Math 128 Precalculus and Trigonometry
Great Basin College Fall Semester 2011
Math 128 Precalculus & Trigonometry 5 credits
Section 1001
Monday – Friday 8am – 8:50am
Room: EIT 208
Class Key: gbcnv 1953 9353
Catalog Description
Equations, relations, functions, graphing; polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic,
and circular functions with applications; coordinate geometry of lines and conics;
analytic trigonometry; matrices, determinants; binomial theorem. Prerequisite: Math 096
within two years, sufficient placement test, or SAT/ACT score.
Course Description
This course serves as the bridge from algebra to calculus. We will cover all of the topics in
our textbook, PreCalculus, 5th ed by J. Douglas Faires. The method of instruction is
primarily lecture, though questions and discussions of topics are encouraged.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Find the distance between two points
Solve linear inequalities
Write the solution to inequalities in interval
notation
Solve nonlinear polynomial inequalities
Solve inequalities that contain rational expressions
Solve absolute value equations and inequalities
Find the center and radius of a circle given the
equation of the circle by writing the equation in
standard form.
Find the equation of a circle given the center and
the radius
Find the equation of a circle given the center and
a point on the circle
Sketch the graph of a circle given the center and
radius
Sketch the graph of a circle given the center and
a point on the circle
Sketch a region in the xy-plane bounded by a
given inequality or inequalities
Identify equations whose graphs contain
symmetry with respect to the y-axis, x-axis, or
origin
Find the x- and y-intercepts of a given equation
State the definition of a function
Find the domain and range of a given function
Classify a function as even, odd, or neither given
the graph of the function
Find the difference quotient (average rate of
change) of a given function
Find the instantaneous rate of change of a given
function
Write the equation of a parabola in standard
form
Find the vertex given the equation of a parabola
Find the maximum/minimum value of quadratic
function
Formative
Formative
Quiz 1
Quizzes 1& 4, Ch 1& 3 Exams, Final
Quiz 1, Ch 1 Exam, Final
Quiz 1
Quiz 2, Ch 1 Exam
Formative
Formative
Formative
Formative
Formative
Quiz 2
Quiz 2
Ch 1 Exam, Final
Ch 1 – 5 Exams, Final
Ch 1 Exam
Ch 1 Exam, Final
Ch 1 Exam, Final
Ch 1 Exam
Ch 1 Exam
Ch 1 Exam
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Math 128 Precalculus and Trigonometry
Solve applications that are modeled by
quadratic functions
Graph basic functions including 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 , 𝑦 = √𝑥 ,
3
𝑦 = 𝑥 3 , 𝑦 = √𝑥, 𝑦 = ⟦𝑥⟧, 𝑦 = |𝑥|
Given the graph of y = f(x), find the graph of
y =f(x+c), y =f(x)+c, y =cf(x), y =f(cx), y =-f(x), and
y =f(-x)
Find the x-intercepts of a quadratic function by
using the quadratic formula
Find the equation of a parabola given a vertex
and a point on the parabola
Given two functions, find the
sum/difference/product/quotient of the functions
Given two functions, find the domain of the
sum/difference/product/quotient of those
functions
Given the function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), graph its reciprocal
Ch 1 Exam
Quiz 3, Ch 1 Exam (for y = x2), Ch 2 Exam, Final
Quiz 3, Ch 1 Exam (for y = x2), Ch 2 Exam, Final
Ch 1 Exam
Ch 1 Exam
Ch 2 Exam
Ch 2 Exam
Quiz 3, Ch 2 Exam
𝑔(𝑥) = 1⁄𝑓(𝑥)
Given two functions find the composition of those
functions and the domain of the new function
Prove a function is one-to-one by showing 𝑓(𝑎) =
𝑓(𝑏) implies 𝑎 = 𝑏, the horizontal line test, or by
stating the functions are increasing/decreasing
Find the inverse of a one-to-one function
Given a function that is not one-to-one determine
a subset of the domain of the function for which it
is one-to-one
Sketch the graph of the polynomial function by
finding the axis intercepts and the intervals where
f(x) > 0 and f(x) < 0 and determining the end
behavior of the function
Use long division to divide polynomials
Use synthetic division to divide polynomials by the
factor x - c
Use the remainder theorem to determine when
the linear expression x – c is a factor of a given
polynomial
Use the Rational Zero Test to determine all of the
possible rational zeros of a given polynomial
function
Sketch the graph of a rational function by finding
zeros, asymptotes, and using a sign chart.
Sketch the graph of an algebraic function by
finding zeros, asymptotes, and using a sign chart
Find a polynomial when given the zeros (including
nonreal zeros) of the polynomial and a point on
the graph of the polynomial
Add/Subtract/Multiply/Divide complex numbers
Find the conjugate of a complex number
Find the radian measure of a given angle
Use trigonometry to solve applied problems
involving right triangles
Find the values of the six trigonometric functions
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
for the special angles 𝜃 = 0, , , , , 𝜋 and the
multiples of these angles
6 4 3 2
Ch 2 Exam, Final
Ch 2 Exam
Ch 2 Exam, Final
Formative
Quiz 4, Ch 3 Exam, Final
Quiz 4, Ch 3 Exam
Quiz 4, Ch 3 exam
Quiz 4
Quiz 4, Ch 3 Exam
Ch 3 Exam, Final
Ch 3 Exam
Ch 3 Exam
Ch 3 Exam
Ch 3 Exam
Quiz 5
Quiz 5, Ch 4 Exam, Final
Quiz 5 (sine and cosine only, no multiples of
angles), Quiz 6(sine and cosine only) Quiz 7,
Ch 3 Exam, Final
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Math 128 Precalculus and Trigonometry
Find the reference number for a given real
number
Solve equations with sine and cosine.
Sketch the graphs of the six basic trigonometric
functions and these graphs with
horizontal/vertical shifts, stretches/compressions,
and reflections
Use the Pythagorean Identities in solving
equations
Use the sum and difference formulas for sine,
cosine, and tangent
Use the half-angle and double-angle formulas
Find the exact value of expressions involving the
inverse trig functions
Solve triangles using the Law of Sines
Solve triangles using the Law of Cosines
Sketch the graph of an exponential function
Find the future value using the compound interest
formula
Find the future value using the continuously
compounding interest formula
Sketch the graph of a logarithmic function
Use the arithmetic properties of logarithms to
