Revised Syllabus1

MATH 1710

Pre-Calculus Syllabus

(3 credit hours)

Course Information

Course Description:

This course is a study of the algebra necessary to prepare for calculus. Topics covered will include polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions; systems of equations and inequalities; matrices, and an introduction to sequences and limits.

Course Objectives:

To understand the concept of a function.
To solve polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic equations.
To solve systems of equations by graphing and by use of matrices.
To understand the concept of a limit and sequence notation.
To use polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions to represent data graphically and symbolically.
To understand appropriately use technology in visually describing mathematical models and in finding numerical solutions to mathematical problems.

Prerequisites and Co requisites:

Two years of high school algebra and an acceptable placement score into collegiate mathematics or successful completion of DSPM 0850.

Course Topics:

Algebra Review and TI-83+ Graphing Calculator Applications
Functions and Their Graphs
Polynomial and Rational Functions
Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Systems of Equations and Inequalities
Matrices and Determinants
Introduction to sequences, series and limits

Specific Course Requirements:

Students will be required to learn and use a graphing calculator, install free browser plug-ins, and install and use free downloadable mathematics software. Students will purchase a MyMathLab access kit , register into MyMathLab and install required plug-ins onto each computer used. Note: Windows is required to run MyMathLab.

Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements

Text book Information:

Please visit the RODP Virtual Bookstore (http://rodp.bkstr.com) for textbook information for this course.

Required Course Materials:

Please visit the RODP Virtual Bookstore (http://rodp.bkstr.com) for supplementary materials information for this course.

A Graphing Calculator (The Texas Instruments TI-83 and/or TI-83 Plus or TI-84 are highly recommended and will be used in demonstrations. Other graphing calculators may be used but will not be supported by the instructor.) You may purchase or rent one of these.

Optional Course Materials:

Please visit the RODP Virtual Bookstore (http://rodp.bkstr.com) for optional materials information for this course.

Hardware Requirements:

The minimum requirements can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm. Note: Windows is required to run MyMathLab.

Software Requirements:

The minimum requirements can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm. Students may also be required to download and install the following free software packages: Real Player or Windows Media Player, Live math browser plug-in, Peanut Win Plot.

Instructor Information

Please see the separate page inside the course to find instructor contact information as well as other communication information such as personal cell phone and email.

Assessment and Grading

Testing Procedures:

Graded quizzes, homework, and tests will be taken online through MyMathLab. A proctored midterm will be taken during midterm testing dates (see calendar for exact dates). A proctored, comprehensive final exam must be taken during the dates stated in the calendar. Each student will be required to obtain an approved proctor (please use Testing Sites at TBR institutions ) ahead of time and to physically go to the location of the proctor, take the proctored exams, showing all work in the presence of the proctor, during the dates stated on the calendar. If the Final Exam is not taken during the required dates, a grade of F will be assigned for the course. Work conflicts will not be acceptable reasons for missing a proctored exam.

For a list of proctors please visit the site: HomeSchool Proctors

Grading Procedure:

MyMathLab Components

Quizzes: The practice review quizzes (3 attempts each) found in MyMathLab serve as review for the Module Tests and may be worked a max of 3 times if taken by the due date. Any quiz not yet taken by its due date will have a zero run in for one of the 3 attempts when the deadline arrives. The highest quiz grade out of the attempts will be recorded for that quiz. Note: The quizzes are review for the Module Tests. They cover the entire module. The quiz average will count 100 points in the MyMathLab Grade.

Homework: Homework assignments found in MyMathLab will have due dates that match the module test due dates but can still be accessed after the due dates - right up until the end of semester. The homework can be worked and reworked until the end of the semester and only the highest grade out of each set of attempts will count. Note: After its deadline, a zero will be run in for all homework not yet attempted (this will give a more realistic average) but the grade will change when it is worked. Homework average will count 100 points in the MyMathLab Grade.

Module Tests: Module tests found in MyMathLab have specific due dates and each test has 2 attempts when taken by the deadline. Any test not attempted by its due date will receive a zero as one of its 2 attempts (this is done to give a more realistic average). The test's deadline will then be reset until the end of the semester with only one attempt left. Module test average will count 200 points in the MyMathLab Grade.

SEMESTER AVERAGE COMPONENTS

MML= average from MyMathLab                40% of semester average     total: 400 pts
MT = Proctored Midterm                           20% of semester average.    total: 200 pts
F = Proctored Final Exam                          30% of semester average.    total 300 pts
P = participation grade                             10% of semester average.    total 100 pts

Grading Scale:

90 - 100 --- A
80 - 89 --- B
70 - 79 --- C
60 - 69 --- D
0 - 59 --- F

Assignments and Participation

Assignments and Projects:

A Bonus Project may be turned in for a maximum of 10 additional points. The 10 points will be added to the participation grade points. Information concerning the bonus project will be sent out before Mid-Term testing dates.

