Course Information
Course Code: MATH 1113
Course Title: Precalculus
Credit Hours: 4
Prerequisites: MATH 1111 (College Algebra) or equivalent with a grade of C or better
Course Description: This course is designed to prepare students for calculus and other higher-level mathematics courses. Topics include functions and graphs, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, applications of trigonometry, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices and determinants, sequences, series, and probability.
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify and graph various types of functions including linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions
- Analyze the properties of functions, including domain, range, intercepts, symmetry, end behavior, and transformations
- Solve equations involving various types of functions
- Apply trigonometric functions and identities to solve problems
- Use trigonometric functions to model periodic phenomena
- Solve systems of equations and inequalities using algebraic and graphical methods
- Perform operations with matrices and determinants
- Identify and compute arithmetic and geometric sequences and series
- Solve basic counting and probability problems
- Use technology appropriately to solve mathematical problems
Required Textbook and Materials
Textbook: Precalculus: Mathematics for Calculus, 8th Edition by Stewart, Redlin, and Watson
Additional Materials:
- Graphing calculator (TI-83, TI-84, or equivalent) required for some exercises
- Access to online homework system (details provided in class)
- Graph paper
- Pencils and erasers
Course Grading
Final grades will be determined as follows:
| Assessment | Weight |
|---|---|
| Homework and Online Assignments | 15% |
| Quizzes | 15% |
| In-Class Participation | 5% |
| Midterm Exams (2) | 40% |
| Final Exam | 25% |
Grading Scale
| Letter Grade | Percentage |
|---|---|
| A | 90-100% |
| B | 80-89% |
| C | 70-79% |
| D | 60-69% |
| F | Below 60% |
Course Schedule
Week 1-2: Functions and Their Graphs
- What is a function?
- Domain and range
- Graphs of functions and properties
- Transformation of functions
- Combining functions
- Inverse functions
Week 3-4: Polynomial and Rational Functions
- Polynomial functions and their graphs
- Dividing polynomials
- Zeros of polynomial functions
- Rational functions and their graphs
- Polynomial and rational inequalities
Week 5: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
- Exponential functions
- Logarithmic functions
- Properties of logarithms
- Exponential and logarithmic equations
- Modeling with exponential and logarithmic functions
Week 6-7: Trigonometric Functions
- Angle measure
- Trigonometry of right triangles
- Trigonometric functions of angles
- Inverse trigonometric functions
- The Law of Sines and Cosines
Week 8-9: Trigonometric Algebra and Identities
- Trigonometric identities
- Addition and subtraction formulas
- Double-angle and half-angle formulas
- Product-to-sum and sum-to-product formulas
- Trigonometric equations
Week 10-11: Systems of Equations and Inequalities
- Systems of linear equations in two variables
- Systems of linear equations in several variables
- Systems of nonlinear equations
- Systems of inequalities
- Partial fractions
Week 12: Matrices and Determinants
- Matrices and systems of linear equations
- The algebra of matrices
- Inverses of matrices
- Determinants and Cramer's Rule
- Linear programming (if time permits)
Week 13: Sequences and Series
- Sequences and summation notation
- Arithmetic sequences
- Geometric sequences
- Mathematics of finance
- Mathematical induction (if time permits)
Week 14: Probability and Counting
- Counting principles
- Permutations and combinations
- Probability
- Binomial probability (if time permits)
Week 15: Review and Final Exam Preparation
- Comprehensive review of all topics
- Practice problems and exam-taking strategies
Course Policies
Attendance
Regular attendance is essential for success in this course. Excessive absences (more than 3) may result in a lower grade or withdrawal from the course. If you must miss a class, you are responsible for all material covered and assignments given during your absence.
Class Participation
Active participation in class discussions, group work, and problem-solving sessions is expected and will contribute to your participation grade. Please come prepared to discuss the assigned material and work collaboratively with your classmates.
Assignments
Homework will be assigned regularly and must be completed by the due date. Late assignments will receive a 10% deduction per day late and will not be accepted more than 3 days after the due date except in cases of documented emergencies. Online assignments must be completed through the designated online platform by the specified deadline.
Make-up Policy
Make-up exams will only be given in cases of documented emergencies or with prior approval from the instructor. If you must miss a scheduled exam, you must contact the instructor before the exam if possible. Documentation of the reason for absence will be required. All make-up exams must be completed within one week of the original exam date.
Academic Integrity
Academic dishonesty, including cheating on exams, plagiarism, or unauthorized collaboration on assignments, will not be tolerated. Any violation of academic integrity will result in a grade of zero for the assignment or exam and may result in further disciplinary action according to university policy. Students are encouraged to study together but must complete all individual work independently.
Academic Support
The Mathematics Tutoring Center provides free tutoring for students enrolled in this course. Tutoring is available on a walk-in basis during posted hours. Students needing additional assistance are strongly encouraged to visit the tutoring center early in the semester.
Students with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations to fully participate in course activities or meet course requirements must register with the Office of Disability Services. Please contact the instructor as soon as possible to discuss any necessary accommodations.
Instructor Contact Information
Instructor Name: [To be announced]
Office Hours: [Times to be announced]
Office Location: [To be announced]
Email: [To be announced]
Expected Response Time: 24-48 hours on weekdays for email inquiries
