Welcome
MTH 185
Precalculus
Syllabus
Fall 2018 – Spring 2019
Instructor: Larry Latona
MTH 185 - Precalculus
3 Credits
Prerequisites: Trigonometry
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is a pre-calculus study of the real number system, equations and systems of equations, inequalities, and functions with a focus on the use of functions in mathematical modeling. Functions studied include linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Topics in the time-value of money are also included. The course cannot be applied toward a mathematics major, minor, or education concentration. Consult with a member of the mathematics faculty for placement advising.
Rationale: Elementary functions are widely used to model physical, social, and mathematical phenomena. The educated person should have a familiarity with the commonly used functions studied in this course as a tool for understanding and evaluating models presented in a variety of disciplines and contexts. The course also provides students lacking adequate preparation the requisite skills and knowledge to succeed in calculus where these models are further developed through the study of rates of change.
COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Mathematical Content: Students will acquire familiarity with elementary and trigonometric functions including:
a. Concepts related to functions: function, range, domain, one-to-one, inverse function, composition of functions.
b. Properties of their graphs and of transformations of their graphs including limiting behavior.
c. Ability to evaluate functions (with the aid of a calculator as indicated).
d. Algebraic proficiency in manipulating expressions involving elementary and trigonometric functions.
e. Calculating average rates of change and approximating instantaneous rate of change.
f. Solving equations involving related functions.
g. Ability to apply exponential and logarithmic functions to solve problems using formulae for the time-value of money (compound interest, simple annuities, and amortization).
h. Apply trigonometry to solving angle and side relations in triangles.
i. Apply trigonometric identities to derive additional identities and to simplify rates of change.
2. Modeling:
a. Students will be exposed to the application of elementary and trigonometric functions in a variety of contexts.
b. Students will complete a number of short modeling assignments
c. Students will evaluate the reasonableness of models presented on the basis of assumptions underlying the model and reasonableness of the conclusions.
d. Students will use models presented/developed to make predictions.
3. Technology
a. In addition to learning to sketch graphs without electronic aids, students will use a computer algebra system and/or graphing calculators to graph functions on at least one assignment.
b. Students will use graphing calculators to explore properties of elementary and trigonometric functions and to develop mathematical models given relevant data (e.g. using computing tools to determine regression curves).
A note on tests (exams): While each test is cumulative, the bulk of the material on each exam is on material covered in class since the previous exam. If an exam contains a problem similar to a previous exam or quiz question, your score on that item (if better) may replace the previous score.
Assessment of Grades: Class work/Homework/Notebook 15%, Quizzes 35%, Tests 50%
The final grade for the year will be an average of the four-quarter term grades and the Finney final exam, which counts for 20% of the final grade.
COURSE OUTLINE
Book : Advanced mathematical Concepts , Merrill
General Course Assignments (subject to change): Expect homework from each section we cover. There will be at least 1 quiz in each chapter and 1 test. We cover approximately 8 chapters.
Chapter 1 Relations, Functions, and Graphs
Chapter 2 Systems of Equations and Inequalities
Chapter 5 The Trigonometric Functions
Chapter 7 Trigonometric Identities and Equations
Chapter 8 Vectors and Parametric Equations
Chapter 9 Polar Coordinates and Complex Numbers
Chapter 10 Conics
Chapter 11 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Intro to Calculus
COURSE POLICIES
OUR LEARNING COMMUNITY/RESPECT FOR DIVERSITY STATEMENT
As a Christian college, Roberts Wesleyan College seeks to create an inclusive learning community that recognizes and values human diversity as a reflection of the Kingdom of God, esteems all people, and prepares students to serve in a global environment. Faculty and students alike are expected to contribute to a classroom environment in which all individuals feel safe, welcomed, valued, and respected, and diverse perspectives can be shared, heard, and examined critically.
EXPECTED CLASSROOM BEHAVIORS
Educating students in professional values and behaviors occurs inside and outside the classroom at Roberts Wesleyan College. Examples of expected classroom behaviors that exhibit professional behaviors and values include:
· Respect for others, including other students, faculty, and staff,
· Personal integrity and ethical behaviors such as honesty, trustworthiness and academic integrity *,
· Personal responsibility exhibited by:
o attendance, punctuality, and dependability
o acting and speaking appropriately
o coming prepared for class and course related activities
o participating in classroom activities
· Commitment and ability to work collaboratively with others
· Professional demeanor
· Commitment to personal and professional growth
· Listening with an open mind and learning from constructive feedback.
*See Academic Integrity Policy below for additional guidance on academic integrity
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY STATEMENT
Roberts Wesleyan College seeks to promote personal and intellectual integrity within the academic community. Honesty and trustworthiness are notonly fundamental principles of the Judeo-Christian tradition, but essential practices within academe. The following behaviors are, therefore,unacceptable:
· Cheating in its various forms: e.g.,
o Copying another student’s work
o Allowing work to be copied
o Using unauthorized aids on an examination
o Obtaining any part of an examination prior to its administration
o Fabricating research data
o Submitting another person’s work as one’s own
o Receiving credit falsely for attendance at a required class or activity
· Plagiarizing (i.e. presenting someone else’s words or specific ideas as one’s own, including inadequate documentation of sources andexcessive dependence on the language of sources even when documented). All quoted material and ideas taken from published material, electronicmedia, and format interviews must be cited: direct quotations must be enclosed in quotation marks. Therefore, whether quoting or paraphrasing,include an appropriate reference to the source (in-text citation) and a Reference page. Refer to the APA Manual for proper citation formats; consultthe instructor regarding preferred citation style. (American Psychological Association—APA.).
· Violating copyright laws and license agreements, including but not limited to:
o Making illegal single copies of music or other print materials
o Making and/or distributing multiple copies of printed, copyrighted materials without written permission
o Making and/or distributing unauthorized copies of computer software
and/or digital information
· Denying others appropriate access to information in the classroom, library or laboratory including but not limitedto:
o Removing pages from books or journals
o Hiding or intentionally damaging materials or electronic information
· Destroying, altering, or tampering with someone else’s work.
· Submitting the same or similar work for more than one course or assignment without prior approval from theprofessors.
Students who violate the Academic Integrity Policy shall be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the Student Handbook and FacultyHandbook.
CLASS ATTENDANCE
Students are expected to attend all sessions of the courses for which they are registered.
All excuses for class absence should be presented to the instructor in advance when possible. Make-up of work missed can then be arranged. Absences for college-sponsored activities, including athletic participation and field trips, both on and off-campus, are regarded as excused, and all work may be made up without penalty. Unavoidable absence due to documented illness, death of a close relative, or other emergency beyond the control of the student is excusable and the work missed may be made up.