919

Office Hours: By Appointment

e-mail address: vbarra@rcn.com

Required Text:  Practical Business Math Procedures by Jeffrey Slater   McGraw-Hill  Publishing, 7th edition.

Suggested Reading:  In addition to the text it the student is advised to read daily newspapers (New York Times or Wall Street Journal) and Business publications such as BusinessWeek, Forbes, Time or Fortune.

Course Objectives: The objective of this course is to have students develop an understanding of how mathematics is used in the everyday pursuit of business objectives.  Students will have an opportunity to see how these principles affect their lives. 

Teaching Methodology: For the student to get the most out of this course, he/she is expected to participate actively.  This means, reading the assignments in the text before class, doing the homework,  participating in class discussions, and having assignments submitted when they are due.

YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO ASK QUESTIONS.

Homework: Homework will be assigned for every class except when an examination is scheduled.  You will submit your assignment at the beginning of class.  Since we will be reviewing the homework in class it is suggested that you make a copy of your homework so that you can correct any errors you may have made.  You may also be asked to answer one or more questions in front of the class and having a copy of your work may make this easier.

Grade Calculation:

Requirement Percentage of Grade

Test #1                                                                                 20%

Test #2                                                                                 20%

Test #3                                                                                 30%

Quizzes                                                                                15%

Homework, Participation, & Attendance                             15%

Date	Topic
Jan 30 Feb 6 Feb 13	A. Review of Basic Math      Chapter 1 -  Whole Numbers: How to Dissect and Solve Word Problems      Chapter 2 -  Fractions      Chapter 3 -  Decimals      Chapter 5 -  Solving for the Unknown: A How-to Approach for Solving                          Equations      Chapter 6 -  Percentages and their Applications
Feb 20 Feb 27	B. Math for Marketing      Chapter 7 -  Discounts: Trade and Cash      Chapter 8 -  Markups and Markdowns: Insight into Perishables      Review for Exam #1
Feb 27	TEST #1
Mar 5 Mar 12 Mar 26	C. Math for Banking      Chapter 4 -  Banking      Chapter 10 - Simple Interest      Chapter 11 - Promissory Notes, Simple Discount Notes and the Discount                           Process      Chapter 12 - Compound Interest and Present Value      Chapter 13 - Annuities and Sinking Funds
Apr 2 Apr 9	D. Math for Financing      Chapter 16 - How to Read and Interpret Financial Reports      Chapter 17 - Depreciation      Chapter 21 - Stocks, Bonds and Mutual Funds      Review for Test #2
Apr 16	TEST #2
Apr 16 Apr 23	E. Math for Accounting      Chapter 9  -  Payroll      Chapter 18 - Inventory and Overhead      Chapter 19 - Sales, Excise, and Property Tax
Apr 30 May 7	F. Math for Other Areas      Chapter 15 - The Cost of Homeownership      Chapter 20 - Life, Fire and Auto Insurance      Chapter 14 - Installment Buying, Rule of 78, and Revolving Charge                           Credit Cards
May 10-15	TEST #3 - Final Examination