Math 141 Pre-Calculus I Syllabus
Summer 2016
Section 1743
8-3
9:10 to 10:40 daily
“Teachers open the door but you must enter by yourself.”– Chinese Proverb
Instructor: Meredith LaFlesh
Office: F1-55
Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday 12:30 to 2:00, and by appointment
E-mail: mlaflesh@tacomacc.edu
Phone: (253) 460-4337
Course Overview: Welcome to college level math! Mathematics is an exciting and demanding subject, and Math
141 is designed to be the introduction to higher-level mathematics. Math 141 is meant for students who like math
and enjoy tackling complicated problems. This makes the course challenging for students who don’t think of
themselves as “math people”, but I am here to support you. If you dedicate yourself to passing this course this
quarter, you will pass!
Course Description: This course emphasizes functions expressed in words, symbols, graphs, and tables of values,
with an emphasis on exponential, logarithmic, and inverse functions. Also included are translation and composition
of functions, root finding, and applications intended to prepare the student for calculus. Above average symbolic
manipulation skills are assumed as a prerequisite. Technical reading and writing are an important part of the
course.
Instructional Methods Used: In class, we will use a combination of lecture and small group work. Outside of class,
online homework will use WebAssign.
Required Text: Contemporary Precalculus, A Graphing Approach, 5e, Hungerford with WebAssign access
Optional Text: Student Solutions Manual for Contemporary Precalculus
Calculator: A graphing calculator is required for this course. The TI-83+ or TI-84+ (Silver) is strongly
recommended. These are the types of calculator that will be used during lectures and the only calculator that will be
supported in this class. If you choose to use another calculator, I will not be able to help you learn it. You are
responsible for knowing how to operate it. Calculators on cell phones and calculators that do symbolic manipulation
such as the TI-89, TI-93, TI Nspire will not be allowed on exams, quizzes, or Group Solves.
Additional Supplies: Graph paper (¼ inch squares), colored pencils, and a 6-inch ruler for graphing are required.
Web Access: Access to the internet (from home or from campus) is required for this course. Homework and project
assignments will be posted on my website: www.tacomacc.edu/home/mlaflesh.
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Learning Objectives: College-wide Learning Outcomes: Tacoma Community College has identified five collegewide learning outcomes that form the foundation of our educational emphasis: Communication (COM), Critical
Thinking and Problem Solving (CRT), Responsibility and Ethics (RES), Information & Information Technology (IIT),
and Living and Working Cooperatively/Valuing Differences (LWC).
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of functions, function notation, and the properties of functions from the numerical,
graphical, and symbolic perspectives. Apply this understanding to the study of linear, quadratic, polynomial,
rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions. (2, 4)
2. Graph the above functions and their transformations. (1, 2)
3. Carry out the algebra of functions and find the domain of the result. (2, 4)
4. Describe and apply the relationship between algebraic changes in the rule of a function and geometric
transformation of its graph. (1, 2)
5. Solve polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic equations.
6. Graphically determine if a function has an inverse, find the inverse algebraically, and demonstrate an
understanding of the relationship between a function and its inverse. (1, 2, 4)
7. Apply algebraic concepts to various physical problems. (2, 3)
8. Write clear and complete solutions to mathematical problems, including correct notation and written explanations
when appropriate. (4)
9. Use a graphing calculator and/or computer software as appropriate. (5)
Program Learning Outcomes: The course outcomes below refer to the following Math Department Learning Outcomes:
The abbreviations after each outcome refer to the Degree Learning Outcomes below. Students will demonstrate increasing
levels of mastery of the Program Learning Outcomes throughout the developmental math curriculum.
Upon successful completion of the Quantitative Skills requirement for the Associates Degree, students will:
1. Interpret, analyze, and create graphs and charts that communicate quantitative or relational information (COM, COK, CRT).
2. Determine, create, and use appropriate and reasonable mathematical constructs to model, understand, and explain
phenomena encountered in the world (COK, COM, CRT).
3. Determine and carry out an appropriate algorithm to solve problems that are amenable to mathematical solutions (COK,
CRT).
4. Communicate mathematical information formally, using appropriate math notation and terminology, and informally by using
everyday language to express ideas (COK, COM).
5. Use technology to analyze and solve mathematical problems and to effectively communicate solutions to problems,
particularly those that cannot be solved efficiently by other means (COK, COM, CRT, IIT).
