SUFFOLK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

COLLEGE-WIDE COURSE SYLLABUS

MA61 (MAT124)

 

I.     COURSE TITLE:

            Fundamentals of Precalculus I

 

II.    CATALOG DESCRIPTION 2006-2008:

Concept of function introduced early and used throughout course.  Topics include zeros and graphs of polynomial functions, graphs and asymptotes of rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, introduction to trigonometry, angle measurement, right triangle trigonometry, properties and graphs of trigonometric functions.  Prerequisite:  C or better in MA27 or successful completion of three years of college preparatory mathematics.  Note:  Credit given for MA61 or MA70, but not both.  Successful completion of both MA61 and MA62 is equivalent to MA70 completion.

A-E-G / 4 cr. hrs.

 

III.  COURSE GOALS:

A.      Introduce the concept of a function.

B.      Show students the relationship between algebra and geometry in the study     of functions.

C.      Expose students to a wide variety of elementary functions.

D.      This course satisfies the SUNY general education requirement for                    mathematics.

 

IV.       STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

A.   demonstrate an understanding of a mathematical function including such ideas as the range and domain of functions, symmetric functions, composite functions, and inverses of functions;

B.    sketch graphs of quadratic functions and understand the zeros of such functions;

C.    comprehend the significance of the fundamental theorem of algebra and be able to solve polynomial equations completely by finding the roots;

D.   sketch the graph of polynomial functions;

E.    sketch the graph of  rational functions;

F.    sketch the graph of exponential and logarithmic functions;

G.   solve exponential and logarithmic equations, including compound interest; understand and graph the trigonometric functions and solve applications using right triangle relationships.

 

 

 

 

 

V.        Topics Outline with Timeline

 

Topics

Approximate Time

(Including

Examinations)

A.   Review of Algebra

      1.     linear and quadratic equations and graphs
      2.     simplification of expressions involving exponents and               radicals

2 weeks

B.    Functions

1.    domain, range, intercepts

2.    arithmetic operations and composition
3.    graphs
4.    inverses
5.    special functions: absolute value, split domain,        greatest integer, etc.
6.    even and odd functions, symmetry, translations

2-3 weeks

C.    Polynomials and Rational Functions

       1.    synthetic division, Remainder Theorem

       2.    Factor Theorem, Rational Zero Theorem, and                             Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

       3.    graphing polynomial functions

       4.    asymptotes and graphs of rational functions

       5.    applications

3-4 weeks

D.   Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

       1.    exponential functions and their graphs

       2.    logarithmic functions and their graphs

       3.    inverse relationship, properties

       4.    use of logarithmic functions to solve exponential               equations

       5.    applications including compound interest, growth and                decay

3-4 weeks

E.    Introduction to Right Triangle Trigonometry and        Trigonometric Functions

       1.    definition of trigonometric functions by right triangle                 relationships

       2.    Pythagorean Theorem

       3.    radian measure and trigonometric functions of any                       angle

       4.    standard reference angles

       5.    graphs of trigonometric functions

       6.    applications

3 weeks

 

 

 

VI.       Evaluation of Student Performance:

            To be determined by the instructor

 

VII.      Programs that require this course:

            Business Administration/AS (recommended)

            Engineering and Technology:  Construction Technology-Architectural Technology/AAS (required)

            Engineering and Technology:  Engineering Technology/AAS (required)

            Information Technology/AAS (recommended)

            Liberal Arts and Sciences:  Adolescence Education/Mathematics Emphasis/AA (required)

 

VIII.    Courses that require this course as a prerequisite:

            CH33/CHE133, CT10/COT110 (corequisite), CT22/COY222, CT66/COT266, MA62/MAT125, MA64/MAT131, PH53-54/PHY101-102, TE22/ELT222(corequisite), TE24/ELT224 (corequisite)     

 

 

IX.       Supporting Information:

Mathematics tutoring services, as well as video and computer aids, are provided for all students through the Math Learning Center (Ammerman Campus, Riverhead 235), the Academic Skills Center Annex (Grant Campus, Health, Sports and Education Center 129), and the Academic Skills Center (Eastern Campus, Orient 213).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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