MATH 146 Syllabus

Precalculus [Effective through 2020]

Revised: January 2015

Course Description

Functions using equations, graphs, and numerical data; linear, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, polynomial, and rational functions; transformations, compositions, inverses, and combinations of functions; trigonometry with identities. Prerequisite: MATH 130. Four semester hours

Student Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Interpret functions as mathematical models in numerical, graphical, and algebraic forms;
• Recognize basic properties and graphs of elementary functions and will use transformations to graph functions;
• Identify characteristics of graphs of linear, exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, rational, and trigonometric functions;
• Solve exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, rational, and trigonometric equations;
• Describe the concept of inverse functions and perform inverse operations with some elementary functions, as well as exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions;
• Apply trigonometric functions in terms of both the right triangle definition and the circular definition;
• Manipulate trigonometric expressions in order to verify trigonometric identities and solve trigonometric equations; and
• Use technology appropriately in the evaluation, analysis and synthesis of information in problem-solving situations.

Text

Connally, Hughes-Hallett, Gleason, et.al. Functions Modeling Change: A Preparation for Calculus, (fourth edition). John Wiley and Sons, New York, 2011.

Grading Procedure

Grading procedures and factors influencing course grade are left to the discretion
of individual instructors, subject to general university policy.

Attendance Policy

Attendance policy is left to the discretion of individual instructors, subject to
general university policy.

Course Outline

• Chapter 1 Linear Functions And Change

All Sections. (1 week)
• Chapter 2 Functions

All Sections (1 week)
• Chapter 3 Quadratic Functions

All Sections (1/2 week)
• Chapter 4 Exponential Functions

All Sections (1 1/2 weeks)
• Chapter 5 Logarithmic Functions

Sections 5.1 - 5.3 (3/4 week)
• Chapter 11 Polynomial and Rational Functions

Sections 11.1 - 11.5 (1 1/2 weeks)
• Chapter 7 Trigonometry in Circles and Triangles

All Sections (and if time permits 7.3) (2 weeks)
• Chapter 8 The Trigonometric Functions

Sections 8.1 - 8.4 (1 week)
• Chapter 10 Compositions, Inverses, and Combinations of Functions

Section 10.1 - 10.2 (1/2 week)

Other topics as time permits, such as parametric equations and polar functions