Instructor Contacts:
Office Cooper-Wilson 301
Phone 321-3456 (on campus 3456)
Web-page
Class Time & Place:
9:00 – 9:50 MWF AH 122 / Office Hours:
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. WF
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. MWF
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. M
12:30 – 1:30 a.m. W 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. R
Others by appointment. / Fall 2014 Classes:
9:00 – 10:50 MWF;
4–6 M;1:30-3:30 W until midterm
5:45 – 7:45 p.m. after midterm
Note: Any changes in office hours due to student needs or at midterm break will be announced in class and posted on my webpage.
Catalog Description: The goals of the course are to teach the student basic concepts of college algebra, linear equations, quadratic equations, word problems, functions, graphs, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometry and trigonometric functions. The course stresses problem solving by the student with the use of a graphing calculator. A student can receive credit for only one of MATH 110, 117, OR 129. A grade of “C” or higher in this course is required to proceed to MATH 131. Prerequisite: MATH 103, 107 or ALG 120 with a grade of “C” or higher or equivalent. One semester; three credits
Text: Precalculus: An Investigation of Functions, Edition 1.4, D. Lippman, M. Rasmussen, Creative Commons license 3.0., copyright 2014.
Calculator: You must use a graphing calculator, preferably a Texas Instruments Model 89, in andout of class.
Computer Use: You will use mathematical software available at The text can be found within the software and at
Prerequisites: You must have fundamental skills in high school algebra.
Global goals: Goals are to prepare you for calculus, to help you learn fundamental concepts in college algebra and trigonometry and to use these concepts to solve appropriate applied problems. As part of assessment for general education, you will use appropriate mathematical, quantitative, qualitative and logical methods to solve both computational and applied problems.
Topics:
Syllabus - The topics and anticipated sections follow. Slight variations may reflect class interest.
sections
Chapter 1: Functions1.1 - 1.6
Chapter 2: Linear Functions2.1-2.3, 2.5
Chapter 3: Polynomial and Rational Functions3.1 - 3.5
Chapter 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions4.1 - 4.6
Chapter 5: Trigonometric Functions of Angles5.1 – 5.5
Chapter 6: Periodic Functions6.1 – 6.5
Chapter 7: Trigonometric Equations and Identities7.1 – 7.4
Chapter 8: Further Applications of Trigonometry8.1
Evaluation -
Homework - Homework is a daily component of this course. For sections in the syllabus, there are homework problems in MyOpenMath. These problemsare presented, and graded, by the software. Additionally the will be other homework problems assigned. Some problems will be denoted collected homework. Many homework problems require verbal components to define variables, explain concepts and procedures involved, etc. You should use full sentences with correct punctuation in explanations. Papers must be neat with appropriate steps shown. Handwriting should be legible or a word processor used. As mathematics involves creative thinking as well as trial and error at times, a first draft is not usually the best paper to submit. Be sure to include your name on all papers. List the assignment and the date submitted. If the assignment involves multiple pages either staple the sheets or fold them lengthwise. I prefer pencil on homework submissions and tests. Sketch graphs on graph paper using a ruler or other straight edge. Label axes and units.
Quizzes - In-class quizzes will monitor understanding gained from MyOpenMath exercises and uncollected homework.
Tests - There will be four tests and a comprehensive final exam given during the semester. The tests will each roughly cover two chapters. While we use the software for instruction and some homework problems, the tests and final exam are traditional paper and pencil tests. Anticipated test days are: 9/17, 10/10, 11/17, 12/10.
Course grade: homework & quizzes (28%); tests (52%); comprehensive final exam (20%).
Grading scale: A 90-100%, B 80-89%, C 70-79%, D 60-69%, F below 60%.
Attendance -Present for class means present when it begins and when it ends. Missing one of these may be counted as half an absence. If a student has not missed more than 3 classes, then the final exam score may replace a test score when computing the final grade. An absence is any time that you are not present for a class whether that is for illness, athletic participation, or some other reason that prevents your attendance.
Class attendance is expected. CBU's policy states that a student who misses eight hours of class may be given a failing grade for the course. If an absence is unavoidable, you are responsible for the material covered in class and any assignments made. Absence from a class does not excuse you from turning in your assignment on time. It is your responsibility to find out the assignment.
Time - A rule of thumb for college courses is to spend 1.5-2 hours studying outside of class for every hour in class. Of course, this is an average. If math is difficult for you, you can expect to spend more time in order to succeed. Some for whom math comes easily can learn the concepts with less time. It is extremely difficult to have a full-time job and be a full-time student. Being realistic about your time commitments can save frustration later. Study time should be evenly distributed. I am unimpressed when people tell me that they spent x hours studying the night before a test (where x is a big number). If you do not understand a concept from class, I will be glad to meet with you in my office. Also, studies indicate that the part of the brain that we use to do mathematics suffers when one has not had enough sleep.
CBU Math Center ( )- The Math Center offers free tutoring. Tutors are available in Cooper-Wilson 321 (phone 321-3245). Check out the website for the soon-to-be-announced Fall 2014 Hours.