Back to home page

MATH 103-02. Proofs and Problem Solving. Spring 2026. 3 credits.
Section 2, MWF 2.10 - 3pm, ASB-B 213

Instructor: SANKAR SITARAMAN
ssitaraman AT howard.edu
OFFICE: 219 ASB-B (behind Locke Hall) ; (202) 806-6832 (prefer email)
OFFICE HOURS (Usually) MW 3.10pm-4pm; Call or e-mail for other times
Except for class hours I am in office most of the time.
Click here to get the latest UPDATE including homework problems, chapters covered in class, solutions for tests etc.,

SYLLABUS
SYLLABUS WITH WEEKLY SCHEDULE OF TOPICS AND EXAMS

This course is designed to:

Help mathematics majors make the transition from lower-level science and engineering oriented mathematics courses to the more advanced and abstract upper-level courses.
Provide for majors an early exposure to mathematics from the viewpoint of mathematicians.

The learning outcomes of this course are:

The application of the basic principles of problem solving.
The translation of verbal discussions into analytical arguments.
The introduction of concepts and proof techniques that are the basis of many required math courses (such as Introduction to Analysis 195/795).

This course should be taken by the mathematics major as early as possible, but not before the semester in which Calculus I is taken (MATH 156 is a co-requisite);
should precede Introduction to Analysis (MATH 195/795);
is a required course for all mathematics majors;

Among the problem-solving and proof techniques considered are the following:
induction, contradiction, exhaustion, dissection, analogy, generalization, specialization, reformulation, decomposition, recombination, and counting.

These topics are covered in the following texts.

RECOMMENDED:
Lay, Stephen, Analysis with an Introduction to Proof, Prentice Hall, 4th ed. 2005, Sections 1-8 and 11-12, including the completeness axiom.
Foulis, David and Mustafa Munem. After Calculus: Algebra, Dellen MacMillan, 1988.
Krantz, Steven, Techniques of Problem-Solving Amer. Math. Soc., 1991

REQUIRED TEXT: Lay, Stephen, Analysis with an Introduction to Proof, Prentice Hall, 4th ed, 2005
Sections: 1-8 and 10-12.

UPDATE PAGE FROM FALL 2025 WITH NOTES AND TEST SOLUTIONS
SMARTPHONE POLICY:
 WARNING: Using smartphone while studying or doing math is injurious to your math performance.
Please refrain from using smartphone in class.
Smartphone use is STRICTLY PROHIBITED during tests.
Anyone using a smartphone during a test is subject to an F grade, report to authorities or worse.

Classwork, Tests, and grading

In this course we will try to do many examples and problems. Problems will be given every class. Points will be given to those who participate and complete the problems, in collaboration with classmates and the instructor.
Exams will be announced two weeks in advance.

There will be a wikipedia assignment, worth 50 points.
There will be three exams, each worth 100 points, and two of which will count for grade. A final exam worth 100 will count towards final grade. No make-ups unless in a serious emergency.


Using external aids in exam is strictly prohibited. The Instructor will have an oral presentation in his office for any student whose exam indicates use of external resources. The exam grade will not be finalized until the oral presentation is completed.

Grading:
Total: 500 points (Classwork: 150, Wikipedia 50, Tests 200, Final: 100 )
A: 450-500
B: 400-449
C: 350-399
D: 300-349
F: Below 300

Dates to remember:
Wed, Feb 11 : Test 1
Wed, Mar 18: Test 2
Wed, Apr. 22: Test 3
May 5, 2-4pm: Final exam

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE: If you have any problems with class please contact me at my email. If we cannot resolve the issue please contact undergaduate director Dr. Sam Hopkins in math dept. If that doesn't help either please contact chairman Dr. Bourama Toni (bourama.toni AT howard, NOT bison.howard).



Academic Code of Student Conduct (please see Howard University handbook):
No copying, unauthorized use of calculators, books, or other materials, or changing of answers or other academic dishonesty will be tolerated. Cheating will not be tolerated. Anyone caught cheating will receive an F for the course and may be expelled from the university.

AMERICAN DISABILITIES ACT: Howard University is committed to providing an educational environment that is accessible to all students. In accordance with this policy, students in need of accommodations due to a disability should contact the Office of the Dean for Special Student Services (202-238-2420, bwilliams@howard.edu) for verification and determination of reasonable accommodations as soon as possible after admission and at the beginning of each semester as needed.

Statement on Interpersonal Violence: Howard University takes sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking and sexual harassment seriously. If a student reveals that he or she needs assistance with any of these issues, all responsible employees, including faculty, are required to share this information with the University Title IX Office (202-806-2550) or a student can be referred for confidential services to the Interpersonal Violence Prevention Program (IVPP) (202-238-2382) or the University Counseling Services (202-806-6870). For more information, please go to www.CampusSafetyFirst.Howard.Edu