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Precalculus Algebra

Description:

The goal is to prepare the student for more advanced coursework in mathematics by developing
an improved knowledge base and suitable study/work habits. Specifically, this course will require the student to
complete assignments on time, follow instructions precisely, and demonstrate an ability to: solve linear and
quadratic equations and inequalities, including those involving complex numbers; provide analytic and graphical
descriptions of linear, quadratic, and higher degree polynomial functions, of rational functions, of simple
exponential/logarithmic functions, and of piecewise defined functions; solve simple applications of the preceding
(e.g. max/min problems, exponential growth and decay problems, etc.); solve systems of linear and non-linear
equations in two variables graphically, by elimination, or by substitution; solve larger systems of linear
equations using matrices and/or determinants; do a partial fraction decomposition of a rational function with
known factors; and determine the properties of simple arithmetic or geometric sequences and series.

Prerequisite: MAC1105 College Algebra or equivalent

Textbook and Supplies: Algebra and Trigonometry - by M. Sullivan, Prentice Hall 8th Ed. and access to the
MyMathLab website, Course “petrela34871”,which can be purchased bundled with the text or with a credit card at
Also needed are scantrons (NCS 4521) and a simple NON-programmable scientific
calculator (e^x & ln key). The calculator is needed for some homework problems, but may NOT be used during any
quiz, test, or examination unless specifically authorized by the instructor.

Lectures:

meet MWF and are the main presentation of the material in the course. They include some in-class
quizzes usually focusing on the prior homework BUT also repeating questions handled poorly on prior quizzes
or tests. The OUTLINE/CALENDAR lists the lecture topics (by their textbook sections) and a minimal set of
homework problems the student is expected to do either from the text or on MML where they are listed as
problems 1,2,3, … for each section. Each problem set is followed by a MML administered quiz on that problem
set. This quiz can be taken twice (only the best grade counts) but must be completed by the specified due date.

Evaluation:
Unlike the MML quizzes. the in-class quizzes and tests are designed so the student has to do them
under 'time pressure'. No extra time will be given those who come late or with an unprepared scantron for a quiz
or test. In addition to the graded (MyMathLab) and in-class quizzes, there will be four 50 minute unit tests, and a
150 minute final. Just before the Final, each student will be given the opportunity to make-up ONE unit test
grade. Each student's grade is based on his/her final exam grade (worth 30%), average of the 4 unit test grades
(worth 40%), average of the in-class quiz grades – with worst two dropped-(worth 10%), and the average – with
worst four dropped - of the MyMathLab graded quizzes (worth 20%). That is, expressing all grades in percent:

GRADE = 0.1*(in-class quiz ave) +0.2* (MML quiz ave) + 0.4*((unit test ave) + 0.3*(final exam grade)
This is then translated into a letter grade as per the following:

A for 90 ≤ grade ≤ 100 B+ for 85 ≤ grade ≤ 89 B for 80 ≤ grade ≤ 84
C+ for 75 ≤ grade ≤ 79 C for 70 ≤ grade ≤ 74 D for 60 ≤ grade ≤ 69
F for grade ≤ 59

There is no general curving of grades and no way to earn extra credit.

Academic Honesty: Florida Atlantic University expects students to be honest .
CHEATERS, and THOSE WHO HELP THEM, WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

CALENDAR/OUTLINE

MAC1140 Sp'09 Outline - Petrela; SUBJECT TO CHANGE. CHECK BLACKBOARD FOR UPDATES .

updated December 13, 2008

.
This course uses MyMathLab (MML) for on-line homework problems and required on-line quizzes as described .
in the Syllabus. Detailed instructions and directions for the use of MML are given on Blackboard. Also used are .
in-class quizzes, four unit tests (listed below), and a comprehensive final as described in the syllabus. .
DATE     .
JANUARY Section (Sullivan 8th Ed) / Topics .
5 M   Introduction - Syllabus/Outline, Blackboard; MyMathLab .
6       .
7 W 2.1, 2.2 The x-y plane; distance and midpoint formulas; standard equation of a circle; .
8     Graphing equations; finding intercepts; testing for symmetry .
9 F 2.3, 2.4, 2.5 Graphing any straight line; equation of any straight line; slope-intercept & other forms; .
10/11   parallel & perpendicular lines; variation .
12 M 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 Functions; tests; domain; range; graph; combination functions; .
13       .
14 W 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 Function properties: even/odd, increasing/dec.;average rate of change .
15       .
16 F 3.4 Library of functions;;y=mx+b, y=x^2, y=x^3, sq.root, cube root, 1/x, and |x| functions, .
17/18   and piecewise defined functions; graph; domain & range; properties .
19 M   MLK HOLIDAY .
20       .
21 W 3.5 Graphing functions using horizontal and/or vertical transformations (shift, flip, scale) .
22       .
23 F   Review .
24/25     .
26 M TEST #1 TEST #1 on material of sections 2.1- 3.5 .
27       .
28 W 4.1, 4.3 Linear functions - forms/properties; forms/properties of quadratic fcns; intercepts, symmetry, graphing; .
29       .
30 F 4.3 Quadratic functions continued; max./min problems .
FEBRUARY   .
2 M 5.1 Polynomial functions; forms; large and small |x| behaviour; graphing; general properties; .
3     Symmetry of quadratics and cubics; .
4 W 5.2, 5.3 Rational functions; general properties; proper and improper rational function; .
5       .
6 F 5.3 Rational functions continued; asymptotic behaviour and graphs. .
7/8     .
9 M 5.4 Polynomial and rational inequalities; factoring to find solutions .
10       .
11 W 1.3 Complex nos; add/sub; conjugate; mult/div; powers of "i"; factoring quadratics; .
12     Using the quad. formula in 2 steps (find D then x) .
13 F 5.5, 5.6 Real and complex zeros of a polynomial function; The Fundamental theorem of Algebra .
14/15     .
16 M   Review .
17       .
18 W TEST #2 TEST #2 on material of sections 4.1- 5.6 .
19       .
20 F 6.1, 6.2 Composite functions; one-to-one functions; Inverse functions; .
21/22     .
23 M 6.1, 6.2 Obtaining the inverse function graphically and algebraically .
24       .
25 W 6.3 Exponential functions; graphing exponential functions; properties; .
26     DEADLINE FOR "W" GRADE IS 5 pm FRI. FEB.27th. .
27 F 6.3 cont. domain; range; use of base >1; growth vs. decay; 1-1 property; change of base; the base "e"; .
      solving simple exponential eqns. .

 

continued MAC1140 Sp08 Outline - Petrela; SUBJECT TO CHANGE. CHECK BLACKBOARD FOR UPDATES .
     

updated December 1, 2008

.
      MyMathLab (MML) contains the homework problems and computer quizzes (with instructions) for .
      each section. Detailed instructions on how to register for MML are given on Blackboard. In addition, .
      there will be short in-class quizzes and 50 min. tests (listed below) as described in the syllabus. .
DATE     .
    section

topics

.
MARCH  

SPRING BREAK MAR.2 - MAR.8

.
9 M 6.4 The logarithmic function; def. as the inverse of the exponential function; asymptote; domain, range, .
10     use of base > 1; the base "e"; graphs .
11 W 6.5, 6.6 Properties of logarithms (compared to exponentials); change of base; .
12     solving simple exponential/logarithmic eqns. .
13 F 6.7, 6.8 Exponential growth/decay problems; simple applications .
14/15       .
16 M 6.7, 6.8 cont. More exponential growth/decay problems; logistic models; applications .
17       .
18 W   REVIEW .
19       .
20 F TEST #3 TEST #3 on material of section 6.1 - 6.6 .
21/22     .
23 M 2.1 Solving systems of equations by substitution and/or by elimination; use of matrix notation .
24       .
25 W 12.2 Using matrix notation and row operations to solve systems of linear equations; 3x3 examples .
26       .
27 F 12.3 Using determinants to solve systems of linear equations; 3x3 examples .
28/29     .
30 M 12.5 Partial fraction decomposition of proper rational functions having factored denominator polynomials .
APRIL     .
1 W 12.5 Partial fraction decomposition of proper rational functions - cont. .
2       .
3 F 12.6 Graphical solution of a system of equations .
4/5       .
6 M 13.1 Sequences; reursive formulae, factorials; sums of finite sequences .
7       .
8 W 13.2 13.3 Arithmetic sequences; n-th term, recursive formula, and sum of a finite arithmetic sequence .
9       .
10 F 13.3 Geometric sequences; n-th term, recursive formula, and sum of a finite geometric sequence .
11/12     .
13 M 13.3 Infinite arithmetic and geometric sequences and series; convergence and divergence; limits .
14       .
15 W   REVIEW for Test 4 .
16       .
17 F   TEST #4 on Sections 12.1-12.6 and 13.1-13.3 .
18/19     .
20 M   REVIEW (Tests 1-4) FOR FINAL .
21       .
22 W   REVIEW (Tests 1-4) FOR FINAL .
23 Th.   MAKE-UP TESTS (time and room to be announced) .
24 F     .
25/26   COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM. .
    Sunday 6:45pm-9:15pm .
    room to be announced .