Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - FAN X99 D200

Foundations of Analytical and Quantitative Reasoning (4)

Class Number: 6047

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 5, 2025
    Fri, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Designed for students who need to upgrade their mathematical background in preparation for SFU Q courses. Also recommended for students who wish to refresh skills after several years away from mathematics. An in-depth look at what mathematics is; mathematical reasoning, problem solving and math study skills. Review of fundamental topics and concepts of mathematics and their real-world applications. This course aims to develop students' math study skills, confidence in their quantitative abilities, and to learn how understanding mathematics is both one of the keys to mastering other disciplines, and useful in everyday situations. Students who receive a grade less than a C on their first attempt may re-enroll. The offering of this course is for credit. Students who have taken, have received transfer credit for, or are currently taking FAN X92 or any MATH class numbered 100 or higher may not take FAN X99 for credit without the permission from the Department of Mathematics.

COURSE DETAILS:

The course uses a problem-solving approach to teach mathematical thinking and math study skills, and to introduce and review mathematical concepts. Students work in small groups under the guidance of instructors. They learn how to read and analyze mathematics problems, how to solve them, and how to present their solutions.

In particular, the following mathematics concepts are reviewed:

1. Patterns and numbers in mathematics; whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals.
2. Factoring, factors, prime numbers.
3. Exponents, factoring and simplifying algebraic expressions.
4. Mathematical language, notation, order of operations, the distributive law.
5. Fractions, decimals, and percents.
6. Linear equations and systems of linear equations.
7. Linear Inequalities.
8. Introduction to graphing and the graphical representation of data.
9. Graphing linear equations and systems of linear equations.
10. Functions, graphing functions.

Grading

  • Homework 20%
  • Quizzes 8%
  • Midterms 35%
  • Final Exam 30%
  • Portfolio/ Class Participation 7%

NOTES:

THE INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE ANY OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION.
Students should be aware that they have certain rights to confidentiality concerning the return of course papers and the posting of marks.  Please pay careful attention to the options discussed in class at the beginning of the semester.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All course materials will be provided through the course's Canvas container.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.