SYLLABUS
Columbia Basin College
Math & Science Division
Prepared by: Math Department
Document created: Spring 2014
INSTRUCTOR
To be determined
CONTACT INFORMATION AND OFFICE HOURS
To be determined
COURSE TITLE
MATH& 141 - Precalculus I
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
Designed to prepare the student for entry into Precalculus II. Precalculus I together with Precalculus II is
designed to prepare the student for entry into the calculus sequence, MATH& 151, 152, 153, and 254.
Precalculus I is also designed to prepare the student for entry into Basic Calculus. The topics include absolute
value, complex numbers, linear and quadratic equations, rational, polynomial, exponential and logarithmic
functions, inverse functions, theory of equations, and sequences and series.
PREREQUISITE OR ASSET/COMPASS SCORE (AS APPROPRIATE)
Grade 2.0 or better in MATH 095, or ASSET/Compass test placement. Students completing MATH& 141
(formerly MTH 154) may not receive graduation credit for MATH& 144 (formerly MTH 157).
Note: Fall 2010 was the last quarter that MATH 098 served as a prerequisite for MATH& 141
Note to All Students: A student enrolling in a math course will be required to have earned a grade of 2.0 or
better in the prerequisite math course or place via ASSET/Compass test. As an example, to enroll in MATH&
142, a student needs to achieve a grade of 2.0 or better in MATH& 141 or be placed in MATH& 142 via the
ASSET/Compass test.
CREDITS AND HOURS
Five (5) credit hours
TEXT(S) AND MATERIALS
Textbook:
Precalculus with an additional chapter on Parametric Equations, 2nd Edition, Ratti/McWaters,
Pearson Custom Publishing
Materials:
A scientific calculator is required.
NO ALGEBRAIC CALCULATORS ALLOWED ON TESTS.
(Use of a graphing calculator will be at the discretion of the instructor.)
GENERAL TEACHING METHODS
Will be provided by individual instructor addendum
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
CBC Student Learning Outcomes
Students who graduate from Columbia Basin College will have been exposed to skills, concepts, and methods
of inquiry in many different disciplines. The totality of their learning experience is expressed in a set of general
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs), which all students, regardless of program, are expected to demonstrate:
1. Think Critically
2. Reason Quantitatively and Symbolically
3. Communicate Effectively
4. Apply Information Tools and Resources
5. Develop Cultural Awareness
6. Master Program Learning Outcomes
Course Outcomes
 Students will be able to demonstrate the reasonability of their answers in solving algebraic
equalities and inequalities in one or two variables. [1,2]
 Students will be able to compose and/or decompose various functions by adding, subtracting,
and/or multiplying. [1,2]
 Students will be able to analyze polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and inverse
functions. [1,2]
 Students will be able to identify particular series or sequences (arithmetic, geometric), and use
formulas to find the respective terms and sums. [1,2]
 Students will be able to use a scientific calculator and/or computer software to investigate
functions. [1,2,4]
This course covers chapters/sections 1.5, 1.7, 2, 3*, 4, 8.1, 8.6, 11*. *Sections 1.1, 1.4, 1.6, 3.8, 11.4, 11.6,
and 11.7 are optional.
COURSE OUTLINE
Chapter 1:
1. Given a radical equation, the student will solve the equation and check their solution(s).
2. Given an equation that can be reduced to quadratic form, the student will solve the equation.
3. Given a rational equation, the student will find all of the solutions.
4. Given an application that results in a quadratic equation, the student will find the solution.
5. Given an absolute value equality or inequality, the student will solve and express the answer using
interval notation.
Chapter 2:
1. The student will know and apply the distance and the midpoint formula.
2. Given an equation of a graph, student will test it for symmetry about the axes and the origin, and find the
intercepts of the graphs.
3. Given information about a circle, the student will write the equation for this circle.
4. Given an equation for a circle, the student will use completing the square technique to locate the center
and the radius and graph the circle.
5. Given the graph of a line, the student will list the slope and the intercepts.
6. Given an equation of a line, the student will find the slope and the y-intercept.
7. Given information about a line the student will write the equation for this line.
8. The student will know the relationship between perpendicular lines and between parallel lines.
9. The student will evaluate a function for given values in the domain and find the average rate of change.
10. The student will read the graph to find the domain and the range, and several points on the graph.
11. Given a graph of a function, the student will determine where the function increases, decreases or
remains constant, find the local maxima and minima.
12. The student will identify if the function is even or odd from a graph or an equation.
13. Student will graph, and find the domain and range of a piecewise function.
14. Given a basic function from the library of functions, the student will use transformation properties to
graph the more complex form.
15. Given two functions, the student will add, subtract, multiply and or divide functions and find the domain
of the new function.
16. Given two functions, the student will find the composition of the functions and its domain.
17. Given a mathematical model that results in a functional representation, the student will write the
function and then find its domain.
18. Given a function, the student will determine whether it is one-to-one and if it is will find the inverse.
Chapter 3
1. Given a quadratic function, the student will identify the vertex, axis of symmetry, intercepts and then
graph the function. The student will find the maximum and/or minimum value of the quadratic function.
