M115 COURSE GUIDE—Spring 2007
Algebra and Elementary Functions (Precalculus)
10 – 10:50 AM, MTRF, SH 120 (TR), SH 109 (MF)
3 – 3:50 PM, MTRF, WFB 253
Instructor
Grading
Dale Oliver, Professor, Mathematics Department
Phone: 826-4921
email: dale.oliver@humboldt.edu
Web Page: www.humboldt.edu/~dro1
Office: Library 2 (Located in the library basement)
Office hours: Monday and Fridays
9:00 AM – 9:50 AM
Tuesday and Thursdays,
2:00 PM – 2: 50 PM
Other times by appointment
Homework 50%
Exams
50% (3.75 midterms at 100 points each; final 200 points)
To earn a grade of A, you must earn an A in both categories.
Text The required text for this course is Sullivan and Sullivan, Precalculus Enhanced with
Graphing Utilities, 2nd Custom Edition (This custom edition is sold at the HSU bookstore. It is
the first half of the standard 4th edition of the textbook.) Buy this text as an investment and a
workbook to keep. Do not intend to sell it back to the bookstore—keep it for future reference.
Put your name, email address and phone number in the text.
Homework Each class session has a homework assignment. Homework is due at the end of the
next class period. Submit your papers in a neat and orderly fashion—they will be read and
evaluated. Late, sloppy or irritating papers will be returned unread with no credit. There are two
aspects to a good paper: content and presentation. This course emphasizes both since they are
equally important.
All work in homework is a worthwhile investment. The motivation for this course is
everything you need to know to succeed in calculus. In general, if you don’t need it in calculus,
we won’t cover it.
Exams There are four major parts to the course. The first three parts are tested with hour
exams. The fourth part is tested within the comprehensive final exam. All exams will be closed
book. Bring paper, sharp pencils and minds, and a calculator. The final exam is a required part
of the course. The final will be given only at the officially scheduled times: For the 10 AM
class – Wednesday, May 9, 1020-1210; for the 3 PM class – Monday, May 7, 1500-1650.
Tutoring Consider registering for Math 99, Tutoring for Math 115, a 2-unit CR/NC class. The
course registration number is 21504. See http://www.humboldt.edu/~lit1/math99.html for more
information.
Mathematics and Technology In order to be able to apply mathematics to modern day
problems, you must learn to utilize technology. To do so, you will need to be comfortable
learning to use both a graphing calculator and a computer.
1
Graphing Calculator
You will need a graphing calculator for learning mathematics in today’s world. If you do
not have a graphing calculator, I recommend the TI-89 Titanium. If you already own a
graphing calculator, then I’d recommend keeping it and learning how to use it. Upgrade
only when you feel an upgrade is important for you.
Computer
If you own a computer, I recommend that you obtain a graphing program – sort of like a
graphing calculator for your computer. Here are my suggestions:

WinPlot
WinPlot is freeware for Windows Machines (non-macs). I will be using this
application in class. Obtain it by downloading from
http://math.exeter.edu/rparris/
In addition to WinPlot, this website also offers several other free mathematical
programs.

Applications for MACS
There is nothing equivalent to WinPlot for the Mac, but there are some interesting
free alternatives. Go to http://www.pure-mac.com/calcmath.html to see a
collection of possibilities.
In class activities that are conducted at a computer lab, we will likely encounter at least
one form of a computer algebra system (CAS). A CAS can perform symbolic as well as
numerical calculations. (Graphing calculators like the TI-89 include a CAS module.)
Perhaps the most common of the CAS programs are Mathematica, Maple, Derive, and
Scientific WorkPlace. A CAS has a longer learning curve than something like WinPlot
but is a more comprehensive mathematical tool. All labs on campus are now equipped
with Mathematica.
What is Precalculus?
Precalculus has two influences: content and motivation. The content of precalculus is functions.
The motivation is everything you need to know to succeed in calculus.
Why functions? Functions describe how things are related in the real world. In particular,
exponential functions are needed to model growth and decay. Trigonometic functions are used
to model oscillatory behaviors. Polynomial functions are used to model systems. In addition,
there is a wide range of applicability for these functions.
Math 115 is organized into 4 parts (the number of days are best approximations):
Part I:
Part II:
Part III:
An orientation to Functions (15 days)
Exponential Functions (12 days)
Trigonometric functions (23 days)
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Part IV:
Polynomial Functions (8 days)
Two majors require Math 115 of their students, but do not require calculus: Industrial
Technology and Wildlife. IT students are required to take this course for the triangle
trigonometry component of Math 115. Wildlife students are required to take this course for the
concept of function used to describe the growth of populations.
