Overview
This course covers several areas of mathematics—including linear equations, functions, matrices, linear inequalities, linear programming, and game theory—with applications in economics, business, the social sciences and the life sciences. It is intended as a prerequisite for MATH 309.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to
- demonstrate a foundational understanding of finite mathematics, with a focus on linear equations and inequalities, matrices, functions and graphing, and linear programming.
- apply introductory methods of mathematical finance, Markov chains, and game theory.
- use finite mathematical methods for applied problem solving in economics, business, social sciences, and life sciences.
- apply your knowledge to pursue further learning in discrete mathematics (including MATH 309).
- communicate mathematical ideas and analyses in a clear and organized manner.
Evaluation
To receive credit for MATH 209, you must submit all four of the course assignments and complete them to the satisfaction of your tutor. You must also achieve a grade of at least 50 percent on each of the midterm and final assessments, and a course composite grade of at least D (50 percent). The weighting of the composite grade is shown below.
Note: Athabasca University reserves the right to amend the assessments/exams in this course as the need arises. Students will be notified well in advance of any changes to assessments/exams in MATH 209.
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1 | 7% |
| Assignment 2 | 8% |
| Midterm assessment | 35% |
| Assignment 3 | 10% |
| Assignment 4 | 10% |
| Final assessment | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Barnett, R. A., Ziegler, M. R., Byleen, K. E., & Stocker, C. J. (2019) Finite mathematics for business, economics, life sciences, and social sciences (14th ed.). Pearson.
Other Resources
Pearson MyLab is an online platform that accompanies your eText. It provides a variety of resources that may help you learn and practice the material presented in MATH 209.