Degree Learning Outcomes: Upon completing a degree at Tacoma Community College, students will be able to:
Core of Knowledge (COK): Demonstrate a basic knowledge of each of the distribution areas (Written Communication,
Humanities, Quantitative Skills, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences; or, as applicable, specific career training programs),
integrate knowledge across disciplines, and apply this knowledge to academic, occupational, civic and personal endeavors.
Communication (COM): Listen, speak, read, and write effectively and use nonverbal and technological means to make
connections between self and others.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving (CRT): Compare, analyze, and evaluate information and ideas, and use sound
thinking skills to solve problems.
Information and Information Technology (IIT): Locate, evaluate, retrieve, and ethically use relevant and current information
of appropriate authority for both academic and personal applications.
Living and Working Cooperatively/ Valuing Differences (LWC): Respectfully acknowledge diverse points of view, and draw
upon the knowledge and experience of others to collaborate in a multicultural and complex world.
Responsibility & Ethics (RES): Demonstrate an understanding of what constitutes responsible and ethical behavior toward
individuals, the community, and the environment.
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Class Rules
Each person in this class is entitled to respect. It is important to me that you show respect for your fellow students
and for the learning process. These rules are designed to ensure that all students get the respect they deserve and
the learning they have paid for.
1. When one person is talking, please listen respectfully.
2. Please turn off your cell phone, pager, etc. before class begins, as the noises they make distract people who are
trying to learn.
3. Please do not engage in disruptive behaviors (unacceptable talking, arriving late, leaving during class, etc.).
The first time, you will receive a verbal warning.
The second time, you will be required to leave class.
You may not return to class until you have made an appointment with me, and we have come to an
agreement as to how to better support learning in the class. Assignments missed because of
behavior cannot be made up.
4. If you intend to bring people (especially children) who are not enrolled to class, you must get permission from the
instructor first, and the visitors must follow all class rules.
5. You are welcome to bring food and beverages to classes held in most buildings on campus as long as you do not
distract other students and you clean up after yourself.
6. If you want to succeed in this class, you need to attend regularly. If you cannot be in class on a given day, let me
know ahead of time, otherwise, there will be no way for you to make up credit for missed in-class assignments. But,
notifying me does not guarantee you can make up the missed assignment.
7. Come to class on time. Arriving late to class distracts your fellow students and disrespects the learning process.
8. Late work will not be given credit. If you are late (even one second), your work will be late.
9. TCC e-mail accounts are provided for each student. You can check your TCC e-mail from any computer on
campus as well as from any off-campus computer that has access to the Internet. You should check your e-mail at
least once a day because I will use your TCC e-mail account to send you class assignments and information. If class
is canceled due to weather, or if I will not be able to attend class due to illness, I will e-mail you no later than 6:30am.
I will also occasionally send information about scholarships and other things I think you could use, but I will never
send spam.
10. Academic Dishonesty is unacceptable. As stated in the TCC catalog: “students are expected to be honest and
forthright in their academic endeavors. Cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, or other forms of academic dishonesty
corrupt the learning process and threaten the learning environment for all students.” Students who engage in
behaviors that may be interpreted as academic dishonesty will receive a zero score on the assignment in question.
A second offense will result in an “E” course grade. Academic dishonesty includes behaviors like the following:
 communicating with another person while an exam is going on in the room,
 using notes, cell phones, or other resource material not specifically allowed during an exam,
 copying or allowing another student to copy material on an exam or a project,
 talking to someone outside of your group during a Group Solve,
 presenting another person’s work as your own (this includes copying and pasting from the internet), and
 giving other students the opportunity to do any of the above.
It is your responsibility to be honest and to appear honest.
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General Information
Students with Special Needs: All students are responsible for all requirements of the class, but the way they meet
these requirements may vary. If you need specific academic auxiliary aids or services due to a disability, please
contact the Access Services Office in Building 7 (253) 566-5328. They will require you to present formal, written
documentation of your disability from an appropriate professional. When this step has been completed,
arrangements will be made for you to receive reasonable auxiliary aids or services. The disability accommodation
documentation prepared by Access Services must be given to me a minimum of one week before the
accommodation is needed so that appropriate arrangements may be made.
