AMTH 111        PRECACULUS  MATHEMATICS I (3 cr)

Spring  2006    T/TH 1:40-2:55    ADMN 233

                                                 

Instructor: David Jaspers, 237E ADMN  

Telephone: 641-3525(off), 663-4721 (home)

E-mail: davidj@usca.edu   Web http://www.usca.edu/math/%7Emathdept/dgj/

Office Hours: MW 2:00-4:00, T/TH 11:00-12:00, F 11:00-1:00 or by appointment        

 

PREREQUISITE: Placement, C or better in AMTH 108; consent of Department

 

TEXTS: Precalculus: Functions and Graphs (3rd edition), Demana, Waits, and Clemens, and Graphing Calculator Resource Manual, Demana, Waits, Clemens, and Foley

 

SUPPLIES: Texas Instruments TI-83 or -84 series Graphing Calculator (note: If you are purchasing a calculator for this class, you are required to purchase the TI-83. If you already have a graphing calculator, consult your instructor about its acceptability)

 

TOPICS TO BE COVERED:

(See schedule for approximate time spent on each chapter)

Chapter P – Prerequisites

Chapter 1 – Functions and Graphs

Chapter 2 – Polynomial, Power, and Rational Functions

Chapter 3 – Exponential, Logistic and Logarithmic Functions

Chapter 6 – Vectors and Parametric Equations

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Topics in algebra specifically needed for AMTH 141, 142, 241: the study of equations and inequalities, graphs, functions and inverse functions including logarithmic and exponential functions, zeros of polynomials, and systems of equations and inequalities.

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES: To solve, both graphically and by calculation, mathematical problems that involve:

·         equations and inequalities

·         graphs, functions, and inverse functions

·         polynomial, logarithmic, and exponential expressions

 

Grading: Your success in meeting the course objectives will be measured by your scores on homework, quizzes, worksheets, three exams, and a cumulative final. The weights of the various components of your grade in determining your final grade are shown below.

 

Grade Weights:                               Grade Scale:

1. Three exams (65%)                                       90-100 A          70-74  C

2. Quizzes, homework (10%)                             85-89  B+        65-69  D+

3. Cumulative Final Exam (25%)                         80-84  B          60-64  D

75-79  C+          0-59  F

 

Assignments: Homework will be assigned daily and will occasionally be collected (counted as a quiz grade). Group work may be assigned to enhance certain topics. Although I may not always collect homework, that doesn't mean you don't have to do it! A major part of learning mathematics involves DOING mathematics! Also, homework is useful in preparing for the type of questions that may appear on quizzes or exams. A homework question may even appear on a quiz or exam. At least one quiz/homework grade will be dropped to determine your final quiz average.

 

Make-up Policy: If you must miss a scheduled exam, contact me as soon as possible after the exam to arrange a make up. Exams not made up within one week of the regular test may be recorded as 0’s. Quizzes cannot be made up.

 

Final Exam A comprehensive final examination for 25% of the total grade. Your grade on the Final Exam will replace your lowest test score (if it helps your grade). You must take all three semester exams to qualify.  A low score on the Final can hurt your grade!

There are no exemptions from the Final.

 

Academic Integrity: Please read and review the Academic Code of Conduct relating to Academic Integrity located in the 2005-06 Student Handbook, page 18.  If you are found to be in violation of this Code of Integrity, a grade of F (0) may be given for the work. Additionally, a grade of F may be assigned for the course and/or further sanctions may be pursued.           

 

Attendance Policy: I may occasionally take attendance. It is highly recommended that the student not miss any class. However, the Attendance Policy established by the Department of Mathematical Sciences states that the maximum number of unexcused absences allowed in this class before a penalty is imposed is four.  Please refer to the 2005-2006 Bulletin, page 36, for further information.

 

Cell Phones/Pagers:  As a courtesy to the class, cell phones and pagers should be placed in such a mode that they will not disturb the class.  Under no circumstances are calls to be placed or taken in the classroom.  Students who are on call as a condition of their employment or other circumstance will leave the classroom to receive a call.

 

Students with Disabilities: If you have a physical, psychological, and/or learning disability which might affect your performance in this class, please contact the Office of Disability Services, 126A B&E, (803) 641-3609, as soon as possible.  The Disability Services Office will determine appropriate accommodations based on medical documentation. If you are registered with Disability Services and have an accommodation sheet, please see me after the first class or phone me (803-641-3525) the first day to set up an appointment as soon as possible.

 

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My door is always open; if you are ever having problems with your homework, if you feel like you're behind and there's no way to catch up, of if for any other reason you just want to drop by, feel free - I'm here to help!

 

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

 

WEEK 1

Jan 10-12

Chapter 1

WEEK 2

Jan 17-19

Chapter 1

WEEK 3

Jan 24-26

Chapter 1, 2

WEEK 4

Jan 31-Feb 2

Chapter 2

WEEK 5

Feb 7-9

Chapter 2

WEEK 6

Feb 14-16

Chapter 2; Test One

WEEK 7

Feb 21-23

Chapter 2, 3

WEEK 8

Feb 28-Mar 2

Chapter  3

 

Mar 7-9

Spring Break!

WEEK 9

Mar 14-16

Chapter 4; Test Two

WEEK 10

Mar 21-23

Chapter 4

WEEK 11

Mar 28-30

Chapter 4

WEEK 12

Apr 4-6

Chapter 5

WEEK 13

Apr 11-13

Chapter 5, 9

WEEK 14

Apr 18-20

Chapter 9; Test Three

 

Apr 27 (Thu)

Final – 2:00 p.m.