Math 119 Precalculus

Summer 2009

 

Meeting: MTWTh 5:30-8:45 p.m.; ACB315 (crn: 17245)                

Dr. Tracii Friedman                          

E-mail: tfriedma@mesastate.edu

Office Hours: I will be available 30 minutes before class each evening.  Other times are available by appointment.

Course Website: http://www.mesastate.edu/~tfriedma/119/coursepage.html

Required Materials:

1.      Text: Precalculus, 7th Ed., Larson & Hostetler, Houghton Mifflin Company, 2007.

2.      A folder and loose-leaf paper are required for homework.

3.      A graphing calculator will be used regularly throughout the course as an aid to studying and understanding concepts presented.  A TI-82, 83, or 84 graphing calculator is strongly recommended for this course.  I will typically use the TI-84 for class demonstrations.  Note that any calculator performing symbolic manipulations, such as the TI-89 and TI-92, are not permitted for use on any quiz or test. 

Course Description: Math 119 is an in-depth treatment of the mathematics required for success in calculus.  Topics include linear, nonlinear, and absolute value equations and inequalities; functions and graphs; polynomial, rational, inverse, exponential and logarithmic functions; systems of equations; conic sections; circular functions and right triangle trigonometry, graphs of trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities, and solving trigonometric equations.  We will cover Chapters 1-5 in the text and some additional topics, time permitting. 

Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in Math 113 or equivalent, or appropriate mathematics placement test score

 

Course Goals:  A primary objective for successful completion of the course is to develop mastery of the mathematical content described above in preparation for calculus.  Another central goal is the continued development of reasoning and problem solving skills.  Additional goals include the development of writing skills, particularly in the communication of mathematical results, and an ability to work together with colleagues.  These goals may be achieved by preparing for and participating in daily lectures and discussion, by working together on homework problems, and by successful completion of assignments and projects. 

 

General Education Statement: Math 119 is a General Education course satisfying the Mathematics Requirement for students getting a BS, BA or BBA degree at Mesa State College.  (Students getting a BA degree may also choose to take Math 110, College Mathematics, instead.)  General Education courses are designed to ensure that: students will emerge with well-developed faculties for critical judgment, analytical thought, and an awareness of their world (Mesa State College Catalog).  Even if you are not majoring in a field that uses the algebra skills you learn in this class, the class will assist you in achieving the general education goals: Understand the structure and discipline of mathematical thought and its use in problem-solving and be able to think critically and creatively (Mesa State College Catalog).

 

Method of Evaluation: Grades will be determined from total points. 

Quizzes/Projects:         100

Participation:                  25

            Tests:                           300 (total)

Final exam:                  150

Maximum score:          575

 

The following conversion will be used: 90% earns an A, 80% a B, 70% a C, and 60% a D.  If you have any questions regarding the evaluation process, it is your responsibility to ask me for further clarification.

Quizzes/Projects:  There will be regular quizzes consisting of problems similar to those in the homework. Quizzes will typically be announced in advance; a tentative schedule of announced quizzes can be found at the end of this syllabus and on the course website.  You are expected to attend each class, so there will be no make-up of quizzes, except possibly for documented illness (see attendance policy below).  If you miss a class in which a group project is assigned, you may submit the project by the due date, but you may lose some points for not participating in the group.  I will happily accept a project early, but no late projects will be accepted.  I realize that unexpected emergencies may cause an occasional absence and therefore you may miss a total of two quiz/project assessments without penalty.

 

Course Participation: Note that part of your grade will be determined by course participation.  Course participation includes being prepared for class, asking questions, participating in discussion and activities, and seeking help outside of class when appropriate.  If you are frequently absent (more than 2 classes) or late for class, are not prepared, or your participation detracts from the class, your grade will be adversely affected.  Similarly, when you seek help outside of class in office hours, make sure you come prepared and have specific questions along with the work that you have attempted.   

 

Exams:  There will be three in-class exams and a cumulative final examination.  See next page for tentative schedule.

 

If the percent grade earned on the final exam is higher than the lowest test grade, then the lowest test grade will be replaced by the percent grade earned on the final.  Therefore, no make-up exams will be given except possibly for documented illness (see attendance policy below).

 

Homework: Homework will be assigned for each section; to succeed in this course, you must master these homework problems.  You are encouraged to work together in solving homework problems, but you should write up your solutions without help from others to ensure that you can do the problems on your own.

On each of the three test dates listed above, you will be expected to submit a folder containing the homework problems you worked for the sections covered on that exam.  Your homework folder will be reviewed for completion and will be worth up to 5 bonus points on your exam.  Submissions that do not meet the following requirements will earn no bonus points. 

  • Assignments must be written in a neat, organized and professional manner on loose-leaf paper (no ripped edges). 
  • Each section must be stapled separately, labeled clearly with the section number and must include a list of the assigned problems.  Sections must be assembled in order and placed into a folder for submission.
  • All homework problems must be worked in order and must be legible; sufficient work must be shown.     
  • If you forget to bring your folder on the day of the exam, you will earn no bonus points for that exam.

 

Attendance:  Given the cumulative nature of this course and the fact that each class covers three and a half “50-minute class periods,” it is imperative that students attend all classes.  In order to be respectful of both the instructor and your classmates, it is expected that you arrive on time to each class.  If it becomes necessary for you to be absent, please try to let me know prior to the missed class.  It is your responsibility to make up the work you miss.  Attendance for all quizzes and exams, of course, is mandatory.  Make-up privileges for quizzes and exams may possibly be extended only for unusual circumstances, such as documented illness. Except in an emergency, such privileges must be arranged with me in advance.  No exams will be rescheduled for personal reasons such as work, flight plans, or vacations.  Note that the instructor may drop students who are excessively absent.

 

Academic Honesty Policy: Any student observed cheating during an examination will receive a grade of zero on that exam.  Duplicated or plagiarized assignments will receive grades of zero.  A second offense will result in a failing grade for the course.  Cheating on the final exam will also result in a failing grade for the course.  Additional actions may be taken as outlined in your Student Handbook.

Notes:

 

1.      Tutoring is available and is free for Mesa State students!  Tutorial Services is located in Houston Hall 110 and 120.  For more information, visit: http://www.mesastate.edu/enrollman/acadserv/Tutoring/index.htm.

2.      In coordination with Educational Access Services, reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified students with disabilities.  Please contact EAS at 248-1856, or in person at Houston Hall, Room 100.  Please meet with the instructor the first week of class to discuss accommodations for this class.

3.      The last day to drop this course is Tuesday, May 19th.  Monday, June 1st is the last day to withdraw with a grade of W.  If you withdraw from this course after June 1st, you will earn an F, even if you are passing.  Watch these deadlines!