MATH&141 Precalculus I – page 1

MATH141 – Precalculus I

Fall 2016

5 Credits

Course Description: / This 5-credit course is the first half of a two-course sequence designed to prepare students for calculus with an emphasis on those topics and applications most appropriate for a science and engineering curriculum. Topics are investigated graphically, numerically, symbolically, and verbally. These topics include equations and inequalities, functions and their graphs, polynomial and rational functions, and exponential and logarithmic functions. Students will model real-world problems. Technology is integrated throughout the course and a graphing calculator is required.
Required Materials: / Sullivan & Sullivan. Algebra & Trigonometry Enhanced with Graphing Utilities, Sixth Edition. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2013.
Graphing Calculator – recommendation is a TI-84
Note: TI-89, TI-92, TI-Voyage, TI-nspire, and Casio ClassPad calculators will not be allowed onquizzes or exams.
Class Meetings: / Monday – Thursday; 12:05 pm to 1:10 pm; CC1-020
Prior Learning: / Completion of MATH 095 with a grade of 2.0 or higher or placement by testing into MATH&141.
Completion of ENGL 090 with a grade of 2.0 or higher or placement by testing inENGL100.
Course Content, Topics and Themes: /
  1. Develop proficiency and elegance in expression of functions and transformations.
  2. Develop the ability to solve linear, quadratic and polynomial equations using a variety of methods.
  3. Graph different functions using tables, recall of various parent forms and transformations.
  4. Develop models for linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential and logarithmic functions from real-world situations..
  5. Refine functional expression, analysis, and modeling of linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and exponential functions.
  6. Determine mathematical models from data and use regression methods.
  7. Use functions to do curve fitting.
  8. Estimate solutions to problems. Check for accuracy and tolerance.

Expectations: / Mathematics is a study of patterns and solving techniques. I will demonstrate several tools and methods for problem solving in class through the use of examples, discussion, and questions. You will practice using these techniques and possibly a few other techniques found in the textbook during group activities and homework. Since we learn better by actively working through problems, expect to spend 2-3hours outside of class for each credit-hour spent in class.
Course Outcomes:
Learn Actively
/ Learning is a personal, interactive process that results in greater expertise and a more comprehensive understanding of the world.
  • Take responsibility for accessing and using a variety of sources for assistance in learning about mathematics, such as on-line tutorials, visiting the math center, meeting with the instructor during office hours, etc.
  • Apply problem solving and mathematical modeling to real situations
  • Integrate technology into problem solving as a tool to support and complement the theoretic approach
  • Participate in groups to solve real problems
  • Distinguish between efficient and inefficient operations and methods to solve problems

Think Critically, Creatively and Reflectively / Reason and imagination are fundamental to problem solving and critical examination of ideas.
  • Demonstrate mastery of exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, power, and rational functions.
  • Use sequential logic and subroutines to solve problems
  • Analyze, compare and contrast processes, procedures, and path approach.
  • Creatively use mathematical and other problem solving strategies to formulate models, to solve problems using multiple approaches, and to interpret results.
  • Follow, evaluate and reproduce mathematical arguments and proofs

Communicate with Clarity and Originality / The ability to exchange ideas and information is essential to personal growth, productive work, and societal vitality.
  • Listen, speak and write using mathematical vocabulary, notation, and graph expressions
  • Explain problem solving approach and computation of answer
  • Translate and illustrate using graphs, words, tables, mathematical symbols and formulas
  • Develop the habit of reviewing all results for correctness and readability

Interact in Diverse and Complex Environments / Successful negotiation through our increasingly complex, interdependent and global society requires knowledge and awareness of self and others, as well as enhanced interaction skills.
  • Demonstrate effective use of group process
  • Respect individual ways of arriving at correct answers, expressing results and processes, while critically analyzing procedures for logical validity and completeness
  • Refine processes around estimation and solution in large, complex problem solving
  • Recognize notational differences between cultures
  • Recognize the biases/limitations of mathematical thinking and models

Grading: / % / GPA / % / GPA / % / GPA / % / GPA
95-100 / 4.0/ A / 89 / 3.4/ B+ / 79 / 2.4/ C+ / 68-69 / 1.4/ D+
94 / 3.9/ A / 88 / 3.3/ B+ / 78 / 2.3/ C+ / 66-67 / 1.3/ D+
93 / 3.8/ A- / 87 / 3.2/ B+ / 77 / 2.2/ C+ / 64-65 / 1.2/ D+
92 / 3.7/ A- / 86 / 3.1/ B / 76 / 2.1/ C / 62-63 / 1.1/ D
91 / 3.6/ A- / 85 / 3.0/ B / 75 / 2.0/ C / 60-61 / 1.0/ D
90 / 3.5/ A- / 84 / 2.9/ B / 74 / 1.9/ C / 0-59 / 0.0/ F
83 / 2.8/ B- / 73 / 1.8/ C-
82 / 2.7/ B- / 72 / 1.7/ C-
81 / 2.6/ B- / 71 / 1.6/ C-
80 / 2.5/ B- / 70 / 1.5/ C-
Responsibilities:
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Instructor

/ Student
  • Show respect for the thoughts, ideas and contributions of others.
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  • Show respect for the thoughts, ideas and contributions of others.

