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MIAMI DADE COLLEGE
WOLFSON CAMPUS
SYLLABUS
MAC 1147
Term: FALL 2008
Instructor: Dr. Belarmino Gonzalez
E-mail:bgonzal5@mdc.edu
Reference Number: 468003
Room: 1658
Meeting days/times: TR 11:50- 1:55PM
Office Room: 1534
Office hours: Posted in my office door
TEXTBOOK: PRECALCULUS, Graphs and Models, Fourth Edition, by Bittinger, Beecher,
Ellenbogen, and Penna.
PREREQUISITE: Mac 1105 with a grade of C or higher, or have qualified for admission by the
college placement test.
CALCULATORS:
You need a TI-83 or TI-84 Graphing Calculator.
Course Description
This course includes all the topics of Pre-Calculus and Trigonometry. Among those topics are
polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions, conic sections, matrices and
determinants, sequences, trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions, trigonometric
identities and equations, solving triangles.
How do the course objectives relate to the Miami-Dade Learning Outcomes?
What follows below is a list of the ten learning outcomes that have recently been prepared by
Miami Dade faculty and administrators.
As graduates of Miami Dade College, students will be able to:
1. Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
2. Use quantitative analytical skills to evaluate and process numerical data.
3. Solve problems using critical and creative thinking and scientific reasoning.
4. Formulate strategies to locate, evaluate, and apply information.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical perspectives.
6. Create strategies that can be used to fulfill personal, civic, and social responsibilities.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to issues in society.
8. Use computer and emerging technologies effectively.
9. Demonstrate an appreciation for aesthetics and creative activities.
10. Describe how natural systems function and recognize the impact of humans on the
environment.
Each course taken at the college addresses some of these learning outcomes. Pre-Calculus and
Trigonometry (MAC 1147) addresses outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9.
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
Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
This course requires reading and understanding the material covered in the textbook.
Students will need to pay attention in class and may periodically be asked to explain a
concept discussed in class.

Use quantitative analytical skills to evaluate and process numerical data.
In this class, you will have to be able to read and identify numerical information (data) in
different real world problems and applications. You will be required to manipulate the datainformation using models, equations.

Solve problems using critical and creative thinking and scientific reasoning.
Critical thinking is an essential skill for all professionals. When solving problem it is
necessary to understand the problem and to determine which method may be used to solve
the problem. Then one must also decide whether or not the result(s) make sense. Critical
thinking and scientific reasoning are part of the methods or procedures that you may need to
use solving problems or real world problems in this course.

Formulate strategies to locate, evaluate, and apply information.
In the real world applications students have the opportunity to locate, evaluate and apply
information in the solution of problems.

Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical
perspectives.
The development of mathematics and some historical math events are lightly touched upon in
this course, and in the research paper. Value the contribution of different cultures to
mathematics.

Use computer and emerging technologies effectively.
Most homework assignments and quizzes will be posted on line on the Course Compass/My
Math Lab website. Students will develop the ability to use these computer resources to
monitor their progress in the course and to help them reach a better understanding of the
concepts, ideas and applications discussed in the course. They will also have the opportunity
to use the external links posted on the website to explore topics related to the course goals
and objectives.