rewrite logarithmic expressions as a single log.
Use the arithmetic properties of logarithms to
simplify logarithmic expressions and solve
equations
Solve exponential equations
Solve logarithmic equations
Use the exponential function 𝑄(𝑡) = 𝑄0 𝑒 𝑘𝑡 to
model population growth/decay
Identify and sketch the graph of a conic section
and label the vertex and foci of the conic section
Find the equation of a conic section given the
vertices, foci, or directrix
Convert polar coordinates to rectangular
coordinates
Convert rectangular coordinates to polar
coordinates
Convert polar equations to rectangular equations
Convert rectangular equations to polar equations
Sketch the graph of a given polar equations
Sketch the graph of the conic section given by
𝑟=
𝑒𝑑
1±𝑒 cos 𝜃
or 𝑟 =
Quiz 6
Quiz 6, Ch 4 Exam, Final
Quiz 6 (for sine and cosine), Quiz 7, Ch 4
Exam, Final
Quiz 7
Quiz 7, Ch 4 Exam
Quiz 7, Ch 4 Exam
Ch 4 Exam, Final
Ch 4 Exam, Final
Ch 4 Exam, Final
Ch 5 Exam, Final
Ch 5 Exam
Ch 5 Exam
Ch 5 Exam, Final
Ch 5 Exam
Ch 5 Exam
Ch 5 Exam, Final
Ch 5 Exam, Final
Ch 5 Exam, Final
Quiz 8, Final
Quiz 8
Final
Final
Final
Final
Final
Final
𝑒𝑑
1±𝑒 sin 𝜃
Find the equation of a conic section in polar
coordinates given the eccentricity and the
equation of the directrix.
Rewrite parametric equations as rectangular
equations
Rewrite rectangular equations as parametric
equations
Sketch the curve described by parametric
equations indicating where 𝑡 = 0 and the
direction of increasing values of 𝑡.
Demonstrate the appropriate mathematical
format and notation in solving problems.
Final
Final
Final
Final
All quizzes and exams
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Math 128 Precalculus and Trigonometry
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Instructor:
Lynne Owens
Address:
Great Basin College
Office:
MCML 136
1500 College Pkwy
Phone:
(775) 753-2152
Elko, NV 89801
Fax:
(775) 738-8771
E-mail:
lynneo@gwmail.gbcnv.edu (preferred method of contact)
Office hours:
MW 9a – 10:30a or by appointment
REQUIRED MATERIALS
Textbook: Precalculus 5th ed., by J. Douglas Faires, ISBN: 978-1-11-149584-8
Scientific calculator
Internet access
Graph paper
Straightedge
GRADING
Grades will be based on one pretest (20 points) 32 assignments (2 points per assignment), 7 weekly
quizzes (10 points each), four exams (100 points each), and a final exam (300 points). Note that
there are 8 quizzes and 5 exams, but your lowest quiz score and lowest exam score (not the final)
will be dropped. There are a total of 854 points possible in this course. Grades are distributed as
follows:
90 –100%
80 – 89%
70 – 79%
60 – 869%
Below 60
A
B
C
D
F
Withdrawing from class
If you decide that you need to drop or withdraw from this class, make sure you fill out the required
paperwork. Friday, November 25, 2011 is the last day you can withdraw from this class. If you fail to
turn in your paperwork on or before that date, you will receive the grade you are earning in the
class. This bears repeating. You are responsible for withdrawing yourself from this class. I will not
assign grades of W; if you simply stop attending class without turning in your drop/withdraw form to
Admissions and Records, you will get the grade you have earned at the end of the semester.
Please consult the Great Basin College catalogue for further information on "I" and "W" grades.
HOMEWORK
You will have weekly computer assignments due. To access your homework go to
https://www.webassign.net/login.html and click on “I have a class key.” You will see three boxes.
In the first box put gbcnv, in the second box put 1953, and in the third box 9353. You are allowed
five attempts on each problem. Homework is due on Sundayss at 11:55pm. Late homework is not
accepted. At the first sign of technical difficulties, contact the tech support at Webassign; I cannot
assist you with website issues. Please note that Webassign is not WebCampus.
EXAMS and QUIZZES
Quizzes and exams are graded for both form and content. It is not only the answer that is
important, but also the journey you take to get there. Missing an exam is a big deal; don’t do it. If
you find yourself in the unfortunate position of missing an exam and having to take it late, you may
be penalized 5 points for every day that your exam is late. You have 5 business days to make up
an exam. Quizzes cannot be made up, but your lowest quiz score will be dropped. The first exam
that you miss will be the exam that you drop.
4
Math 128 Precalculus and Trigonometry
In order to grade your work, I must be able to read your work. Therefore, all quizzes and exams
must be legible. Use a straightedge for graphs.
If you believe I have made a grading error or if you wish to contest a grade, you have until the
following class after the quiz/exam was returned to address this issue. There is a timeliness to
grading; in order for me to fairly reassess your work, I need to see it as soon as possible after I have
issued a given exam/quiz score.
ACCOMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Great Basin College is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to qualified
students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations, including the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. A
qualified student must furnish current verification of disability. The Director of Services for Students
with Disabilities will assist qualified students with disabilities in securing the appropriate and
reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids, and services. For more information or further
assistance, please call 775.753.2271
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
The University and Community College System of Nevada expressly forbids all forms of academic
dishonesty, including (but not limited to) all forms of cheating, copying, and plagiarism. Plagiarism
is presenting someone else’s word, ideas or data as one’s own. When a student submits work that
includes the words, ideas, or data of others, the source of that information must be acknowledged
through complete, accurate, and specific references; and if verbatim statements are included,
through quotation marks as well. In academically honest writing or speaking, the students will
acknowledge the source whenever:

