SPRINGFIELD TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
School of Mathematics, Sciences, and Engineering Transfer
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Mathematics
Contemporary Math Applications
MATH 117
3 non-transferable college credits
ALGB-080 or ALGB-087 (C- or better) or placement at
ALGB 091.
Ann-Marie Simao
17/308
413-755-4809
afsimao@stcc.edu
MTWR 7:00-8:00
http://legacy.cnx.org/content/col11726/latest/
Course Description
This is designed to be an applications course for certain technologies. The emphasis is on
solving real-world problems pertaining to those technologies by applying arithmetic,
algebraic, and geometric concepts previously learned. Utilizing the TI-30X scientific
calculator to solve problems involving SI metrics, unit analyses, formulas, and
mensuration will also be covered. This course is restricted to Landscape, Construction
Management, Graphic Arts, and Energy Systems students ONLY. It is not recommended
for students planning to transfer to a four-year institution. PREREQUISITE: ALGB087 with a C- or better or placement of ALGB-091 or higher.
Instructional Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Read and interpret different types of graphs.
Draw bar and line graphs
Understand measures of central tendency ( compute mean, median, mode)
Compute range and standard deviation of a data set
Computer powers and roots of algebraic expressions
Understand ratios and proportions
Solve for a particular variable in a complex formula
Calculate perimeter, circumference, area
Use Pythagorean formula
Become familiar with sine, cosine, and tangent
Teaching Procedures
This course is divided into Five (5) modules. Each module is correlated with a specific
set of units in the text. The teaching methodology employed in this course emphasizes the
lecture approach and encourages students to participate. This course is designed to be an
application course for certain technologies. The emphasis is on solving real-world
problems pertaining to those technologies by applying arithmetic, algebraic and
geometric principles. We will be using a scientific calculator to help solve applied
problems.
Course Topics
Section I :
Fundamentals of General Math
Graphs – Bar and Line
Statistical Measurements – Mean, median, mode and range.
Measurement Units
Exam 1
Section II:
Fundamentals of Algebra
Basic Algebraic Operations
1.
Powers
2.
Roots
3.
Removal of Parentheses
4.
Combined Operations
5.
Scientific Notation
Complex Equations
Ratios and Proportions
Exam 2
Section III: Fundamentals of Plane Geometry
Introduction to Plane Geometry
Angular Measure
Angular Geometric Principles
Triangles
Congruent and Similar Triangles
Polygons
1.
Types of Polygons
2.
Types of Quadrilaterals
Circles
1.
Definitions
2.
Circumference Formula
3.
Arc Length Formula
4.
Radian Measure
5.
Circle Postulates
Exam 3
Section IV: Geometric Figures – Areas and Volumes
Areas of Common Polygons
Areas of Circles and Sectors
1.
Areas of Circles.
2.
Ratio of Two Circles.
3.
Areas of Sectors.
Prisms and Cylinders – Volume and Surface Area
Pyramids and Cones – Volume and Surface Area
Spheres – Volume and Surface Area
Exam 4
Section V:
Fundamentals of Trigonometry
Introduction to Trigonometric Functions
Trigonometric Functions with Right Triangles
Practical Applications with Right Triangles
Exam 5
Final Exam (Cumulative)
Attendance
Attendance is required. A student having three absences risks withdrawal from this
course. A student absent from class bears full responsibility for all subject and
procedural information discussed in class, including any changes in exam dates and
assignments.
Testing and Grading
There will be a total of 5 Homework Assignments, 5 Tests and 1 Final Exam. The final
grade will be based on: 50% on the Homework average; 40% on the Test average and
10% on the Final Exam. Any exam not taken will be counted as a 0. If you will miss a
test, you must contact your instructor within 24 hours to schedule a make-up.
If at any time during the semester there is any evidence of academic dishonesty or
collusion by students on an exam or quiz, the Dean of Students and other relevant college
authorities will be notified, and students involved may be dismissed from the course with
an automatic grade of F.
STCC Policy on disruptive behavior
Behavior, which disrupts the establishment or maintenance of the learning environment,
may result in the student causing the behavior to be excluded from the classroom by the
instructor. The student may be subject to further punitive action by the Dean of Students.
Late arrival and early departure from class is considered disruptive behavior. Students
are expected to arrive on time for class, and to seek permission from the instructor if they
need to leave class early.
Individual Help
The instructor will meet with students during scheduled office hours. To insure the
availability of the instructor, please make an appointment. The Tutor Center in the Math
Department (through Room 425) is open from 8:00AM to 3:00PM Monday through
Friday. Students may drop in at any time to work with student tutors. Professional tutors
are available in the Student Success Center by appointment.
Special Needs
Students with special needs that require accommodations must contact the Office of
Disability Services for processing of the necessary documentation, and then speak to the
instructor.
Expectations
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with the
policies outlined in the College Catalog (pgs. 67-80). Respect and consideration for
others contribute to a positive environment for learning in the classroom. Both faculty
and students should encourage CIVILITY by speaking and listening respectfully to
others. In addition, actions that interrupt the learning process should be avoided. For
example, pagers, beepers, and chiming watches should be turned off.
Disclaimer
The instructor reserves the right to change topics covered or the order in which they are
covered as well as designated test dates at their discretion, after notifying the class in
advance.