Math 17A,  Precalculus I  Syllabus

 

CLASS MEETINGS:      9:40 – 11:10 am MWF in Juniper 1

        

PREREQUISTE:            Math 104, Algebra II with a grade of C, Credit or better

 

INSTRUCTOR:             Laurel Grindy                       Office hours:

Office:  Juniper 3                        MW:  11:30 am  – 12:30 pm

588-5147                                  TTh:  10 -11 am

                                                   F:   8:30 – 9:30 am

e-mail address:  grindyl@yosemite.edu

web page:         http://columbia.yosemite.edu/grindyl

 

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

  • Text:    Precalculus, Concepts Through Functions by Sullivan and Sullivan, 2007
  • Graphing calculator (I strongly recommend TI-83 or 84 if you are purchasing a new calculator)

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

The course will provide a student with opportunities to learn and understand the concepts, notations and representations of functions.  Recognizing and characterizing linear, quadratic, power, polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions will be the primary focus of this course. Appropriate and efficient use of technology will be practiced as we explore the meaning of mathematical actions in problem solving. Using multiple perspectives (verbal, graphical, numerical and algebraic) provides an environment for practicing:

 

  • Technical reading skills
  • Inductive and deductive reasoning
  • Communication skills both written and oral
  • Conventional vocabulary and notation
  • Abstraction of mathematical ideas into algebraic language
  • Interpretive skills
  • The use of technology as a complimentary tool for investigation and confirmation of algebraic          processes
  • Elementary algebra skills in an expanded context
  • The development of multiple strategies for successful learning

 

These skills are continually practiced through the development of the function concept.

 

STUDENT RESPONSIBLITIES:

It is each student’s job to learn.  Learning mathematics is an active endeavor; I can only guide you in your efforts to learn.  With this job you have the responsibility to:

 

§  Prepare for class by reading text sections and work problem sets assigned.

§  Participate in class discussions take lecture notes

§  Seek help when needed.

§  Keep a homework journal for each chapter

§  Take quizzes and tests on time

 

To gain a strong understanding of the course material, I encourage you to rely on a combination studying class notes, reading and referring to your textbook, participating in class discussions and working with classmates outside of class.

 

 

 

 

There are numerous places to get help:

§  My office hours are available to you or make an appointment.

§  Tutorial services through the Academic Achievement Center by arrangement

§  Our Mathematics Center will be open 8:30 – 3:00  MTWThF

 

 Do not wait until you feel you are in trouble.  When you seek help, it is to your advantage to be well organized, with relevant questions ready.

 

HOMEWORK:

 

Homework will be assigned for each section of each chapter and posted on my web page with due dates.  It will be up to you to maintain a homework journal.  It is essential that you practice enough problems to develop connections among concepts presented and formulate questions that you may have about the material.  Time will be given during each class for questions that arise from working with problems sets.  I will not require that you turn in your homework journal for a grade, but you may use your class notes and homework journal for quizzes (but not tests).

 

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GRADES:

The semester grade average will be weighted with these components:

Average of 4 mid-semester tests                                     60%

Cumulative final exam                                                    20%

Weekly homework quizzes          (2 dropped)                   20%

** no make-up quizzes or tests will be given without prior arrangement.

 

The final course letter grade is based on the overall weighted average and the following scale:

                        90 < A

            79 < B < 90      

            68 < C < 79

                                    50 < D < 68     

                               F < 50

 

** Maintain a personal record of all of your grades.

 

Calendar Notes

 

Class is NOT in session these days:

*Monday, September 1

*Monday, November 10

*Friday, November 28

 

Last day to elect pass/no pass grading:

Tuesday, September 23

 

Last day to withdraw from any course:

Thursday, November 13                          

 
 
 
    
Tentative Outline of Topics:

 

Week                                        Topics

 

1                                            Chapter F, 1.1, 1.2

 

2                                            1.2, 1.3, 1.4

 

3                                            1.4, 1.5, 1.6

 

  4                                            Test Ch F and Ch 1, 2.1, 2.3

 

5                                            2.3, 2.4, 2.5

 

6                                            2.7, 2.8, Test Ch 2

 

7                                            3.1, 3.2, 3.3

 

  8                                            3.4, 3.5, 3.6

 

9                                                           Test Ch 3, 4.1, 4.2

 

10                                                        4.3, 4.4, 4.5

 

11                                                        4.6, 4.7, 4.8      

 

12                                                        Test Chapter 4, 10.1

 

13                                                        10.2, 10.4

 

14                                                        10.5, 10.6            

 

15                                                        Review Ch. 10 and prepare for final

 

16                                                        Final exam- Wednesday, December 10: 8 – 10 am