WHAT, WHERE & WHEN

Precalculus I, Math 2.9, will have a new registration code each time it is offered. Its meeting times and places will vary from term to term. Consult the current schedule of classes for this information.

TEXT

The text and use of software will be determined by the instructor and/or the department of mathematics.

TOPICS

The subjects to be covered in the course are roughly the following.

Review
	Numbers
		Integers
		rational numbers
		real numbers and recognition of rationals as decimals
		Algebraic properties of number systems
	Geometry
						order
						distance
						interval notation
	Equations
					solving linear, absolute value and quadratic equations (including completing squares)
					solving linear, absolute value and quadratic inequalities

Binomial Theorem

Plane Geometry, part I
	Rectangular coordinates
	Pythagorean theorem
	Circles
	Lines
				slopes
				intercepts
				various equations
				intersections of lines
	Planar inequalities

· Polynomials
	Long division
	Remainders
	Factors and the factor theorem
	Complex numbers and the fundamental theorem of algebra
	Rational root test
	Graphing polynomials
	Rational functions and their graphs

· Plane Geometry, part II
	Relations and their geometric realizations
	Basic transformations of planar sets
			translations
			reflections
			rescaling
	Special examples: the conics

· Functions
	Basic concepts and definitions (domain, range, etc.)
	Graphs of functions and basic curve sketching
			linear functions and their graphs
			intercepts, symmetries
			polynomial functions and their graphs
			asymptotes
			rational functions and behavior for large \|x\|
	Operations on functions
	Special properties of functions (1-1, onto, etc.)
	Inverse of a function

· A Special Example – exponential and logarithmic functions
	Exponential functions and their properties
	Logarithmic functions and their properties
	Exponential and logarithmic equations

· Trigonometry
	Trig functions in right triangles
	Unit circle and angle measurement
	Definitions of elementary trig functions
	Graphs of elementary trig functions
	Laws of sines and cosines
	Angle addition formulae
	Inverse trig functions

· Solving Triangles
	Law of cosines
	Law of sines
	Heron’s formula
	General triangles

GENERAL INFORMATION

The only known way to learn the subject is to do problems. A great deal of your time will be devoted to practice and discussion of problems, so there should be ample time to deal with difficulties arising in your studies. You should feel free to ask anyone for help, or work with your classmates, on assignments. Reasonable behavior that will help you learn the subject is certainly acceptable.

In general it will be helpful to have several writing utensils, a calculator and scratch paper handy as you work on this material. You will want to have a file, folder, or notebook in which you keep all of your notes. Much of this can be kept on computers, and you should also have a file on a hard drive and some sort of memory storage device (ZIP disc, memory stick, or some such) on which you keep all of your class related material.

Any feedback you have regarding the course will be welcome and deeply appreciated. Please feel encouraged to comment (anonymously or otherwise, as you please). And certainly at all times feel free to ask questions regarding either the structure of the class or the material being covered.

ATTENDANCE

You are not required to show up for class. Nevertheless, attendance will be recorded daily for administrative purposes. You are responsible for the work, and if you do not attend the responsibility to cover missed material is yours.

EXAM INFORMATION

A final exam will be given at a time set by the college. Midterm arrangements will be made by the instructor.

HOMEWORK SUBMISSION

Homework arrangements will be made by the instructor.

GRADING

Grading arrangements will be made by the instructor.