Math 301 Fundamentals of Mathematics Fall 2021

Proof Portfolio

Over the course of the semester you will create a portfolio of mathematical writing. The portfolio will consist of 9 entries: 6 formal mathematical proofs and 3 other expository entries. Proofs will come from a list of portfolio problems (in development). The other entries will be responses to reading an expository article on mathematics, an older mathematics article, and some modern matheamtics. Details are below.

The portfolio entries should be written using LaTeX. This is free, open source software, so you can download it onto your personal computers (which I can help you with). You can also make use of the computers in certain labs. Examples, links to software sources, and templates are posted below.

The class after a portfolio proof is due will be a peer-review day. You will read portfolio proofs and make suggestions for how they could be improved. This may mean correcting spelling or grammar, but the focus should be on the mathematical content. We will (collectively) develop a rubric to use when evaluating proofs. Comments and suggestions will be returned to the authors, who will then revise their proofs before turning in a final draft for grading. The final draft is due by 5:00 PM on the following class day (Monday, Wednesday, or Friday).

I will be evaluating the final proofs using the same rubric, so your honest critiques should help your classmates earn better grades (don't go easy on each other). At the end of the semester you will compile the portfolio entries into one document (again using LaTeX). This gives you one last chance to revise your proofs and other portfolio entries before they get a final grade.

LaTeX resources:

First LaTeX assignment (the pre-portfolio entry):

Create a LaTeX document that compiles to make a pdf with your name, the date, and the LaTeX logo (\LaTeX). Due 9/10.

Expository entry 1:

Read and respond to an expository article on mathematics. Choose one of the following readings. Due 9/17.

Readings:

Write (using LaTeX) a paragraph or two (about a half page total) in response to the reading. Questions to help guide your response:

Expository entry 2:

Read and respond to a mathematician writing informally about mathematics. Choose one of the following readings. Due 10/4.

Readings:

Write (using LaTeX) a paragraph or two (about a half page total) in response to the reading. Answer the same questions as for expository entry 1 and compare with your first reading where applicable.

Expository entry 3:

Read and respond to a formal mathematics article. Read one of the following short articles from the The American Mathematical Monthy. Answer the same questions as for the first expository entry and compare and contrast with the article you read for portfolio entry 1. Due 12/10.

Readings:

Portfolio proofs:

Prove one statement from each section. This will give you 6 in total. Deadlines:

Final portfolio:

Revise your 9 portfolio entries and assemble them into one cohesive document. Use the template (tex) and (pdf) as a guide. Due by 4:00 PM on Thursday, December 16.

Links and class resources

Office hours (in person by default, virtual by request)

Last updated 1/11/2021