Another person’s actual words are quoted

Another person’s idea, opinion or theory is used, even if it is completely paraphrased in the
student’s own words

Facts, statistics, or other illustrative materials are borrowed, unless the information is
common knowledge.
Students who are discovered cheating will be subject to discipline as outlined in the Great Basin
College catalog.
CLASSROOM/OFFICE ETIQUETTE
Class will run more smoothly if you avoid the following behaviors:

Talking to classmates while I’m talking or other students are trying to listen or ask questions.

Walking out of class—if you’re not interested, don’t come. (If you need to leave class
early, please give me a heads up.)

Working on homework or doing work from other classes during the lecture--if you’re that
bored or that busy don’t come to class or find another class that suits your temperament
or schedule.

Using your cell phone or text messaging during class—the current research indicates that
using a cell phone while driving is as bad as driving under the influence. This is a testimony
to the level of distraction these activities cause. When we are in class our time will be
devoted to math SOLELY. Simply put, the classroom is neither the time nor place to
conduct personal business. If you are caught texting, you will be asked to leave the class.
You may return to class only after you have had a discussion with the Dean of Student
Services. If it happens again you will be permanently removed from the class.

Leaving your cell phone on when you come to my office. Consider my office a cell phone
–free zone, and rest assured that I have neither the interest nor the time to bear witness to
your personal conversations.