Demonstrate an appreciation for aesthetics and creative activities.
Value the creativity of the human being in the way they use and development Mathematics to
solve problems in real life.
Attendance and Homework
Regular attendance and completion of homework assignments are extremely important for students
who want to pass this course. Keep in mind that one learns mathematics only by doing
mathematics. Consequently, students with excessive absences may be dropped from the class.
Homework will be assigned on a regular basis. Assignments will usually consist of reading the
sections covered in class as well completing the on line homework. Some exercises from the
textbook will also be assigned.
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GRADING POLICY
Your grade will be based on the results of six unit’s assignments and a Final Exam. The Final
Exam will count as 25%, the average of the units as the 75% of your grade.
Your grade will be distributed as follow per unit:
Homework online: 10 % of your unit’s grade.
One in-class Quiz: 10 % of your unit’s grade.
One in-class Test: 80 % of your unit’s grade.
Online homework: You will need to log into www.coursecompass.com; there, you will find the
complete textbook online, along with videotapes and homework tutorial assignments and quizzes.
All you would need to purchase is the access code to the site. Follow the instructions to register.
When completing the registration, they will ask you for the COURSE ID. The Course ID for this
class is gonzalez15498.
No exceptions will be made about the due date for the online homework, which will be on the
day before of each unit’s test.
If you miss a test or a quiz, please notify the instructor as soon as possible. If the reason for
missing the test is “acceptable”(according to policy) you may make up the work according to the
instructor’s discretion. If you miss an exam and you don’t see your instructor that will be
automatically become a zero.
The Final Exam consists of questions based on the material discussed on class.
Grading scale (based on total points):
A: 90 -- 100:
B: 80 --- 89:
C: 70 --- 79:
D: 60 --- 69:
F: 59 --Below
At the discretion of the instructor, the Final Exam score may be used to replace the lowest unit’s
score, for the students who pass the Final Exam.
Incomplete
The grade of “I” (Incomplete) is given in the rare case that a student is PASSING a class but for
some extenuating circumstance is unable to complete the last part (usually the final exam) of the
class. If you are not passing your class, it is not possible for your instructor to give you an I. Note
that you will have one full term (Fall or Winter) to complete the requirements of your Incomplete
contract. If you do not complete your requirements in that time, the “I” generally will
automatically change to an F on your records. The instructor makes the determination as to
whether you are eligible for an Incomplete.
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Support Services
Should you encounter any difficulties with a section or chapter, seek help right away. Stop by
and see me during office hours, stop by the math lab, seek the help of a tutor. In the Math Lab,
Room 2223, you will find videos and computer software that may be of assistance to you. You
may also come to the Math Lab to interact with other students of mathematics, seek help in
solving homework problems or to ask questions concerning the material in the text. Please note
that the tutors in the lab must help all students and take turns; they cannot work with one student
for a prolonged period of time. We are unable to offer one-to-one continuous tutoring. The
hours for the Math Lab are posted on the door at the entrance of the Lab. The services provided
in the Lab are free.
Classroom and Laboratory Etiquette and Discipline
Students should make every effort to come to class on time. Students are also expected to depart
when the class ends and to treat others respectfully. All beepers and cell phones must be
turned off before class as a courtesy to your instructor and your classmates.
Withdrawal Policy
A student may withdraw from the course and receive a grade of "W" up until the last day to drop,
which is NOV 4/2008 for this term (2008-1). The student who decides to withdraw from the
course must fill out a "Drop Card" available at the registrar's or the academic advisement office.
It is the student's responsibility to do so.
Classes begin
First day that lab hours can be accumulated in College Prep courses (MAT 0002,
MAT 0020, MAT 0024)
Last day for drop with W (regular 16 week classes only)
Last day that lab hours can be accumulated in College Prep courses
Last Day of Classes
Final Exam Week
Holidays or days there are no classes and the Math Lab is closed
W Aug 27, 2008
W Aug 27, 2008
T Nov 4, 2008
F Dec 12, 2008
F Dec 12, 2008
Dec 13 – Dec 19,
2008
Aug 30, 31, Sep 1
Nov 27, 28, 29, 30,
2008
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TENTATIVE COURSE SYLLABUS
PRECALCULUS, Graphs and Models, Fourth Edition
by Bittinger, Beecher, Ellenbogen, and Penna
Week
Date
Sections
Topics
1
Aug 28
1.2
1.6
2.1
Functions and Graphs
Solving Linear Inequalities
Properties of functions. Applications
2
Sept 2
Cont 2.1
2,3
2.4
The Composition of functions
Symmetry and Transformations
3.2
Quadratic Equations and Functions
3.3
QUIZ#1
4.1
Analyzing Graphs of Quadratic
Functions
TEST#1
Polynomial Functions
4.2
4.3
4.4
QUIZ#2
4.5
Graphing Polynomial functions
The Remainder and Factor Theorems
Theorems about Zeros of Polynomial
Functions
Rational Functions
4.6
Polynomial and Rational Inequalities
Sept 4
3
4
Sept 9
Sept 11
Sept 16
Sept 18
5
6
Sept 23
Sept 25
Sept 30
Oct 2
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
QUIZ#3
5.5
5.6
7
Oct 7
Oct 9
6.1
6.2
TEST#2
Inverse Functions
Exponential Functions
Logarithmic Functions
Properties of Logarithmic Functions
Solving Exponential and Logarithmic
Equations
Growth and Decay; Compound
Interest
TEST#3
Trigonometric Functions of Acute
Angles
Applications of Right Triangles
Recommended additional
exercises
1-6 all, 15-81 odds, 95-109 odd
1-45 odd,
1-43 odd, 47-64 alternated odd,
7.1, 7.3
1-7 odd, 9-41 alternated odd
1-6 all, 7-47 odd, 71-103 odd,
115, 132
1-20 odd, 21, 23,
27-115 alternated odd
1-55 odd
1-25 odd, 27-49 alternated odd,
51-56 all
1-39 odd
1-53 odd
1-77 odd
1-31 odd, 33-73 alternated odd,
73-83 all
1-23 odd, 25-75 alternated odd,
77, 78, 79
1-81 odd
1-55 odd
1-93 odd
1-75 odd
1-63 odd
1-34 all
1-101 odd
1-41 all
6
8
Oct 14
Oct 16
9
Oct 21
Oct 23
6.3
6.4
QUIZ#4
6.5
6.6
7.1
7.2
10
Oct 28
11
Oct 30
Nov 4
Nov 6
12
Nov 11
Nov 13
13
Nov 18
Nov 20
14
Nov 25
15
Nov 27
Dec 2
Dec 4
16
Dec 9
Dec 12
7.3
7.4
7.5
8.1
8.2
QUIZ#5
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
9.4
9.6
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
QUIZ#6
Holiday
11.1
11.2
11.3
11.4
11.7
Review
Final
Trigonometric Functions of Any
Angle
Radians, Arc Length, angular speed
Circular Functions
Graphs of Transformed sine and
cosine
TEST#4
Identities: Pythagorean and Sum and
Difference
Identities: Cofunction, Double-angle,
and Half-angle
Proving Trigonometric Identities
Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Solving Trigonometric Equations
The Law of Sine
The Law of Cosine
1-97 odd
1-73 odd
Complex number: Trigonometric
form
Polar Coordinates
Vectors and Applications
Vector Operations
Matrix operations
Determinants and Cramer’s Rule
TEST#5
The Parabola
The Circle and The Ellipse
The Hyperbola
Nonlinear Systems of Equations
1-75 odd
1-97 alternated odd
TEST#6
Sequences and Series
Arithmetic Sequences and Series
Geometric Sequences and Series
Mathematical Induction
The Binomial Theorem
1-56 all
1-67 odd
1-30 all, 31-75 odd
1-40 all
1-56 all
1-67 odd
1-49 odd
1-31 all
1-35 all
1-42 all
1-85 odd
1-28 all, 39-45 all
1-44 odd
1-34 all
1-53 all
1-39 all
1-53 odd
1-73 odd
1-47 odd
1-65 odd
1-21 odd
1-27 odd