MATH 1113

 

Course Name:            Precalculus

 

Description:            This course is designed to prepare students for calculus, physics, and related technical subjects. Topics include an intensive study of algebraic and trigonometric functions.

 

Prerequisite:            Four years of high school mathematics including algebra and trigonometry.  Also, a graphing calculator is required and a TI-83 is recommended.

 

Instructor:              Jim Graham

 

E-mail:                   jgraham@westga.edu

 

Office:                   Room Number: Boyd 319     Phone Number: (770) 836-4350

 

Office Hours:           M,W  8:00am-11:00am and 12:00pm-3:30pm

         Other: Call or email for appointment.

                                                                                            

Department:            Room Number: Boyd 310     Phone Number: (770) 836-6489

 

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of functions and how to graph functions.
  2. Students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of operations on functions including function composition.
  3. Students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of polynomial and rational graphs, including intercepts and asymptotes.
  4. Students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of how to find the zeros of polynomials and factoring polynomials.
  5. Students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of inverse functions and how to find them graphically and algebraically.
  6. Students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the properties of exponential and logarithmic expressions.
  7. Students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of how to solve exponential and logarithmic equations.
  8. Students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of how to find the values of the trig functions from right triangles and circles.
  9. Students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the graphs of the trigonometric functions.
  10. Students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of how to prove trigonometric identities.
  11. Students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of how to use sum, difference, double angle and half  angle formulas.
  12. Students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of how to solve triangles using the law of sines and law of cosines.
  13. Students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of polar coordinates and graphs.
  14. Students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of how to solve a system of linear equations.

                            

Evaluation Policy:     Ten quizzes 10 points each, four 1-hour tests 100 points each and a comprehensive final exam for 200 points.

 

Grading Policy:        A(90-100), B(80-89), C(70-79), D(60-69) and F (0-60)

 

Attendance Policy:    Students are expected to attend all classes.  If a class is missed, the student is responsible for material and assignments.  Quizzes and tests can not be made up. 

 

Text:                     Precalculus by Robert Blitzer

 

Sections Reviewed:    1.1-1.6,

Sections Covered:      2.1-2.6,  3.1-3.6, 4.1-4.5, 5.1-5.8, 6.1-6.3, 6.5, 7.1-7.5, 8.1, 8.2

                           

Recommendations:    It is recommended that students review new material before class, take notes, complete all assignments, review material weekly and work chapter reviews.  This will require approximately 10-15 hours per week outside of class and should ensure a passing grade.