Mathematics

Math 180 - Elementary Functions – Spring 2003

MWRF 8:00 - 8:50 MC 414

Instructor:

Diane Overturf, M.S.

            Office: MC 554   Telephone: 796-3656   Email: Droverturf@viterbo.edu

            Office Hours: MWRF 9:00-10:00. Other times can be arranged by appointment.

            Additional help: Individual help is also available in the Learning Center located in MC 312.  You can sign up for individual tutoring at any time or drop in for homework help.

Text:

Precalculus:  Functions and Graphs, ninth edition by Swokowski and Cole

Course Catalog Description:

Topics include polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions and an introduction to analytic geometry.

Core Skill Objectives:

Course Objectives:

1. Communication Skills
   • Use graphs to represent mathematical behavior.
   • Model problems from geometry and other disciplines using function concepts.
2. Thinking Skills
   • Gain a better understanding of the concept of function.
   • Represent quantitative relationships arithmetically, symbolically, geometrically and graphically.
   • Utilize transformation of functions to obtain new functions (translation, rotation, reflection, dilation).
   • Understand the structure of the real numbers
   • Uses a problem-solving approach to investigate and understand mathematical content.
   • Justifies answers with logic and sound reasoning.
3. Life Values
   • Adheres to the Academic Honesty Policy.
4. Aesthetic Skills
   • Develops an appreciation for symmetry.
5. Cultural Skills
   • Understand how knowledge is developed and verified in mathematics.
     

Course Outline:

Ch 1:  Topics from Algebra

Real Numbers, Exponents and Radicals, Algebraic Expressions, Equations, Complex Numbers, Inequalities, Rectangular Coordinate Systems, Lines

Ch 2:  Functions

Definition of function, Graphs of functions, Quadratic functions, Operations on functions, Inverse functions

Ch 3: Polynomial and Rational Functions

Ch 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Ch 5:  The Trigonometric Functions

Angles, Trigonometric functions of angles, Trigonometric functions of real numbers, Values of trigonometric functions, Trigonometric graphs, Applied problems

Ch 6:  Analytic Trigonometry

Verifying trigonometric identities, Trigonometric equations, Addition and subtraction formulas, Multiple-angle formulas, Product-to-sum and sum-to-product formulas, Inverse trigonometric functions

Ch 7: Applications of Trigonometry

Law of sines, Law of cosines, Vectors, The Dot Product, Trigonometric Form for Complex Numbers, De Moivre’s Theorem and nth Roots of Complex Numbers

Ch 10: Parabolas, Ellipses, Hyperbolas, Plane Curves and Parametric Equations, Polar Coordinates, Polar Equations of Conics

Attendance and Academic Honesty:

Attendance is essential.  You are adults and mature enough to realize that in order to succeed in this class it is vital that you be here.  If you cannot make it to class and have any questions, contact someone in the class or myself.  You are responsible for all information given during class.  Missed quizzes and exams may be made up if and only if you contact me before the quiz or exam and have a legitimate excuse.

Cheating will not be tolerated.  First offense will be a zero for the particular work; a second offense will result in an F for the course. 

Responsibility:

My responsibility is to help you learn the material in this class through presenting new concepts, modeling the process of solving problems, and challenging you to do your best.  I will do this to the best of my ability.

Your responsibility is to be actively engaged in the process of learning through attending class, reading the text, listening attentively, taking notes, practicing the concepts through doing daily assigned homework, asking questions when you need clarification, and seeking outside help when you need it.  You will not succeed in this class if you are unwilling to put time into practicing the concepts outside of class.  I encourage you to study with others and to seek a tutor if you find the material difficult. 

You are responsible for all information and assignments given during class, even if absent.

Americans with Disabilities Act:

If you are a person with a disability and require any auxiliary aids, services or other accommodations for this class, please see Wayne Wojciechowski in Murphy Center, Room 320 (796 - 3085) within ten days to discuss your accommodation needs.

Assessment:

Grading scale: A - 91%, AB - 88%, B - 81%, BC - 78%, C - 71%, CD - 68%, D - 60%. 

Your grade will be based on the following components:

Chapter Exams:  (30%)

Assignments:  (30%)

Individual and group assignments, for grade, will be given throughout the semester.  Group assignments are to be completed as a group.  Every member of the group will receive the same grade.  If a member of your group is not pulling his/her weight contact me.  Any student who does not actively participate in completing group assignments may be asked to complete them alone.  Writing Assignments: I will assign a number of related writing projects during the semester.  I will collect and read them twice - at mid-semester and at the end of the semester.  Writing Assignments will be graded on accuracy, completeness, thought put into your responses, and writing skills.

Quizzes: (10%)

Quizzes will be given at least once a week, with the possible exception of exam weeks.  You will have a quiz the last day of every week (usually Friday).  A pop quiz can occur at any time.

Final Exam:  (30%)

Your final exam grade will consist of a take home group, open book, exam and a comprehensive individual, closed book, exam given on Tuesday May 4 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.  The two will be combined to form one exam grade as follows: group exam (1/3), individual exam (2/3).

Late Assignments will be accepted up to three days late.  For each day late your grade will be deducted 10 percentage points (one grade level).  After three days, a zero will be given for that assignment.  Any extra credit assignments will not be accepted late.

Extra Credit assignments may be offered during the semester.  Extra credit assignments are not accepted late.  Extra Credit is graded on a point for each problem correctly done and the points are added to your quiz scores.  Extra Credit will not raise your grade more than one half grade level.  I.e. it can raise your grade from a BC to a B but not from a C to a B.

Missed Quizzes and Exams: Missed quizzes and exams may be made up if and only if you contact me before the quiz or exam and have a legitimate excuse.

Schedule:

This schedule may change as we progress through the course.  You will be notified of any changes.  You are responsible for knowing these dates.  Graded assignment due dates will be announced as they are assigned.