Withdrawing From The Class: If you decide for any reason to stop attending class, you should withdraw. It is your
responsibility to withdraw yourself. No one else can do it for you. This may allow another student who wants to take
the class to enroll. If you do not withdraw yourself, you will receive a “V” or an “E” grade for the class.
For Help With Homework
The Al-Kwarizmi Math Advising and Resource Center: The Math Center is located in 19-22.
 Math instructors and tutors are available to help with math questions on a drop in basis. Please see the
bookmark passed out in class for hours.
 You may make an appointment for one-on-one help from a math tutor. Please see the bookmark for hours
 For best results, bring specific questions or problems you are working on to ask about.
 Even if you don’t have problems, the Math Center is a pleasant place to study. You are always welcome!
The Tutoring Center: The Tutoring Center is located in building 7, room 221. Student tutors are available by
appointment for one-on-one tutoring. The hours during which tutoring is available in specific subjects may vary from
quarter to quarter. Call the Tutoring Center at (253) 566-6032 to find out what their current schedule is.
The Open Door Policy: I want you to get the help you need when you need it. If my door is open, please
come in, sit down, and tell me what I can do for you. I am, of course, always available during my scheduled office
hours.
Good Websites
Meredith’s webpage: www.tacomacc.edu/home/mlaflesh
For Calculator Help:
http://education.ti.com/us/product/tech/84pse/guide/84pseguideus.html
For Exponential and Logarithmic Functions (as well as basic algebra review):
http://purplemath.com or http://www.sosmath.com
For nice graph paper:
http://printfreegraphpaper.com
Chain of Command: If you have questions or concerns about any aspect of the class, please follow the steps below:
1. See me and present your case in a professional, unemotional manner. I am always willing to listen to a good
argument. If I am wrong, I will admit it. If you are not satisfied, go to step 2.
2. Please see the department chair, Carol Avery, in Building F2. If you are still not satisfied, go to Step 3.
3. Please see the Dean of the Math, Science, and Engineering Division, Joseph Shannon, in Building 15.
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Grading System: Letter grades will be assigned based on the following:
Percentage
Grade
93 – 100
90 – 92
A
A-
Percentage
87 – 89
83 – 86
80 – 82
Grade
B+
B
B-
Percentage
75 – 79
70 – 74
67 – 69
Grade
C+
C
C-
Percentage
64 – 66
60 – 63
0 – 59
Grade
D+
D
E
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Grade: A grade of "Satisfactory" will only be given for grades of D or above (that is,
60% or above). If you are planning on taking another math class for which this course is a prerequisite, you must
receive a C or above (that is, 70% or above) to go on. A "Satisfactory" will not be sufficient to get you into the next
class.
A grade of Incomplete, I, will be given only in emergency situations, at the instructor’s discretion, and only if at least
75% of the work has been completed with a passing grade.
A grade of WI is given at the instructor’s discretion when a student has completed all assigned work and is forced,
due to circumstances beyond her control, to withdraw from class after the 50 th day of the quarter or the equivalent in
summer.
A grade of V is given to a student who has attended class at least once and stops attending before doing enough
work for the instructor to evaluate the student’s performance.
A grade of Z is given to a student who has never attended class.
Grades: Your final grade will be determined by your performance on the following graded events:
This schedule is subject to change as the instructor sees fit to best meet the needs of the students.
Changes will be announced in class and via TCC email.
2 Exams
100 points each
3 Group Solves
50 points each
1 Project
100 points each
Final Exam
200 points
Class Participation
5 to 25 points each
Homework
5 to 10 points each
All quizzes, activities, group solves, and exams must be
done in pencil. Work done in pen will receive no credit.
Exams: Each exam is comprehensive and may cover material from previous chapters; however, most of the material
tested will be from the most recently covered topics. There are no make-up exams. If you must miss an exam
due to an emergency, you must leave a message on my voice mail or send me an e-mail explaining the reason for
missing the exam before the time of the exam. If I agree that it is an emergency, I will then give you 95% of your
final exam percentage for the exam you missed. A second missed exam will result in a 0 grade.
Group Solves: The ability to work effectively in a group is essential in many industries. Group Solves are designed to
challenge you and motivate you to work with others. You will be grouped with a few other students in the class and
given a set of problems to work out within a designated time frame. Each group will submit one set of solutions to be
graded. Group Solves are scheduled shortly before exams and are designed to prepare you for the exam.
