Department of Mathematical Sciences - U. Delaware
U. of Delaware Math Department

Math 117 - Precalculus for Scientists and Engineers
Course Information

Text Typically Used:
Precalculus Understanding Functions
by Goodman & Hirsch
Brooks/Cole Thomson Learning
Do not purchase until confirmed by the instructor.
Course Content:
This course is designed to prepare you for Math 241 Analytical Geometry and Calculus A. The major topics include a review of algebraic skills, functions, linear functions, quadratic functions, graphing principles, composition, inverse functions, polynomial functions, radical functions, exponential and logarithmic functions and trigonometry.
Final Exam
Sample M117 Final Exam (requires the free Acrobat Reader software installed)
Sections and Topics Covered:
Chapter 1
Algebra: The Fundamentals
1.1
The Real Numbers (Review on own)
1.2
Operations with Real Numbers (Review on own)
1.3
Polynomials and Rational Expressions
1.4
Exponents and Radicals
1.5
Complex Numbers
1.6
First Degree Equations and Inequalities in One Variable
1.7
Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities
1.8
Quadratic Equations and Equations in Quadratric Form
1.9
Quadratic and Rational Inequalities
1.10
Substitution
Chapter 2
Functions and Graphs: Part I
2.1
The Cartesian Coordinate System: Graphing Straight Lines and Equations of Circles
2.2
Slope
2.3
Equations of a Line
2.4
Relations and Functions
2.5
Function Notation
2.6
Relating Functions to Their Graphs
2.7
Introduction to Graph Sketching: Symetry
Chapter 3
Functions and Graphs: Part II
3.1
Basic Graphing Principles
3.2
More Graphing Principles; Types of Functions
3.3
Extracting Functions from Real Life Situations
3.4
Quadratic Functions
3.5
Operations On Functions
3.6
Inverse Functions
Chapter 4
Polynomial, Rational, and Radical Functions
4.1
Polynomial Functions
4.2
More Polynomial Functions and Mathematical Models
4.3
Polynomial Division, Roots of Polynomial Equations: The Remainder and Factor Theorems
4.4
Roots of Polynomial Equations: The Rational Root Theorem
4.5
Rational Functions
4.6
Radical Functions
Chapter 5
Exponential Functions
5.1
Exponential Functions
5.2
Logarithmic Functions
5.3
Properties of Logarithms; Logarithmic Equations
5.4
Common and Natural Logarithms; Exponential Equations and Change of Base
5.5
Applications
Chapter 6
Trigonometry
6.1
Angle Measurement and Two Special Triangles
6.2
The Trigonometric Functions
6.3
Right Triangle Trigonometry and Applications
6.4
The Trigonometric Functions as Functions of Real Numbers
Chapter 7
The Trigonometric Functions
7.1
The Sine and Cosine Functions and Their Graphs
7.2
The Tangent, Secant, Cosecant, and Cotangent Functions and Their Graphs
7.3
Basic Identities
7.4
Trigonometric Equations
7.5
The Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Chapter 8
More Trigonometry and Its Applications
8.1
The Addition Formulas
8.2
The Double-Angle and Half-Angle Formula
8.3
The Law of Sines and the Law of Cosines
Chapter 9
Systems of Equations and Inequalities
9.1
Elimination and Substitution: 2 X 2 Linear Systems
Chapter 10
The Conic Sections
10.7
Non-Linear Systems of Equations and Inequalities
Chapter 11
Sequences and Series and Related Topics
11.1
Sequences
11.2
Series and Sigma Notation

Current Syllabus

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