As suggested by the catalog description (below), this course focuses on algebra and trigonometry concepts underpinning calculus. Topics include data analysis, functions, graphs, limits, trigonometry, exponential & logarithmic functions, other functions, and math modeling. For detailed information and policies, please the Read the Full Syllabus.
A more rapid treatment of the material in MATH 1314 and MATH 1316, this course is designed for students who wish a review of the above material, or who are very well prepared. Functions, graphs, trigonometry, and analytic geometry.
Working Calendar for Precalculus
Aug24
Plans change often, so check with classmates and read the class posts for more information about assignments and activities in class.
Unit 1
| Day | TOPIC | CONTENT | Textbook | Homework |
| R 8/25 | Introduction |
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1.1 |
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| T 8/30 | Data Analysis | Scatter plots, Association, Lines | 1.2-1.6 |
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| R 9/1 | Model Fit | Least Squares, Residuals, Accuracy | 1.7-1.8 |
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| T 9/6 | Functions | Function notation, Piecewise functions, Graphs of Functions | 2.1 |
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| R 9/8 | Function Operations | Function Evaluation,Composition of Functions | 2.10 |
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| T 9/13 | Function Operations | Function composition (cont.), Quiz | 2.3-2.4 |
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| R 9/15 | Curve Fitting | Common Functions, Transformations | 2.3-2.4, 2.8 |
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| T 9/20 | Graphical Models | Transformations, Plausible Equations for Graphs | 2.8-2.9 |
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| R 9/22 | Composite Graphs | End Behavior, Graphical Inverses | 2.11-2.12 |
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| T 9/27 | Advanced Graph Features | domain/range with equations, trig functions as parent graphs |
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| R 9/29 | Function Modeling | Review for Exam #1 | ||
| T 10/4 | Functions | Exam #1 | 1.1-2.10 |
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Unit 2
| Day | TOPIC | CONTENT | TEXTBOOK | HOMEWORK |
| R 10/6 | Polynomials | Roots, Multiplicity, Degree | 6.7-6.8 | |
| T 10/11 | Trigonometric Graphs | Parent Trig Functions | 5.1 |
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| R 10/13 | Trig on the Unit Circle | Modeling Data with Wave Parameters | 5.4-5.5 | |
| T 10/18 | Trig on the Unit Circle | Trig values for a given angle or position on the unit circle. | 5.4-5.5 |
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| R 10/20 | Trig Modeling | NO CLASS MEETING Sine Regression |
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| T 10/25 | Trig Values | Puzzle of standard angles and associated trig values. | 5.6, 5.13, 5.7 | |
| R 10/27 | Trig Identities | SOH, CAH, TOA & applications | 5.9 | |
| T 11/1 | Trig Equations | Pythagorean Identity, Double and Half-angle Identities | 5.8, 5,12 | |
| R 11/3 | Inverse Trig Functions | Graphical inverses, notation | 5.10 |
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| T 11/8 | Trigonometry | Review for Exam #2 | 5.1-5.13 | |
| R 11/10 | Trigonometry | Exam #2 | 5.1-5.13 |
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Unit 3
| Day | TOPIC | CONTENT | TEXT | HOMEWORK |
| T 11/15 | Logarithms | Inverses of Exponential Functions | 3.7-3.8, 3.10 |
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| R 11/17 | Logarithm Properties | Laws of Exponents & Logs | 3.9, 3.11 | |
| T 11/22 | Log. & Exp. Equations | Lecture on Equation solving |
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| T 11/29 | Inverse Functions | Inverse Functions | ||
| R 12/1 | Limits | Limits from a graph, piecewise limits | ||
| T 12/6 | Comprehensive | Review for Final Exam | ||
| T 12/13 | Comprehensive | Final Exam (8:00-10:30am) |
Class Posts
Final Exam Study Guide for Precalculus
Dec02
Instructions for the Final Exam The final exam counts for 25% of your course grade. The exam has 12 exercises (100 points) and must be completed during 8-10:30 on 12/13/11. You may use a calculator with factory-shipped programs, 1 side of a 8.5 by 11 inch page written in your own handwriting, a provided reference sheet,…
Exam 2 – Precalculus
Nov15
The main topic of the second test in precalculus was trigonometry. See the Exam 2 Study Guide for detailed information. Download the Test Math 2312 - Exam 2 - Trigonometry Extra Credit Opportunity You can earn a transformed grade of $(\mbox{original grade})^{0.7}(100)^{0.3}$ by printing a blank copy of the Exam and turning in a full set of…
Exam 2 Study Guide – Precalculus
Nov05
This is one of two exams while combine to count for 30% of your grade. The exam has 8 exercises for 100 points and must be completed during class on 11/10/11. The exam has two parts – You may only use a writing utensil on Part 1. For Part 2, you will be provided a reference…
Trigonometry on the Complex Plane
Nov01
This in-class activity is designed to introduce trig identities by defining the complex exponential function according to Euler's Formula. Results in a fairly straight forward proof of the angle sum formulas for sine and cosine. Trigonometry and the Complex Plane (PDF) Trigonometry and the Complex Plane (DOCX)
Reference Sheet for Basic Trigonometry
Oct18
Available in Two Formats Reference Guide for Basic Trigonometry (DOCX) Reference Guide for Basic Trigonometry (PDF) Used in-class and potentially useful to anyone who may need a refresher on any of the following: Calculating sine, cosine, tangent, cosecant, secant, cotangent for an angle in a right triangle. Calculating sine, cosine, tangent, cosecant, secant, or cotangent…
Online Activity: Modeling Trig Data
Oct18
This activity is walks you through the steps to perform sine regression for a randomly generated data set using the TI-84. Step 1: Get a TI-84 Graphing Calculator (or similar). Don't have one? If you use Windows, you can download the attached Emulator (ZIP file), extract the Zip folder, and run the Wabbitemu.exe file. Load the…
Randomized Wave Data Generator
Oct11
The following little form produces randomized wave data using javascript. The purpose is to provide example data for someone learning to fit sine and cosine curves to oscillating data. Stop Sitting Around and Go Get You Some Data Press the "Get Data" button to generate some random oscillating data. Then copy and paste into a…
Exam 1 and Answers – Precalculus
Oct04
The first precalculus exam was based on functions and graphs. Download the Test and Answer Key Blank Copy of Exam 1 - Functions and Graphs Answer Key - Math 2312 - Exam 1 - Functions and Graphs What's on the Test? The main concepts on the test include reasoning about the following. Challenging topics are…
Features of Graphs
Sep29
Based on an in-class activity, these families of curves help you practice the qualitative features of functions. Download the Features of Graphs Activity
Exam 1 Study Guide
Sep27
Exam 1 is scheduled for class time on Tuesday, October 4th. The exam cannot be made up if missed. Review time is set aside for class on Thursday 9/29, and you're encouraged to work on the problems with your mentor. Download the Exam 1 Study Guide