Group Solves may not be made up. Attendance is mandatory. If you miss class the day of a
Group Solve, you will receive no credit for the Group Solve.
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Final Exam: The final exam is comprehensive and will assess your mastery of course objectives. There are no
make-up exams.
Substituting the Final Exam grade for the course grade: If you complete all Group Solves, projects and exams,
miss no more than one class participation event, earn at least 80% of the possible homework points, and earn a final
exam grade that is higher than your computed course grade, I will assign your final exam score as your course grade.
Supplemental Instruction Groups: TCC is providing your section of Math 141 with a Supplemental Instruction (SI)
Leader, Marcella Lee. SI leaders are students who have been successful at this level of mathematics and in several
higher level courses. SI sessions will be scheduled during the first week. They are a great place to work on
homework with fellow students and to learn study skills and problem-solving strategies from excellent mentors. You
earn one point of extra credit for every SI session you actively participate in up to a maximum of 2 points per week..
Project: The project will give you a chance to work with your fellow students on some challenging application
problems. All answers to questions and explanations in the project must be written in complete, correct English
sentences. Part of the grade will be based on correct use of the English language. In order to get credit, you must
complete it with one or two other students from this class. Individual projects will not be accepted.
Homework: There will be one to three homework problems assigned each week as well as on-line homework on
WebAssign. Please see Pages 7 and 8 for requirements for homework from the text. To use WebAssign, you must
enter the class key to enroll yourself in Math 141. A class key is not the same as an access code.
1. To use WebAssign, you must enter the class key to enroll yourself in Math 141. You will get an access code
when you purchase a textbook from the Bookstore OR you can purchase an access code on-line.
2. Go to www.webassign.net
3. Click the LOG IN button.
4. Click I have a class key.
5. Enter this class key tacomacc 9365 8025 and click Submit.
6. If the correct class and section are listed, click Yes, this is my class.
7. Select either I already have a WebAssign account or I need to create a WebAssign account and enter
the requested information.
8. It is important to remember your Username, Password and Institution Code (tacomacc). You will always go to
www.webassign.net to login.
On the WebAssign homepage, you will find all of the support resources you need under the “Student Support” link in
the upper right of the page. I am here to help you with math only. If you have questions about WebAssign, please see
the resources on the Student Support page and contact WebAssign for help with WebAssign related issues.
Class Participation: Pop quizzes and small group activities will earn you class participation points. Pop quizzes are
essentially free points for students who arrive ready to work on time, stay until the end of class, and attend regularly.
Pop quizzes may be given at any time during the class period.
Extra Credit
Extra credit will appear in Canvas the weekend after you earn it.
1. You earn one point for every SI Session you attend (maximum of 2 points per week). You must sign in with the SI
Leader each time you attend.
2. You may earn extra credit by volunteering to do homework problems on the board if you have already done the
problems and have your solutions with you.
Getting Your Grade: You can check your grade regularly on-line in the gradebook in Canvas. If you find an error,
you have two weeks from the day the assignment was recorded to bring it to my attention.
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Homework and Other Written Work
Warning: This is a challenging class. Expect to
spend at least three (3) hours a night on homework.
Homework will be collected in class before the beginning of class two class days after it is
assigned.
Homework must be turned in on paper unless otherwise specified.
Late homework will not receive credit. You cannot afford to get behind in this class. You should be in class
before the class starts so that you are ready to start on time. Homework that is one minute late is late. Homework
that is one second late is late. If you are late, your homework will be late.
I expect a professional job.
Homework must be done in pencil.
All pages must be stapled together with one staple.
Homework must be neat. (The instructor’s aesthetics are the criteria for neatness.)
To get credit, your homework must be stapled, written neatly and organized, in sequence, with each
problem clearly identified and copied completely, including the instructions.
When you have used a calculator to solve the problem, a description of all steps needed to complete the
problem, not calculator key strokes, as well as a clear statement of the solution must be included.
Abstract, symbolic problems (problems that do not involve words) must have all work shown vertically in
columns with at least one inch of blank space between the columns.
54
Fractions and rational expressions must be written vertically, like this
or
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9  x2
.
x3
Problems requiring explanations, including all applications, or word problems, sentences. “Yes” and
“No” are not complete explanations.
For word problems, a brief description of the problem may be used instead of copying the whole problem.
