Hawkes Learning Systems Precalculus Second Edition

Catalog Description: This course covers the basic concepts of college algebra, polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions as well as their graphs. The course emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of the language and uses of functions. Through the study of functions and their inverses, the course stresses algebraic skills and problem solving. Prerequisite: Minimum Math ACT of 23, ALG 120, MATH 103, or equivalent. Corequisite: Math 110. Two credits

Course Materials:

Hawkes Learning Systems Precalculus Second Edition

(the same text & software that you are using in Math 110)

Graphing calculator, preferably a Texas Instruments Model 89.

Hawkes Learning Systems, Precalculus is a major component of the course. If you need further explanation or examples from the lecture you can revisit topics and spend more time through Instruction. You will be able to complete Practice Problems where an online tutor will give you hints or give you step-by-step solutions to problems. You will be able to demonstrate that you understand a topic by completing the Certify for each section.

Global goals: Goals are to prepare you for calculus, to help you learn fundamental concepts about functions and to use these concepts to improve algebraic skills and 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.

Course Topics:

The course focuses on the following sections of the text.

sections

Chapter 3: Relations, Functions, and Their Graphs3.1-3.3, 3.5-3.7

Chapter 4: Polynomial Functions4.1 – 4.5

Chapter 5: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions5.1 - 5.5

Sections from Chapters 1 & 2 (Equations and Inequalities of One and Two Variables) will be used to support and supplement the above chapters as needed.

Evaluation:

Homework - Homework is a daily component of this course. Completion of Certify sections for each of the Hawkes Learning Assignments will compose part of the homework grade. These problems are graded by the software. To be successful in these the student should study the Learn and work through the Practice.

Additionally there will be other homework problems assigned from the text. Some problems will be denoted collected homework. These may require verbal components to define variables, explain concepts and procedures involved, solutions, 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.

Tests - There will be three tests and a comprehensive final exam given during the semester. 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: 9/20, 11/1, 12/1.

Course grade: Hawkes homework (20%); collected homework & quizzes (10%); tests (50%); 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 the website for the soon-to-be-announced Fall 2016 Hours.