Precalculus with
Trigonometry
Spring 2009
Mathematics
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| Math 166 Precalculus with Trigonometry
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Mathematics
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Back to J. Serbousek's home page |
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 PowerPoint presentations |
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Tutorials and assignments |
Schedule |
MTH 166 Precalculus with Trigonometry FALL 2009
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Faculty contact information |
Jane
Serbousek Office LR 213 703 450 2620 (office) 703 450 2575 (Science Division Office) jserbousek@nvcc.edu www.nvcc.edu/home/jserbousek |
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Office hours |
Wednesday 3:30 – 5:30, Thursday 3:30 – 5:00 |
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Course information |
Math
166 is a 5 credit Precalculus course designed to include the skills that
are necessary for the study of calculus, in preparation for MATH 173. It
is not to be taken if Math 163 has been completed. Trigonometry is
included in MTH 166, but not in MTH 163. Topics will include: equations,
inequalities, functions, graphs of linear, quadratic, and other
polynomial functions, graphs of exponential, logarithmic, and
trigonometric functions, graphs of conic sections, zeroes of functions,
trigonometric identities and use of a graphing utility as an aid in
problem solving. For a detailed list of the course objectives visit site: www.nvcc.edu/ces/prefixesM.html#MTH The Loudoun math web page is: www.nvcc.edu/loudoun/scidiv/math Math 271 is the calculus course designed for business and social science majors. The prerequisite is Math 163 or 166 Math 173 is the calculus course for math, science, computer science and engineering majors. The prerequisite is Math 166. |
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites for MTH166 are Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry and a qualifying score on the placement test. If you do not have the prerequisites, you should not take the class. Your enrollment in Math 166 assumes that you have demonstrated competency on the placement test in the following areas: arithmetic with rational numbers, including signed numbers, fractions, mixed numerals and decimals, solutions of linear and quadratic equations, operations with polynomials including factoring; operations with rational expressions including simplifying, use of positive integer exponents and basic geometric concepts. Very little class time will be spent reviewing these topics. An algebra review is available in the Appendix of your textbook and on MathXL. |
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Required Materials
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Textbook: Precalculus - Enhanced with Graphing Utilities; 5th
edition, by Sullivan (Bring to every class) Calculator: BRING A GRAPHING CALCULATOR EACH DAY TO CLASS. The recommended models are any of the TI 83 or TI 84 models. Instruction on these models will be provided. For all other models, you will have to refer to the user’s manual. If the calculator presents a hardship, please discuss it with me. I do not lend calculators and students may not share calculators on tests or quizzes. Cell phones, TI 89s and TI92s are not allowed. Math XL Student Access Code: This comes with a new textbook. If you have a used book you can purchase the Access Kit in the bookstore on campus or online. (See handout). Access to: NovaConnect, NOVA LAN (http://www.nvcc.edu/ithd/student/student-web/ ) , and Blackboard (http://tac.nvcc.edu/blackboard/) |
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Grades
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The
10-point grading scale is used: 90-100 A, 80-89 B, 70-79 C, 60-69 D,
below 60 F. Homework 20% 4 tests 40% Quizzes & Assignments 20% Final exam 20% Total 100% |
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Participation Grade |
20
points will be added to your lowest test score at the end of the course
if you qualify for the participation bonus points. To qualify you may
not have more than two absences, you have completed all online quizzes,
your homework average is at least 80%, and you have been present for all
tests and quizzes. Arriving late, leaving early, and disrupting class
each count as a half absence. Disruptions include cell phones and other
noise makers, food or beverage in the classroom. |
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Quizzes and Assignments |
Each
MathXL quiz may be taken twice and the higher grade will count. After
your first attempt you can review the quiz and see what you missed. A
study plan is generated on MathXL based on what you missed. Working
through the Study Plan, reworking the homework, reviewing your notes,
textbook and the multimedia resources on Blackboard can help you improve
your skills for your second attempt. MathXL quizzes are due at the
beginning of class. Complete each quiz before class on the due date.
Your two lowest quiz grades will be dropped at the end of the semester
if you qualify for the participation grade.
