Course Overview

This study guide summarizes the structure, expectations, and content coverage for MAT 1560-O1503: Trigonometry at Oakland Community College. The course is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in trigonometry, including functions, identities, equations, applications, vectors, and polar coordinates. The course is delivered online asynchronously, with on-campus testing requirements.

Course Goals and Learning Outcomes

• Definition of Trigonometric Functions: Understand trigonometric functions as circular functions and their graphical representations.

• Development and Use of Identities: Learn to verify and apply trigonometric identities.

• Solution of Equations: Solve trigonometric equations and apply them to real-world problems.

• Inverse Functions: Understand and use inverse trigonometric functions.

• Right Triangle Trigonometry: Define trigonometric functions in the context of right triangles and solve right triangle problems.

• Non-Right Triangle Solutions: Apply the Law of Sines and Law of Cosines to solve non-right triangles.

• Vectors and Polar Coordinates: Demonstrate knowledge of vectors and polar coordinate systems.

Common Course Outcomes

• Recall values of trigonometric functions for special angles in radians and degrees.

• Graph trigonometric functions and their transformations.

• Solve trigonometric equations.

• Solve right and non-right triangles, including applications and modeling.

• Verify and use trigonometric identities.

• Demonstrate basic knowledge of polar coordinates and vectors.

Required Materials

• Textbook: Trigonometry: A Unit Circle Approach by Sullivan, 12th Edition (e-book access included with registration).

• Calculator: TI-82, TI-83, or TI-84 series graphing calculator (required for exams).

Course Structure and Grading

• Homework: Online assignments per chapter, with proportional grading based on completion (90%+ for full credit).

• Quizzes: Timed online quizzes, open book/notes, with the two lowest scores dropped.

• Exams: One midterm and one final, both on-campus. Combined exam average below 50% results in automatic failure.

Weekly Schedule and Topics

Weeks 1-2: Review of Algebra and Functions (Ch. 1 & 2)

• Distance and Midpoints

• Graphs and Intercepts

• Lines and Circles

• Functions and their Properties

• Parent and Piecewise Functions

• Transformations and Inverse Functions

Weeks 3-5: Trigonometric Functions and Graphs (Ch. 3)

• Angles and Arcs

• Definition of Trigonometric Functions

• Properties of Trigonometric Functions

• Graphs of Sine, Cosine, and Other Trig Functions

• Phase Shifts and Applications

Weeks 6-9: Analytic Trigonometry (Ch. 4)

• Inverse Trigonometric Functions

• Trigonometric Equations

• Trigonometric Identities

• Sum, Difference, Double, and Half Angle Identities

Weeks 10-11: Applications of Trigonometric Functions (Ch. 5)

• Right Triangle Trigonometry

• Law of Sines and Law of Cosines

• Area of Triangles

• Optional: Harmonic Motion and Waves

Weeks 12-14: Polar Coordinates, Vectors, and Analytic Geometry (Ch. 6)

• Polar Coordinates

• Polar Equations and Graphs

• Vectors and Dot Product

• Optional: Extension to 3-D Vectors

Key Policies and Recommendations

• Attendance: Defined as submission of gradable work in this asynchronous course.

• Academic Integrity: Any form of cheating results in course failure and a report to the Dean.

• Calculator Policy: Only TI-82, 83, or 84 calculators allowed on exams.

• Technology: Use technology professionally and ethically.

• Withdrawal: Withdraw by the posted deadline to avoid a failing grade.

• Getting Help: Utilize the Academic Support Center, instructor office hours, and online resources.

• Study Recommendations: Spend 8-12 hours per week, watch all videos, take thorough notes, and complete recommended textbook problems by hand.

Recommended Study Practices

• Read textbook sections before watching lecture videos.

• Complete all online homework and quizzes by the deadlines.

• Practice additional problems from the textbook for exam preparation.

• Review quizzes and homework after grading to learn from mistakes.

Major Topics by Chapter

• Ch. 1: Graphs and Functions

• Ch. 2: Trigonometric Functions (Review)

• Ch. 3: Trigonometric Functions (Angles, Definitions, Graphs)

• Ch. 4: Analytic Trigonometry (Identities, Equations, Inverses)

• Ch. 5: Applications (Right/Non-Right Triangles, Laws of Sines/Cosines, Area)

• Ch. 6: Polar Coordinates, Vectors, Analytic Geometry

• Appendix A: Review (as needed)

Additional Info

• All policies and dates are subject to change with reasonable notification from the instructor.

• Sample tests and reviews are available at the end of textbook chapters for additional practice.