MAT114 Elementary Functions
Kevin J. Carlin
Office: Fo 113 M-F 2:30-3:45 | Telephone: 7563
E-mail: kcarlin@assumption.edu |
Required Text
Stewart, Redlin, and Watson, Algebra and Trigonometry, second edition, Brooks/Cole, 2007.
Electronic Devices
A scientific calculator (TI-30X or equivalent) is required for decimal approximations. Graphing calculators may not be used in this course. The calculation page has information on calculator use. A cell phone or other electronic communication device may not be used as a watch, a calculator, or for any other purpose. They must be put away and completely deactivated during class.
Homework Journal
For your homework journal, you will need a ring binder and a supply of loose-leaf paper. Spiral-bound notebooks will not be accepted when the journals are collected. See the homework journal page for details.
Topics
Algebra: review of factoring, fractional algebra, linear equations, applied problems, quadratic equations, complex numbers, cubic equations.
Algebraic functions: inequalities and interval notation, natural domains of function rules, composition of functions, inverse functions.
Exponential and logarithmic functions: review of exponents, exponential functions, logarithmic functions, exponential and logarithmic equations, applications to growth and decay.
Trigonometric functions: trigonometric ratios, applied trigonometry problems, radian measure, trigonometric functions, basic identities, trigonometric equations.
Graphs: lines, equations of lines, quadratic graphs, systems of linear equations and inequalities.
Grading
There will be four quizzes, two exams (March 6 and April 24), and a cumulative final exam. The homework journal will be collected near the end of the semester. Your final grade will be based on 400 points:
4 Quizzes
and Homework Journal | Best 4 @ 20 points | 80 |
| Exams | 2 @ 100 points | 200 |
| Final Exam | 1 @ 120 points | 120 |
| | 400 |
Grades are based on partial credit and will be scaled. Typically, the scale is A- = 75%, B- = 60%, C- = 50%, D- = 35%.
Make-up of any graded work missed due to serious illness or other emergency is possible only with prior or immediate notice and will be granted at my discretion. Unexcused absence from any exam will result in a failing grade for the course.
Learning Objectives
- Students should be able to solve various algebraic equations and inequalities. Students should be able to use algebra to solve applied problems.
- Students should understand the function concept and should be able to determine the rules and domains of algebraic functions and their combinations. They should know the definition of an inverse function and should be able to find the inverses of algebraic functions.
- Students should know the definitions and properties of exponential and logarithmic functions. They should be able to solve exponential and logarithmic equations and should be able to solve applied problems involving growth and decay.
- Students should know the definitions and basic identities of trigonometric functions and should be able to solve applied trigonometry problems.
- Students should understand the relationship between a function and its graph and should be able to sketch graphs of various functions. They should be able to use graphing techniques to solve applied problems.
Course Description
MAT 114 Elementary Functions
A survey of those topics in algebra, trigonometry, and analytic geometry that provide the background for the study of calculus. Topics to be covered include exponential and logarithmic functions, complex numbers and polynomial functions, trigonometry, plane analytic geometry, and systems of linear equations and inequalities. Not open to those who complete MAT 117 or 131. Prerequisite: MAT 111 or departmental permission through placement.
Academic Honesty Policy
The college's academic honesty policy will be enforced as described in the Student Academic Honesty Policy booklet. Any use of a graphing calculator or any electronic communication device is a violation of this policy.
College ADA Policy
Assumption College provides accommodation to any student with documented disabilities. If you believe that you are entitled to accommodation, please contact the Dean of Studies office (ext. 7487).
Last modified January 10, 2009