Liberal Arts Division

MAT 146 Precalculus “The Study of Functions” TENTATIVE 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: MAT141 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: Precalculus, A graphing Approach             by Barnett, Zeigler, Byleen, 3^rd McGraw Hill Publishers

A graphing calculator is required. TI – 83/84/86 is strongly recommended

Instructor Contact Info: “e-mail is preferred, do not rely on the phone!”

E-mail: porterr@mccc.edu	Office: LA 117	Office Hours: After class. (see web page for other times)
Web Page: http://www.mccc.edu/~porterr	Phone:570-3826

Grading: “No make-up exams! The Final will used to calculate grades for valid excuses.”

Quizzes/Homework	15%
Test 1	10%
In-Class Midterm	15%
Test 3/ Presentation	10%
Regression Project	10%
In-Class Final**	40%
Total	100%

**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!
1	8/26	Review,1.5	Review of Functions and Models
2	8/28	Review,1.6	Inverse Functions
3	9/2	3.1	Polynomial Functions
4	9/4	3.2	Polynomial Division
5	9/9	3.3	Polynomial Inequalities
6	9/11	3.4	Zeros of Polynomial
7	9/16	3.5	Rational Functions
8	9/18	4.1	Exponential Functions
9	9/23		Review
10	9/25	4.2	Base “e”, Models
11	9/30	4.3	Logarithmic Functions
12	10/2	4.4	Logarithmic Models
13	10/7	4.5	Exponential Equations
14	10/9	5.1	Angles and Their Measure
15	10/14	5.2	Circular Functions
16	10/16	5.3	Right Triangle Trig.
17	10/21	5.4	Trig Functions
18	10/28
19	10/30	MIDTERM
20	11/4	5.5	Graphing Basic Trig Functions
21	11/6	5.6	Inverse Trig Functions
22	11/11	6.1	Identities
23	11/13	6.2	Sum and Difference Formulas
24	11/28	6.3	Double and Half Angle Identities
25	11/20	7.1	Trig Equations
26	11/25	7.2	Law of Sines
27	12/2	8.1	Law of Coines
28	12/4	8.2	Reduced Row Echelon Form
29	12/9	8.3+8.4	Linear Programming
30	12/11	REVIEW
		REVIEW

Course Objectives

Answer the questions:

1. Why are you taking this course?

2. Why is the course required for your major?

3. What is Precalculus?

4. What are functions?

5. How are the ways that functions can be represented?

6. How can data be turned into equations?

7. How can equations be turned into graphs?

8. How can equations and graphs be used to make predictions?

What is the difference between solving and evaluating?

9. How good are the predictions? What do you think of others’ predictions?

10. What is calculus?

11. How will this course affect your everyday living?

12. What is zero times infinity?