MATH 143 Precalculus I

This course can be taken as a single semester course or as the first part of a two semester sequence to prepare for calculus. Topics include absolute values, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Problems will be solved through analytical, numerical and graphical approaches with an emphasis on application problems. Graphing calculators and mathematical software will be employed throughout the course. All sections require the use of the interactive computer program that comes with the software code.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Appropriate mathematics placement, MATH 141, or simultaneous enrollment in MATH 073

Hours Weekly

3

Course Objectives

1. Interpret and communicate mathematical concepts related to precalculus topics using appropriate symbols, notation, and vocabulary.
2. Describe the characteristics of absolute value, polynomial, power, radical, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions using various representations (graphs, tables, and equations).
3. Manipulate algebraic expressions, equations and functions, and apply these skills to precalculus topics including function transformations, combinations, compositions, and inverses.
4. Solve various types of equations (including absolute value, polynomial, radical, exponential, and logarithmic) and inequalities (including absolute value, polynomial, and rational) using appropriate strategies.
5. Solve application problems modeled by polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions.

Course Objectives

1. Interpret and communicate mathematical concepts related to precalculus topics using appropriate symbols, notation, and vocabulary.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Quizzes

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Quantitative Reasoning Rubric

   Quantitative Reasoning

   • QR1
2. Describe the characteristics of absolute value, polynomial, power, radical, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions using various representations (graphs, tables, and equations).

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Quizzes

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Quantitative Reasoning Rubric

   Quantitative Reasoning

   • QR2
3. Manipulate algebraic expressions, equations and functions, and apply these skills to precalculus topics including function transformations, combinations, compositions, and inverses.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Exams

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Quantitative Reasoning Rubric
4. Solve various types of equations (including absolute value, polynomial, radical, exponential, and logarithmic) and inequalities (including absolute value, polynomial, and rational) using appropriate strategies.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Quizzes

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Quantitative Reasoning Rubric

   Quantitative Reasoning

   • QR3
5. Solve application problems modeled by polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Quizzes

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Quantitative Reasoning Rubric

   Quantitative Reasoning

   • QR4