MAT187 Precalculus Spring 2016 Section 27756 12:00-2:05 PM Instructor: Bill Johnson Office Location: CM 441A Phone: (480) 731-6581 (Math/Science Tutor Center) Math Office (leave message) Office Hours: I will be available before class at the Math/Science Tutor Center and after class. If you need to meet at another time, email me to schedule an appointment. My job is to help you be successful in this course. Email: bill.johnson@scottsdalecc.edu Textbook: Precalculus (An Investigation of Functions) 3 rd Edition by Lippman and Rasmussen. This is an open source textbook and can be downloaded for free at http://www.opentextbookstore.com/precalc. A hardcopy of the textbook can be obtained at several websites. The cost is ~$20. Allow 3-5 days for shipping Precalculus: The purpose of Precalculus is to prepare you for courses that use algebra/trigonometry concepts and skills: higher math courses, science, economics, business, etc. In particular, Precalculus prepares students for Calculus, Finite Mathematics, science and engineering courses. Prerequisites: Students entering MAT 187 are expected to have completed MAT 120, 122 or its equivalent with a grade of A or B AND have had some experience in trigonometry. General Classroom Operations: Attendance is expected. You are to be in class every day it is scheduled. You may be dropped after two unexcused absences. You are expected to be in class on time. You are expected to stay the full length of class once you come to class. If you have a legitimate need to leave class early, please notify your instructor before class starts. Homework, Quizzes & Projects: To access the required online homework, an IMathAS account must be set up. In order to register, go to https://mathas.scottsdalecc.edu. Choose the class F2013 MAT187, then use the class key: Course ID: 3457; Enrollment Key: Lego75 (note: case sensitive); be sure to choose the force image based display option. Homework will be graded and be due on test days. Students may work together on homework, use the math tutors, or any other help, but each individual student must complete their own assignments. Brief daily homework quizzes will be given. They will be worth 5-10 points each. No make-up quizzes will be given. Extra projects may be assigned in class at various times and may be completed in groups. Each student should learn to generate chapter review summaries that detail key material that should be used in preparation for an exam (these will NOT be graded). Tests: There will be four tests given during the session. These exams will involve a mix of mechanical skills and conceptual reasoning. The best possible preparation for the exams is regular attendance and completion of all assigned homework. There are no make-up exams unless you have a valid excuse or you have spoken with the instructor before the day of the exam. You have five days to complete the make-up exam. You may only make up one exam during the semester. The second missed exam will receive a grade of 0 (zero).
Assigning of Grades: Your grade is NOT a commodity; it has not been purchased with your tuition. You have the right to be graded fairly, but you do NOT have the right to any specific grade. Your grade is not a reflection of you as a person. Your grade is NOT a measurement of effort. Your grade is an evaluation of PERFORMANCE. This means it is dependent upon how well you demonstrate your comprehension of the subject matter through application and completion of the items listed above and below in this syllabus. The primary determinants of your grade are your test scores. Homework is important (test scores generally correlate with the amount of homework completed). There will be multiple opportunities for extra credit. The Final test score can be used to replace the lowest midterm score. Percent Allocation Grades Midterm Exams: ~75% A: 90% - 100% Graded Homework: ~15% B: 80% - 89% Quizzes/Projects: ~10% C: 70% - 79% Final TBD D: 60% - 69% Graphing Calculator: A graphing calculator is required for this course. The suggested calculator is the TI-83 or TI-83+. Please bring the calculator to class daily. Renting a calculator is possible through Student Life (north end of the Student Center building). The cost is $10 per semester. Computer Access: You will need regular access to a computer (with online connection) in order to complete the online homework and online modules that are part of this course. If you do not have a computer at home, the labs and computer locations on campus may be used to access your online work (math tutoring center, library, student center, BU133 lab, LC lab). SCC Network Login Account: In general your SCC Login account can be accessed by using your first initial, second initial, and the first 6 letters of your last name. Your password will be your student ID. After your first login you will be prompted to create a new password. If you need help with your password, call the IT help desk at 480.423.6274 or email helpdesk.its@sccmail.maricopa.edu. Tutor Center: The Math/Science Tutor Center in CM 441A will be open M Th, 8:00 am - 7:30 pm, Friday 8:00 am - 2 pm and Saturday 10 am - 2 pm. Go for help before it is too late, and/or several days before an exam day. The tutor center has various video tapes and DVD s that can provide additional perspectives on the material presented in class. Other Help: There are also various websites (www.analyzemath.com, www.purplemath.com) that can be utilized for additional understanding or practice on the concepts discussed in class. See me for addition suggestions and/or help at the Tutor Center. Special Considerations: Please see me before or after class to discuss special needs that you may have. I am willing to make reasonable accommodations for limitations due to any disability, including a physical or learning disability.
MCCCD Official Course Competencies: 1. Solve and graph inequalities involving absolute value, rational expressions, and one or two variables. 2. Define function and give several examples. 3. Graph linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions 4. Use logarithms to solve exponential equations. 5. Find distance between points, midpoint of a line segment, and determine the equation of a line, given two points. 6. Solve any polynomial equation and graph any polynomial function. 7. Use right-triangle trigonometry, laws of sines and cosines to find missing parts of a triangle. 8. Find inverses of trigonometric functions and graph both the function and its inverse. 9. Solve trigonometric equations, write complex numbers in trigometric form, and graph using polar coordinates. 10. Solve systems of equations using matrices. 11. Use symmetry, asymptotes, and other analytical aids to graph functions. 12. Graph equations of conic sections. 13. Identify arithmetic or geometric sequences, find specific terms of a sequence or series, solve series problems, and use the binomial theorem to find a specific term of an expansion. Commitments for Class/Student Success As an instructor, I expect to be professional, courteous, respectful, and empathetic to students and to: Begin and end class on time, Be prepared for each class session, Provide academic feedback and grade assignments in a timely manner, Be available for individual consultation, and Clarify assignments and inform students of any adjustments to the class schedule. As a student, you are expected to be reflective, courteous, respectful, and empathetic to classmates, instructor, and other College staff assisting you in your learning and to Be in class and be on time, and be prepared for class sessions, Participate in class activities, Follow instructions and complete assignments, Keep up with and turn in assignments by the due dates, Put forth your best effort, and ask questions when you don t understand, Maintain knowledge of your grade status, Contact instructor right away about concerns or situations that interfere with your success in the class, and Comply with policies found in College catalog and student handbook.
MAT187 Lecture/Test Schedule (change subject to unanticipated events) Wk Date Text Material 1 1/19 Sect 1.1-1.3 1/21 Sect 1.4-1.5 2 1/26 Sect 1.6, 2.1 1/28 Sect 2.2-2.5 3 2/2 Review 2/4 Test1 HW Due 4 2/9 4.1-4.2 2/11 4.3-4.4 5 2/16 4.5-4.7 2/18 sequences 6 2/23 series 2/25 3.1 7 3/1 3.2-3.3 3/3 3.4-3.5 8 3/8 Review 3/10 Test2 HW Due Spring Break 9 3/22 5.1-5.3 3/24 5.4-5.5 10 3/29 6.1-6.2 3/31 6.3-6.4 11 4/5 6.5 4/7 Review 12 4/12 Test 3 HW Due 4/14 7.1-7.2 13 4/19 7.3-7.4 4/21 8.1-8.2 14 4/26 8.3-8.4 4/28 8.5 15 5/3 Review 5/5 Test 4 HW Due 16 5/10 Final 11:30 AM-1:20 PM