Tacoma Community College
Math 141 – Precalculus I
Instructor: Trung Tran
Office: Building 15 Room 137
Phone: 566-5276
E-mail: ttran@tacomacc.edu
Spring 2015
Office hour:
Mon – Fri 9:25 – 10:25 AM
Also by appointment
Web-page: http://www.tacomacc.edu/home/ttran/ttrung.htm
Prerequisites: MATH-140 with a minimum grade of "C" or appropriate MATH placement; READ-095 with a
minimum grade of "C" or assessment above READ-095.
Required text: Contemporary Precalculus, a Graphing Approach, 5th edition by Hungerford.
Course Description: In-depth study of the concept of a function, including graphs, transformations, operations
on functions, and inverse functions. General theory of functions is applied to the study of polynomial, absolute
value, radical, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. First course in a two course sequence designed to
prepare students for Calculus. Graphing calculator required.
The course objectives listed below make reference to the following Math Department Program Learning
Outcomes:
1. Create, interpret, and analyze graphs and charts that communicate quantitative or relational information.
2. Determine, create, and use appropriate and reasonable mathematical constructs to model, understand,
and explain phenomena encountered in the world.
3. Determine and carry out an appropriate algorithm to solve problems that are amenable to mathematical
solutions.
4. Communicate mathematical information formally, using appropriate math notation and terminology,
and informally by using everyday language to express ideas.
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.
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)
Text coverage: This course covers chapters 1 - 5. Some optional sections will be excluded. See course
calendar for detail.
Calculator (Technology): Students must have a graphing calculator. Any TI-83 or TI-84 calculator is the
recommended calculator. TI-89s and other calculators with symbolic capabilities are not allowed. The TINspire calculator can function as both a TI-84 and a TI-89 depending on the installed faceplate. Students are not
allowed to use the TI-89 faceplate for exams. There will be quizzes and exams when graphing calculators are
not permitted.
Maple, a computer algebra system, is available for student use on campus computers. You are encouraged to
use this in addition to your calculator. Your project may require the use of this software
Reading: Students are expected to read the text. Reading a math text is not the same as finding an example
that matches the homework problem. Students should read actively with a pencil in hand and take note, and ask
questions when they don’t understanding something they read.
Text book Homework will be posted on my website. Students need to work on these with understanding in
order to succeed in this class. Ask questions when you don’t understand or couldn’t do the problems. These
will not be collected.
Online-Homework (WebAssign): You will be given more information regarding setting up an account on the
first day of class. These are daily homework for each section we covered in class. It is very important
that you work on these daily. You will get instant feedback and be able to reattempt problems (there is
a limit on the number of attempts). Pay attention to the due dates. You can request for an extension up
to five days after the due date there will be a 20% penalty.
Quizzes: A few problems similar to your homework will be on each quiz (15 – 20 minutes). Quizzes will be
given on Mondays or Tuesdays. No Make-up. Each student is allowed to miss one quiz.
Exams: Tentative exam dates are on the course calendar. Do not miss exams. Under emergency circumstances,
call my office and leave a message or contact me via e-mail on the day of the exam or earlier. I will
decide if you are to be able to make up the exam.
Final: The (2-hr) final exam will be comprehensive.
Final Exam date:
Tuesday, 6 / 9 / 2015
Grading:
3 exams
100 x 3 =
300 pts
94% - 100%
A
70% - 76%
C
Online
Homework
75 pts
90% - 93%
A-
66% - 69%
C-
Quizzes
75 pts
87% - 89%
B+
61% - 65%
D+
Final Exam
150 pts
83% - 86%
B
52% - 60%
D
80% - 82%
B-
77% - 79%
C+
Below 52%
E
Attendance and class participation will be used to determine borderline grades. Please come to class prepared
and be on time. Do not use your cell phone in anyway during class.
Withdrawals: Withdrawal must be done officially through the registrar’s office no later than 05/22/2015.
After this date, students must have at least a 65% average in order to withdraw from the class. If you
discontinue attending class, a grade of “E” will be given.
Where to get Help:
If you have more questions than can be dealt with in class or want to discuss the homework problems, come to
my office
Course Lead: Attend course lead sessions; course lead also has his own office hour.
Your classmates are also a good resource. Find one or two people you work well with, and form a daily study
group.
The Math Advising and Resource Center (MARC), 19-22, has computers, study rooms, comfortable
furniture and math instructors and tutors to help you.
Tutoring is available through the tutoring center in Building 7. (253-566-6032)
Incomplete: This will only be assigned under extreme circumstances. In addition, the student must have
completed sufficient amount of the course and have a passing grade. An agreement will be written up
which contains the specific requirements to be completed, and the time allowed for completion
Cheating: Students are to work individually on all exams and quizzes. Anyone caught cheating will receive a
zero for that exam. Anyone caught cheating twice will be given an “E” for the course. Please refer to
the academic dishonesty policy of the college for more detail. However, students are encouraged to
work in groups on homework.
An important note on all work done in this class: Most of the work for this class will rarely be strictly
manipulation of symbol. It will include writing, calculator (when applicable), and/or computer work.
Use narrative along with your mathematics to further explain your work. A sample of this can be found
in the examples of your text. Think of your audience as your average classmates. All work done must
be neat, organize using pencil. Graph papers and ruler should be used when graphing.
Concern and complaint: If you have questions or concerns about this class or me, please come to talk with me
about your concerns. If we are unable to resolve your concerns, you may talk next with the Chair of the
Math Department, Carol Avery. Her office is in building F2. The chair can assist with information about
additional steps, if needed.
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 accommodations due to a disability, please
speak with me and with Disability Student Services (566-5338). Appropriate documentations must be obtained
by the students form Disability Student Services in the counseling Center in Building 7. The disability
accommodation documentation must be given to me before it is needed rather than afterward, so that appropriate
arrangements may be made.
Policy Changes: I reserve the right to change the policies outlined in this syllabus in the event of extenuating
circumstances. Changes will be announced in class. If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to
check for announcements made while you were absent.
Math 141:
Tentative class schedule for Spring 2015:
Week (3/30 – 4/3):
1.1 – 1.4
Week (4/6 – 4/10):
2.1 – 2.4
Week (4/13 – 4/17): Exam 1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3
Week (4/20 – 4/23): 3.3 -3.4A (No class on Friday, Faculty PDD)
Week (4/27 – 5/1):
3.5 – 3.7
Week (5/4 – 5/8):
Exam 2; 5.1, 5.1A (No class on Thursday, Ed planning day)
Week (5/11 – 5/15): 5.2 – 5.4
Week (5/18 – 5/22): 5.4A, 5.5, 4.1 (note: 5/22 is the last day to withdraw with a grade of “W”)
Week (5/26 – 5/29): Exam 3; 4.2, 4.4 (No class on Monday, Memorial Day)
Week (6/1 – 6/5):
4.4, 4.5, Review
Week (6/8 – 6/9):
Review on Monday and Final Exam on Tuesday 6/9/2015