Syllabus
1701.122 Pre-Calculus Mathematics

CATALOG DESCRIPTION:

1701.122 Pre-Calculus Mathematics 4 s.h.
(Prerequisite: 1701.121 Intermediate Algebra or equivalent preparation: e.g. high school algebra II).

This course helps prepare students weak in Algebra for Calculus I or Calculus/T&A. The contents include: a brief review of intermediate algebra, the structure of the real number system, elementary analytic geometry, and algebraic, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions (including their inverses and related functions). Graphs of functions and conic sections also are studied. Use of a graphics calculator is required.

OBJECTIVES:

At the conclusion of the course the students will be able to:

1. Manipulate and evaluate algebraic, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions.

2. Graph linear and quadratic functions, including those describing the conic sections, in both rectangular and polar coordinates.

3. Graph algebraic, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric function.

DELIVERY, EVALUATION AND GRADING PROCEDURES:

Standard lectures, demonstrations (especially with a graphing calculator), and examination.

TEXT:
PRECALCULUS: Contemporary Precalculus: A graphing Approach w/CD & Info Trac, Harcourt, 4th Edition, 2004

Chapters 1 & 2 (1.5 weeks) Functions and Their Graphs

Topics include linear and quadratic functions, graphs, composite functions, inverse functions, and parametric equations.

Chapter 3: (2 weeks) Polynomial Functions

Graphs of polynomial functions, real zeros, rational zeros and complex zeros of polynomials.

Chapter 4: (2 weeks) Rational Functions and Functions Involving Radicals

Asymptotes and graphs of rational functions, equations and inequalities with rational functions.

Chapter 5: (1.5 weeks) Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Topics include exponential and logarithmic functions, compound interest, and growth and decay.

Chapter 6: (2.5 weeks) Trigonometric Functions

Angle measurement, basic definitions of trig functions, and computing values of trig functions, graphs of the 6 trig functions.

Chapter 7: (2.5 weeks) Analytic Trigonometry

Inverse trig functions, trig identities, sum and difference formulas, double and half angle formulas, and trig equations are covered.

Chapter 8: (1 week) More Applications of Trigonometry

The Law of Sines and Cosines, areas of triangle, DeMoivre's Theorem.

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