Maple Assisted
Problem Solving
(MAPS)

Your success in College Algebra this semester is our primary concern!

We believe if you will use the materials presented in the web-based interactive learning supplement using Maple TA you will be successful; we can almost guarantee it! Further, we believe these study materials and suggestions provide a sound foundation for your success in your biological sciences major and in learning mathematics in future courses.

The MAPS Learning Supplement is based on the belief that all students can master College Algebra given proper prerequisites, coursework materials, support, and your commitment to try to learn. The MAPS Learning Supplement has been designed and developed to provide proper coursework materials from the biological sciences to supplement the text and to provide you with guidance and support in learning College Algebra. Ultimately, however, it depends on your commitment to try to learn College Algebra. If you do not use the MAPS Learning Supplement and do not do the homework and do not attend class each time it meets and do not really care to study, then no Learning Supplement, no matter how good the materials are, can help you learn and, hence, pass College Algebra.

The components of the MAPS Learning Supplement are:

* Suggestions for How to Study Math
* Materials to Help you Use the TI-83 Graphing Calculator
* Web-based interactive homework supplement


Good Luck!


Douglas B. Aichele
Alan V. Noell

Part 1: How to Study Math (SM-numbered pages)

• Transition from High School to College Mathematics (SM-1)
• Trying (SM-2)
• Asking Questions (SM-3)
• Two-hour Study Guideline (SM-3)

• Study Tips (SM-4)
• How to Read your Mathematics Textbook Properly (SM-4)
• The Proper Use of the College Algebra Learning Aids (SM-6)

• The Language of Mathematics (SM-7)
• Techniques with Names, Laws, Properties, and Theorems with Names (SM-8)
• Should I Bother with Studying Proofs? (SM-10)
• Solutions in the Text and in Class (SM-11)
• Mistakes which Frequently Occur in College Algebra (SM-11)
• Your Instructor (SM-20)

• How to Prepare for an Exam (SM-21)
• How To Prepare For A Comprehensive Final Exam (SM-23)
• How to Take an Exam (SM-24)

Part 2: How to Use the TI-83 Graphing Calculator (GC-numbered pages)

• Introduction to Your TI-83 Graphing Calculator (GC-1)
• Entering Functions for Graphing (GC-2)
• Using the "Set-Up" Program: FACSU (GC-4)
• Running a Program Stored in the Calculator (GC-5)
• Transferring Programs Using "Memory Backup" (GC-6)
• Passing Programs Between Calculators (GC-7)
• Displaying Results in Fractional Form (GC-8)
• Graphing a Single Inequality (GC-10)
• Graphing Two Inequalities (GC-11)
• Finding the Distance Between Two Points (GC-12)
• Finding the Midpoint Between Two Points (GC-13)
• Solving Quadratic Equations (GC-14)
• Graphing Parabolas in Standard Form (GC-15)
• Graphing Circles in Standard Form (GC-16)
• Graphing Conic Sections in General Form (no xy-term) (GC-17)
• Graphing Ellipses in Standard Form (GC-19)
• Graphing Hyperbolas in Standard Form (GC-20)
• Graphing "Piecewise" Defined Functions (GC-21)
• Entering Statistical Data (GC-22)
• Clearing Data from a List (GC-24)
• Viewing Scatter Plots of L1 (X-Values) vs L2 (Y-Values) (GC-25)
• Exploring Seven Regression Models (GC-26)

Part 3: Web-based Interactive Homework Supplement

• Web-based Homework Supplement