ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE AT FLORISSANT VALLEY

COURSE OF STUDY

MTH:144

 

DEPARTMENT:                     Mathematics                        LAST UPDATE Spring 2009

 

COURSE TITLE:        Technical Algebra and Trigonometry            CREDIT HOURS:       5

 

LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK:      5                                                                                                                                                                  LAB HOURS PER WEEK:  0

 

During the first week of the semester, it is the responsibility of each instructor to furnish, in writing, the course objectives and a course syllabus.  The objectives are stated below.  The syllabus should include instructor information, course information, expected outcomes, course requirements, method of evaluation and an explanation of grading policies, policies on make up work, ground rules for class participation, a tentative class schedule, withdrawal dates, expected classroom behavior, information on the math learning center, consultation (office) hours, and an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations statement.

 

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

 

This course includes basic algebraic skills, complex numbers, quadratic equations, linear systems, and a study of the trigonometric functions.  Applications for engineering technology students are included in the course content.

 

COURSE PREREQUISITE:

 

MTH:140 with a grade of “C” or better, or satisfactory score on placement test.

 

TEXT:

 

Basic Technical Mathematics with Calculus, 9th  Edition, Allyn J. Washington, Addison Wesley.

 

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

 

The student will…

  1. learn the concept of function and will graph linear, quadratic, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
  2. solve quadratic, trigonometric, and exponential equations and systems of linear equations.
  3. learn the arithmetic, geometry, and other basic properties of vectors and of complex numbers.
  4. learn applications of trigonometric and exponential functions, systems of equations, vectors, and complex numbers.

 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

 

Intermediate Algebra, MTH:140, is a prerequisite for this course.  Therefore, Chapters 1, 6, and 7 are review and require only brief overviews.

 

Note that Chapters 11, 14, 15, 17, and 19 are skipped.  Chapter 20 is the last Chapter in MTH:144.  Technical Calculus, MTH:154, begins in Chapter 21.

 

COURSE OUTLINE

The time allotment for each chapter includes testing.

 

Chapters

Topics and Sections

(Suggested # of weeks)

Chapter 1 (Review)

Basic Algebra Operations
1.5 and 1.10 through 1.12 only

0.5

Chapter 2

Geometry

Omit Sections 2.5 and 2.6

1

Chapter 3

Functions and Graphs
Emphasize the functional notation:  ƒ (x)

1

Chapter  4

The Trigonometric Functions

1.5

Chapter  6

(Review)

Factoring and Fractions

Omit 6.4

1

Chapter  7

(Review)

Quadratic Equations

1

Chapter  5

System of Linear Equations; Determinants
Sections 5.6 and 5.7 may be taught with graphing calculator.

1

Chapter  8

Trigonometric Functions of Any Angle

1

Chapter  9

Vectors and Oblique Triangles

1.5

Chapter 10

Graphs of the Trigonometric Functions

Section 10.5 is optional.  Omit Section 10.6.

1

Chapter 12

Complex Numbers

Section 12.7 is optional.

1

Chapter 13

Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Omit Sections 13.4 and 13.7.

1

Chapter 20

Additional Topics in Trigonometry

Section 20.5 should be emphasized..

1.5

Chapter 18

Variation

0.5

Chapter 16

Determinants and Matrices

1