NOTE: This course code has changed from FDMAT 108 to MATH 108X. You may occasionally see references to the old course code or title.

Course Overview

MATH 108X introduces the quantitative reasoning process. This process teaches you to use algebraic, computational, statistical, and graphical tools to make informed decisions about financial, family, social, and community issues. MATH 108X will satisfy the BYU-Idaho Foundations quantitative reasoning requirement, but it does not serve as a prerequisite for college algebra, trigonometry, or calculus-based courses.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the quantitative reasoning course, students will be able to do the following:

• Identify real-world situations (e.g. financial, family, social, or community issues) where quantitative reasoning skills are needed to inform a decision.
• List key assumptions and key variables necessary to apply mathematical models of real-world situations.
• Demonstrate the quantitative skills necessary to use mathematical models.
• Use mathematical models to make an informed decision.
• Evaluate decisions made with the Quantitative Reasoning Process.

Description

In each week of this course you will cover one lesson. Each week is typically divided into three parts:

• An interactive, multimedia online lesson, followed by a preparation homework assignment.
• An activity, followed by a homework assignment or case study project.
• A homework assignment or case study project.

Learning Model Architecture

The course follows a weekly cycle of Prepare, Teach One Another, and Ponder and Prove activities. This structure helps students prepare, provide opportunities for students to further learn course material and share what they have learned during group activities. Homework assignments and case study projects give students an opportunity to Ponder and Prove their learning.

The course is not an independent study course. The group teaching and learning activities require students to cover material at the same time and at the same pace.

This course will cover the same material with approximately the same time commitment as the on-campus course.

Proctored Exams and Assessments

This course will use an online proctoring software called Proctorio. This makes it possible for students to take assessments and exams without a human proctor present. Proctored exams can be accessed like any other exam, once the software has been installed. Exams will be recorded by Proctorio and reviewed by the BYUI Testing Center. Any questionable exams will be forwarded to the instructor for further review.

For step-by-step instruction on Proctorio installation, please refer to Student Help: Proctorio in Canvas.

Prerequisites

The prerequisite for MATH 108X can be satisfied by any of the following:

• ACT Math score of at least 18
• SAT Math score of at least 430
• ALEKS test score of at least 38
• Successful completion of MATH 100B, MATH 100G, MATH 100L, or MATH 101

Required Materials

• Microsoft Excel is required and is free for all BYU-Idaho students. Although you may have Microsoft Excel installed, it may be necessary to upgrade to a later version. Installing or upgrading Excel is free to BYUI students and can be found on the BYU-Idaho Bookstore website.
• At times it may be helpful to have either a scientific calculator or a graphing calculator. Desmos offers online calculators at no cost.
• Microphone for online discussions (a headset or ear phones along with the microphone is preferred). 
• A webcam for proctored exams.

Grading Policies

Reading Quizzes (5%)

Each week begins with an interactive, multimedia lesson followed by a reading quiz. This reading and reading quiz should be completed each week prior to your group meeting.

Group Assignments (15%)

Beginning in Week 03 Teach One Another activities will be required each week. The activities will prepare you for the Möbius Homework and the Excel Case Study assignments.

Homework (15%)

Homework assignments are completed online using Möbius. On each assignment, you are allowed "unlimited attempts" on the problem sets (up until the closing deadline your instructor has set). You are encouraged to keep a homework journal or log so that you have a paper trail and can reference your work as you prepare for each unit exam. You can check your accuracy on each homework problem as you go along; once you submit the entire assignment, then subsequent attempts will give you new versions of the problems. Homework assignments are due either mid-week or end-of-week at 11:59 p.m. (mountain time).

You will need to use Google Chrome as your browser for Möbius to run effectively.

The deadlines for all assignment submissions are due according to mountain time.

Excel Case Studies (15%)

Several case studies (using Microsoft Excel) explore applications of the quantitative reasoning process. Project deadlines will be announced by your instructor. Missing a project deadline results in a 50% reduction in the score (within one week of the deadline). After that, no points will be awarded.

Exams (50%)

Three unit exams will be given in Möbius during the semester (100 points each) and a final exam (100 points). The lowest of the four scores will be dropped. Please note that each test can only be taken once, there are no make-up exams, and missing a testing deadline will result in a zero score. All exams will be taken within the I-Learn system and will be proctored using Proctorio and the specific security restrictions framed within your personal integrity and the BYU-Idaho Honor Code.

Grading Scale

Letter Grade	Percentage Range
A	93%–100%
A-	90%–93%
B+	87%–90%
B	83%–87%
B-	80%–83%
C+	77%–80%
C	73%–77%
C-	70%–73%
D+	67%–70%
D	63%–67%
D-	60%–63%
F	<60%

Disclaimers

The instructor reserves the right to change any part of this syllabus at any time during the semester in order to adapt to changing course needs. You will be notified prior to any changes that may take place.

University Policies

Students with Disabilities

Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Office at (208) 496-9210 or visit their website and follow the Steps for Receiving Accommodations. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with students and instructors by the Disability Services Office.

This course includes required synchronous meetings. If you are currently registered with the Disability Services Office and need an interpreter or transcriber for these meetings, please contact the deaf and hard of hearing coordinator at (208) 496-9219.

Other University Policies

Student Honor and Other Policies

Please read through the document called University Policies. It gives important information about the following topics:

• Student Honor
  • Academic Honesty
  • Student Conduct
    • Sexual Harassment
• Student with Disabilities
• Complaints and Grievances
• Copyright Notice

Go to the Student Resources module to review further resources and information.

AI Statement

AI programs include tools like ChatGPT and Gemini as well as math specific tools like Photomath, MathGPT, etc. You may use AI to further explain course content, summarize course content, and to quiz yourself about course content. Using AI to produce content that is to be turned in for a grade is not an appropriate use of AI. You should not use AI to answer homework or quiz questions or to write responses for your case studies. Use of these tools in this way will interfere with key learning outcomes. Assignments that are turned in with AI generated content may receive a zero and be considered cheating.