Wentworth Institute of Technology
Applied Mathematics and Sciences
- Course Syllabus Course Name:
Course Number:
Course Section:
(Lab Section):
Term:
Precalculus
MATH 250
17
(18)
Fall 2010
Instructor:
David Scharf
Email:
scharfd@wit.edu
Phone: [home]
(978) 424 – 1828
Office Location:
Ira Allen - Math Conference Room
Office Hours:
Monday & Tuesday 1:00 - 2:00 or by appt.
Days:/Time:/Location:
Class -
Monday
Wednesday
Thursday
(Lab) - Friday
3:00 pm. – 3:50 pm.
3:00 pm. – 3:50 pm
3:00 pm. – 3:50 pm.
3:00 pm. – 4:50 pm.
Wentworth
Wentworth
Wentworth
Wentworth
Room
Room
Room
Room
214
214
214
214
Course Description: (Catalog)
MATH250 - PRECALCULUS
Topics include: polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic
functions, trigonometric functions, parametric equations, analytic trigonometry,
multivariable systems, and applications and modeling. Prerequisite: MATH205
College Math I. Day Course.
Required Text:
Algebra and Trigonometry: (8 th ed.) Sullivan
(Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2008)
ISBN
0 – 13 – 232903 – 4
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Applied Mathematics and Sciences
- Course Syllabus [Fall semester - 2010]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---
Course Objectives:
1. To prepare you for calculus.
2. To understand algebraic concepts on a precalculus level.
3. To graph functions (trigonometric, logarithmic, exponential, polynomial
and others that are from the “library of functions.”
4. Review quadratic functions and polynomials.
5. Evaluate Exponential Expressions and Define e.
6. To understand what a logarithm is and to know how to apply properties of
logs to simplify or solve a logarithmic or exponential equation.
7. To understand trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions and their
range of applicability.
8. To work with and solve trigonometric equations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---
Attendance:
Attendance will be taken.
(Please attend your assigned section if at all possible, section switching can be disruptive
to your fellow students)
Most of the topics in this course include requisite foundation skills and concepts that
directly support higher math courses.
Many of the concepts and material connect to each other, and will build upon prior
material, so attendance is crucial for success in this course!
It is your responsibility to complete all course requirements, acquire any missed lecture
notes, assignments, class announcements, or any other relevant course and class
material.
Math is definitely not a spectator sport. You will achieve success by doing.
Disability Services Statement:
Wentworth is committed to academic success and to making educational opportunities
available to all students. To request accommodations or if you need more information
regarding options that may be available to you, please contact the Counseling
Center/Disability Services
617-989-4390
counseling@wit.edu
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Applied Mathematics and Sciences
- Course Syllabus [Fall semester - 2010]
Significant Dates:
Friday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Tuesday
Thurs—Saturday
Saturday
Mon—Saturday
Tuesday
Thursday
September 10
Last day to Drop/Add
October 11
Holiday – Columbus Day
October 26
(Faculty) Midterm grades due
October 27 Midterm grades available to students
November 11
Holiday – Veterans Day
November 23
Last day to Withdraw
November 25—27
Thanksgiving Recess
December 11
Last day of classes
December 13—18
Final exams
December 20
(Faculty) Final grades due
December 22
Final grades available to students
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Applied Mathematics and Sciences
- Course Syllabus [Fall semester - 2010]
Course Topics:
Functions and Their Graphs
3.1 Functions
3.2 The Graph of a Function
3.3 Properties of Functions
3.4 Library of Functions; Piecewise defined Functions
3.5 Graphing Techniques; Transformations
3.6 Mathematical Models: Constructing Functions
Quadratic Functions and Polynomials
4.3 Quadratic Functions and Their Properties
5.1 Polynomial Functions and Models
Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
6.1 Composite Functions
6.2 Inverse Functions
6.3 Exponential Functions
6.4 Logarithmic Functions
6.5 Properties of Logarithms
6.6 Logarithmic and Exponential Equations
6.8 Exponential Growth and Decay; Newton’s Law of Cooling; Logistic Models
Trigonometric Functions
7.1 Angles and Their Measure
7.2 Right Triangle Trigonometry
7.3 Computing the Values of Trigonometric Functions of Acute Angles
7.4 Trigonometric Functions of General Angles
7.5 Unit Circle Approach; Properties of the Trigonometric Functions
7.6 Graphs of Sine and Cosine Functions
7.7 Graphs of the Tangent, Cotangent, Cosecant, and Secant Functions
7.8 Phase Shift
Analytic Trigonometry
8.1 The Inverse Sine, Cosine and Tangent Functions
8.2 The Inverse Trig. Functions Continued
8.3 Trigonometric Identities
8.4 Sum and Difference Formulas
8.5 Double-angle and Half-angle Formulas
8.6 Product-to-Sum and Sum-to-Product Formulas
8.7 Trigonometric Equations I
8.8 Trigonometric Equations II
Applications of Trigonometric Functions
9.5 Simple Harmonic Motion
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Applied Mathematics and Sciences
- Course Syllabus [Fall semester - 2010]
Grading Policy:
The course grade will be determined as follows:
Graded quizzes
Midterm exam
Cumulative final exam
Total grade
=
=
=
=
50 %
20 %
30 %
100 %
Grading scale:
The following is the grading scale, as mandated by WIT policy:
Grade
F
D
< 60 60 - 63
D+
C-
C
C+
B-
B
B+
A-
A
64 - 67
68 - 71
72 - 75
76 - 79
80 - 83
84 - 87
88 - 91
92 - 95
96-100
Scale
Homework:
Homework will be assigned but not collected. There will be frequent exercise sets
assigned from the text as a reinforcing supplement to class lectures. These are designed
to strengthen your skill set and to give you adequate practice.
Graded In-class Quizzes/Mid-term Exam:
In class exams will cover material from class lectures and homework exercises.
Lab time will be used to conduct testing.
If you cannot be available for any of these exams, please notify me in advance, and we
will arrive at a suitable arrangement for you to take a corresponding alternate exam
either before the original date, or no later than a week after the original date. Any
considerations should be made with me prior to the exam date.
The lowest Quiz grade will be dropped.
Graded Final Exam:
The final exam will be cumulative based on material covered through the whole
semester.
The final exam represents your opportunity to display your knowledge, talent, and skills
learned in this course. This comprehensive evaluative measurement tool is designed for
you to demonstrate that the goals and objectives of the course have been met. The final
exam will be given during the final exam week at a place and time to be determined by
the Office of the Registrar.