MATH 141B:
Precalculus I
Syllabus – Winter 2009
INSTRUCTOR:
Greta KocolDepartment of Mathematics
Skagit Valley Community College
2405 College Way
Mount Vernon, WA 98273-5899 / Phone/Voice Mail: (360) 416-7917
Office: F211 Classroom: F102
Office Hours: M-F 11:30AM or by appt.
Email:
Web: www.skagit.edu/kocol
COURSE TEXT/MATERIALS:
1.) Precalculus, Mathematics for Calculus, Fifth Edition, Stewart, Redlin, Watson.
2.) A graphing calculator is also required. TI-82, TI-83, TI-84, TI-86, TI-89 will work fine.
NOTE: If you don’t mind you can purchase the older edition for less online. Calculators are available to rent for $20 per quarter. See Beth Oshiro in A-32 if interested, or you may finda good dealat a pawn shop.
Course Description:
This course covers fundamental topics of algebra, including: polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions, and their graphs; system of equations; inequalities; curve sketching. It is the first quarter of a two-quarter precalculus experience. It combines daily homework, group activities, and projects to help you better understand and synthesize the material.
Course Prerequisite:
Ø Intermediate Algebra (Math 99) with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent math placement score.
GRADING:
30% - Exams
20% - Final Exam
10% - Mastery Quiz Completion
20% - Projects
20% - Assignments/Group Activities
I will follow the scale below for points accumulated and will use + and - grades as well. Familiarize yourself with the college grading policies of the Skagit Valley College Catalog.
▪A: 90 - 100%, ▪B: 80 - 89%, ▪C: 70 - 79%, ▪D: 60 - 69%, ▪E: 0 - 59%
COURSE DETAILS:
Projects
Three projects will be done in this course. You will have approximately one to two weeks outside of class to complete these projects. Each project must be word processed with appropriate mathematical graphics inserted.
v Picture Program Project: Creating a picture using transformations of toolkit functions.
v Light Intensity Project: A study of how light intensity varies with the distance from the source.
v Data Analysis Project: Fitting and analyzing possible models for student collected data.
Exams
Two exams and a comprehensive final will be given. No makeup exams are allowed.
Daily Homework
Daily homework is EXTREMELY important in mathematics. Even though I do not collect homework problems be sure to complete each assignment. The number of problems will vary between individuals. Some of you will find that you need to do more problems than I assign in order to give you enough practice to master the skills and concepts. Your perpetual starting assignment is to complete every other odd numbered problem. Plan to spend 2 hours each day studying for this class. Read each section the day before the lecture. This will help you better follow the lecture and will prepare you to ask appropriate questions. HOMEWORK MUST BE DONE REGULARLY TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS COURSE!
Mastery Quizzes
Mastery of topics is critical for your continued mathematical success, therefore every mastery quiz must be passed in order to receive a passing grade for the course. See Mastery Quiz page of syllabus for details.
Group Activities/Assignments
Every week you will work in a different randomly assigned group of approximately three students. In your group you will be responsible for completing a problem solving activity, investigation or presentation. You will also be given some individual assignments. These activities are not always designed to be completed in the class session. You need to spend time outside of class with each activity to fully develop and internalize the concepts. I will try to post these assignments on the class Blackboard website at http://skagit.blackboard.com/. If you have not used Blackboard before, your logon username is the first initial of your first name, followed by your last name, followed by the last 4 digits of your student ID number, ex. gkocol4321. Your password is created from a combination of your birthday and your first and last name, and is case sensitive. Example: Birthday: 01/01/1980, Name: John Smith, password would be: 010180JoSm. Please note that the first letter of your first name and last name must be capitalized. You may change your password after your initial logon.
Study Groups and Extra Help
During my office hours I am available to help you with your mathematics. Appointments can be made to see me as well. If my office door is open feel free to drop in, if it’s closed I need some uninterrupted time to work. Extra math help is also available in the Math Center in F212 and the tutoring center in L-20. Please make use of the help available and consider forming study groups. Your fellow classmates are a valuable resource. The Math Center in F212 may have software you find useful and the library has the VHS video set that accompanies our text available on reserve.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
q In order to create a positive learning atmosphere, students are expected to make themselves familiar with the Skagit Valley College Code of Student Conduct as outlined in the student handbook. Students who fail to conduct themselves appropriately may be expelled from class.
q Please be respectful of other student’s learning. Turn off all electronic devices except your calculator. Also, you may need to raise your hand when you wish to speak so that all students can contribute fairly and have time to think.
q Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in the failure of the assignment or exam and the student will be reported to the Associate Dean of Students. Cheating includes (among other things) copying another individual’s work or allowing someone to copy your work, using unauthorized references on a test or exam, or allowing another individual to take a test or assignment for you. Please note the Skagit Valley College Procedures for Dealing with Academic Dishonesty in your student handbook. The Skagit Valley College policy on plagiarism can be viewed online at http://www.skagit.edu/plagiarism.
q Hardship withdrawals will only be given in case of death or medical emergency. If you have extenuating circumstances that prevent you from coming to class or from fulfilling assignments you should make an appointment with the instructor to explain your situation and resolve the problem as soon as possible.
q Last day to drop the class and receive a “W” without restriction is February 17.
q Please Do NOT fold edges of papers or use paper clips to combine. Either put your name on all pages or staple them together.
q No late work will be accepted without prior arrangement with the instructor.
q Group work is an essential component of this course. If you feel uncomfortable working in groups please make an appointment to see the instructor.
q It is SVC policy that “discrimination and harassment of any form will not be tolerated”. Please be respectful to ensure the success of all members of our class.
q If you are a student with a disability and require academic adjustments or accommodation, please contact the Counseling office (360-416-7654) to arrange an appointment with the DSS office.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. Define a function including domain and range.
