Note:

The following information was taken from the Spring 2000 M115 course syllabus. It is intended to serve as a reference only. This material may change from semester to semester.

Text:

A Graphical Approach to Precalculus, 2nd Edition
by Hornsby & Lial
Addison Wesley
ISBN: 0-321-2848-1

NOTE: A TI-83 or TI-82 Graphing Calculator is Required

Course Content:

Math 115 - Precalculus is designed to prepare students for entry into Math 221 - Calculus. Students who are planning on taking Math 241 should be enrolled in Math 117 - Precalculus for Scientists and Engineers. Math 115 assumes a thorough understanding of algebra topics. Students who need a review of algebra before taking this course should enroll in Math 010 or Math 012.

Math 115 develops the concept of function in detail. It provides an in-depth treatment of polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions. Manipulative skills are enhanced through a focus on conceptual development and real-world applications. Both algebraic and graphical techniques will be stressed throughout the course.

Grades:

Grades will be based on 600 points
300 points for the exams (3 exams for 100 points)
200 points for the final exam
100 instructor designated points

Sample Exams:

Sample exams require the free Acrobat Reader software installed

Sections and Topics Covered

Section

Topic

1.1

Real Numbers, Logic, and Coordinate Systems

1.2

Introduction to Relations and Functions

1.3

Linear Functions

1.4

Equations of Lines and Geometric Considerations

1.5

Solution of Linear Equations

1.6

Solution of Linear Inequalities

1.8

Other Applications of Linear Functions

2.1

Graphs of Elementary Functions and Relations

2.2

Vertical and Horizontal Shifts of Graphs of Funtions

2.3

Stretching, Shrinking, and Reflecting Graphs of Functions

2.5

Piecewise Defined Functions

2.6

Further Topics in the Study of Functions

3.2

Quadratic Functions and Their Graphs

3.3

Solution of Quadratic Equations and Inequalities

3.4

Applications of Quadratic Functions and Models

3.5

Higher Degree Polynomials and Their Graphs

3.6

Topics in the Theory of Polynomial Functions (I)

3.7

Topics in the Theory of Polynomial Functions (II)

3.8

Solution of Polynomial Equations and Inequalities and Their Applications

4.1

Graphs of Rational Functions

4.2

Rational Equations, Inequalities, and Applications

4.3

Graphs of Root Functions

4.4

Root Equations, Inequalities, and Applications

4.5

Inverse Functions

5.1

Introduction to Exponential Functions

5.2

Logarithms and Their Properties

5.3

Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

5.4

Exponential and Logarithmic Equations and Inequalities

5.5

Applications and Modeling With Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

8.1

Angles and Their Measures

8.2

The Circular Functions

8.3

The Trigonometric Functions and the Fundamental Identities

8.4

Evaluating Trigonometric Functions

8.5

Applications of Right Triangle Trigonometry

8.6

Analysis of the Sine and Cosine Functions

9.1

Trigonometric Identies

9.2

Further Trigonometric Identities