The first assignment on Blackboard is a calculator assignment and it is due at 2:00 Monday August 31. Go to Assignments on Blackboard. If you are new to Blackboard, go to this link: http://tac.nvcc.edu/blackboard/ In-class quizzes may be announced or unannounced. There will be written assignments, and some assignments on Blackboard. Assignments and MathXL quizzes are due at the beginning of the class. Late assignments are a zero. |
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Makeups |
There are no makeups. If you miss a written test, your final exam counts double if your homework average is at least 80%. If you miss 2 or more written tests, your grade is a zero on each. A missed MathXL or in-class quiz is a zero. Exceptions for extenuating circumstances will be handled on an individual basis. You must contact me PRIOR to the scheduled test or quiz AND your homework average must be at least 80% to be considered for any exceptions for extenuating circumstances. |
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Homework |
Homework in sections 1.1 – 1.3 is from your textbook. The individual
assignments in 1.1 – 1.3 will not be graded, but you will have an
in-class quiz on sections 1.1 – 1.3. If your score on the in-class quiz
on sections 1.1 – 1.3 is not at least 80%, you are required to complete
the homework on MathXL for sections 1.1 – 1.3 before 2 pm Thursday
September 3.
All homework assignments after section1.3 are on MathXL. Completing homework is essential. You will not be successful in the course if you do not complete homework. MathXL homework assignments may be reworked to improve your score. Although your are required to submit homework online in MathXL, you are required to copy the problem, show all of your work on paper and keep it organized, just as if you were completing homework from the textbook. Practice tests count as two homeworks. |
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Attendance |
The importance of class attendance cannot be over emphasized. Regular and prompt attendance is a must. Math should be your only commitment for your class time. Schedule doctor visits, vacations and other things for other times. I have the option of lowering your grade for poor or erratic attendance. This includes incomplete assignments as well as arriving late or leaving early or disrupting the class. In the event that you must miss class, avoid falling behind by completing the missed assignment described in the attached class schedule. |
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Help |
Do
not wait until just before test time to get help. Free tutoring is available. Sign up in the Counseling Office room LR 253 or contact Clint Young at 703-450-2537. Get help from in-class discussion, from email, from your study group, and individually during office hours. For a current list of math resources available to you go to http://www.nvcc.edu/loudoun/scidiv/math/resources.html |
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Blackboard |
Multimedia resources are available in your math Blackboard course for help in every topic in MTH 166. Resources include video lectures, animated mini-lectures, and PowerPoints. Some assignments will be on Blackboard. For tutorials visit: http://tac.nvcc.edu/blackboard |
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Math Center |
There
are some computer-tutor programs, video tapes, DVDs and help available
in The Math Center, room LR 204. The instructors in the Math Center can
help you when they are not helping their own students. Hours are:
Mon, Tues, Weds 9:20 am - 9:00 pm Thursday 9:30 am - 9:00 pm Friday 9:30 am – 6:30 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
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MathXL is an online homework, tutorial, and assessment system designed specifically for your textbook. MathXL has numerous practice exercises as well as tutorials and videos. The handout and course ID are on your Blackboard course. |
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Please TURN THEM OFF. This does not mean vibrate! There is a penalty for disrupting the class with any electronic device. |
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Students with disabilities |
If you have any disability that requires special classroom or testing needs, please discuss it with me and the Counseling office. The Counseling office will determine appropriate accommodations for special needs. |
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Suggestions for success |
Expect to spend at least 15 - 20 hours per week on MTH 166 outside of
class time. (This is a
CHALLENGING course!) You are required to read each section of both textbooks before the topics are discussed in class. You are responsible for all of the information in the shaded boxes in the text. Attend class regularly. Do not be absent for tests. Stay with the schedule. Do not fall behind. Complete all homework assignments. Write down the questions you have while completing the assignments. Ask these during class. Ask questions when you do not understand. Get extra help from any of the sources listed as soon as you feel you need it. Do not wait until just before test times to study or seek help. Be an active participant in class. Don't just take notes and plan on thinking about the topic later. Before beginning your homework, read over your class notes AND the section in your textbook. Use and read your textbook or use the Multimedia resources in Blackboard or both. Do not wait until shortly before tests to begin reviewing. Instead,
review every day. |
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Policies and dates |
The
last day to withdraw and receive a grade of W instead of F is
November 2, 2009.
I do not withdraw students unless they have never attended. If you stop attending and don’t withdraw yourself on or before the deadline dates your grade is an F. Only senior citizens and students with certain documented disabilities may audit. I will not sign for other audits and I do not give incompletes. No food, cell phones or other noise makers in the classroom. There is a penalty for any of these disruptions. If we have to evacuate the building, be sure to take all of your
belongings with you. |
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Remember that |
If
you miss a quiz, your grade is a zero.