2. Given information about a polynomial, the student will identify it as a polynomial function and find its
degree.
3. Given the information, the student will analyze and graph the polynomial function.
4. Given a polynomial or rational inequality, the student will solve and express the answer using interval
notation.
5. The student will know and apply the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, Factor Theorem, Remainder
Theorem, and the Rational Zero Theorem to find the real and/or complex zeros of a polynomial.
6. Given a rational function, the student will list all asymptotes and intercepts, and graph the function.
Chapter 4
1. Given an exponential function or logarithmic function, the student will evaluate it at given points.
2. Given an exponential function or a logarithmic function, the student will graph it.
3. Given a logarithmic expression, the student will write its equivalent exponential form or vice versa.
4. Given a logarithmic equation or an exponential equation, the student will solve the equation.
5. Given an application that results in an exponential or logarithmic equation, the student will solve the
resulting equation.
6. The student will know and apply the properties of logarithms.
7. Given a logarithm in a base other than base 10, the student will convert it to base 10.
Chapter 8
1. Given a system of linear equations in two variables, the student will solve it using substitution, and or
elimination method.
2. Given a proper algebraic fraction, the student will decompose the fraction into partial fractions.
Chapter 11
1. Given a recursive formula, the student will write the first several terms of the sequence.
2. Given summation notation for a series, the student will find the sum.
3. Given a sequence of numbers, the student will find the general term.
4. Given geometric or arithmetic sequences or series, the student will find terms, sums, ratios or,
differences as they pertain to each of the sequences or series.
5. Given a binomial raised to a power, the student will use the binomial formula to expand and to find
indicated terms in the expansion.
EVALUATION METHODS
Will be provided by individual instructor addendum
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As members of the Columbia Basin College learning community, students are not to engage in any form of
academic dishonesty. Forms of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating,
fabrication, grade tampering, and misuse of computers and other electronic technology. Students who engage in
academic dishonesty may receive an academic penalty or a disciplinary penalty or both. Instances of academic
dishonesty may be referred to the Vice President for Student Services in accordance with the Washington
Administrative Code (WAC) section 132S-40-350 and the CBC Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
The disciplinary consequences of engaging in any form of academic dishonesty include reprimand, probation,
suspension, and dismissal. A student who knowingly helps or attempts to help another individual to violate the
College’s policy on academic honesty also may be subject to academic as well as disciplinary penalties.
Students are expected to be familiar with CBC policy on academic dishonesty. This is available online at
www.columbiabasin.edu/academichonesty .
STUDENTS RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Rude, belligerent, hostile, demeaning, or disruptive behaviors are violations of the CBC Code of Student Rights
and Responsibilities and may be referred to the Vice President for Student Services for disciplinary review.
Disciplinary sanctions include reprimand, probation, suspension and dismissal.
An instructor may remove a student from the classroom if s/he believes such action is necessary for the physical
safety and well-being of the student, or the safety and protection of others on college property, or where the
student’s conduct materially and substantially disrupts the educational process. The matter also will be referred
to the Vice President for Student Services for disciplinary review.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Many of the materials used in this course are protected by copyright law. These materials are only for the use
of students enrolled in this course and only for the purposes of this course. No part of these materials may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or
otherwise, other than for use in this class, or for exemptions defined in copyright law, without the consent of the
copyright holder. For more information, check www.columbiabasin.edu/copyright - the CBC copyright page.
PRIVACY
Columbia Basin College abides by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law that
maintains students' right to the privacy of their academic records. CBC will not release student information or
student records to a parent or guardian without the student’s written permission. Students who wish to authorize
an instructor to provide information to their parent(s), guardian(s), or others, must complete the necessary
authorization, which is available in the Office of Admissions and Registration.
For more information, check www.columbiabasin.edu/ferpa.
TUTOR CENTER
The Tutor Center offers CBC students help with their studies for most departments and programs. It is also
available to facilitate study groups. The center is in room TD 434 (the Lee R. Thornton Center) on the Pasco
campus. The phone number is (509) 542-4621.
You can reach the Tutor Center online at www.columbiabasin.edu/tutor .
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES/HEALTH CONCERNS
Columbia Basin College provides reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities. Students who need
auxiliary aids or course accommodations, have emergency medical information, or need special arrangements in
case the building must be evacuated, should notify their instructors as soon as possible. Students needing
accommodations should contact the Resource Center, Disability Services Office for an appointment. They are
located in the H Building on the Pasco Campus. They can be reached at (509) 542-5525.
For more information, check www.columbiabasin.edu/resourcecenter.
CBC SAFETY
Columbia Basin College strives to provide a safe and secure environment for students, staff, and visitors. The
CBC Health and Safety Committee’s purpose is to pursue potential issues and to establish prevention tactics.
For more information, visit www.columbiabasin.edu/safety.
Pasco Campus Security: (509) 542-4819
Richland Campus Security: (509) 539-8167
After Hours Security: (509) 521-4599
Sign up for emergency notification text messages and/or emails at www.columbiabasin.edu/ens.