MA 120A - Precalculus Mathematics

• Be proficient with exponential expressions including the laws of exponents and negative and rational exponents
• Factor simple polynomial expressions
• Simplify rational expressions including products, sums, and complex rational expressions
• Solve rational equations including consideration of the domain by means of linear approach and quadratic approach (solving by factoring and/or quadratric formula)
• Be able simplify radical expressions including rationalizing the numerator or denominator
• Solve radical equations (optional)
• Understand the concept of a function, its range and domain, and its graph
• Be proficient with linear functions and models including recognizing that the slope represents rate of change
• Know the graphs of common equations
• Transform the graphs of functions graphically and algebraically
• Understand piecewise-defined functions
• Use operations of functions including composition of functions on calculus concepts such as difference quotients
• Understand exponential functions, their domain and range, and graphs
• Understand logarithmic functions, their domain and range, and graphs
• Be proficient with the properties of logarithms including solving exponential equations
• Understand the measure of an angle including radians and degrees
• Understand the definition of the six trigonometric functions including their relation to the geometry of the unit circle and right triangles
• Evaluate the trigonometric functions both approximately, by using the calculator, and exactly, by using reference angles of common angles
• Apply trigonometric properties to applications
• Know the graphs of the three of sine, cosine and tangent. Recognize the remaining three trigonometric graphs
• Be proficient with basic trigonometric identities including reciprocal identities, ratio identities and Pythagorean identities
• Be familiar with other trigonometric identities (double angle and reduction or half-angle identities)
• Understand the definition of the inverse trigonometric functions and be able to evaluate to find common angles
• Solve basic trigonometric equations

• MA 125  or equivalent

• Properties of exponents
• Factoring and simplifying polynomials, rational and radical expressions
• Solving quadratics and trigonometric functions
• General functions and their properties: linear, basic graphs, piece-wise
• Trigonometric functions and their properties
• Exponential and log functions