Bringing children to class—this is a liability issue for the college.
Do be prepared when you come to class or visit my office. In class we will be working several
problems during each class period, so bring your textbook, a calculator, some graph paper, and a
straightedge. When you stop by my office for assistance, have a list of problems/concepts you
wish to discuss during our visit. Contact me if you need to cancel an appointment.
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Math 128 Precalculus and Trigonometry
MISSING CLASS
After the first week of class, I do not take roll. If you choose to attend class then behave
accordingly. If you choose not to attend class, I will still expect you to meet the requirements of
the class, i.e., do not expect to be able to turn in late homework or take exams and quizzes at your
convenience.
Please note that the syllabus is just a guide. Although every effort will be maintained to follow the
syllabus, you may find that we get a day or two ahead or behind. This in turn may affect the due
date for homework or the date for a given exam or quiz. If you should miss class, it is your
responsibility to find out what was covered and if a date was changed.
Schedule of Events
Dates
Monday, August 29, 2011
Tues. Aug. 30
Wed. Aug. 31
Thurs. September 1
Fri. Sept. 2
Mon. Sept. 5
Tues. Sept. 6
Wed. Sept. 7
Thurs. Sept. 8
Fri. Sept. 9
Mon. Sept. 12
Tues. Sept. 13
Wed. Sept. 14
Thurs. Sept. 15
Fri. Sept. 16
Mon. Sept. 19
Tues. Sept. 20
Wed. Sept. 21
Thurs. Sept. 22
Fri. Sept. 23
Mon. Sept. 26
Tues. Sept. 27
Wed. Sept. 28
Thurs. Sept. 29
Fri. Sept. 30
Mon. October 3
Tues. Oct. 4
Wed. Oct. 5
Thurs. Oct. 6
Fri. Oct. 7
Mon. Oct. 10
Tues. Oct. 11
Wed. Oct. 12
Thurs. Oct. 13
Fri. Oct. 14
Mon. Oct. 17
Tues. Oct. 18
Wed. Oct. 19
Thurs. Oct. 20
Fri. Oct. 21
Mon. Oct. 24
Tues. Oct. 25
Sections
Pretest
Pretest
1.1 – 1.2 Introduction; Real Number Line
1.2 The Real Number Line
1.3 The Coordinate Plane
LABOR DAY HOLIDAY
1.3 The Coordinate Plane Quiz 1 (1.2)
1.4 Equations and Graphs
1.4 Equations and Graphs (omit 1.5)
1.6 Functions
1.6 Functions Quiz 2 (1.3 – 1.4)
1.7 Linear Functions
1.7 Linear Functions
1.8 Quadratic Functions
1.8 Quadratic Functions
Chapter 1 Exam
2.1 – 2.2 Introduction; Other Common Functions
2.2 Other Common Functions
2.3 Arithmetic Combinations of Functions
2.3 Arithmetic Combinations of Functions
2.4 Composition of Functions Quiz 3 (2.2 – 2.3)
2.4 Composition of Functions
2.5 Inverse Functions
2.5 Inverse Functions
3.1 – 3.2 Introduction; Polynomial Functions
Chapter 2 Exam
3.2 Polynomial Functions
3.3 Finding Factors and Zeros of Polys
3.3 Finding Factors and Zeros of Polys
FURLOUGH—NO CLASS
3.4 Rational Functions
3.4 Rational Functions Quiz 4 (3.2 – 3.3)
3.5 Other Algebraic Functions
3.5 Other Algebraic Functions
3.6 Complex Roots of Polynomials
Chapter 3 Exam
4.1 – 4.2 Introduction; Measuring Angles
4.2 Measuring Angles
4.3 Right-Triangle Trigonometry
4.3 Right-Triangle Trigonometry
4.4 The Sine and Cosine Functions Quiz 5 (4.1 –
4.3)
4.4 The Sine and Cosine Functions
6
Math 128 Precalculus and Trigonometry
Wed. Oct. 26
Thurs. Oct. 27
Fri. Oct. 28
Mon. Oct. 31
Tues. November 1
Wed. Nov. 2
Thurs. Nov. 3
Fri. Nov. 4
Mon. Nov. 7
Tues. Nov. 8
Wed. Nov. 9
Thurs. Nov. 10
Fri. Nov. 11
Mon. Nov. 14
Tues. Nov. 15
Wed. Nov. 16
Thurs. Nov. 17
Fri. Nov. 18
Mon. Nov. 21
Tues. Nov. 22
Wed. Nov. 23
Thurs. Nov. 24
Fri. Nov. 25
Mon. Nov. 28
Tues. Nov. 29
Wed. Nov. 30
Thurs. December 1
Fri. Dec. 2
Mon. Dec. 5
Tues. Dec. 6
Wed. Dec. 7
Thurs. Dec. 8
Fri. Dec. 9
Mon. Dec. 12
Tues. Dec. 13
Wed. Dec. 14
4.5 Graphs of Sine and Cosine
4.5 Graphs of Sine and Cosine
NEVADA DAY HOLIDAY—NO CLASS
4.6 Other Trigonometric Functions Quiz 6 (4.4 –
4.5)
4.6 Other Trigonometric Functions
4.7 Trigonometric Identities
4.7 Trigonometric Identities
4.8 Inverse Trig Functions
4.8 Inverse Trig Functions Quiz 7 (4.6 – 4.7)
4.9 Applications of Trig Functions
4.9 Applications of Trig Functions
FURLOUGH—NO CLASS
VETERANS’ DAY HOLIDAY—NO CLASS
Chapter 4 Exam
5.1-5.2 Intro; Natural Exponential Function
5.3 Logarithm Functions
5.3 Logarithm Functions
5.4 Exponential Growth and Decay
Chapter 5 Exam
6.1 – 6.2 Introduction; Parabolas
6.2 Parabolas
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY—NO CLASS
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY—NO CLASS (Official
Course Drop Deadline)
6.3 Ellipses Quiz 8 (6.2)
6.3 Ellipses
6.4 Hyperbolas
6.4 Hyperbolas
6.5 Polar Coordinates
6.5 Polar Coordinates
6.6 Conic Sections in Polar Coordinates
6.6 Conic Sections in Polar Coordinates
6.7 Parametric Equations
6.7 Parametric Equations
Final Exam Chapters 1 - 2
Final Exam Chapters 3 - 4
Final Exam Chapters 5 - 6
Please note that the syllabus is just a guide. Depending on classroom circumstances, we
may get ahead or fall behind. You are responsible for knowing about changed due
dates.
COMPUTER ASSIGNMENTS DUE DATES
Section
Due Date
1.1 –1.4, 1.6 – 1.8
Sunday, September 18, 2011
2.2 – 2.3
Sun. Sept. 25
2.4 – 2.5
Sun. October 2
3.2 – 3.3
Sun. Oct. 9
3.4 – 3.6
Sun. Oct. 16
4.2 – 4.3
Sun. Oct. 23
4.4 – 4.5
Sun. Oct. 30
4.6 – 4.7
Sun. November 6
4.8 – 4.9
Sun. Nov. 13
5.2 – 5.4
Sun. Nov. 20
7
Math 128 Precalculus and Trigonometry
6.2
Sun. Nov. 27
6.3 – 6.4
Sun. December 4
6.5 – 6.7
Sun. Dec. 11
All homework is due by 11:55pm of the due date.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
While precalculus can be a difficult subject to master, the burden of learning is on you; therefore,
you must be your own advocate. Here are some steps you can take that may increase the
probability of your success.