If you miss two or more written tests, your grade is a zero on each. There are no makeups. 20 points will be added to your lowest test grade at the end of the semester if you qualify for the participation grade. If you make an A on the final exam, your grade for the course is A regardless of your average. If you miss one test, your final exam will count double if your homework average is at least 80%. To communicate with me about grades or any personal issues by email, you must use your NVCC-VCCS email account. Put MTH 166 in the subject line. Go to http://www.nvcc.edu/ithd/student/email/google.htm for setup and login. |
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Academic honesty |
Cheating is not tolerated. Anyone found cheating will receive an F in the course. Consider this your warning. Some assignments will be in groups. If you are not sure if working together is cheating or not, ask me for clarification. You are on your honor to complete the MathXL quizzes without any assistance from another person. |
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Class Schedule |
1 The class schedule follows. Before completing homework assignments, review your notes, and view at least one of the multimedia resources on Blackboard or read the section in the text. Homework is due at the beginning of the following class. MathXL homework will start with section 1.4. NOTE: You must click "submit work" to receive credit for MathXL homework and quizzes. 2 Although homework is entered online, you are required to copy the problem, show all of your work on paper and keep it organized, just as if you were completing homework from the textbook. 3 MathXL quizzes are due at the beginning of class. Complete each quiz before class on the due date. The schedule is subject to change. |
Before completing homework assignments watch the section video in Blackboard under Multimedia or read the section in the text or both. MathXL homework will start with section 1.4. NOTE: You must click "submit work" to receive credit for MathXL homework and quizzes. Complete each MathXL quiz before class on the due date. The schedule is subject to change.
| Date | New topic for today. | The MathXL HW for today’s topic is due at the beginning of the next class. |
| August 24 Mon |
Syllabus quiz 1.1-Rectangular Coordinates |
Homework in the textbook:
1.1: 13, 17, 31, 39, 53, 59, 69, 73, 75, 77, 85, 91, 105, 113 Blackboard: Complete the calculator tutorials in Assignments in
Blackboard for next time. Quiz is due Aug 31. |
| August 26 Weds |
1.2-Intercepts, Symmetry 1.3- Solving Eqns w/ graphing utility |
Homework in the textbook: (Algebra
Review: pp. A46-A55, more on Blackboard)
1.2: 15, 17, 23, 27, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 45, 47, 51, 55, 59, 63, 67, 71 1.3: 9, 11, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33 For next class: Make sure you know how to sign into Blackboard and the LAN. Bring your MathXL Student Access code. If you do not bring your Access code it will count as an absence. Study and take notes on the PowerPoint "Lines in a Plane" at www.nvcc.edu/home/jserbousek/m166powerpoint.htm Be prepared to discuss the topics. |
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The remaining homework assignments
are in MathXL.
All assignments and MathXL quizzes are due at the beginning of class. |
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August 27 Thurs Meet in LW 226 |
1.4-Lines Introduction to MathXL and Blackboard |
Bring your MathXL handout, and MathXL
access code. If you do not bring your Access Code, it will count as an
absence. If you already have a MathXL account make sure you know how to
login. Also, make sure you know how to log on to the LAN and Blackboard. In-Class quiz: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Algebra Review for next time is on Blackboard. |
| Aug 31 Monday |
1.5-Circles 2.1-Functions |
Blackboard assignment on graphing calculators due. Submit IN BLACKBOARD. |
| Sept 2 Weds | 2.2-The graph of a Function | MathXL quiz 1.4, 1.5, 2.1 due |
| Sept 3 Thurs | 2.3-Properties of Functions |
Blackboard: Difference Quotient
Assignment due. Hand in to me. |
| Sept 7 Monday | Holiday | No class |
| Sept 9 Weds |
2.4-Library of Functions 2.5-Transformations |
MathXL quiz 2.2 – 2.3 due |
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Sept 10 Thurs Meet in LW 226 |
2.6-Models |
Blackboard: Average Rate of Change
Assignment due. Hand in to me. In-class Quiz: 2.4, 2.5 |
| Sept 14 Mon |
3.1-Linear Functions 3.2-Linear Models |
Complete the Practice test for chapters 1 and 2. |
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Sept 16 Wed |
TEST: Chapters 1 and 2 | Practice test and all homework in Chapters 1 and 2 expire today at 2:00 |
| Sept 17 Thurs |
3.3-Quadratic Functions 3.4-Quadratic Models |
MathXL quiz 3.1, 3.2 due |
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Sept 21 Mon |
3.5-Quadratic Inequalities | |
| Sept 23 Weds | 4.1-Polynomial Functions and Models | MathXL quiz 3.3-3.5 due |
| Sept 24 Thurs | 4.2-Properties of Rational Functions | |
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Sept 28 Mon |
4.3-The Graph of a Rational Function | |
| Sept 30 Weds | 4.4-Polynomial and Rational Inequalities | MathXL quiz 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 due |
| Date | New topic | The MathXL HW for today’s topic is due at the beginning of the next class. |
| Oct 1 Thurs | 4.5-Real Zeros | |
| Oct 5 Mon | 4.6-Complex Zeros |
Blackboard: Regression Assignment
due. Hand in to me. In-Class quiz: 4.4, 4.5 |
| Oct 7 Weds | 5.1-Composite Functions | Complete the Practice test for chapters 3 and 4 |
| Oct 8 Thurs | TEST: Chapters 3 and 4 | Practice test and all homework in Chapters 3 and 4 expire today at 2:00 |
| Oct 12 Mon | Fall Break | No Class |
| Oct 14 Weds | 5.2-One-to-One Functions and Inverse Functions | MathXL quiz 5.1 due |
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Oct 15 Thurs Meet in LW 226 |
5.3-Exponential Functions | |
| Oct 19 Mon | 5.4-Logarithmic Functions | MathXL quiz 5.2 – 5.3 due |
| Oct 21 Weds | 5.5-Properties of Logarithms | |
| Oct 22 Thurs |
5.6--Logarithmic and Exponential
Equations 5.7, 5.8-Applications and Models 5.9-Building Models from data |
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| Oct 26 Mon |
12.1-Sequences and Summation notation 10.1-Conic Sections Introduction |
10.1 MathXL HW is a review of
algebraic skills needed for Chapter 10 Chapter 5 Regression Assignment on MathXL due. MathXL quiz 5.4 – 5.5 due |
| Oct 28 Weds |
10.2-The Parabola 10.3-The Ellipse |
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| Oct 29 Thurs | 10.4-The Hyperbola | In-class quiz: 5.6, 5.7, 5.8 |
| Nov 2 Mon |
6.1-Angles 6.2-Trig functions, Unit Circle |
MathXL quiz 12.1, 10.2, 10.3 due |
| Nov 4 Weds | 6.3-Properties of Trig Functions | Complete the Practice Test for Chapters 5, 10, 12 and 6.1 – 6.2 |
| Nov 5 Thurs | 6.4-Graphs of Sine & Cosine |
MathXL quiz 10.4, 6.1, 6.2 due Complete the Practice Tests for Chapters 5, 10, 12 and 6.1 – 6.2 You may bring one page of notes to use on the test. |
| Nov 9 Mon | TEST: Chapters 5, 10, 12 and 6.1 – 6.2 |
You may bring one page of notes to
use on the test. Practice Test expires today at 2. Homework in chapters 5, 10 and 12 expire today at 2. |
| Nov 11 Weds | 6.6-Phase Shift; Sinusoidal Curve Fitting | |
| Nov 12 Thurs | 6.5-Other Trig graphs | MathXL quiz 6.3, 6.4 due |
| Nov 16 Mon | 7.1-Inverse Sine, Cosine, Tangent | |
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Nov 18 Weds Meet in LW 226 |
7.2-Inverse Trig Functions |
MathXL quiz 6.5, 6.6 due
In-class quiz: Trig function values of special angles (no calculator, no notes, no books) |
| Date | New topic | The MathXL HW for today’s topic is due at the beginning of the next class. |
| Nov 19 Thurs | 7.3-Trig Identities | |
| Nov 23 Mon | 7.4, 7.5, 7.6-Trig Identities | MathXL quiz: 7.1, 7.2 due |
| Nov 25-26 | Thanksgiving | No class |
| Nov 30 Mon | 7.7-Trig Equations I | |
| Dec 2 Weds | 7.8-Trig Equations II | In-Class quiz: 7.3 – 7.6 |
| Dec 3 Thurs | 8.1-Right Triangle Trig | Complete the Practice test for chapters 6, 7 and 8. |
| Dec 7 Mon |
8.2-Law of Sines 8.3-Law of Cosines |
MathXL quiz : 7.7, 7.8 due MathXL
quiz 8.1, due |
| Dec 9 Weds | TEST: Chapters 6, 7, 8 |
You may bring one page of notes to
use on the test. Practice test and all homework in chapters 6, 7 and 8 expire today at 2. Complete the exam review assignments. |
| Dec 10 Thurs | Wrap Up |
Tests are returned Participation grade is determined |
| Dec 17 Thurs |
Comprehensive Final Exam 2:00 – 3:50 |
You may bring one page of notes to use on the exam. |
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Contact: jserbousek@nvcc.edu Last modified: August 17, 2009 |
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