2. Graph quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions.
3. Recognize and apply transformations of functions.
4. Use distance and slope formulas.
5. Find composite and inverse functions.
6. Find the equation of a line; find the equation of a circle.
7. Use synthetic (polynomial) division.
8. Find real and complex zeros of a polynomial.
9. Solve equations involving logarithmic and exponential functions.
10. Use a graphing calculator to explore new graphs.
11. Understand how mathematics is used in other fields and occupations.
12. Understand the use of mathematics cross-culturally.
13. Apply alternative mathematical techniques, from a historical perspective where appropriate.
General Education Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to . . .
1.1 Determine the extent of information needed.
1.2 Access the needed information effectively, efficiently, ethically, and legally.
2.1 Identify and express concepts, terms, and facts related to a specific discipline.
2.3 Identify, interpret, and evaluate pertinent data and previous experience to reach conclusions.
8.1 Analyze problems to determine what mathematical principles apply.
8.2 Correctly apply logical reasoning and mathematical principles to solve problems.
8.3 Interpret information and reasoning expressed mathematically (for example in spreadsheets, diagrams, charts, formulas, etc.).
8.4 Communicate mathematical information effectively.
9.2 Demonstrate their understanding of the principles of scientific methods, analysis, and reasoning.
10.3 Use technology appropriate to the context and task to effectively retrieve and manage information, solve problems, and facilitate communication.
MATH 141 MASTERY QUIZZES
NO CALCULATORS will be allowed on mastery quizzes unless noted otherwise. Each skill quiz must be completed without mistake. You must retake the quiz until you can do it without error. Retakes may be completed at the end of class or during office hours or by special appointment, if necessary. If you miss class on the day of a quiz you make it up by taking the retake. EVERY SKILL QUIZ MUST BE PASSED TO PASS THE CLASS.
In order to retake a mastery quiz students must submit at least 10 homework problems clearly showing all work necessary for solving each problem. Problems must be directly related to the quiz topic. Problem sets must have first and last name, page, and problem numbers clearly marked. DO NOT GET MORE THAN 3 or 4 MASTERY QUIZZES BEHIND!!!
MASTERY QUIZZES MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THE LAST WEEK OF CLASS (with the possible exception of quiz 21 and 22). NO QUIZZES WILL BE GIVEN DURING FINALS WEEK!
Quiz / Passed / Topic1 / Distance Formula and Equation of Circle
2 / Lines
3 / Functions (domain and range)
4 / Toolkit/Parent Functions
5 / Transformations of Functions
6 / Quadratics
7 / Systems of Linear Equations by Hand
8 / Systems of Linear Equations using Matrices (calculator)
9 / Linear and Quadratic Modeling (calculator)
10 / Applied Problem Solving (calculator)
11 / Compositions of Functions
12 / Inverse Functions
13 / Graphs of Polynomial Functions
14 / Power Functions (calculator)
15 / Rational Functions
16 / Exponential and Logarithmic Graphs
17 / Solve Logarithmic Equations using the definition
18 / Solving logarithmic and exponential equations using properties of logs
19 / Exponential Models (calculator)
20 / Logarithmic Scales (calculator)
21 / Newton’s Law of Cooling, Exponential regression (calculator)
22 / Real and Imaginary Zeros of Polynomials
Math 141 -Winter 2009
Tentative Schedule
Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday / Friday
5-Jan / 1.8 / 1.10 / p. 239-247 / Linear / 2.1
1 / 2 / Modeling
12-Jan / Functions / 2.2 / Transformations / 2.4 / Green Globs
3 / 4 / 5
19-Jan / No / Program / 2.5 / 9.1/9.2 / 9.3/9.4
School / 6 / 7
26-Jan / p. 320-325 / Bouncing Ball / 2.6 / 2.6 / Review
8 / p. 660 / 9 / 10
2-Feb / Exam 1 / 2.7 / 2.8 / Inverses / 3.1
11 / 12
9-Feb / Polynomials / Light Intensity / 3.2 / 3.6 / Rational
13 / 14 / Functions
16-Feb / No / 3.6 / 4.1 / Radioactive / 4.2
School / 15 / Decay / 16
23-Feb / Exp/Logs / 4.3 / 4.4 / 4.5 / Newton
17 / 18 / Log Scales
2-Mar / 4.5 / 4.5 / Review / Exam 2 / Modeling
21 / 19 / 20 / p. 386-397
9-Mar / 3.3/3.4 / 3.5 / 1.7 / Review / Review
22
16-Mar / Final
9:30-11:30+
6