MATH

2412
COURSE
SYLLABUS
COURSE :
Name: Precalculus
Description: Topics include elementary theory of functions and equations, analytic geometry, vectors,
introductory logic, mathematical induction, sequences and finite series.
Goal: This course is intended primarily to prepare students for calculus. It can also be used for general
mathematics credit. See page 3 for Student Learning Objectives.

INSTRUCTOR :
Name:
Email:

Michael Sawyer
michael.sawyer@hccs.edu
TEXT :
Precalculus by Robert Blitzer, Fifth Edition, Pearson Prentice Hall

POLICY
ON ATTENDANCE :
Regular attendance is highly recommended. Absences in excess of 12.5% of the total number of classes may
result in an administrative withdrawal. Tardiness should be kept to a minimum.

POLICY
ON
INCOMPLETES :
The following are necessary but not sufficient conditions for a grade of I :
1) passing with at least a C2) regular attendance 3) documented excuse for missing the final exam.

POLICY
ON
DROPS :
Any student wishing to drop the class must do so before the deadline stated in the Class Schedule. Lack of
attendance will usually result in a poor letter grade and not a W.
Note: Students who repeat a course for a third time or more may face significant tuition/fee increases at HCC
and other Texas public colleges and universities. Please ask your instructor/counselor about opportunities for
tutoring or other assistance prior to considering course withdrawal or if you are not receiving passing grades.

POLICY
ON
GRADING :
Four exams will be given, the lowest of which will be ignored. The homework will be assigned through
MyMathLab and will be graded on a completion basis. The final exam will be comprehensive and compulsory.
The following percentages will apply:
Three exams ( 15% each)-------------45%
MyMathLab Homework ---------------15%
Final Exam-----------------------------40%
The course grade will usually be determined by:
90-100 A
80-89 B
70-79 C
60-69 D
0-59
F

POLICY
ON
MAKE-UPS :
No make-up exams will be given for any reason.

POLICY
ON
CHEATING :
All students are required to exercise academic honesty in completion of all tests and assignments. Cheating on exams will
result in a grade of F and a transcript note and may result in total dismissal from the college. Cheating involves deception
for the purpose of violating testing rules. Students who improperly assist other students are just as guilty as students
who receive assistance. The use of recording devices, including camera phones and tape recorders, is prohibited in all
locations where instruction, tutoring, or testing occurs. Note that talking or cell phone use or otherwise communicating
during exams will be construed as cheating. Students with disabilities who need to use a recording device as a reasonable
accommodation should contact the Disability Services Office for information.

INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLEMENTS:
Any student enrolled in Math 2412 at HCCS has access to the Academic Support Center where they may get additional
help in understanding the theory or improving their skill. The Center is staffed with mathematics faculty and student
assistants, and offers tutorial help. A Chapter Tests preparation video CD comes with the text. A Student’s Solution
Manual and MyMathLab are also available.
NOTE: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange
reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at the respective college at the beginning of each
semester. Faculty are authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.
If you have any questions, please contact the disability counselor at your college or Donna Price at 713-718-5165.
MATH
Lesson Number
2412
COURSE
Date
Material Covered
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Pre-test
1.2-1.4
1.5, 1.7, 1.9
2.4
2.5-2.6
7.3
REVIEW
9/16
EXAM ONE
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
4.2, 4.5-4.7
5.1-5.3
5.4-5.5
6.1-6.3
6.4-6.7
REVIEW
10/14
EXAM TWO
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
9.1
9.2-9.3
9.4
9.5
9.6
REVIEW
11/4
EXAM THREE
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
REVIEW
12/2
EXAM FOUR
30
31
OUTLINE
REVIEW
12/12
12:00-2:00
FINAL
EXAM
MATH 2412: PRECALCULUS
Credit: 4 (4 lecture)
Prerequisite: MATH 1314 and MATH 1316 or Department Approval
Topics include elementary theory of functions and equations, analytic geometry, vectors,
introductory logic, mathematical induction, sequences and finite series. Core Curriculum Course.
Textbook:
Precalculus
by Robert F. Blitzer
Publisher: Prentice Hall
Pub. Date: February 2006
ISBN-13: 9780131874794
Student Learning Outcomes
Course Objectives
1. Represent and manipulate algebraic and
trigonometric functions and relations
algebraically, graphically, and
numerically, including partial fraction
decomposition and finding zeroes of
functions.
1.1 Develop and use various problem-solving
techniques.
1.2 Recognize functions as ordered pairs.
1.3 Determine the graph of an algebraic equation or
function.
1.4 Understand synthetic division.
1.5 Develop partial fraction decomposition.
1.6 Find the zeros of real functions
1.7 Solve polynomial equations.
1.8 Utilize the six basic trigonometric functions.
2. Engage in algebraic and trigonometric
problem solving and modeling.
2.1 Apply the Law of sines and the Law of cosines for
various types of situations.
3. Synthesize algebraic and trigonometric
facts and laws into proofs.
3.1 Verify various trigonometric identities.
3.2 Find the powers and roots of complex numbers
using DeMoivre’s Theorem.
4. Analyze and manipulate equations
between various two dimensional
systems such as rectangular, polar,
vector representations, conic systems
and axes manipulations, as well as
solving equations in these systems.
4.1 Understand basic vectors (2 dimensional).
4.2 Convert points in a rectangular coordinate system
to polar coordinates.
4.3 Recognize algebraic formulas relating to circles,
parabolas, ellipses, and hyperbolas.
4.4 Use translation of axes, rotation of axes, and polar
equations of conics.
5. Investigate and perform summations and
predictions on geometric, algebraic and
binomial sequences and series.
5.1 Recognize the use of arithmetic and geometric
sequences.
5.2 Use summation notation to represent a series.
5.3 Understand and use the Binomial theorem.
5.4 Understand mathematical induction.
5.5 (Optional) Understand the basic concepts of limits.