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Master Course Outline
MATH& 141
Precalculus I
Course Description: MATH& 141 is the first course in the standard precalculus sequence. This course
and MATH& 142 are designed for students intending to take calculus and/or physical science courses.
Content includes: the definition of a function; linear functions; graphs of functions; inverse functions;
quadratic functions; polynomial and rational functions; exponential functions; and logarithmic functions.
Applications are drawn from the natural and social sciences, and engineering. 5 lecture hours. Satisfies
the quantitative skills requirement, science distribution area F requirement, or specified elective for the
AA degree.
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: A grade of "C+" or better in MATH 098 or appropriate placement score.
Recommended Preparation: None.
Co-requisites: None.
Course Learning Outcomes: Students completing the course will have been instructed in how to do the
following, and earn a course grade based on the evaluation of their ability to do the following:
1. Simplify Algebraic Expressions.
2. Solve Algebraic Equations.
3. Use Function notation properly.
4. Find the average rate of change of a function and use to solve applications.
5. Recognize Linear Functions and use to solve applications.
6. Find formulas for Linear Functions from data, graphs, and verbal descriptions.
7. Use the geometric properties of Linear Functions to solve a variety of problems.
8. Understand the basic definitions of a function, Input and Output variables, Domain and Range,
and function notation, and use to solve problems.
9. Find a piecewise defined function for application problems.
10. Find and simplify the composition of two functions.
11. Compute the inverse function of very basic functions.
12. Use Transformation Rules to graph functions.
13. Convert Quadratic Functions between the standard and vertex forms.
14. Graph Quadratic functions.
15. Solve basic science, business and economics applications using Linear and Quadratic functions.
16. Graph factorable Polynomial functions and use them in applications.
17. Graph Rational functions, including asymptotes, and use them in applications.
18. Understand the basic form of an exponential function, and use to set up and solve applications.
19. Sketch the graph of exponential functions, and transformed exponential functions.
20. Solve problems involving applications to compound interest.
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21. Use the base e natural exponential function, y = e , to solve applications involving continuous
compounding of interest, and continuous rate growth and decay problems.
22. Use the properties of logs and exponentials to solve log and exponential equations.
23. Use Doubling time and logs to solve various exponential growth problems.
24. Use Half-Life and logs to solve various exponential decay problems.
Course Resources/Textbooks/Website: Information on the textbook can be found in the GHC class
schedule online, or through the GHC Bookstore. The same textbook is also used for MATH& 142. You
will also need a non-graphing, scientific calculator for the course. Calculators with Computer Algebra
Systems are NOT allowed. Students have successfully used a wide variety of calculators in this course
over the years. These include various models from TI, Casio, Sharp, Hewlett-Packard, and probably other
companies as well. You CANNOT use a cell-phone, i-pod, computer or any other internet connected
device as a calculator or for any other purpose during testing due to the obvious potential for cheating!
Academic Integrity: All forms of cheating, falsification, and plagiarism are against the rules of this course
and of Grays Harbor College. Students who are unsure what constitutes academic dishonesty are
responsible for asking the instructor for clarification. Instances of intentional academic dishonesty will
be dealt with severely.
Disabilities: Students who have documented disabilities that require accommodations in compliance
with the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the Disability Support Services coordinator as
well as the instructor of the course in order to ensure that together we create an optimal environment
for educational achievement.
W Day: W Day, the final day to officially withdraw from a course, is the Thursday of the seventh week
(Thursday of the fourth week for summer quarter). Students who do not withdraw by that date will
receive the grades they have earned, regardless of whether they are attending the course or completing
the work. Students who are considering withdrawal are strongly advised to consult with the instructor,
advisor and financial aid prior to withdrawing. The only withdrawals allowed after W Day are complete
withdrawals from all courses.