MATH 143 Precalculus I

This course can be taken as a single semester course or as the first part of a two semester sequence to prepare for calculus. Topics include polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions, an introduction to right and oblique triangle trigonometry and trigonometric functions. Problems will be solved through analytical, numerical and graphical approaches with an emphasis on application problems. Graphing calculators and mathematical software will be employed throughout the course. All sections require the use of the interactive computer program that comes with the software code.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

MATH 070 or appropriate score on mathematics placement test

Hours Weekly

4 hours weekly

Course Objectives

  1. Communicate mathematical concepts related to precalculus topics using appropriate
    symbols, notation, and vocabulary.
  2. Construct graphs, tables, and equations of polynomial, power, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions and describe the characteristics of the functions.
  3. Identify and graph shifts, reflections, and transformations of functions.
  4. Find inverses of functions algebraically as well as graphically.
  5. Apply classic theorems to find the zeros of polynomial equations.
  6. Use properties of logarithms and exponents to rewrite and evaluate logarithmic and exponential expressions.
  7. Use function models to set up and solve application models.
  8. Solve oblique triangles using the Law of Sines and Law of Cosines.
  9. Analyze, evaluate, justify, and interpret the reasonableness of solutions.
  10. Identify and implement appropriate technologies to efficiently complete tasks that involve solving cross-discipline, mathematically appropriate problems and creating new works to communicate the processes used and solution.

Course Objectives

  1. Communicate mathematical concepts related to precalculus topics using appropriate
    symbols, notation, and vocabulary.

    Learning Activity Artifact

    • Other (please fill out box below)
    • Exams and projects

    Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

    • Scientific Reasoning Rubric

    Scientific Reasoning

    • SR1
  2. Construct graphs, tables, and equations of polynomial, power, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions and describe the characteristics of the functions.

    Learning Activity Artifact

    • Other (please fill out box below)
    • Exams

    Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

    • Scientific Reasoning Rubric

    Scientific Reasoning

    • SR1
    • SR2
  3. Identify and graph shifts, reflections, and transformations of functions.

    Learning Activity Artifact

    • Other (please fill out box below)
    • Exams

    Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

    • Scientific Reasoning Rubric

    Scientific Reasoning

    • SR2
  4. Find inverses of functions algebraically as well as graphically.

    Learning Activity Artifact

    • Other (please fill out box below)
    • Exams

    Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

    • Scientific Reasoning Rubric

    Scientific Reasoning

    • SR2
  5. Apply classic theorems to find the zeros of polynomial equations.

    Learning Activity Artifact

    • Other (please fill out box below)
    • Exams

    Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

    • Scientific Reasoning Rubric

    Scientific Reasoning

    • SR2
  6. Use properties of logarithms and exponents to rewrite and evaluate logarithmic and exponential expressions.

    Learning Activity Artifact

    • Other (please fill out box below)
    • Exams

    Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

    • Scientific Reasoning Rubric

    Scientific Reasoning

    • SR1
    • SR2
  7. Use function models to set up and solve application models.

    Learning Activity Artifact

    • Other (please fill out box below)
    • Exams

    Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

    • Scientific Reasoning Rubric

    Scientific Reasoning

    • SR1
    • SR2
    • SR3
  8. Solve oblique triangles using the Law of Sines and Law of Cosines.

    Learning Activity Artifact

    • Other (please fill out box below)
    • Exams

    Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

    • Scientific Reasoning Rubric

    Scientific Reasoning

    • SR2
  9. Analyze, evaluate, justify, and interpret the reasonableness of solutions.

    Learning Activity Artifact

    • Other (please fill out box below)
    • Exams and projects

    Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

    • Scientific Reasoning Rubric

    Scientific Reasoning

    • SR3
  10. Identify and implement appropriate technologies to efficiently complete tasks that involve solving cross-discipline, mathematically appropriate problems and creating new works to communicate the processes used and solution.

    Learning Activity Artifact

    • Other (please fill out box below)
    • Projects

    Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

    • Technological Literacy Rubric

    Technological Literacy

    • TL1
    • TL2