Foundations of Precalculus I: Functions

Course Number:
MTH 111L
Transcript Title:
Foundations of Precalculus I: Functions
Created:
Aug 15, 2022
Updated:
May 03, 2023
Total Credits:
1
Lecture Hours:
0
Lecture / Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
30
Satisfies Cultural Literacy requirement:
No
Satisfies General Education requirement:
No
Grading Options
A-F, P/NP
Default Grading Options
A-F
Repeats available for credit:
0
Prerequisites

Corequisites

MTH 111Z

Course Description

Focuses on the foundational skills, concepts, and communication needed to be successful in MTH 111Z Precalculus I: Functions. Provides appropriate support in algebra, functions, problem solving, graphing, technology, and study skills in an interactive setting. Co-requisite: MTH 111Z.

Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate the ability to effectively engage with the concepts and skills needed in MTH 111Z.
  2. Communicate and interpret results in context.
  3. Utilize study habits and learning strategies that promote success in MTH 111Z.

Suggested Outcome Assessment Strategies

The determination of assessment strategies is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: writings (journals, self-reflections, pre writing exercises, essays), quizzes, tests, midterm and final exams, group projects, presentations (in person, videos, etc), self-assessments, experimentations, lab reports, peer critiques, responses (to texts, podcasts, videos, films, etc), student generated questions, Escape Room, interviews, and/or portfolios.

Course Activities and Design

The determination of teaching strategies used in the delivery of outcomes is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: lecture, small group/forum discussion, flipped classroom, dyads, oral presentation, role play, simulation scenarios, group projects, service learning projects, hands-on lab, peer review/workshops, cooperative learning (jigsaw, fishbowl), inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction (learning centers), graphic organizers, etc.

Course Content

Outcome #1: Demonstrate relevant skills to effectively engage with the concepts and skills needed in MTH 111Z

  • Properties of exponents
  • Factoring (with leading coefficient greater than 1)
  • Simplifying rational equations
  • Solving rational equations
  • Graphing linear equations
  • Functional notation (including variables that are not x, y)
  • Multiple representations of functions – tables (vertical and horizontal), graphs, equations
  • Contextual understanding of functions
  • Graphing technology
  • Complex number arithmetic
  • Subscripts
  • Units and unit conversion
  • Set notation vs. interval notation
  • Domain and range
  • Percent increase and decrease
  • Reasonableness of solutions
  • Curve fitting from data and regression analysis
  • The number e
  • Rounding

Outcome #2: Communicate and interpret results in context.

  • Properties of exponents
  • Factoring (with leading coefficient greater than 1)
  • Simplifying rational equations
  • Solving rational equations
  • Graphing linear equations
  • Functional notation (including variables that are not x, y)
  • Multiple representations of functions – tables (vertical and horizontal), graphs, equations
  • Contextual understanding of functions
  • Graphing technology
  • Complex number arithmetic
  • Subscripts
  • Units and unit conversion
  • Set notation vs. interval notation
  • Domain and range
  • Percent increase and decrease
  • Reasonableness of solutions
  • Curve fitting from data and regression analysis
  • The number e
  • Rounding

Outcome #3: Utilize study habits and learning strategies that promote success in MTH 111Z through student self-assessment.

  • Time management and scheduling
  • Organization for learning and reviewing / portfolios
  • Self-reflection and student skill self-assessment
  • Reading skills for math
  • Effectively using on-line homework systems and Learning Management Systems

Suggested Texts and Materials

  • Precalculus: An Investigation of Functions (2nd Ed), David Lippman and Melonie Rasmussen
  • MyOpenMath software/LMS