ECO: Introduction to Precalculus, Summer 2025 (OMSA102.2.SUMMER2025ASE)
Course Information.
Course Blackboard.
Instructor:
Debanshu Ghosh
Mail: dghosh5@ur.rochester.edu
Office: Hylan 910.
Lectures: MTWTh, 11:00 AM -12 PM (Gavett 202).
Tutoring Sessions: MW, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM (Hylan 201).
Workshop (Mandatory): MW, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM (Hylan 201).
Office Hours: MW, right after class in Gavett 202 until 11:30, or by appointment.
Course Description: This course is your gentle introduction to university mathematics. Think of it as a prep camp for the mathematical hike ahead. We’ll take a fresh look at topics like polynomials, rational expressions, functions, and graphs—not just to “review” them, but to understand how they all fit together. This is a space where it’s okay to ask questions, revisit concepts you may have rushed through before, and explore ideas without pressure: no rush, no fear—just steady building.
Learning Outcomes: By the time we wrap up, you’ll be able to:
Confidently solve and simplify algebraic expressions and equations.
Understand and sketch graphs of key functions, identifying trends such as increases, decreases, peaks, and valleys.
Grasp what makes a function invertible and what that even means.
Use your math intuition to break down real-world problems and translate them into equations.
This journey is about strengthening your foundation. Because with a solid start, the rest of the climb becomes not just doable, but exciting.
Attendance and Course Access: Attendance is not mandatory but graded. Handwritten notes will be provided to support your learning.
Textbook: I will follow OpenStax's Algebra and Trigonometry and Precalculus by James Stewart for this course.
Grading: Attendance (10%), Class Participation (15%), Homework (25%), Quiz (20%), Final (30%).
See the course information for more details.
Exam and Homework Schedule:
Quiz: One in-class quiz every Monday starting with week 2 (Total of three quizzes).
Homework: Due every Monday at midnight (a Total of 4 homework assignments).
Midterm: No midterm for this class.
Final: July 31st, the last day of the class.
Course Timeline: The schedule is tentative and subject to change.
Week 1
• Monday: Algebra Essentials
• Tuesday: Exponents
• Wednesday: Radicals and Rational Exponents
• Thursday: Polynomials and Factoring
Week 2
• Monday: Rational Expressions and HW 1 due (Quiz 1)
• Tuesday: Linear and Quadratic Equations
• Wednesday: Quadratic and other Equations
• Thursday: Inequalities I
Week 3
• Monday: Inequalities II and HW 2 due (Quiz 2)
• Tuesday: Coordinates
• Wednesday: Lines
• Thursday: Functions I
Week 4
• Monday: Functions II and HW 3 due (Quiz 3)
• Tuesday: Functions III
• Wednesday: Review
• Thursday: Final Exam. HW 4 due
Lecture notes: Algebra Essentials, Exponents, Radicals, Polynomials, Equations, Inequalities, Coordinates, Functions.
Workshops: W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, W6.
Quiz and Final: Quiz 1 [Sol], Quiz 2 [Sol], Quiz 3 [Sol], Final [Sol].