  • Come to class prepared.
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  • Come to class prepared.

  • Solicit and act on feedback from students.
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  • Provide constructive feedback to instructor on what is and what is not working in the class.

  • Provide feedback on student work in a timely manner.
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  • Ask questions.

  • Be available for students.
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  • Help each other learn.

Progress Checks:
(15% of your grade) / Progress Checks will be completed in WAMAP ( You will need to register as a new student unless you have already registered into WAMAP from a previous class. You will be asked to submit a user name and a password. These are unique to you and do not need to follow any particular format. Be sure to provide a valid e-mail address so that I will have a class e-mail list. After you have registered, you need to login with your username and password. Then, enroll in our class. The course ID is _12986_ and the enrollment key is cascadia, typed in lower case as it appears here.
You will be given four (3) attempts per problem in WAMAP. On the 3rd attempt, a “Show Answer” button will assist you with formatting your answer. This 3rd attempt will cost you 75% of credit. You may select to re-do a similar problem for full credit after the 3rd attempt.
For each problem, it is important to read the instructions, particularly regarding formatting of answers. Often times, there is a preview button. It is good practice to use the preview button when available. This will check formatting and inform the user of any syntax errors; it does not inform the user if the answer is correct. Due dates/times for each Progress Check are posted in WAMAP. You will have several days to compete each Progress Check. Late Progress Checks will not be credited.
Homework Assessments:
(15% of your grade) / Homework sets from your text are posted on WAMAP. You will turn in your homework per the attached schedule at the beginning of the class period when due.
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Late homework assignments (considered to be any homework received after questions have been answered at the beginning of the class period due) will not be accepted. It is the student’s responsibility to get their homework to the instructor by the due date and time.
All problems should be in final draft form, completed neatly in pencil, and corrected in ink. Do NOT turn in homework on paper torn out of a spiral notebook. Failure to follow these directions will result in no credit for that homework assignment. All graphs must be done on graph paper.
Homework Format: Head your assignments with your name and the section number in the upper right-handed corner of your first page. Make sure to staple multiple pages together. All problem numbers must be circled.
In-class Assignments:
(15% of your grade) / You will be asked to work with other students in a group to complete a task or problems designed to reinforce or extend concepts covered in class that day. Your score will be determined by the number of problems completed and/or completed correctly.
Quizzes:
(10% of your grade) / There will be several quizzes per the class schedule. NO make-up quizzes will be given. You will drop your lowest two quiz scores.

Exams:

/ There will be threeexams and a final exam. NO make-up exams will be given. If you miss either of the regular testsfor any reason, that test will be assigned a grade based on your final exam score.

Final Exam:

(Exams together with the final will be 45% of your grade) / There will be a comprehensive final exam. It is your responsibility to contact me within 24 hours of the exam if you cannot make the final. A make-up final will only be allowed for students who have extreme circumstances for which they can provide documentation.
Extra Credit: / There will be no extra credit available in this class.
Electronic Devices: / All electronic devices (i.e. laptops, MP3 players, cell phones, etc.) must be turned off and put away during class.
Academic Standards: / A complete list of CascadiaCommunity College’s Academic Standards is available online at
CascadiaCommunity College Syllabus Learning Agreement

Academic Honesty:

/ The College regards acts of academic dishonesty, including such activities as plagiarism, cheating and/or/violations of integrity in information technology, as very serious offenses. In the event that cheating, plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty are discovered, each incident will be handled as deemed appropriate. Care will be taken that students’ rights are not violated and that disciplinary procedures are instituted only in cases where documentation or other evidence of the offense(s) exists. A description of all such incidents shall be forwarded to the Student Conduct Officer, where a file of such occurrences will be maintained. The Student Conduct Officer may institute action against a student according to the college’s disciplinary policies and procedures as described in the Student Handbook:

Acceptable Use Policy on Information Technology:

/ In general, the same ethical conduct that applies to the use of all college resources and facilities applies to the use of Cascadia’s systems and technology. These systems may only be used for authorized purposes, using only legal versions of copyrighted software, and with consideration and respect for the conservations of resources and the rights of other users. For additional information, see the online version of the Student Handbook at or go to the OpenLearningCenter for assistance with any questions.
Pluralism and Diversity: / Cascadia believes in pluralism, an intentional culture where everyone’s history contributes to the collective success of our community.
Cascadia is committed to creating a supportive environment for a diverse student, faculty, and staff population. Individual differences are celebrated in a pluralistic community of learners. Cascadia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender and/or sex, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, age, marital or veteran status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or genetic information, and is prohibited from discrimination in such a manner by college policy and state and federal law. The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies and can direct inquiries to the appropriate office for ADA-related requests: Director of Human Resources, Office CC2-280, 425-352-8880.
Campus Closures and Inclement Weather: / Information about FlashAlert, Cascadia’s emergency notification system, is available at In the event of inclement weather affecting morning classes, there will be notification on the local media by 5:30 a.m. You may also call the main campus number: 425-352-8000to hear a message that will be updated with the latest Cascadia closure information. You may also go online to and click on Cascadia College to get the latest report. Should the weather deteriorate during the day, you may check online, listen to the main campus message, check email or the media to hear news about closures or class schedule changes.
To sign up to receive campus alerts, including closures, on your home email, your mobile phone, or your home phone, log in at Use your Cascadia user name and password and be sure to select the "Student" domain. Upon login, you will be re-directed to a web site maintained for Cascadia by a third party vendor. Rave Mobile Safety has partnered with CascadiaCommunity College to provide emergency notification services to the campus community.
In the event of a campus closure, please log into WAMAP at for announcements and instructions. For WAMAP instructions, including technical support information, please visit the directions on page four of this syllabus.
Emergency Procedures: / Emergency procedures are posted in each classroom. To reach campus security personnel, dial 425-352-5222. City of Bothell fire and police may be reached by dialing either 9-9-1-1 or 9-1-1 from any campus phone. Campus emergency phones are located on campus walkways and parking lots.
Learning Assistance Options: / To support student success, Cascadia offers a variety of support services. The OpenLearningCenter, CC2-060, provides a computer lab where students can receive assistance with technology to support class assignments. Cascadia’s Math and Writing Center, CC2-080, provides tutorial support for students who seek additional assistance with their math and writing assignments. Tutoring is offered on a drop in basis, and is free and open to all Cascadia students. Hours and contact information for the Math and Writing Center can be found at:
Online Tutoring and Writing Assistance: / Cascadia provides online access to live tutors in a variety of subjects, provided by the NW e-Tutoring Consortium. Tutoring is offered through live, interactive sessions and through an EssayCenter. Many subjects have convenient tutoring hours late into the evening and 24 hours a day. To get started, visit the following address: etutoring.cascadia.edu.
Disability Support Services: / Cascadia provides services to help students with disabilities successfully adapt to college life. Students who meet specific criteria may also qualify for academic accommodations. If you have or suspect you have a disability and need an accommodation please contact the front office in Kodiak Corner at 425-352-8860 to make an appointment with the Disability Support Services. Services and Accommodations through DSS are not retroactive.
Counseling Services: / If you have a personal problem or stress that is affecting your schoolwork and would like to talk with someone, please contact UWB’s Mental Health Counseling Center. Counseling at Cascadia (provided through UWB) is confidential, professional and free (six sessions). Visit the Counseling Center front desk Mon. – Fri. or call 425-352-3183 for an appointment. The number for the 24-hour Crisis Line is 206-461-3222.
Advising: / Students should schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor to create a tentative education plan. They can call 425-352-8860 or come to the Kodiak Corner to make an appointment. Appointments are not made via email. At the time of the appointment, they need to indicate which degree they are pursuing. See the Cascadia website for information about Drop-In Advising hours.
Online Advising: / Email advising is available at . Our distance advisor can answer most questions via email, but we don’t schedule advising appointments via email. See the Cascadia website
Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA): / CascadiaCommunity College complies with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 concerning the information that becomes a part of a student’s permanent educational record and governing the condition of its disclosure. Under FERPA, students are protected against improper disclosure of their records. See
Student Rights and Responsibilities: / Cascadia is a student-centered college, operated to provide knowledge and skills for the achievement of learners’ academic, professional and personal goals. Inherent in the college’s mission are certain rights and freedoms needed for learning and personal development. Admission to Cascadia provides these rights to students, and also assumes that students accept the responsibility to conduct themselves in ways that do not interfere with the purposes of the college in providing education for all of its learners. For the complete policy, see the Student Code of Conduct in the Student Handbook at
This syllabus is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion

Faculty: Jeff Mackey

Office #: CC2-361 Telephone: (425) 352-8673 E-mail:

Office Hours: After class or by Appointment

WAMAP: