Academics — Courses + Programs — Master Course Outlines

MATH125 Precalculus

Department of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics: Mathematics

I. Course Number and Title

MATH125 Precalculus

II. Number of Credits

4 credits

III. Number of Instructional Minutes

3000

IV. Prerequisites

MATH Placement Test score of 9, or MATH122 (C or better), or MATH120 (C or better) and High School Trigonometry

Corequisites

None

V. Other Pertinent Information

A comprehensive departmental final examination is included in this course.

This course meets the General Education requirement for Quantitative Literacy.

VI. Catalog Course Description

This course introduces the foundations of analysis designed to precede the calculus sequence with emphasis on functions and graphs. Topics include properties of absolute value, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions, techniques for solving equations and inequalities, and an introduction to the concept of limits and the difference quotient.

VII. Required Course Content and Direction

Course Learning Goals

Students will:
1. analyze calculus-related concepts, such as limits, tangent to a curve, and the difference quotient;
2. apply the properties of functions, such as finding the domain and range, determine zeros of functions, symmetries of a function, vertical, horizontal, and oblique asymptotes, use limits to determine end behavior of a function, develop the skills to graph functions, and accurately use a graphing calculator to find transformations of graphs;
3. perform operations of functions - addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, composition, find and graph inverse functions, solve problems involving maximizing and minimizing a quadratic function, and construct mathematical models with functions using real-world applications or formulas;
4. graph exponential and logarithmic functions, accurately use the properties of logarithms and the definition of e, solve exponential and logarithmic equations, and application problems using exponents and logarithms;
5. define trigonometric functions, using the unit circle and right triangle definition, graph trigonometric functions, find the inverse trigonometric functions, verify trigonometric identities and formulas, solve trigonometric equations and solve problems, using real-world applications;
6. develop the ability to analyze, interpret, and apply quantitative information [Quantitative Literacy].
Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities

The following is a list of the minimum amount of course material to be covered by the instructor. Accompanying each topic is an approximate number of lessons required to study the topic.
1. Review Topics
2. Graphs, Functions, and Models
3. Polynomial and Rational Functions
4. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
5. Trigonometric Functions and Analytical Trigonometry
6. Additional Topics in Trigonometry
Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals

Students apply mathematical concepts and principles to identify and solve problems presented through informal assessment, such as oral communication among students and between teacher and students, and formal assessment using open-ended questions reflecting theoretical and applied situations.

A minimum of 70% of a student's grade must be determined from proctored assessments and work. These proctored assessments include tests, quizzes, departmental final exam, or other proctored in-class assignments.

The final exam must be at least 20% of the course grade. Study guides, formula sheets, and other aids may not be used on the final exam.
Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
Departmentally-selected textbook and TI-30X IIS scientific calculator (not the MutiView series) is required. Details provided by the instructor or each course section. See course syllabus.

Review/Approval Date - 3/06; Core Goals/Objectives added 10/04; New Core 8/2015; Updated 11/2019; Revised 4/29/24

Academic Advising
Academic Schools
Academic Majors
Catalog
Course Descriptions
Master Course Outlines