Course Syllabus
This course introduces the student to techniques of algebra, and trigonometry necessary for the study of calculus as well as quantitative courses in allied disciplines. Topics to be covered include advanced topics in algebra, analytic geometry of straight lines and conic sections, analytic trigonometry, exponential and logarithmic functions, Not open to students who have completed MTH 2000, 2002T, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2206, 2207, 2610, 2011, 2630, or any mathematics course at the 3000 level or above.
LEARNING GOALS OF COURSE:
- Identify and interpret properties of functions such as zeros, asymptotes, and end-behavior.
- Analyze, graph and apply transformations to various types of function.
- Perform algebraic operations on exponential and logarithmic functions as needed in problems.
- Solve equations involving polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions.
- Model phenomena such as growth/decay, compound interest, and physical intensities, using exponential and logarithmic functions. Solve related equations by applying rules of exponential and logarithmic functions.
- Verify and apply trigonometric identities.
- Apply trigonometric functions to the study of periodic phenomena.
RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS:
Precalculus: An Investigation of Functions, D. Lippman and M. Rasmussen, 2nd edition, 2017.
Precalculus, J. Abramson, V. Falduto and R. Grosss, OpenStax, 2014.
ASSIGNMENTS & ASSESSMENTS:
- Weekly homework (35%)
- Each problem set will be submitted via MyOpenMath.com. More details to come.
- Participation in problem sessions (15%)
- Lectures will be delivered in person. Every week, we will engage in problem-solving sessions. Your attendance and participation are required in order to receive points in this category.
- Midterm exam (20%)
- This will take place around week 7.
- Final exam (30%)
- A cumulative assessment administered during finals week. It will consist of true/false questions and conceptual/computational problems. Please see the academic calendar for the time and date. I will also post a reminder as the date approaches.
- End-of-semester student feedback survey (+5 points to the final exam)
- At the end of the term, I will share a Google Form survey for this course. This provides an opportunity for you to give valuable feedback on your learning that is honest and constructive. This anonymous feedback will help me consider modifications to the course that will help future students learn more effectively. If at least 75% of the class completes the form, then I will give everyone 5 extra points on the final.
GRADING SCALE
| Letter Grade | Grade Point Equivalent | Percentage Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| A | 4.0 | 93.0 – 100.0 |
| A- | 3.7 | 90.0 – 92.9 |
| B+ | 3.3 | 87.1 – 89.9 |
| B | 3.0 | 83.0 – 87.0 |
| B- | 2.7 | 80.0 – 82.9 |
| C+ | 2.3 | 77.1 – 79.9 |
| C | 2.0 | 73.0 – 77.0 |
| C- | 1.7 | 70.1 – 72.9 |
| D+ | 1.3 | 67.1 – 69.9 |
| D | 1.0 | 60.0 – 67.0 |
| F | 0.0 | Below 60.0 |
COLLABORATION & AI POLICIES:
You are highly encouraged to collaborate with your peers on the homework assignments. However, you must write your own solutions. Do not use ChatGPT or the alike for solving problems. Learning mathematics requires repetition and writing out the details yourself. AI could be used to describe concepts in a different light, but not to solve problems for you. I trust and value your Academic Honesty.
LATE POLICY:
Please email me if you need an accommodation or extension. Otherwise, late work will not be accepted.
