MATH 1536 Course Page
Geometry and the Mathematics of Design
MATH 1536 is offered in the Spring semester only.
A standard first-year mathematics sequence for architecture majors. Mathematical models of real-world problems, including discrete and continuous models, that address relevant global challenges in such areas as urban planning, building construction, and home design. Vectors in the plane and space, descriptive and projective geometry, differential and integral calculus, applications for 2- and 3-dimensional design and construction, including areas, volumes, centroids, and optimization. (3H,3C)
Prerequistes: 2 units of high school algebra and 1 unit of high school geometry.
| Chapter | Section | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Vectors in the Plane | |
| 1.1.1 | Geometric and Algebraic Vectors | |
| 1.1.2 | Addition, Subtraction, and Scalar Multiplication | |
| 1.1.3 | Magnitude and Unit Vector | |
| 1.2 | Vectors in Space | |
| 1.2.1 | Vectors and Operations | |
| 1.2.2 | Vectors and Unit Cube | |
| 1.3 | Dot Product | |
| 1.3.1 | Dot Product Definition | |
| 1.3.2 | Angle Between Two Vectors | |
| 1.3.3 | Orthogonal Vectors | |
| 1.4 | Cross Product | |
| 1.4.1 | Cross Product Definition | |
| 1.4.2 | Parallel and Coplanar Vectors | |
| 1.4.3 | Areas and Volumes | |
| 1.4.4 | Special Area Rules | |
| 1.5 | Planes | |
| 1.5.1 | Normal Vector | |
| 1.5.2 | Equation of a Plane | |
| 1.5.3 | Angle Between Planes | |
| 1.5.4 | Distance Between Parallel Planes | |
| 1.6 | Lines in Space | |
| 1.6.1 | Equations of a Line in Space | |
| 1.6.2 | Intersection of Lines and Planes |
| Chapter | Section | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | Descriptive Geometry | |
| 2.1.1 | Orthogonal Projections | |
| 2.1.2 | Projecting Onto 2-D View Planes | |
| 2.1.3 | Constructing 3-D Objects from View Planes | |
| 2.1.4 | Projecting Polygons and Intersecting Lines | |
| 2.1.5 | Projecting Lines Intersecting Polygons | |
| 2.2 | Projective Geometry in 2-D | |
| 2.2.1 | Introduction | |
| 2.2.2 | Cross Ratios | |
| 2.2.3 | Complete Quadrilaterals | |
| 2.3 | Projective Geometry in 3-D | |
| 2.3.1 | One Point Perspective | |
| 2.3.2 | Two Point Perspective | |
| 2.3.3 | Three Point Perspective |
| Chapter | Section | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| 3.1 | Functions and Tangent Lines | |
| 3.1.1 | Function Basics | |
| 3.1.2 | Tangent Lines | |
| 3.1.3 | Limiting Process | |
| 3.2 | Derivatives | |
| 3.2.1 | Derivative Definition | |
| 3.2.2 | Basic Derivative Rules | |
| 3.2.3 | Chain Rule | |
| 3.2.4 | Constant Multiple and Sum Rules | |
| 3.2.5 | Product Rule | |
| 3.3 | Derivative Applications | |
| 3.3.1 | Solving Problems with Derivatives | |
| 3.3.2 | Local Extrema | |
| 3.3.3 | Optimization |
| Chapter | Section | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| 4.1 | Approximating Areas | |
| 4.1.1 | Approximate Areas Visually | |
| 4.1.2 | Polygon and Circle Areas | |
| 4.1.3 | Riemann Sums | |
| 4.2 | Integrals | |
| 4.2.1 | Antiderivatives | |
| 4.2.2 | Definite Integral | |
| 4.2.3 | Definite Integral Properties | |
| 4.2.4 | Evaluate Definite Integrals | |
| 4.2.5 | Substitution | |
| 4.3 | Areas | |
| 4.3.1 | Area Between f(x) and the X-axis | |
| 4.3.2 | Area Between Two Curves | |
| 4.4 | Centroids | |
| 4.4.1 | Finite Masses Concentrated at a Point | |
| 4.4.2 | Triangles and Rectangles | |
| 4.4.3 | Thin Flat Plates | |
| 4.5 | Volumes | |
| 4.5.1 | Prisms and Pyramids | |
| 4.5.2 | Disk/Washer Method | |
| 4.5.3 | Cylindrical Shell Method |
Check your instructor's Canvas course site for the date and time of your final exam.
During any Spring Semester, see the Timetable of classes for information on current offerings of MATH 1536.
Note: Quizzes, projects, and written work are taken at home unsupervised, and midterm exams will take place in class during normal lecture time.
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“As a Hokie, I will conduct myself with honor and integrity at all times. I will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor will I accept the actions of those who do.”
Students enrolled in this course are responsible for abiding by the Honor Code. A student who has doubts about how the Honor Code applies to any assignment is responsible for obtaining specific guidance from the course instructor before submitting the assignment for evaluation. Ignorance of the rules does not excuse any member of the University community from the requirements and expectations of the Honor Code.
For additional information about the Honor Code, please visit https://www.honorsystem.vt.edu/
If you need extra help with course materials:
- Check your course Canvas site for your instructor's office hours.
- Visit the Mathematics Department Tutoring Information Page.
If you are currently enrolled in MATH 1536, you can contact your instructor through your Canvas course website.