ECO: Introduction to Precalculus, Summer 2026 

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 (Optional): 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 12:30, or by appointment. 

Course Description: This course is your gentle introduction to calculus. 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. 

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 30th, the last day of the class.

Course Timeline:  The schedule is tentative and subject to change.

Week 1

• Monday [July 6th]: Algebra Essentials

• Tuesday: Exponents

• Wednesday: Radicals and Rational Exponents

• Thursday: Polynomials and Factoring

Week 2

• Monday [July 13]: Rational Expressions and (Quiz 1)

• Tuesday: Linear and Quadratic Equations I HW 1 due 

• Wednesday: Quadratic and other Equations II

• Thursday:  Quadratic and other Equations III

Week 3

• Monday [July 20]: Inequalities I and HW 2 due (Quiz 2)

• Tuesday: Inequalities II

• Wednesday: Coordinates and Lines

• Thursday: Functions I

Week 4

• Monday [July 27]: 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].