Grades

Grade Components

Tests: 80%

Homework: 10%

Textbook homework, classwork, etc. : 10%

Grading Scale

A: 90 - 100

B: 80 – 89

C: 70 – 79

D: 60 – 69

F: < 60

What will we do in this class?

Tests: There are 4 tests equally weighted.  The 4th test is a comprehensive final exam.  Each test date is listed on the calendar and will not change. 

Homework: Online homework through ALEKS will be required every class. Textbook portion of the homework, written, will be due every Monday, with the sections covered during the last week due.

Quizzes: Classroom quizzes will be announced or unannounced, and combine with the written homework, and classwork.

Group work: Groupwork, and class work will be assigned periodically to be completed during class.

What happens if I miss something?

Dropped Grade Policy: 2 written homework grades and 4 online homework grades will be dropped.

Late Work Policy: No written homework will be accepted late.  Due at the beginning of class.  ALEKS homework will be accepted late with a 20% grade reduction.

Missed Exam Policy: For test 1-3, if a student must miss an exam for an excused reason, Professor must be informed in advance, and the grade can be replaced with the comprehensive portion of the final exam.  Only 1 test may be replaced.

Attendance/Class Participation Expectations and Policy: Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

Required Materials 

This is a First Day™ class. The cost of required course materials, including an online version of the textbook and ALEKS, has been added to your tuition and fees bill.

Textbook: College Algebra & Trigonometry, 1st Edition by Miller & Gerken. McGraw-Hill (ALEKS software) ISBN: 9780078035623

Use of Graphing Utilities:  We will use graphing calculators and/or graphing software when their use enhances the understanding of a mathematical idea.  Graphing calculators are not required for this course. However, it is required that you have access to some technology that allows you to graph functions and find their zeros.  Most ACC faculty are familiar with the TI family of graphing calculators. Hence, TI calculators are highly recommended for student use. Other calculator brands can also be used. You will use calculators in class every day, please make sure they are with you.  Cell Phones are not allowed to be used as a calculator.  If you do not have a calculator, you may check one out from the library on campus.

Other Technology: Desmos.com may be used for this class for a graphing utility during and outside of class.  Desmos.com use will not be allowed during tests.

Course Calendar

Note: Schedule changes may occur during the semester. Any changes will be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement.

Important Dates

Last day for 70% refund: Feb. 6

Last day to withdraw: April 24

Holidays: Spring break, March 13-17, College closed March 18-19, Easter, April 9

(Please note these are the ONLY holidays this semester.)

Course Content

Course Description

Credit Hours: 4, Contact Hours: 4

MATH 2412 Precalculus: Functions and Graphs (4-4-0). A course designed to prepare students for Calculus I (MATH 2413). Content includes the study of algebraic, rational, logarithmic, exponential, and trigonometric functions, graphs, equations, and applications; trigonometric identities; parametric equations; conic sections; vectors; the polar coordinate system.

Course Rationale

This course is designed to teach students the algebraic and trigonometric modeling concepts needed for scientific/engineering calculus.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, a student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of properties of functions.
2. Recognize and apply algebraic and transcendental functions and solve related equations.
3. Apply graphing techniques to algebraic and transcendental functions.
4. Compute the values of trigonometric functions for key angles in all quadrants of the unit circle measured in both degrees and radians.
5. Prove trigonometric identities.
6. Solve right and oblique triangles.
7. Graph and transform equations in polar coordinates and using parametric equations.
8. Apply vector operations and use vectors to solve applications.
9. Demonstrate knowledge of the graphs and applications of conic sections.

General Education Competencies

1. Critical Thinking: gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating and applying information is covered in every SLO.
2. Quantitative and Empirical Reasoning: applying mathematical, logical, and scientific principles and methods is covered in every SLO.
3. Technology Skills: using appropriate technology to retrieve, manage, analyze, and present information is covered in every SLO.
4. Written, Oral and Visual Communication: communicating effectively adapting to purpose, structure, audience and medium is covered in every SLO.