MAC1140 Precalculus Algebra: Syllabus and Course Structure

Course Description and Objectives

MAC1140 Precalculus Algebra is a foundational course designed to prepare students for calculus. The course covers a wide range of topics essential for advanced mathematical study, including functions, equations, inequalities, matrices, determinants, conic sections, sequences, and series. Emphasis is placed on understanding and graphing various types of functions and applying algebraic techniques to solve complex problems.

• Recognize and graph polynomial, rational, and other algebraic functions

• Identify zeros of polynomial functions and solve polynomial, absolute value, and rational inequalities

• Find partial fraction decompositions of rational expressions

• Recognize and graph exponential and logarithmic functions; solve related equations

• Manipulate and graph equations of conic sections

• Perform matrix operations and solve systems of equations

• Apply properties of sequences and series, including the binomial theorem

Prerequisites and Course Materials

Students must have completed MAC1105 (College Algebra) with a minimum grade of C. The required course materials include access to MyLab Math and the e-textbook Algebra and Trigonometry by Robert Blitzer (7th edition).

• Required: MyLab Math access code

• Recommended: Scientific calculator (TI-30X IIS, TI-30XIIB, or TI-30XA)

Course Topics and Schedule

The course is structured around the following major topics, each corresponding to chapters in the textbook and the precalculus curriculum:

• Fundamental Concepts of Algebra: Factoring, quadratic equations, absolute value inequalities

• Functions and Graphs: Properties, transformations, and graphing of functions

• Polynomial and Rational Functions: Identification, division, zeros, inequalities, partial fraction decomposition

• Exponential and Logarithmic Functions: Properties, equations, growth and decay models

• Matrices and Determinants: Matrix solutions for linear systems, matrix operations, determinants, Cramer's Rule

• Conic Sections: Ellipse, hyperbola, parabola

• Sequences, Series, and Probability: Summation notation, arithmetic and geometric sequences, binomial theorem

Sample Course Schedule

The course schedule is organized by daily topics, tests, and review sessions. Below is a sample of the schedule structure:

Assessment and Grading

Student performance is evaluated through homework, five unit tests, a cumulative final exam, and attendance. The grading scale is as follows:

Academic Policies and Support

Students are expected to attend all classes, participate actively, and adhere to academic honesty policies. Support services include tutoring, mental health counseling, and access to learning technologies. Academic accommodations are available for students with disabilities.

• Attendance: Required; points deducted for absences/tardiness

• Academic Honesty: Zero for first offense, F for second offense

• Support: Math Lab, Brainfuse online tutoring, counseling, and outreach services

Key Mathematical Concepts (Preview)

Below are some foundational concepts and formulas relevant to the course topics:

• Quadratic Equation:

• Quadratic Formula:

• Polynomial Function:

• Exponential Function:

• Logarithmic Function:

• Matrix Multiplication:

• Binomial Theorem:

Example: To solve , use the quadratic formula:

Additional info: The syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the course structure, policies, and support resources, but does not include detailed mathematical content. The previewed formulas and examples are inferred from the listed course topics.