A narration of all steps needed to complete the problem as well as all supporting work must be included. The
answer must be stated in a complete sentence, including units.
All problems that involve graphs must be on graph paper. That is, the problem, the work needed to graph
the equations, and the graph must be on the same page. The words “see graph” are not acceptable. See the
following page for Graphing Guideliines.
grading: I will deduct a minimum of one (1) point for each requirement that
is not met.
Answers to virtually all homework problems are at the back of the text book, and solutions to all the odd problems are
in the Student Solutions Manual, a recommended text book. Additionally, students may ask questions on homework
at the beginning of most class sessions and attend study groups. Therefore, I expect that all problems will be correct;
and I will grade homework based mainly on clarity, organization, and completeness.
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Graphing Guidelines
The following requirements are those of the TCC Mathematics Department and your instructor.
AXES:
1. Axes and any straight lines are drawn with a straight edge.
2. If either axis requires a scale other than one square = one unit, both axes must have the scale
clearly indicated.
3. Axes are labeled with appropriate letters and with the meaning and units of the axis. (See Graph B.)
ACCURACY: 1. Graph paper is used.
2. If the graph of a function continues infinitely, the ends of what is drawn must have arrows
(see Graph A). If a graph terminates, the ends will have closed circles or dots (see Graph B).
3. The vertex of a parabola is rounded, not pointed. (See Graph C).
4. Asymptotes are drawn with a dashed line. Graphs approaching asymptotes appear to get closer
and closer, not touching the asymptote and not pulling away from the asymptote. (See Graph D.)
CLARITY: 1. The coordinates of important points: intercepts, maximum or minimum points, vertices, and points
of
intersection, are clearly labeled on the axes or the point itself is labeled with an ordered pair.
2. If multiple equations are graphed on a single set of axes, each graph is labeled with its equation.
3. Separate problems should be graphed on separate axes.
4. Each graph is on the page with the instructions for the problem it illustrates and is neat, big, and
dark enough to be easily read and understood.
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Tentative Course Schedule
Subject to change as the instructor sees fit to best meet the needs of the students
SI Sessions in 10-8 Monday at 10:55am, Wednesday at 7:55am, and Thursdays at 10:55am!
Homework Problems to Turn
Section
In
Date
Topic
Covered
Due 2 class days
In Class
after assigned.
Introduction
June 20
The Real Number System
1.1
116, 120
June 21 The Coordinate Plane
1.3
Functions
3.1
23, 24, and 25
Remember to explain!
June 22 Functional Notation
3.2
73
June 23 Graphs of Functions
June 27 Graphs and Transformations
3.4
June 28 More Graphs and Transformations
3.4
51 Remember to explain!
You will need to do, but not
turn in, #48, #49, and #50
Symmetry
3.4A
June 29 Operations on Functions
3.5
June 30 Operations on Functions
3.5
July 4
Independence Day Observed – No
Class
July 5
Rates of Change
3.6
5
July 6
Inverse Functions
3.7
July 7
More Inverse Functions
3.7
July 11
Group Solve 1
July 12
Exam 1
July 13
Radicals and Rational Exponents
5.1
Radical Equations
5.1A
49
July 14
Exponential Functions
5.2
7 Follow graphing Guidelines
July 18
More Exponential Functions
5.2
57
July 19
Compound Interest And The Number e
5.2A
July 20
Common and Natural Logarithmic
5.3
Functions
5.4
Properties of Logarithms
July 21
19 Explain without using the
More Properties of Logarithms
5.4
Power Law
Logarithmic Functions to Other Bases
5.4A
July 25
Algebraic Solutions of Exponential and
5.5
Logarithmic Equations
More Algebraic Solutions of
July 26
5.5
Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
75
July 27 Group solve 2
Read Section 4.1 Quadratic
July 28 Exam 2
Functions and do the
WebAssign Problems.
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Date
August 1
August 2
August 3
August 4
August 8
August 9
August 10
August 11
Topic
Polynomial Functions
Graphs of Polynomial Functions
Rational Functions
Solving Equations Graphically and
Numerically
Applications of Equations
Optimization Applications
Group Solve 3
Final Exam
Section
Covered
In Class
Homework Problems to Turn
In
Due 2 class days
after assigned.
4.2
4.4
4.5
2.2
2.3
2.4
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