Nov 21, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Academic Catalog-June Update 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Academic Catalog-June Update [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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MTH 1080 - Precalculus Mathematics

4 lecture hours 0 lab hours 4 credits
Course Description
This course provides the necessary foundations for calculus. Topics include functions and their graphs, algebra and transformations of functions, one-to-one and inverse functions, algebraic functions, piecewise-defined functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions, the complex number system, solving equations, analytic geometry, and systems of equations and inequalities. In addition, emphasis is placed on development of number-sense, mathematical models, problem solving, and interpretation of results. (prereq: college algebra or placement into MTH 1080)
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Perform basic arithmetic operations with numeric and algebraic expressions, demonstrate correct use of order of operations, and simplify results
  • Simplify algebraic expressions (rational, radical, exponential expressions, including negative and rational exponents)
  • Factor polynomial and polynomial-like expressions
  • Demonstrate use of the Laws of Exponents
  • Evaluate algebraic and piecewise-defined functions with correct use of function notation
  • Identify visually the domain and range of a function, using appropriate notation
  • Identify visually the intervals where a function is increasing, decreasing, and continuous
  • Be familiar with the graphs of simple power, radical, and reciprocal functions
  • Combine functions using algebraic operations and composition
  • Find equations of lines using point-slope form
  • Develop a linear model of a real-life situation and interpret slope as the average rate of change
  • Identify and apply transformations of functions and graphs
  • Perform polynomial long division
  • Perform arithmetic operations with complex numbers
  • Solve quadratic, quadratic-like, and higher-degree polynomial equations
  • Develop a quadratic or polynomial model of a real-life situation and interpret the features of the graph
  • Visually determine if a function is one-to-one and identify the graph of its inverse function
  • Find a formula for the inverse function of a one-to-one function
  • Perform algebraic operations with rational functions and simplify results
  • Simplify complex rational expressions
  • Evaluate and simplify the difference quotient involving a polynomial or rational function
  • Identify end-behavior of a polynomial function
  • Identify asymptotic behavior of a rational function including determining if a discontinuity is removable or infinite
  • Graph a piecewise-defined function and determine the intervals of continuity
  • Evaluate and graph exponential functions and identify growth vs. decay
  • Evaluate and graph logarithmic functions and interpret as the inverse of an exponential function
  • Use algebraic properties of logarithms to simplify or expand logarithmic expressions
  • Solve exponential equations
  • Develop an exponential model for an application and interpret the results
  • Convert angle measures between radians, degrees, and revolutions
  • Find circular arc-length and sector area, converting to radians if necessary
  • Sketch angles in standard position given their radian measure
  • Evaluate trigonometric functions given information about an angle
  • Evaluate trigonometric functions at special values using the reference angle
  • Use technology to evaluate trigonometric functions
  • Use right triangle trigonometry to solve an applied problem
  • Apply basic trigonometric identities (ratio, reciprocal, Pythagorean, odd/even) to evaluate or simplify trigonometric expressions
  • Interpret sine, cosine, and tangent in the context of the unit circle
  • Sketch the graph of sine, cosine, and tangent
  • Evaluate inverse trigonometric functions at special values
  • Sketch the graph of arctangent
  • Apply the addition formulas to evaluate or simplify trigonometric expressions
  • Sketch the graph of a sinusoidal curve (sine or cosine with transformations) including finding the phase angle
  • Derive other trigonometric identities (e.g. difference formulas, double angle identities, half-angle identities) from known identities with guidance
  • Solve trigonometric equations
  • Identify the type, determine the features of, and sketch a conic section
  • Solve simple systems of equations analytically and graphically, including linear/linear and linear/quadratic
  • Apply common geometric and physical formulas emphasizing dimensional analysis (area, volume, distance/rate/time, etc.)

Prerequisites by Topic
  • Basic algebra and geometry

Course Topics
  • The real number system, order of operations, intervals, and inequalities
  • Exponential notation and the laws of exponents
  • Functions and modes of representation (algebraic, numerical, graphical, etc.)
  • The coordinate plane and graphing functions
  • Monotonicity and continuity
  • Transformations of functions and their graphs
  • Combining functions (algebra of functions, composition)
  • Even and odd functions
  • Difference quotients
  • One-to-one and inverse functions
  • The complex number system
  • Linear, quadratic, and polynomial functions and models
  • Factoring and solving polynomial equations
  • Rational functions and asymptotic behavior
  • Absolute value and piecewise-defined functions
  • Exponential functions and models
  • Logarithmic functions and their properties
  • Solving exponential equations
  • Angles and their measures, arclength and sector area
  • Trigonometric functions
  • Right triangle trigonometry
  • Basic trigonometric identities
  • Addition formulas and related identities
  • Inverse trigonometric functions
  • Graphs of trigonometric functions; sinusoidal models
  • Solving trigonometric equations
  • Conic sections
  • Systems of equations

Coordinator
Dr. Jennifer Knapkiewicz



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