Class Participation:

Students must actively participate in threaded discussion events. Open discussion boards will also be available for students to post homework questions and answers. Students must respond to organized discussions initiated by the instructor as well as contribute to the open questions and answers posted on the discussion board. Each chapter will have a set of selected problems from which students must choose a problem to submit to the e-drop box and post to the discussion board. Class participation counts 100 points towards semester average.

Punctuality:

Quizzes, homework assignments, discussion board posts, drop-box turn ins, online module tests, mid-term test and the final exam will all have specific deadlines. To receive full credit these graded activities must be completed by the due date and time as stated in the electronic calendar. Reduced credit for late submissions may be allowed in some circumstances.

Course Ground Rules

Online math courses are not for everyone. But for those who approach their online math course with the correct attitude and diligence, the effort usually results in a much deeper understanding of the course material than that acquired in a traditional classroom. My advice would be to establish a study schedule and stick to it, study the examples online and within the text, use web resources - especially to check answers, and utilize the discussion boards and e-mail throughout the semester. MyMathLab contains multimedia material such as videos, worked exercises and tutorials that should be very beneficial to your learning. Instructor made demos are also provided in e-learn.

Guidelines for Communications

Email:

Always include a subject line.
Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.
Use standard fonts.
Do not send large attachments without permission.
Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
Respect the privacy of other class members
When replying to an email please press Quote instead of Reply so that the original message will be attached.

Discussion Groups:

Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a lurker then a discussant.
Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.
Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of other’s ideas.
Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.
Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.

Web Resources:

Library

The Tennessee Virtual Library is available to all students enrolled in the Regents Degree Program. Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by learners to complete online assignments and as background reading must be included in all courses.

Students With Disabilities

Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution. Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services staff at the home institution. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Syllabus Changes

The instructor reserves the right to make changes as necessary to this syllabus. If changes are necessitated during the term of the course, the instructor will immediately notify students of such changes both by individual email communication and posting both notification and nature of change(s) in the course's news items.

Technical Support

If you are having problems logging into your course, timing out of your course, using your course web site tools, or other technical problems, please contact the RODP Help Desk by calling

1-866-550-7637 (toll free)

or go to their website at:

AskRODP

If you are having trouble setting up MyMathLab please contact technical support at 1-800-677-6337. Staff is available to troubleshoot your technical issue during the following hours: Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time (US and Canada) Sunday, from 5 p.m. to 12 midnight Eastern time.

To contact technical support online, please visit MyMathLab Online Help

For frequently asked questions (FAQ) about MML please visit MML FAQ Site

Prerequisite Competencies

It is expected that students have mastery of these prerequisite competencies.

Competencies include but are not limited to:

Perform the basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division ) on algebraic expressions and real numbers.
Evaluate algebraic expressions including positive and negative exponents, fractional exponents, and absolute value.
Solve linear equations, literal equations, quadratic equations (by The Method of Factoring and by The Quadratic Formula Method), fractional equations, and equations involving radicals.
Solve linear and nonlinear inequalities in one variable.
Solve systems of linear equations in two variables by The Addition Method of Elimination and/or The Substitution Method.
Graph a line given its equation.
Find the axis of symmetry and vertex of a parabola and sketch its graph.
Write a set of real numbers in interval notation, and vice verse.
Simplify rational expressions and complex fractions.
Identify the key elements in an application problem, and set up an appropriate equation or system of equations to represent the situation.

Prere

Exit Competencies

Upon successful completion of this course, a student will demonstrate comprehension and application of the following competencies.

Perform the basic operations of matrix addition, matrix subtraction, scalar multiplication, and matrix multiplication on given matrices
Solve matrix equations
Solve polynomial equations (using synthetic division)
Solve exponential equations
Solve logarithmic equations
Solve systems of linear equations by Gaussian Elimination
Solve systems of linear equations by Cramer’s Rule
Solve nonlinear systems of equations by The Addition Method of Elimination or The Substitution Method.
Use synthetic division to evaluate a polynomial
Use synthetic division to factor a polynomial over the rational numbers
Use synthetic division to find the quotient and remainder in an appropriate division problem
Graph algebraic functions
Graph exponential functions
Graph logarithmic functions
Solve application problems involving quadratic functions
Solve application problems involving exponential functions
Solve application problems involving logarithmic functions
Evaluate a determinant of order 2 or greater
Interpret and utilize functional notation, sequence notation, and summation notation
From the graph of a relation, determine its domain, its range, whether it is a function, and whether it is a one-to-one function
Find the domain of a function by utilizing an appropriate algebraic procedure on its defining expression
Perform the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and composition on given functions
Find the inverse of a one-to-one function by algebraic and graphic means.
Understand sequence notation and write out terms of a sequence
Evaluate one and two-sided limits graphically, algebraically, and from a table of values
Use a graphing utility to construct models of regression for sets of data.
Use a graphing utility to graph functions and determine key information to include intercepts, domain and range, extreme values, symmetry, and transformations.
Use linear programming to maximize or minimize a set of linear inequalities.
Analyze a rational function by identifying its vertical, horizontal, and oblique asymptotes and points of discontinuity.