CSTP 1108: Applied Mathematics
Effective date
September 2022
Department
Computer Systems Tech Diploma
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
In this course, students gain a strong mathematical foundation for future technical and programming courses. This course deals with linear systems of equations and various common function types and their properties. Students will learn how to solve linear equations and how to draw graphs of common functions such as polynomials, periodic, logarithmic, and exponential functions.
Computers use binary numbers to represent all data. Students learn how different data types (integers, characters, and floating point numbers) are represented in computers. Students learn to apply math concepts to solve real life or technology-related problems. This course also covers the importance of mathematical logic and logical reasoning for proving a concept and theorem.
The emphasis in the course is not mathematical rigour. The goal is understanding and using these concepts in common cases, and learning is example-driven.
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain different types of functions commonly used in software development
- Demonstrate the ability to convert numbers from one base to another
- Demonstrate the ability to draw the general graph of a function using its properties
- Solve a linear system of equations with at most 3 unknowns
- Describe how integer and floating point numbers are represented digitally
- Describe how text characters are represented in computer programs
- Describe how to solve a linear system of equations
- Describe how to use recursion to prove an idea
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 30
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 10
Total Hours: 40
Instructional Strategies
Instructional strategies include classroom lectures, demonstrations, group discussions, computer lab and hands-on practical work, and online sessions.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Evaluation Plan
Type
|
Percentage
|
Assessment activity
|
Assignments
|
50
|
assignments
|
Midterm Exam
|
25
|
|
Final Exam
|
25
|
|
Course topics
- Function types: polynomials, power, exponential, logarithmic
- Matrices: addition, multiplication, inverse
- Systems of linear equations: solving using the graphical, substitution and elimination methods. Introduction to matrices and Gauss-Jordan elimination.
Matrices: matrix operations, determinants and Cramer's Rule.
- Positional numeration system, Decimal vs Binary vs Hexadecimal system.
Their use in computer systems: Memory address in Ram (Hexadecimal)
- Graphing of Linear, quadratic, and cubic functions. How to find Maximum and minimum of quadratic function. Concept of Related Changes.
- Base-n arithmetic. Converting from base 2 to 10 and to 16, vice versa.
Boolean algebra: truth table,
- Number and character representation in computer software. Numbers addition overflow, subtraction underflow, 2's complement integer representation.
- Recursion and Induction: two powerful methods of defining objects, proving concepts, and implementing programs.
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/.
- To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.