MATH 163 PRECALCULUS (8 weeks)

SPRING 2008

MONDAY/WEDNESDAY    7:30-10:10 pm

ROOM AA456

email lstark@nvcc.edu

PHONE 703-845-6521

Instructor: Lawrence W. Stark

Prerequisites: A satisfactory score on an appropriate proficiency examination and Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry or equivalent.

This course requires a TI 83 calculator

Text: PRECALCULUS, ENHANCED WITH GRAPHING UTILITIES, 4th EDITION, MICHAEL SULLIVAN, PRENTICE HALL PUBLISHING COMPANY

Methods of Instruction: The class will be structured around lectures, discussions and problem solving.It is essential that you do your homework to benefit  fully from the class.

Attendance: Attendance will be taken on a daily basis. Regular attendance and punctuality will be required.  All students that have not attended class within the first two weeks will be dropped by the instructor. 

Special Needs and Accommodations: Please address with the instructor any special problems or needs at the beginning of the semester. If you are seeking accommodations based on a disability, you should provide a disability data sheet, which can be obtained from the counselor for special needs, who is located in Room 148 of the Bisdorf Building, telephone number 845-6301.

Grading Policy: During the semester you will be given three exams each worth 100 points and a cumulative final exam worth 200 points. From the three exams, I will drop your lowest grade and keep your two highest grades. Your two highest grades will be added to your final exam grade. The final exam will be cumulative and cannot be dropped and everyone must take the final. Therefore, your grade will be based upon a total of 400 points as follows:

A = 360-400

B = 320-359

C = 280-319

    D = 240-279

<>THERE WILL BE NO MAKEUP EXAMS GIVEN DURING THE SEMESTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you miss an exam it will count as the exam to be dropped. If you miss two exams you should seriously consider dropping the course. You will have a 100 point deficit from which it may be impossible to receive a passing grade. ALSO THERE WILL BE NO EARLY FINAL EXAMS. EVERYONE WILL TAKE THE FINAL EXAM ON THE DAY THAT IT IS SCHEDULED. FAILURE TO TAKE THE FINAL EXAM DURING THE TIME THAT IT IS SCHEDULED WILL RESULT IN A GRADE OF “F” FOR THE SEMESTER.

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MATH 163 (8 weeks)

SPRING 2008

Exams: Each exam will be based upon assigned readings, homework and lectures. You must show all of your work to receive credit for a problem. Clarity and appearance will usually result in a higher score. FINALLY ANYONE CAUGHT CHEATING WILL RECEIVE A GRADE OF “F” FOR THE COURSE! Cheating consist of giving as well as receiving information during an exam.

Exams:

Exam 1 Jan 30

Exam 2     Feb 13

Exam 3    Feb 27

Final Mar 5

If you wish to withdraw from the course make sure that you officially withdraw through the registrar office. FAILURE TO OFFICIALLY WITHDRAW WILL RESULT IN A GRADE OF “F” FOR THE COURSE! The last day to officially withdraw without penalty or change to an audit is Feb 18.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: This course covers college algebra, matrices and algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic functions.

CHAPTERS:

Chapter 1 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5

Chapter 2 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7

Chapter 3 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4,3.5,3.6,3.7

Chapter 4 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5,4.6,4.7,4.8

Chapter 10 10.1,10.3