Precalculus

PRECALCULUS PAGE

MAC 1140 is a course set up to prepare you for the Algebra techniques needed in the Calculus I,II and III courses. The first part of the course is a review of earlier algebra classes. Topics of exponents and radicals and graphs are in Chapter P. Functions and their Graphs are in Chapter 1. Solving equations Algebraically and Graphically are techniques of Chapter 2. Although much of this is review, I will try a different slant and approach to most of the problems that hopefully will pique your interest and challenge you as well.

The second part of the course will introduce for most of you many new topics. A thorough study of polynomials and rational functions in Chapter 3, and a fresh look at exponential and logarithmic funtions in Chapter 4. Following this we will spend the next two chapters on the very important concept of Systems of Equations.

Finally, we will work with some other algebra topics essential to Calculus; Sequences and Series, (can an infinite sum of numbers have a finite result?) Mathematical Induction, a technique to prove the truth of a statement about sequences, and the Conic Sections, shapes that have many applications in Calculus and universally. Most of these topics will be new or be presented from a new viewpoint.

Thoughout this course I would like to present most of the topics using three concepts to improve understanding. The three approaches are Algebraic, Graphical and Numerical. This multi-approach also helps eliminate errors. Algebraic is a paper and pencil technique, whereas Graphical and Numerical involve the use of your graphing calculator.

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SYLLABUS

PRE-REQUISITE: grade of C or better in College Algebra or High School equivalent
TEXTBOOK: COLLEGE ALGEBRA, A Graphing Approach by Larson, Hostetler & Edwards 3rd Ed.
SUPPLEMENTS: STUDY AND SOLUTIONS GUIDE, Interactive CD ROM & Videos available in our Media Center.
PROFESSOR: PIERRE SATKOWIAK. OFFICE: C – 122. PHONE: 646-2045. EMAIL: psatkowi@fccj.org
REQUIRED TOOLS: NOTEBOOK, GRAPH PAPER, TI 82 or 83 CALCULATOR

GRADING SYSTEM

PART 1

QUIZZES: You will be given 10 surprise quizzes throughout this term. The quizzes will only cover the previous homework assignment. You must be present to take the quiz and there are no make-ups for missing a quiz. The quiz average will count for 50% of your final grade. NOTE: Perfect or near perfect attendance can replace your lowest quiz grade.

PART 2

TESTS: There will be 5 tests given during the term. See the Fall Term calendar attached for test coverage. Only 1 missed test can be made-up by appointment. You are not allowed to re-take a test. The test average will count for 50% of your final grade. NOTE: The chapters and sections in the CALENDAR reflect the Common Course Outline for this course.

GRADE CALCULATION: ALL GRADES ASSIGNED WILL BE LETTER GRADES. YOUR FINAL GRADE WILL BE COMPUTED BY CHANGING THE LETTERS TO NUMBERS ON A 4 POINT SCALE, A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0. THE TEST AVERAGE AND THE QUIZ AVERAGE WILL BE AVERAGED TOGETHER AND A FINAL GRADE ASSIGNED BASED ON THE FOLLOWING INTERVALS.

A if in [3.5, 4.0].
B if in [2.5, 3.5).
C if in [1.5, 2.5).
D if in [0.5, 1.5).
F if in [0.0, 0.5).

An NP grade may be requested by the student provided they have good attendance and have taken all the tests.
An incomplete grade IF can be requested if the student has completed 75% of the course with a C or better.

ANYONE WHO SUCCEEDS IN THIS COURSE CAN BE PROUD OF THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENT, SINCE THIS MATERIAL TAKES A LOT OF WORK. I PROMISE TO WORK HARD TO HELP YOU SUCCEED, AND IF YOU WORK HARD THIS WILL PROBABLY HAPPEN. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO STOP BY MY OFFICE FOR HELP WITH YOUR MATH. THE LEARNING ASSISTANCE CENTER (LAC) ALSO OFFERS FREE TUTORING IN G – 200.

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CALENDAR (under construction)

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PROJECTS (coming soon)

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