dansmath - dvc page

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Diablo Valley College - 321 Golf Club Road - Pleasant Hill, CA - 94523 - www.dvc.edu

dan bach the math jock

[ Mathematics Instructor | Textbook Author | Podcaster ]



DVC-related topics: (scroll down for more)

My Courses - Spring 2010 - [ Math 120 | Math 292 ]

Other DVC Courses I've taught : [ Math 75 | Math 110 | Math 121 | Math 124 | Math 135 | Math 142 | Math 182 | Math 191 | Math 192 | Math 193 ]

My office is in the DVC Math Building: MA-114. See specific course outlines for office hours (click course above).

Also try visiting:

Dan's Math Podcast
Dan's Prealgebra Textbook

Problem of the Week
Free Online Math Lessons

Dan's Favorite Links
Sample Questions and Answers

Dan's DVC History
DVC College Website

[ home | meet dan | info | lessons | matica | ask dan ]

(c) 1997-2009 Dan Bach and B & L Math Enterprises; all rights reserved. Download for personal use only.


Dan's DVC History [ top of page ]

Dan Bach has been a Mathematics Instructor at Diablo Valley College (DVC) since back in the late 1980s.
He has taught all levels of math from basic arithmetic through algebra, calculus, and differential equations.
You can get lessons in many of these topics on this website!

You might also know he has a textbook out, with Patricia Leitner --
Prealgebra, Mathematics for a Variable World, used at DVC and colleges nationwide!

Before DVC, Dan had teaching stints at U.C. Berkeley Extension, Black Pine Circle Day School,
the U.C.B. Gifted Program, Mills College, and U.C. Berkeley Freshman Program.
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some recent diablo valley college courses i've taught [ go to top of page ]

Math 75 - Arithmetic & Prealgebra - Arithmetic operations, properties of numbers and primes,
variables, linear equations, introduction to graphing. See my textbook page, also my lessons.
Math 110 - Beginning Algebra - Formulas and equations, many application problems. Learn
how to apply skills tofactoring, graphing, and simplifying expressions and solving equations.
Math 120 - Intermediate Algebra - Continuation of Math 110, with an emphasis on the
connections between formulas, equations, factors, and graphs. Lots of application problems.
Math 121 - Trigonometry - Measuring triangles; sine, cosine, tangent functions, graphs.
Vectors, forces, circular motion. Identities, trig equations. Lots more application problems.
Math 124 - Math for Liberal Arts - This is the course that addresses the age-old question:
"What is math good for?" A variety of cool topics, and a transferable course (to CalStateU)
Math 182 - Business Calculus I - No trig, not a lot of theory, just the basics of Calculus,
with plenty of applications in economics, medicine, and business. See my calculus page.
Math 191 - Prealculus - Functions, graphs, with review of Trigonometry. See my lessons.
Math 192 - Calculus I - "Gateway to the scientific world." This calculus series is for math,
physics, engineering, and other "serious sciences." Also try out my calculus page.
Math 193 - Calculus II - "Exploring the scientific world." Go to my calculus page.
Math 292 - Calculus III - "Analyzing the three-dimensional world." vector calculus page.



Math 75 - Arithmetic and Prealgebra [ go to top of page ]
Subjects (Math 75): [ back to Math 75 ]

Brief overview of number systems and their uses
Introduction to "Dan's Math Clinic" computer lessons
Basic operations with whole numbers
Positive and negative integers
Order of operations - do you know 2 + 3 x 4 ?
Fractions and decimals
Percentages and applications
Square roots and the Pythagorean Theorem
Variables - who needs them?
Simplifying expressions with like terms
Recognizing and solving linear equations
Word problems - how to "get it"

Show me details on the Bach/Leitner textbook!




Math 110 - Beginning Algebra [ go to top of page ]


Subjects (Math 110): [ back to Math 110 ]

Review of order of arithmetic operations
Definition and laws of exponents
Variables and like terms
Simplifying expressions
Solving equations
Graphing points, lines, equations of lines
Tackling word problems
Multiplying, factoring, dividing polynomials
Algebraic fractions and rational equations
Radical expressions and equations
Quadratic equations by factoring, completing
the square, and the quadratic formula

Expect to spend about 2 hours outside of class for each hour in class!

