I. Course Course Course
Prefix
MAT
Number
149
Name
Precalculus
Credit
5
Lecture Lab
5
II. Prerequisite:
MAT 110 with minimum grade of C or appropriate score on the Mathematics Placement
Test, and MAT 080 or geometry proficiency.
0
III. Course (Catalog) Description:
This course focuses on the study of functions including polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions. Additional topics include the conic sections, series, parametric equations, and polar equations. Use of technology is integrated throughout.
IV. Learning Objectives:
1. Classify functions and their graphs, and identify their domain and range.
2. Identify and apply transformations of graphs.
3. Solve linear and non-linear equations.
4. Solve polynomial and rational inequalities algebraically and graphically.
5. Sketch the graph of polynomials using zeros and end behavior.
6. Sketch the graph of rational functions using zeros, asymptotes, and end behavior.
7. Find, graph, and interpret the inverse of a function.
8. Graph exponential and logarithmic functions, and use their properties to simplify
and solve equations involving them.
9. Classify and sketch the graphs of conic sections.
10. Analyze, evaluate and graph trigonmetric functions and their inverse functions.
11. Solve trigonmetric equations, and prove and apply trigonometric identities.
12. Solve trigonometric applications including polar equations, vectors, and parametric
equations.
13. Expand, calculate and evaluate series and sequences.
14. Model and solve applications using the elementary functions studied in the course.
15. Use technology to graph, evaluate, and interpret functions, and to solve equations
involving them.
V. Academic Integrity
Students and employees at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate academic integrity and follow Oakton’s Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits:
 cheating,
 plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
 falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),

 helping others to cheat,
 unauthorized changes on official documents,
 pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
 making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
 any other behavior that violates academic integrity.
There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton’s policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you.
If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.
Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.
VI. Outline of Topics
A. Functions and their graphs
1. Operations on functions: combinations
2. Graphing techniques
3. Translations and Rotations
4.
Inverse functions
B. Polynomial functions: graphs and zeros
1.
2.
3.
4.
Quadratic functions
Polynomial functions of higher degree
Remainder and Factor Theorems
Complex zeros of polynomial functions
5. Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
6.
Applications
C. Rational functions and conic sections
1.
2.
Rational functions and their graphs
Conic sections a) Center at origin b) Translations
D. Exponential and logarithmic functions
1. Exponential functions and their graphs
2. Logarithmic functions and their graphs
3.
4.
Properties of logarithms
Solving exponential and logarithmic equations
5.
Applications
E.
Find the intersection of two polynomial functions (substitution method)
F. Sequences and series
1. Fundamentals of sequences and series
2. Arithmetic sequences

3.
4.
Geometric sequences
Applications
G. Trigonometric functions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Measurement of angles
Circular functions
Graphs of sines and cosines
Graphs of the other trigonometric functions
Inverse trigonometric functions and their graphs
Trigonometric identities a. b. c. d.
Pythagorean identities
Sum and difference formulas
Multiple and half angle formulas
Sum-to-product; product-to-sum
Solving trigonometric equations
Applications a. b. c. d. e. f.
Complex numbers and their trigonometric form
Solving right triangles
Law of Sines, Law of Cosines
Roots and powers of complex numbers
Polar coordinates
Parametric equations
H. Vectors
1.
2.
Geometric and algebraic representation of vectors
Basic operations with vectors
I. Technology
1.
Generate the complete graph of each trigonometric and inverse trigonometric function including setting a proper window, tracing and zooming.
2. Graphically locate the x-intercepts, the relative extrema and determine asymptotic behaviors.
3. Solve equations graphically, numerically and/or symbolically.
VII. Methods of Instruction
(To be completed by instructor.)
Methods of presentation can include lectures, discussions, demonstrations, experimentation, audio-visual aids and regularly assigned homework.
Calculators/computers will be used when appropriate.
Course may be taught as face-to-face, media-based, hybrid or online course.
VIII. Course Practices Required
(To be completed by instructor.)

Course practices may include attending class, completing homework assignments, participating in discussions and taking quizzes and exams.
IX. Instructional Materials:
Note: Current textbook information for each course and section is available on Oakton's
Schedule of Classes.
Within the Schedule of Classes, textbooks can be found by clicking on an individual course section and looking for the words "View Book Information".
Textbooks can also be found at our Mathematics Textbooks page.
A graphics calculator is required. A TI-83/84 will be used for instructional purposes
X.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
(To be completed by instructor.)
Evaluation methods can include grading homework, chapter or major tests, quizzes, individual or small group projects and a final exam.
XI.
Other Course Information:
Individual instructors will establish and announce specific policies regarding attendance, due dates and make-up work, incomplete grades, etc.
If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the Access and Disability Resource Center at the
Des Plaines or Skokie campus. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.
____________________________________________________________________________
Effective beginning term: Fall 2014 Ending term ___________
(term) (year) (term) (year)
Syllabus prepared by: 2013-14 Math Syllabus Committee
Date Mar 2014 (chair: P. Boisvert)
Reviewed by Dept/Program Chair: J. Hassett
Approved by Dean: R. Sompolski
Date Mar 2014
Date Mar 2014