Wilbur Wright College
MATH 143 Precalculus
COURSE SYLLABUS Spring 2010
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Instructor Information
Instructor Name:
Wright College Telephone:
Office Telephone:
E - Mail Address:
Web Page Address:
Office Hours:
Office Room:
Luke Papademas
( 773 ) 481 - 8629
( 773 ) 775 - 1087 ( 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. )
papademas@aol.com
http://www.papademas.net/ccc/MATH099
Tuesdays / Thursdays 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
L311
General Course Information
Meeting Time and Place:
Credit Hours:
Course Description:
meeting time(s): _______ place: room(s) _________
6 Credit Hours
Precalculus mathematics focuses on mathematical
reasoning and solving problems to improve the mathematical skill of the student. The
following topics from algebra and trigonometry are studied in depth: review of algebraic
concepts, functions and graphs, conic sections, solutions of systems of equations, theory
of equations, sequences, series, binomial theorem, permutations and combinations,
trigonometric functions and their graphs, trigonometric identities and equations, solutions
of triangles applications, inverse trigonometric functions. The use of graphing calculators
and computers is strongly recommended. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the
discipline, are part of the course.
Course Prerequisite(s):
Grade of C or better in Math 113 or appropriate
performance on the Placement Test or consent of the department Chairperson.
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Required Instructional Materials
Course Textbook(s):
Supplemental Materials:
Lecture / Lab Notebook:
Precalculus.
Includes handouts and special project information.
You are required to purchase a bound notebook with
dividers that will be used to complete your homework assignments.
Hand - Held Calculator:
A hand - held scientific or graphing calculator is required
along with the instructional manual of the calculator. A Casio fx 115 or fx 300 scientific
calculator or a Texas Instruments TI - 83 graphing calculator is recommended.
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Course Objectives
Key Objectives:
At the completion of this course, the student, using
classroom technologies, will be able to solve problems and present information
symbolically, visually, numerically, verbally and in writing, on the various course topics.
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Outline of Course Topics
Topics of Discussion:
The major topics of discussion during the course of the
semester include, but are not limited to, the following: Preliminary Topics; Order of
Operations; Linear Equations and Inequalities; Factoring Techniques; Quadratics
Equations and their Applications; The Quadratic Formula; The Cartesian Coordinate
System; Graphs of Linear Equations; Slope - Intercept Form of a Straight Line; Parallel
and Perpendicular Lines; Functions; Graphing Linear and Non - Linear Equations;
Composite Functions; Roots and Radicals; Exponential and Logarithmic Functions;
Exponential and Logarithmic Equations; Systems of Equations; Cramer's Rule;
Sequences; Series; Mathematical Induction; Trigonometric Functions; Graphs of
Trigonometric Functions; Complex Number Analysis, Analytical Geometry;, Conic
Sections; Miscellaneous Topics.
© Copyright 2000 by P.E.P.
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Wilbur Wright College
MATH 143 Precalculus
COURSE SYLLABUS Spring 2010
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Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
Grading Scale:
Grading will use the scale: 100  to 90  is an A, 89 
to 80  is a B, 79  to 70  is a C, 69  to 60  is a D and 59  to 0  is an F.
Grade Determination:
Your final course grade will be based on the following:
Homework 15%, Quizzes 10%, Four In - Class Exams 25%, In - Class and Self Study
Exercises 10%, Individual Projects 10%, Lecture / Lab Notebook 5%, Final Exam 25%.
Grade Breakdown:
Homework Assignments are issued on a weekly basis
and must be submitted prior to or exactly on the due dates. Quizzes usually are
announced in advance, however, " pop " quizzes may be given. There are no make - ups
for any missed quizzes. In - Class Exams are typically closed book and closed notes.
There are no individual make - ups for any of the in - class exams. Instead, a
comprehensive make - up exam ( 85 maximum points ) will be given during week 13.
In - Class Exercises are usually completed during part of the lecture session. Self Study
Exercises are issued to have students discover some course topics on their own.
Individual Projects are to be unique, original and submitted in a professionally prepared
presentation binder. Students are required to maintain a Lecture / Lab Notebook
consisting of both lecture and lab work. The Final Exam is cumulative and closed book.
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Methods of Instruction
Instruction Techniques:
The methods used to instruct the course material may
include: (1) Lecture-oral presentation, (2) Class discussion, (3) Individual and group
projects and (4) Discovery or the Socratic method of asking questions.
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Course Practices Required
Student Practices:
Students enrolled in this class should (1) attend class
regularly, (2) complete assignments on time and (3) demonstrate assigned problems.
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Academic Integrity
Integrity Policy:
The nature of higher education requires that students
adhere to accepted standards of academic integrity as listed in the student handbook.
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Other Course Information
Additional Items of Note:
(a) You are responsible for any classes that you miss.
Have telephone numbers of others in the class, get assignments, notes, deadlines etc.
from them. (b) Changes to this syllabus may be made when deemed appropriate and
without notice. (c) Tutors are available by appointment in room A245 .
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Academic Etiquette
Classroom Behavior:
Some guidelines are: (1) come to class prepared, (2) be
courteous, and treat one another and your professor with respect, (3) pay careful
attention to the lecture and (4) follow any instructions promptly.
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Attendance Policy
Attendance Policy:
The campus attendance policy will be followed. Refer to
the student handbook for more information.
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Instructor's Comments
A few words:
© Copyright 2000 by P.E.P.
Welcome to the course. I wish everyone good success!
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