That's a minimum of 8-10 hours per week for homework, reviewing notes, going

to the math lab, studying with friends, and asking questions at my office hours.

Math 120 - Intermediate Algebra [ go to top of page ]

[ Subjects | Homework+Quizzes | Tests | Extra Credit ]



Subjects (Math 120, Spring 2010): [ pdf of course outline ]

Set Theory, Review of Arithmetic and Basic Algebra
Solving and Applying Equations and Inequalities
Functions and Graphing, Properties of Graphs
Linear Functions and Constant Growth Models
Systems of Equations and Inequalities [maybe Linear Programming]
Polynomials, Factoring, Roots vs. Intercepts
Rational Expressions and Equations, Rate Problems
Roots, Radicals, and Fractional Exponents
Parabolas and Quadratic Equations, Projectiles
Exponential and Log Functions with Applications
Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences and Series
The Binomial Theorem

Homework Assignments and Quizzes (Math 120): [ back to Math 120 ]

Please show the question, steps, and answer for each problem!
Staple upper left & label front page upper right with your name, 'Math 120 MW (or TuTh), Bach',

Homework #6 / Sec. 6.1 -- 6.7 / Due Wed Apr 21 or Thur Apr 22, 2010

problem numbers might count by 3's or 5's; #3--30 means 3, 6, 9, . . . by 3's; 35--85 means by 5's

6.1 # 3--30, 35--150 (130 opt); 6.2 # 3--30, 35--105;

6.3 # 3--30 , 35--75; 6.4 # 3--51, 55--85; 6.5 # 3--27, 30--55;

6.6 # 3--18, 20--70; 6.7 # 3--21, 25--75.

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Tests (Math 120): [ back to Math 120 ]

We will have FOUR "tests" (60 min) during the semester. Each will cover 2 or 3 chapters
and count 10% of your semester grade. Test dates announced at least a week in advance,
in class and on this site.

Test #3 "Midterm" (100 pts as usual)
Wed 4/21 or Thur 4/22 - Covers Chap 1--6.

Extra Credit (Math 120): [ back to Math 120 ]

Please show the question, steps, and answer for each problem!
Staple upper left & label front page upper right with your name, 'Math 120 MW (or TuTh), Bach',

Chapter 6 Review # 5 , 10 , 15 , . . . , 65 - 2 points, due Mon Apr 26 (or Tues Apr 27)
Listen to one or more of my podcasts & summarize its content in your own words.
(For Math Lab "HBA" Credit); there are 33 shows so far (use the green forms provided)

Math 121 - Trigonometry [ go to top of page ]

Subjects (Math 121):

* Angles, Degrees, Pythagorean Theorem

* The Six Trig Functions on Circles

* Right Triangles and the Sine and Cosine

* Vectors, Forces, and Applications

* Radian Measure and Circular Arclength

* Area of Sectors, Angular and Linear Velocity
* Identities, Formulas, and Trig Equations
* General Triangle Solving; Law of Sines and Cosines
* Complex Numbers and Polar Coordinates

* Other topics to be included as time allows!

Expect to spend at least 2 hours outside of class for each hour in class!
That's a minimum of 6 hours per week for homework, reviewing notes, going
to the math lab, studying with friends, and asking questions at my office hours.

Math 124 - Math for Liberal Arts [ go to top of page ]

Subjects (Math 124, Fall 2008): [ pdf of course outline ]

Basic concepts of Set Theory
Probability and Odds with Rules
Number Theory (prime factorizations, divisors)
Divisor Charts and Factor Trees
Abundant, Deficient, and Perfect Numbers
Tessellations (tilings) and Polyhedra (solids)
Voting Methods and Runoff Counts
Matrices, Systems of Equations, Markov Chains
Other topics may be included if time allows:

You want a printable polygons sheet ?

Math 135 - College Algebra [ go to top of page ]

Subjects (Math 135) : [ back to Math 135 ]

Brief review of order of operations, and laws of exponents
Review of coordinates, graphing points, lines, and functions
Review of algebra basics, equations, factoring; intro to Mathematica
Polynomials, factors and roots, graphs of rational functions
Exponential and log functions, definitions and graphs
Applications: world population, radioactive decay, compound interest
Graphing Inequalities, Linear Programming and Applications
Conic Sections: Parabolas, Ellipses, Hyperbolas, Other...


Expect to spend at least 2 hours outside of class for each hour in class!
That's a minimum of 10 hours per week for homework, reviewing notes, going
to the math lab, studying with friends, and asking questions at my office hours.

Math 142 - Introductory Statistics [ go to top of page ]

Subjects (Math 142) :

Brief review of order of operations, and algebra
Experiments, sampling techniques, randomness
Measures of center and spread: mean, median, variance, standard deviation
The normal distribution, normal curve, and z-scores
Probability and combinatorics: coins, dice, cards
Discrete and continuous probability functions
The central limit theorem, sample means, comfidence intervals
Applications: surveys, gambling odds, Term Project
Hypothesis testing goodness of fit
Other subjects as time allows...


Expect to spend at least 2 hours outside of class for each hour in class!
That's a minimum of 10 hours per week for homework, reviewing notes, going
to the math lab, studying with friends, and asking questions at my office hours.

Math 182 - Business & Management Calculus [ go to top of page ]


Subjects (Math 182) : [ back to Math 182 ]

Brief review of algebra, equations, functions, and formulas
Graphing functions and properties of graphs
Limits of functions, properties of limits
Concept of the derivative, rules of differentiation
Using the derivative to help graph a function
Optimization problems, business applications
Exponential and log functions, derivs. and applics.
The definite integral, finding areas under curves


Expect to spend at least 2 hours outside of class for each hour in class!
That's a minimum of 6-8 hours per week for homework, reviewing notes, going
to the math lab, studying with friends, and asking questions at my office hours.
You can include listening to my podcast as a way of augmenting your usual studies.

Math 191 - Precalculus [ go to top of page ]

Subjects (Math 191):

Math 192 - First-semester Calculus [ go to top of page ]

[ Subjects | Homework | Quizzes + Tests | Extra Credit ]

WZGrapher - a free (windows) function grapher at www.walterzorn.com
A versatile color customizable grapher/calculation engine (written in C.)
Great tool for calculus students! (if you have a Mac use Grapher in Applications>Utilities)

Subjects (Math 192): [ pdf of course outline ]

. . . * Brief review of algebra, precalculus, and trigonometry
. . . * Introduction to graphing calculators and Mathematica
. . . * Discussion of functions, limits, and graphs
. . . * Secant and tangent lines, the slope of a curve
. . . * The derivative of a function and its interpretations
. . . * Differentiation rules: sum, product, quotient, chain rules
. . . * Curve sketching and analysis, computer-assisted graphing
. . . * Applications: max-min problems
. . . * Implicit functions and derivatives
. . . * Antiderivatives and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
. . . * Definite integrals; area under a curve and between curves
. . . * Applications of the integral: (if time allows) : volume, arclength, surface area, work

There will be lots of group work in class and some projects outside of class.
Expect to spend at least 2-3 hours outside of class for each hour in class!
That's a minimum of 10-15 hours per week for homework, reviewing notes,
going to the math lab, studying with friends, and asking questions at my office hours.
You can include listening to my podcast as a way of augmenting your usual studies.

Homework and Quizzes (Math 192): [ back to Math 192 ]

We will use the WileyPLUS computer-based homework, quizzes and gradebook features
Homework will be 20% of your semester grade and quizzes will be 10% of your grade.

Check back at this spot late this weekend for specific WileyPLUS login instructions.
If you are enrolled in the class you can follow directions from the class handout.
I'll provide a link and further instructions later this weekend before Jan 19.

From time to time I'll assign paper problems, in class and/or in this very webspot.
Show the question, steps, and answer for each problem. Please staple and label front page upper
right with your name, 'Math 192, Bach', time of class, and include section numbers from book.

Tests (Math 192): [ back to Math 192 ]

We will have FOUR "tests" (60 min) during the semester. Each will cover 2 or 3 chapters
and count 10% of your semester grade. Test dates announced at least a week in advance,
in class and on this site.

