MB Applied Math 40S study plan
MB Applied Math 40S · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Financial Mathematics
Set up a formula sheet covering compound interest, present value, future value, and annuity notation, then rewrite each formula from memory daily
Compute future value and present value for lump-sum investments using both nominal and effective annual rates
Convert between nominal annual rates and effective annual rates at least ten times, explaining each step in writing
Solve five problems comparing two investment options and justify which is better using numeric results
Your checkpoint
A one-page formula sheet plus a 10-problem worked set on lump-sum and rate-conversion problems, all answers checked against a calculator and errors corrected in red
Financial Mathematics
Derive the future value of an ordinary annuity formula from a timeline diagram
Compute payments, number of periods, and interest rate for ordinary annuities with at least eight mixed problems
Distinguish annuity due from ordinary annuity and adjust calculations for timing of payments
Build an amortization table for a loan by hand for the first six payments and verify with a calculator
Your checkpoint
A hand-built six-row amortization table with a written reconciliation showing total payments equal principal plus total interest
Financial Mathematics & Probability and Statistics
Solve mortgage, car loan, and credit card payoff problems, identifying which variable is unknown in each
Calculate total interest paid over the life of a loan and compare to the principal borrowed
Define sample space, event, complement, and mutually exclusive events in your own words
Compute classical and empirical probabilities from given data sets, converting counts to probabilities correctly
Your checkpoint
A loan comparison report of 300 words plus calculations comparing a 3-year and 5-year car loan, including total interest and monthly payment differences
Probability and Statistics
Apply the multiplication and addition rules to solve compound probability problems, including dependent events
Compute conditional probabilities and verify results using a two-way table
Construct tree diagrams for two-stage experiments and compute branch and total probabilities
Compute expected value and interpret it in a decision-making context such as insurance or a game
Your checkpoint
A two-way table and tree diagram set for three scenarios, with expected values computed and a written interpretation of each result
Probability and Statistics & Relations and Functions
Compute mean, median, mode, range, and standard deviation for small data sets by hand and with technology
Interpret a normal distribution using the empirical rule and calculate z-scores and percentiles
Identify domain, range, intercepts, and asymptotes of linear, quadratic, and exponential functions from equations
Model a growth or decay situation with an exponential function and explain the role of each parameter
Your checkpoint
A statistics and functions portfolio containing five data sets analyzed for center and spread plus three graphed models with written parameter interpretations
Relations and Functions
Sketch linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions accurately without technology
Solve equations arising from function models, including exponential equations using logarithms
Translate a word problem into a function model and state the reasonable domain for the context
Compare linear and exponential growth over time and justify which model fits a given data pattern
Your checkpoint
A 10-question modeling test you write yourself, with full solutions and a one-paragraph reflection on the errors you made while solving it
Trigonometry
Convert between degrees and radians fluently and locate angles in all four quadrants
Solve right triangles using sine, cosine, and tangent ratios, including real-world elevation problems
Apply the sine law and cosine law to non-right triangles, selecting the correct law each time
Sketch sine and cosine graphs and identify amplitude, period, and phase shift from equations
Your checkpoint
A worked set of eight triangle problems, four requiring the sine law and four the cosine law, each with a labeled diagram and a reason for the law chosen
Geometry and Measurement & Trigonometry
Compute perimeter, area, surface area, and volume for composite two- and three-dimensional figures
Solve scale-factor problems involving similarity and explain how area and volume scale with length
Apply trigonometric ratios to solve measurement problems involving angles of elevation and depression
Complete two timed mixed-domain practice sets and analyze which domains cost the most time
Your checkpoint
A timed 60-minute mixed practice test scored by domain, with a written error log listing each mistake, its cause, and the corrected method
Milestones
Week 2: Complete a closed-book quiz on compound interest and annuities, scoring at least 80 percent, with all missed formulas rewritten from memory
Week 4: Explain the difference between nominal and effective rates, and between independent and dependent events, in writing without notes, then verify with a self-made five-question quiz
Week 6: Score at least 75 percent on a self-made mixed test covering financial math, probability, and functions, and confirm every error is logged with a cause
Week 8: Score at least 80 percent on a full-length timed practice exam across all five domains, with at least 70 percent in each individual domain