Math 1113 Course Syllabus
COURSE TITLE: Precalculus
PARTICULARS: Fall, 2006 1:00 P.M. to 2:45 P.M. TTH Room SB-2250
INSTRUCTOR: Chris Smith CRN# 20607
OFFICE HOURS: Mon 8-10A,2-5P (2-5P in LTC); Tue 9:30-11A; Wed 8-10A; Thur 9:30-11A
(other times by appointment Mon-Thur) Room SC 1125
TELEPHONE: (678) 891-2803 to leave a message (GPC Math/CompSci) csmit4@gpc.edu
TEXT: Precalculus, 5th Edition, Stewart, Redlin, Watson. A TI-83 or TI-84
graphing calculator is required. The PLUS versions of those should
work OK.
PREREQUISITE: Math 1111 with a grade of C or better, or placement by examination.
The prerequisite for this course has changed. Starting Fall, 2005,
Math 1101 does not satisfy the prerequisite for this course.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course includes the intensive study of algebraic, exponential,
logarithmic, trigonometric, and inverse functions and graphs and their applications.
Other topics include triangle trigonometry, analytic geometry (ellipses and hyperbolas),
trigonometric representation of complex numbers, and vectors. It is designed to prepare
students for calculus, algebra-based physics, and related technical subjects.
TUTORING AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Tutorial assistance in mathematics
is provided via one-on-one instruction, computer-assisted instruction,
video and audio instruction. For more information please visit the
LTC lab. The web page for the Decatur Campus Learning and Tutoring Center
is here.
NOTE: The course calendar/schedule is here.
NOTE: The homework assignments are here.
NOTE: Other interesting things (including reviews for tests) are here.
NOTE: The main page for the Decatur Math/Computer Science Dept. is here.
NOTE: If you are a student who is disabled as defined under the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and require assistance or support
services, please seek assistance through the Center for Disability
Services (CDS). A CDS Counselor will coordinate those services.
NOTE: This course syllabus provides a general plan for the semester; deviations may become
necessary.
WITHDRAWAL POLICY (STUDENT INITIATED): If it becomes necessary for a student to withdraw
from this course, she or he should consult the instructor first. If a student withdraws
themself by the mid-point of the semester, she or he will receive a grade of "W." A student
who withdraws themself after the mid-point of the semester will receive a grade of "WF."
CLASSROOM COURTESY: GPC instructors expect professional and courteous behavior from all
students. Please take appropriate measures to minimize the disruptions that you may
cause in class by arriving to class on time and NOT participating in side discussions
during lecture portions of the class period.
CHEATING: Cheating includes any attempt to defraud, deceive, or mislead the instructor as
she or he assesses the student's academic achievement during the semester. Any student
found by their instructor to have engaged in cheating (which includes helping another student)
on a graded test, quiz, project, assignment, or examination will be assigned a grade of "F"
for the course. Of course students should work together on assigned homework exercises from
the textbook.
COURSE CONTENT STANDARDS; COURSE OBJECTIVES; LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students are held accountable for the following
Expected Educational Outcomes:
As a result of completing this course, the student will be able to do the following:
1. Graph polynomial, rational, root, exponential, logarithmic and split-domain functions
2. Use concepts including domain and range, intercepts, asymptotes, even or odd definitions,
and intervals of increase and decrease to describe the behavior of functions
3. Graph variations of functions using translations, reflections and stretches
4. Write and graph the inverse function for a given function.
5. Define and apply composition of functions
6. Recognize and graph ellipses and hyperbolas from their equations in standard and shifted form.
7. Define and investigate rates of change including average rates of change
8. State and apply the unit circle definitions of the six trigonometric functions
9. Graph and apply functions of the form f(x) = a sin(bx + c) + d, g(x) = a cos(bx + c) + d,
and h(x) = a tan(bx + c) + d
10. Graph the six standard trigonometric functions
11. State and apply the definitions of the inverse trigonometric functions
12. Graph the basic inverse trigonometric functions
13. Apply the reciprocal, quotient, Pythagorean, cofunction, even-odd, addition
and double-angle identities
14. Prove trigonometric identities
15. Solve equations involving trigonometric functions
16. Solve problems using triangle trigonometry
17. Represent complex numbers in trigonometric form
18. Describe vectors both geometrically and algebraically
19. Solve problems involving vectors
20. Expand sequences, write and find the value of series
ATTENDANCE: Attendance is required. If a sign-in sheet is ever used,
it is the student's responsibility to sign the sign-in sheet as
appropriate. You are allowed three absences without prescribed
penalties. The instructor reserves the right to lower the student's
final course average by 2% each for a fourth and fifth absence and by
5% each for a sixth and any subsequent absences. If a student has more
than five absences prior to mid-term, I reserve the right to withdraw
the student from the course. If attendance or tardies become a problem
this semester, a full blown attendance policy will be implemented
under which three tardies (or leaving early) will count exactly as one
absence. Please take good attendance seriously.
TEST MAKE UPS: When a student is not present for a scheduled test
or final, the student must telephone (678) 891-2617 and leave a
detailed message for the instructor on the day of the absence. There
will be no make up tests this semester regardless of how valid the
reason is for missing a scheduled test. A score of "zero" will be
recorded for a missed test. A low test score will be dropped this
semester. This will benefit all students, but will obviously aid
students who miss one scheduled test greatly.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: To complete the course you must fulfill the
following requirements:
(1) Complete the three scheduled tests (see also "Test Make Ups"
above).
(2) Take a scheduled, comprehensive final examination.
(3) Follow the attendance policy.
(4) This list is not necessarily exhaustive. For example, please
see "Course Evaluation Methods and Procedures" below for more
information.
COURSE EVALUATION METHODS AND PROCEDURES: The following apply to
the student's final course grade:
(1) 70% -- best two scores from three equally weighted, scheduled tests
30% -- scheduled, comprehensive, final examination
(2) Course grades will be assigned in accordance with the following
grading scale:
Final average between 90 and 100 (inclusively) A
Final average greater than or equal to 80 but less than 90 B
Final average greater than or equal to 70 but less than 80 C
Final average greater than or equal to 60 but less than 70 D
Final average less than 60 F
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