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Syllabus for 15-151 and 21-128

Course Outline: The ability to reason logically and clearly from a set of accepted principles is fundamental not only in Mathematics, but in Life in general. In this class we will learn how to provide complete explanations of why certain things are true. We will also determine how to detect false statements and provide conclusive evidence of their falsity.

We will begin with concrete objects like numbers, sets and functions and learn to prove things about them using elementary logic. After studying a proof technique known as induction, we will explore functions and use them to classify the size of infinite sets (yes, there are different sized infinite sets).

Next we will find out how to count the number of objects that can be obtained as the result of a certain process. For example, we can count the number of distinct poker hands which have three aces and two kings or the number of different three-topping pizzas that can be made if ten toppings are available. We then tackle elementary problems concerning integers, such as factorization, divisibility and their possible applications to cryptography.

Lastly, we will study some classic topics from Discrete Math. Elementary probability will be explored in order to ascertain, for example, just how likely are we to be dealt a poker hand containing three aces and two kings. We will see that probability is related to counting and will move on to study useful topics in counting known as the pigeonhole principle and inclusion/exclusion.


Classes and Recitation Sessions: 21-128 meets MWF from 11 to 11:50 in Baker A51.

15-151 meets MWF from 1 to 1:50 in Gates 4401.

Our wonderful Teaching Assistants will also hold two weekly recitation sessions. I strongly encourage you to attend the recitation sessions as they are an integral part of the course and may cover examinable material not covered in lecture.


TA Office Hours: Click here for the calendar of Teaching Assistant Office Hours.


Mackey's Office: Gates 4005        Phone:268-1204       Email:jmackey@andrew.cmu.edu

Mackey's Office Hours: Mon 9:45-10:45, Wed 2-3, and Th 10:45-11:45

Course Website:  www.math.cmu.edu/~jmackey/151_128/welcome.html


Help: In addition to class, recitation sessions, and office hours, the University operates Peer Tutoring Centers. Individualized tutoring and other help options are also available through Academic Development.


Book: An infinite descent into pure mathematics -> https://infinitedescent.xyz/dl/infdesc.pdf
An infinite descent into pure mathematics , by Clive Newstead.


Supplemental (optional) Book: Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Mathematics , by Brendan Sullivan


Supplemental (optional) Book: Mathematical Thinking: Problem-Solving and Proofs (2nd Edition), by D'Angelo and West


Homework: Homework exercises are an essential part of the course. It is difficult to understand the material and do well on the exams without working through the homework problems in a thoughtful manner. Discussion of the homework with your peers is encouraged, but copying any part of another person's homework is not permitted. Please think about the problems posed, your strategies, and the validity of your logic and explanations.

Homework is to be submitted through Gradescope by the required due date and time. Homework that is submitted after the due date and time, but before the solutions are posted will receive half credit (with an asterisk to get full credit if the course grade is borderline). Each homework solution set that is typeset using LaTex will earn a one point bonus, beginning with the second homework assignment. If you choose to handwrite and then scan homeworks, then here is a helpful resource for scanning documents on campus: Scanning documents

Homework and Exam regrade requests must be submitted within one week of the return date.


Midterms: There will be three midterms and a cumulative final exam. The dates of the midterm exams are as follows:


Midterm 1: Wednesday, September 27

Midterm 2: Monday, October 30

Midterm 3: Monday, November 20


Calculators and other electronic devices will not be allowed during the exams.


Grading: Your course grade will be determined as follows:

Each of the two high midterm scores: 20%
The low midterm score: 10%
Homework: 20%
Final Exam: 30%


The highest possible grade cutoffs will be 90% for an A, 80% for a B, 70% for a C, and 60% for a D. These cutoffs may be lowered slightly, but will not be increased.


Wellness: Take care of yourself. Do your best to maintain a healthy lifestyle this semester by eating well, exercising, avoiding drugs and alcohol, getting enough sleep and taking some time to relax. This will help you achieve your goals and cope with stress.

All of us benefit from support during times of struggle. You are not alone. There are many helpful resources available on campus and an important part of the college experience is learning how to ask for help. Asking for support sooner rather than later is often helpful.

If you or anyone you know experiences any academic stress, difficult life events, or feelings like anxiety or depression, we strongly encourage you to seek support. Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS) is here to help: call 412-268-2922 and visit their website at http://www.cmu.edu/counseling/. Consider reaching out to a friend, faculty or family member you trust for help getting connected to the support that can help.

If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal or in danger of self-harm, call someone immediately, day or night:

CaPS: 412-268-2922

Re:solve Crisis Network: 888-796-8226

If the situation is life threatening, call the police:

On campus: CMU Police: 412-268-2323

Off campus: 911

If you have questions about this or your coursework, please let me know.


Tentative week by week schedule:

Week 1 (August 28 - September 1):

  • Introduction and Chapter 0
  • 1.1
  • 1.2

Week 2 (September 5 - 8):

  • 1.3
  • 2.1

Week 3 (September 11 - 15):

  • 2.2
  • 3.1
  • 3.2

Week 4 (September 18-22):

  • 3.2
  • 4.2
  • 4.3

First Midterm; Wednesday, September 27

Week 5 (September 25 - 29):

  • Review for Midterm
  • First Midterm
  • 4.3

Week 6 (October 2 - 6):

  • 5.1
  • 5.2
  • 7.1

Week 7 (October 9 - 13):

  • 7.1
  • 7.2
  • 7.2

Week 8 (October 23-27):

  • 7.3
  • 7.3
  • Review for Midterm

Second Midterm; Monday, October 30

Week 9 (October 30 - November 3):

  • Second Midterm
  • 6.1
  • 8.1

Week 10 (November 6 - 10):

  • 8.1
  • 8.1
  • 8.1

Week 11 (November 13 - 17):

  • 6.2
  • 6.2
  • Review for Midterm

Third Midterm; Monday, November 20

Week 12 (November 20 - 21):

  • Third Midterm

Week 13 (November 27 - December 1):

  • 9.1
  • 11.1
  • 11.1

Week 14 (December 4 - 8):

  • 11.2
  • 11.2
  • Review for Final Exam

Final Examination, Scheduled by the Registrar

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Please send comments to jmackey@andrew.cmu.edu