Christian Brothers University

Math 117 Departmental Syllabus
Precalculus

Catalog Data The goal of the course is to teach the student the basic concepts of college algebra and trigonometry. Topics include elements of algebra, quadratic equations, word problems, functions, graphs, exponential and logarithmic functions, right triangle trigonometry and trigonometric functions. The course stresses problem solving by the student with a specific type of graphing calculator.
Prerequisite: Math 101 or equivalent.

Textbook Contemporary Precalculus: A Graphing Approach, fourth edition, T. Hungerford, Saunders College Publishing Company, 2004.

Calculator Policy You must use a graphing calculator, such as the TI-89, on assignments and occasionally on tests.

Prerequisites You should have some skills in high school algebra.

Goals The goals of the course are to prepare you for calculus, to teach you fundamental topics in college algebra and trigonometry and to give you experience in solving problems, some with a graphing calculator.


Syllabus
Topic Sections Classes
Basics
Lines, systems of equations		 1.4, 11.1 1
Graphs and technology
Graphs, solving equations, applications of equations, linear models 		2.1-3,5 3
Functions and graphs
Functions, graphs of functions, transformations, rates of change, inverse functions 		3.1-7 7
Polynomial and rational functions
Quadratic functions, polynomial functions, real roots of polynomial functions, graphs of polynomials 		4.1-5 5
Exponential and logarithmic functions
Exponential functions, natural logarithms, exponential and logarithmic equations 		5.1-5 5
Trigonometric functions
angles, sine, cosine and tangent functions, basic graphs, periodic graphs, other trigonometric functions 		6.1-6 8
Trigonometric identities and equations
Basic identities, addition and subtraction identities, trigonometric equations, inverse trig functions 		7.1-5 6
Triangle trigonometry
Right triangles, law of cosines, law of sines 		8.1-4 4
Tests 3
Total 42


Final Exam The final exam is comprehensive and departmental.

Resources The Math Center located in Science 116 and 151 offers free tutoring in precalculus.

Attendance You must attend class regularly.

Calculus I A prerequisite for Calculus I is a grade of C or better in Precalculus.