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MATH 162M Precalculus Course Schedule and Topic Overview

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MATH 162M Precalculus Course Schedule Overview

Course Structure and Timeline

This schedule outlines the weekly progression of topics, assignments, quizzes, and exams for a college-level Precalculus course (MATH 162M). The course is organized by weeks, with lectures covering sequential sections, regular quizzes, homework assignments, and periodic exams.

  • Lecture Sections: Numbered as 1.3, 1.4, etc., indicating textbook or curriculum sections.

  • Quizzes and Homework: Regular assessments to reinforce learning.

  • Exams: In-class tests covering multiple sections.

  • Important Deadlines: Add/Drop, withdrawal, and refund deadlines are noted for student reference.

Course Topics by Week

Week 1: Introduction and Fundamental Concepts

  • Lecture 1.3: Likely covers foundational Precalculus concepts such as functions, graphs, or algebraic review.

  • Lecture 1.4: May introduce applications of functions or further algebraic techniques.

  • Lecture 1.5: Progression into more advanced topics, possibly including transformations or types of functions.

  • Applications: Real-world uses of mathematical concepts, emphasizing problem-solving skills.

Additional info: Section numbers (e.g., 1.3, 1.4) typically correspond to textbook chapters on functions, equations, and their applications in Precalculus.

Week 2: Expanding on Functions and Applications

  • Lecture 1.5: Continuation of previous topics, possibly focusing on function properties or graphing techniques.

  • Quiz 1.3, 1.4: Assessment on foundational concepts and applications.

  • Homework 1.3, 1.4 Due: Practice problems reinforcing lecture material.

Week 3: Advanced Function Topics

  • Lecture 1.6: Introduction to new function types or operations (e.g., polynomial, rational, or composite functions).

  • Quiz 1.5, 1.6: Assessment on recent topics.

  • Lecture 1.7: Further exploration, possibly covering inverse functions or function transformations.

  • Homework 1.5, 1.6 Due: Reinforcement of concepts through practice.

Week 4: Transition to Chapter 2 Topics

  • Lecture 2.1: Likely introduces new chapter, such as exponential and logarithmic functions, or analytic geometry.

  • Lecture 2.2: Continuation of new chapter topics.

  • Quiz 1.7, 2.1, 2.2: Assessment covering transition from Chapter 1 to Chapter 2.

  • Homework 1.7, 2.1, 2.2 Due: Practice on both review and new material.

Additional info: Chapter 2 in Precalculus often covers exponential, logarithmic, or trigonometric functions.

Week 5: Review and Assessment

  • Test 1 Practice & Review: In-class review of all topics from 1.3 to 2.2.

  • In-Class TEST 1: Covers sections 1.3–1.7 and 2.1–2.2, assessing understanding of all material to date.

  • Lecture 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7: Progression into further advanced topics, likely including more complex functions, analytic geometry, or introductory trigonometry.

Assessment and Deadlines

  • Quizzes: Regular quizzes on recent lecture material to reinforce learning and provide feedback.

  • Homework: Due dates for assignments ensure consistent practice and mastery of concepts.

  • Exams: In-class tests assess cumulative understanding and readiness for further study.

  • Administrative Deadlines: Add/Drop and withdrawal deadlines are important for course management.

Sample Table: Weekly Schedule Overview

Week

Lecture Topics

Quizzes

Homework Due

Exam

1

1.3, 1.4, 1.5 (Applications)

-

-

-

2

1.5

Quiz 1.3, 1.4

HW 1.3, 1.4

-

3

1.6, 1.7

Quiz 1.5, 1.6

HW 1.5, 1.6

-

4

2.1, 2.2

Quiz 1.7, 2.1, 2.2

HW 1.7, 2.1, 2.2

-

5

2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7

-

-

Test 1 (1.3–1.7, 2.1–2.2)

Key Precalculus Concepts Likely Covered

  • Functions: Definition, notation, domain and range, types of functions (linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational).

  • Function Operations: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and composition of functions.

  • Graphing: Techniques for graphing functions and transformations.

  • Applications: Real-world problems involving functions and equations.

  • Exponential and Logarithmic Functions: Properties, graphs, and applications (likely in Chapter 2).

  • Review and Assessment: Regular quizzes and exams to reinforce and test understanding.

Sample Formulas and Definitions

  • Function Notation: represents the value of function f at input x.

  • Domain and Range: The domain is the set of all possible input values; the range is the set of all possible output values.

  • Linear Function:

  • Quadratic Function:

  • Exponential Function:

  • Logarithmic Function:

Additional info: Specific content for each section (e.g., 1.3, 2.1) is inferred based on standard Precalculus curricula.

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