Succeeding in Precalculus
Fundamental Actions of a Good Student:
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Read your text. It is best if you read the section of the text ahead of the scheduled
lecture date on that topic.
Be in class on time every day.
Do your homework! Plan to spend AT LEAST two hours outside of class for every
hour inside of class. That is the minimum investment of time for success in this course.
Work with colleagues. Mathematics is a social subject (but not a spectator sport).
Working with fellow students helps in your own understanding of the ideas of the course
(as you explain and/or hear others explain key concepts and procedures).
Read and keep your returned homework. When you get your homework paper back,
look for any remarks I might make. Keep your homework papers in a binder and keep a
record of your scores. I too will be keeping a record, but I will not be publishing my
grade book throughout the semester.
Other Notes
Students with Disabilities: If you have a documented disability and would like to discuss
academic accommodations, please contact me as soon as possible. Our campus Student
Disability Resource Center (SDRC) can assist you with the accommodation process and can be
reached at extension 4678 and 5392(TDD). The SDRC is located in House 71 (Little
Apartments) off Library Circle.
Academic Honesty: Academic dishonesty, including cheating/plagiarism on exams,
quizzes and homework is a serious offense and will not be tolerated. University policies
regarding this matter will be strictly enforced. If you have further questions, ask your advisor or
instructor for assistance.
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Part I: An Orientation to Functions
DAY
15 Jan M
16
T
18
R
19
F
22 Jan M
23
T
25
R
26
F
29 Jan M
30
T
1 Feb R
2
F
5 Feb M
6
T
8
R
9
F
12 Feb M
SECTION
Holiday
1.1, 1.4[1]
1.2 note 3
1.4
1.5
2.1, 2.2
2.4
2.5
A.8[1], 2.3[6]
2.3
2.6
3.1
2.1,4.1
4.2
2.7, 3.1
Review
Exam 1
HOMEWORK note 1
Martin Luther King Day
p8: 13; (note 2 55, 59, 60); 49, 65, 68
p22: 21, 25, 27, 28, 33, 39, 43, 47, 60
p40: 77,79,65,71; 37,39 note 4 41,45,53,59
P50: 20, 25, 30, 31, 36, 45
p68: 39abc, 40abc, 41abc, 89; p76: 9, 37
p102: 11, 15, 16, 17, 25de, note 5 53
p115: 9-16, 25, 26, 37, 38, 41, 42; note 6
P1029: 11-16, 25, 26, 28, 29; note 7
p122: note 8 21, 23, 24, 25, 27
p127: 7-24, 28, 35, 39, 42, 57, 66 a-f , 85, 86
p164: 11-18, 35, 39, 43, 45, 47, 53-58, 78
p68: 61, 66; p254: 11, 16, 33, 49, 50
p268: 31, 37, 38, 49, 50, 73, 80
P164: 103, 79; note 9
note 10
Be prepared
SCORE
Notes
1. Turn in your homework paper in the format indicated in the diagram below. Write only in pencil—ink is not
accepted. Clearly separate problems and identify your answer. Present papers with pride—content and
presentation are equally important.
Staple in upper
left corner.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Your Name
Math 115
Textbook Section
All exercises are on pages 8-9. For exercises 55, 59 and 60, replace the given instructions by (a.) Plot the given
points. Then, for the two given points: (b.) Determine the distance: include the horizontal, vertical, and
straight-line distances. (c.) Determine and plot the midpoint. (d.) Determine the slope. The text’s discussion of
slope is found in Section 1.4, Objective 1.
Please bring your calculator to all classes.
For problems 41, 45, 53, 59, also draw a graph that includes the given information.
For page105: 53, replace the given instructions by: (a) Determine the regression line. (b) Graph the regression
line on the scatter plot. Display the regression equation on the graphic. (c) and (d) as in the text.
Class will not meet today (January 26). Homework from the 25th and the 26th is due on Monday, January 29.
Include the following problems in this HW assignement: Determine the average rate of change of the given
function on the given interval. For each problem include a sketch showing the function graphed on the interval
and the corresponding secant line. Determine the equation of the secant line.
a. f (x) = x 2 on [1,3].
b. f (x) = x 3 on [1,2].
e. Function: p112: Table 6
c. f (x) = x on [1,4].
d. f (x) = 1/x on [1,5].
Interval: [3.5,6]
For this assignment, ignore the text’s instructions. Include a window, sign, and direction analysis for each
problem. Give answers in interval notation when appropriate.
9. Bonus problems p136: 20, 26, 27. Turn in separately. No partial credit.
10. At least 1/3 of the exam problems will come from the Chapter Review sections from chapters 1 and 2. Be
prepared: bring paper, a ruler, calculator, sharp mind and pencils.
8.
4