Precalculus

Syllabus

Aims: We will develop comfort and familiarity with the major functions used in calculus.

Course Description: We will study chapters 1 - 7, covering various types of functions (linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric). We also will study conic sections (in Chapter 8). Chapter 1 contains a summary of basic algebra which we will briefly review. You are responsible for the entire chapter.

Prerequisites: A satisfactory score on an appropriate placement exam (ACT, SAT, WMU math placement exam), or a passing grade (C or better) in Math 1110 (or, equivalent transfer credit). If you are in a Business College curriculum, consult your advisor to see if Math 1160 is a more appropriate course for your program.

Text: Precalculus, by Dwyer and Gruenwald. Note that a paperback WMU Edition containing only the chapters we need may also be available.

Graphing Calculator: You are required to have a graphing calculator for this course. If you already own one, use it. Otherwise, get a TI-83, TI-83 Plus, TI-84, TI-86, or TI-89 paying attention to what might be required in the next course. For a complete current list of calculators required for math courses at WMU, visit the math department calculator page.

The publisher of our text offers an online graphing calculator manual for most popular models (and other aids) at the publisher's website. For information on our text, you will need to enter the author's name (Dwyer) and the pick his precalculus text.

Tutoring: There will be free one-on-one tutoring available in the tutor lab in 2261 Rood Hall. It is partially provided by a course fee that you have paid. The lab is open Monday to Thursday 9 am to 2 pm and Friday 9 am to noon.

Homework: To learn mathematics, you should think about the material every day: do lots of homework! Some homework in this class will not be collected. You will be expected to read relevant sections of the book and review your notes. Other homework will be collected. You are encouraged to talk with other people to learn the material, but you should always write a final draft of your homework on your own.

When submitting homework solutions, they are to be written neatly, in order and all papers must be stapled together. It is your responsibility to show that you understand the concept that the problem is covering. In most cases, just giving the correct answer will not suffice; so list the steps that you used to arrive at the answer. Homework collection will generally be determined by chance: on the second class meeting after a section is discussed, a die will be rolled. If the number on the die is an odd prime, homework will be collected.

Quizzes: A 15-minute in-class quiz will be given occasionally in class.

In-class work: Talking about mathematics with other students can greatly increase your learning. Sometimes, you will work in a group during class on some mathematical questions. Writeups of your answers to these questions may be collected for a grade, or you may be asked to present solutions to problems on the board for a grade.

Tests: There will be two midterm tests and a two hour final exam. Dates are listed in the class schedule. The only electronic device that is allowed is a calculator. Calculators that are on wireless phones and palm pilot devices are not allowed. Check with your instructor if you don't know if your calculator is appropriate. If during a test or an exam, you use an electronic device that is not approved by the instructor, the instructor has the right to terminate your test or exam.

Grades: Coursework (Quizzes, Homework, In-class work) 35%, Exams (two) 40%, and Final exam 25%. I reserve the right to lower your grade for poor attendance.

Makeups: Makeup exams will be made only in the case of a genuine medical or personal emergency. It is your responsibility to prove that your absence is due to an emergency as soon as possible. In cases with some ambiguity, my response to your plight will be determined in part by how quickly you talk to me about your situation.

Academic Dishonesty: You are responsible for making yourself aware of and understanding the policies and procedures in the Graduate Catalog that pertain to Academic Integrity. These policies include cheating, fabrication, falsification and forgery, multiple submission, plagiarism, complicity and computer misuse. If there is reason to believe you have been involved in academic dishonesty, you will be referred to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs. You will be given the opportunity to review the charge(s). If you believe you are not responsible, you will have the opportunity for a hearing. You should consult with me if you are uncertain about an issue of academic honesty prior to the submission of an assignment or test. Any use of a cellphone during any testing will be considered an attempt to cheat.

Disabilities: Any students with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact Ms. Beth Denhartigh at telephone 387-2116 or by email at the beginning of the semester. A disability determination must be made by that office before any accommodations are provided by the instructor.

Miscellaneous Advice:

Talk to me. Come to my office hours. I am here to help you. Bring any concerns you may have to my attention in a timely fashion.

Copying the correct solution from another book, a solution guide, me, a tutor, or another student does not mean you understand the solution. Make sure you can do each problem from scratch on your own without notes after you get help from a solution guide, me, a tutor, or another student.

I will remember your name faster if you come to my office hours. You can always help me by reminding me of your name.

Keep up with the material, so you know you need help as soon as possible.

Ask to make an appointment if you cannot make my office hours.

Find a group of friends with whom you can meet regularly to discuss the material in the class. There are many things to you can do together. You can discuss what has been happening in class. You can help each other determine the main concepts. You can help each other with homework.

Think about the material in as many ways as possible. One way to think differently about the material is to try to come up with your own homework, quiz, or test problems. Then solve them.

Only make new mistakes! Learn from your mistakes. What mistakes have you made in previous semesters and courses, and how would you do things differently this semester?

What are you mathematical weaknesses? Work on these! If you find a topic difficult, that is often a sign you need to work harder on that topic.

In mathematics, you should learn concepts and computations. Make sure you can answer both ``What are the concepts?'' and ``What computations should I be able to do?'' Then make sure you understand those concepts and can do those computations.