If you don’t understand a concept, get some help and get it fast. Do not sit like a bump
on a log suffering in silence. Go to the Academic Success Center for free tutoring. Make
an appointment with me. Form a study group.

Be cognizant of class policies and due dates. For example, what are the policies
regarding late work or missing class?

Do your homework. Math is not a subject that can be skimmed. You learn by doing.

Do some math everyday. The research indicates that the best way to improve retention is
to do some homework problems as soon after the lecture as possible.

Do not procrastinate with the computer homework. Technology is our friend and enemy.
Allow yourself enough time to complete the homework in case you run into technological
difficulties.
RESOURCES
brightstorm. com and khanacademy.com are two great sources for free math videos. They have
topics from prealgebra through calculus and statistics. If you’re feeling a bit rusty with some of the
material from algebra, a great place to begin reviewing is with the videos on graphing and
factoring. They also have videos on practically every topic we will cover this semester.
Academic Success Center (ASC) EIT Building Room 114, 753-2149
For those of you in Elko, the ASC provides free tutoring. They also have computers that you can use
for your homework. ASC hours: September 6 – December 9, 2011
M – Th
9am – 8pm
F
9am – 4pm
Sat & Sun
Closed
If you can’t always make it to campus, the ASC also provides online tutoring:
1. Go to the GBC website: http://gbcnv.edu/current.html
2. Under “Academic Support” click on the “Academic Success Centers”.
3. Click on mathtutors@gwmail.gbcnv.edu
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