ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE AT FLORISSANT VALLEY

COURSE OF STUDY

MTH:185

 

DEPARTMENT:                    Mathematics                        LAST UPDATE:  summer 2006   

 

COURSE TITLE:       Precalulus                                        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:

 

A unified study of college algebra and trigonometry.  Emphasis is placed on the development of algebraic and trigonometric concepts.  Note: Students earning credit for MTH: 185 will not be granted credit for either MTH: 160 or MTH: 170.

 

COURSE PREREQUISITE:

 

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

 

TEXT and CALCULATOR REQUIREMENTS:

 

Mathematics for Calculus, Stewart, Redlin, Watson, 5th Edition, Thomson / Brooks 2006

 

 

The use of a TI 83/84 is required of every student in this course.

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

 

The student will…

  1. know the characteristics of functions and their graphs including polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions.
  2. learn the trigonometric functions and their identities.
  3. be able to solve systems of linear equations.
  4. learn the basic operations on complex numbers.
  5. learn applications of these functions.

 
 SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS:

 

A student solutions manual, videotapes, and digital CD’s are available from the publisher.

 

 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

 

All topics in Chapter 1 are review and should be covered quickly.  In Chapter 7, stress the importance of identities in calculus.  The following sections are optional: 9.6, 10.1-10.3,11.3-11.5.

 

COURSE OUTLINE:

                                                                                                             

                                                                         

 

 

Suggested Time Allotment

Chapters

Topics and Sections

(Number of weeks)

 

 

 

Chapter 1

Introduction to Functions and Graphs

.5

 

 

 

Chapter 2

Linear Functions and Equations

1.5

 

 

 

Chapter 3

Quadratic Functions and Equations

1.5

 

 

 

Chapter 4

Nonlinear Functions and Equations

1.5

 

 

 

Chapter  5

Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

1.5

 

 

 

Chapter  6

Trigonometric Functions

2.0

 

 

 

Chapter  7

Trigonometric Identities and Equations

1.5

 

 

 

Chapter  8

Further Topics in Trigonometry

1.5

 

[Omit section 8.4]

 

 

 

 

Chapter  9

Systems of Equations and Inequalities

1.5

 

[Sections 9.1 and 9.2 only]

 

 

 

 

Chapter  11

Further Topics in Algebra

1.5

 

[Sections 11.1 and 11.2 only]

 

 

 

 

Test and Review

 

1.5

 

 

 

 

 

        TOTAL:  16 weeks