Liberal Arts Division 
MAT 146 Precalculus “The Study of Functions” COURSE OUTLINE
Catalog Description:
A second course
in the mathematics sequence leading to calculus for engineering, computer
science, math, and science majors. In depth study of
polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric and inverse
trigonometric functions, equations, and identities; systems of equations
including matrices; extensive use of graphing calculators.
Prerequisites: MAT135 with minimum C grade
“This course is about 1/3 polynomial and rational functions, a little less than a third exponential and logarithmic functions, and about 1/3 trig functions. Remaining time is spent on systems of equations.”
Required Materials: “Make sure you
get a calculator!"
|
Text: Coburn, Precalculus, 2/e It’s the ebook with ALEKS Isbn is 0077419790 |
A graphing calculator is
required. TI – 83/84/86 is
strongly recommended |
Instructor
Contact Info:
|
E-mail:
porterr@mccc.edu |
Office: LA
129 |
Office Hours:
see schedule |
|
Web Page:
http://www.mccc.edu/~porterr |
Phone:616-2841 |
Grading: “No make-up exams!
The Final will used to calculate grades for valid excuses.”
**Must Receive a 50% on Final to pass course!** |
93%-100%........A 90%-92%..........A- 87%-89%..........B+
A curve may be applied 83%-86%..........B
to low exam grades, but 80%-83%..........B-
not to high exams. 77%-79%..........C+ 70%-76%..........C 60%-69.5%.......D <59.5%.............F |
Topics:
The emphasis in this course is on presenting a good argument not simply producing an answer. SHOW ALL WORK TO SUPPORT YOUR ARGUMENTS AND TO GET FULL CREDIT. An “OK” mark on your paper means the answer is wrong but you get full credit for the argument. Leave all work visible as you might get half credit for arguments that are good, but crossed off. Unjustified answers receive NO credit! |
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1 |
c1 | 9/1 | Review of Functions and Models |
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2 |
c2 | 9/3 | Inverse Functions |
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3 |
3.1 | 9/8 | Polynomial Functions |
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4 |
3.2 | 9/10 | Polynomial Division |
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5 |
3.3 | 9/15 | Zeros of Polynomial |
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6 |
3.4 | 9/17 | Polynomial Inequalities |
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7 |
3.5 | 9/22 | Rational Functions |
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8 |
3.6,7 | 9/24 | Insights |
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9 |
4.1,2 | 9/29 | Exponential Functions |
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10 |
4.2 | 10/1 | Base “e”, Models |
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11 |
4.3 | 10/6 | Logarithmic Functions |
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12 |
4.4,5 | 10/8 | Logarithmic Models |
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13 |
4.4,5 | 10/13 | Exponential Equations |
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14 |
5.1 | 10/15 | Angles and Their Measure |
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15 |
5.2 | 10/20 | Circular Functions |
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16 |
5.3 | 10/22 | Right Triangle Trig. |
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17 |
5.4 | 10/27 | Trig Functions |
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18 |
5.5 | 10/29 | Graphing Basic Trig Functions |
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19 |
5.6,7 | 11/3 | Inverse Trig Functions |
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20 |
11/5 | Review - Transformations |
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21 |
11/10 | Midterm |
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22 |
6.1,2 | 11/12 | Identities |
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23 |
6.3 | 11/17 | Sum and Difference Formulas |
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24 |
6.4,5 | 11/19 | Double and Half Angle Identities |
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25 |
6.6,7 | 11/24 | Trig Equations |
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26 |
7.1 | 12/1 | Law of Sines |
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27 |
7.2 | 12/3 | Law of Coines |
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28 |
12/8 | Project Due |
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29 |
12/10 | Review |
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30 |
12/15 | Review |
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FINAL |
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12/17 | FINAL EXAM LA214 5:40pm to 8: 40pm |
If you do not have a documented differing ability, remember that other resources are available to all students on campus including academic support through our Academic Learning Center located in LB 214.
Course Questions:
- Why are you taking this course, and
- What is Mathematics?
- What is Precalculus?
- What are Functions?
- What are the three main ways that functions can be
represented?
- How can data be turned into equations?
- How can data and equations be turned into graphs?
- How can equations and graphs be used to
make predictions?
What is the difference between solving and evaluating?