Extra Credit (Math 192): [ back to Math 192 ]

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Try my ProblemOfTheWeek contest! (1 pt per prob attempted)
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Listen to any of my podcasts and summarize its content in your own words
(most of 1 page each; 1 pt per podcast; max. 8 for semester)

Math 193 - Second-semester Calculus - Fall 2009 [ go to top of page ]

[ Subjects | SAMPLE PROBLEMS | Slope Fields ]

Subjects (Math 193): . . . back to math193

* Brief review of first-semester calculus; * Review of u-substitution; * Introduction to Mathematica; * Geometry and Physics Integrals: Volumes, Work; * Integration by parts , using integral tables; * Numerical integration, error analysis; * Improper integrals, the Gamma function; * Infinite series and Power series; * Taylor Series and Function approximation; * Introduction to Differential Equations; * Slope Fields, Solution Curves, Euler's Method; * Polar Coordinates Curves & Areas; * Parametric Equations . . . Conic Sections.




Math 292 - Third-semester Calculus - Spring 2010 [ go to top of page ]

Subjects (Math 292): [ pdf of course outline ]

* Review of calculus I and II (2 days max)
* Introduction to Mathematica
* The xyz-coordinate system; points, vectors, lines, planes
* Parametric curves in 2D and 3D; arclength, curvature
* Functions of two variables; surfaces and partial derivatives
* Level curves and gradient vectors
* Double and triple integrals; area, volume, surface area
* Cylindrical and spherical coordinates
* Vector fields, Line Integrals, Green's Theorem, related topics

Expect to spend at least 2-3 hours outside of class for each hour in class!
That's a minimum of 10-15 hours per week for homework, reviewing notes, going
to the math lab, studying with friends, and asking questions at my office hours.

Homework #1 / Chapter 11 Review, 12.1--12.4 / Due Weds Feb 3, 2010

Chap 11 Review # 5 , 6 , 11 , 12 , 16 , 21 , 26 , 31 , 40 , 45 , 52
Section 12.1 # 1 , 4 ; 5 , 10 , 15 , . . . , 45 (by 5's)
Section 12.2 # 2 ; 5 , 10 , 15 , . . . , 55 (by 5's)
Section 12.3 # 1 , 2 ; 3 , 6 , 9 , . . . , 39 (by 3's)
Section 12.4 # 2 ; 3 , 6 , 9 , . . . , 39 (41 , 42 optional)

Tests (Math 292):

We will have FOUR "tests" (60 min) during the semester.
Each will cover about 1.5 or 2 chapters and count 10% of your semester grade.
Test dates announced at least a week in advance, in class and on this site.

Problem of the Week [ go to top of page ]

Extra Credit for DVC Students! [ go to top of page ]

For latest extra credit opportunities, click your course at top of this page !
Also check out the Problem of the Week page.

The World of Mathematica [ go to top of page ]

Unravel your math problems!

What is Mathematica?

It's a powerful symbolic, numerical, and graphical computer algebra system.
It's like a super-grapher-calulator-equation-processor with live mathematical content.
It's the hottest thing to come along since the slide rule.
And I drew these four cool pictures in Mathematica using 3D trigonometry!

Math 170

In Fall 1997, I initiated and taught a Short course in Mathematica, at
Diablo Valley College, (four 2-hr classes). It was repeated in 1998 and 2000.
Click for more information on the workings of Mathematica (with examples and pictures!)
and for my own history with Mathematica. e-mail me if you have any questions about
Mathematica or want me to repeat the mini-course.

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Prealgebra Textbook [ go to top of page ]

I co-wrote a book: PREALGEBRA, Mathematics for a Variable World,
(Daniel Bach and Patricia Leitner, 3rd Edition, 2006, McGraw-Hill). This book bridges the gap
between a background in arithmetic and the abstractions of algebra.
It is quite well-reviewed and widely used, including "Math 75" classes at DVC!

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Resume Request?

Please request resume information via
e-mail, stating your needs and questions!

resume@dansmath.com
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[ home | info | meet dan | lessons | matica | ask dan | prob of wk ]

Dan's Math Podcast Dan's Prealgebra Textbook	Problem of the Week Free Online Math Lessons
Dan's Favorite Links Sample Questions and Answers	Dan's DVC History DVC College Website