Bloch, Ethan, "Proofs and Fundamentals: A First Course in Abstract Mathematics," 2nd ed., Springer, 2010
What is Math 261:
This course is an introduction to the methodology of mathematical proof, and to fundamental topics that are used throughout mathematics. Topics for writing proofs include the logic of compound and quantified statements, direct proof, proof by contradiction and mathematical induction. Fundamental mathematical topics include basic set theory, functions, relations and cardinality.
The minimal prerequisite is a mathematics course at the level of Calculus 2 (Math 142); a mathematics course at the level of Linear Algebra (Math 242) or Vector Calculus (Math 255) is preferred.
If you are unsure whether Math 261 is an appropriate course for you, please consult with the instructor.
Google Classroom and Email:
All the needed information for this class will be available at the Google Classroom site for this class, on the Classwork page. You will be invited to joint this Google Classroom site at the start of the semester.
All homework assignments will be posted, and submitted, at the Google Classroom site.
Urgent announcements may be sent out via campus email, so make sure you either check your Bard email regularly or have your Bard email forwarded to the email address of your choice.
Calculators, Computers and Electronic Devices:
Use of a computer will be needed after the midterm exam for typing the homework in LaTeX, which will be required for all homework assignments after that exam, and which may be used optionally for homework assignments starting with Chapter 2 in the textbook.
No prior knowledge of LaTeX is needed – it will be discussed in class.
Calculators are not needed for this class.
Electronic devices, including cell phones, tablets and laptop computers, may be used during class only for reasons related to the class, for example as calculators, to take notes or to read the text.
Texting, messaging and using social media is not allowed during class.
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