Course Information

Course Number: MAT 1375

Course Title: Precalculus

Course Outline: Official course outline prepared by the Mathematics Department.

Course Description: This course is designed to prepare students for the study of Calculus. Topics include an in-depth study of functions such as polynomial functions, inverse functions, radical functions, rational functions, trigonometric functions, exponential and logarithmic functions; solving inequalities; elements of vectors and complex numbers; solving trigonometric equations and identities involving sum, double and half-angle formulas; Binomial Theorem; and progressions. A graphing calculator is required.

Credits / Hours: 4

Section Number: D369

Prerequisites: MAT 1375

Textbook: Precalculus, Second Edition, by Thomas Tradler and Holly Carley.  The textbook is available to download for free (pdf) or in softcover format for a small fee. To obtain the textbook click here. 

Online Spaces

  • OpenLab: This website will be the online home for our class. The site contains important information about the course, and will be used in various ways throughout the semester. https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/kan1375d369sp2023/
  • WeBWorK:  Much of the homework for this class will be completed on the WeBWorK system.  You will be provided with more information in the first week of class.  To go to our class WeBWorK site click here.
  • You will be submitting your assignments through Dropbox.
    • You should have an email from me saying I shared a folder with you. Click on the link provided to open up a shared folder between you and myself.
    • In order to turn in an assignment, you need to scan, rename, and upload a PDF file. Multiple pages must be submitted in one file. Directions are available here. This is a video of me using Dropbox on my phone.
    • All this can be done by using the Dropbox app on your smartphone! Download the Dropbox app and access it using the same email address that contains our shared folder.

Faculty Information

Professor Name: Bruce Kan

Office Hours/Information: For information about office hours, visit Contact Info & Communications.

Contact Information

Learning Outcomes

  1. Solve absolute value equations algebraically.
    Solve equations graphically.
  2. Determine the domain, and range of a given function.
    Find the sum, difference, product, quotient, and composition of functions.
    Determine the effects of basic operations on graphs of functions.
    Determine the inverse of a function, if it exists.
    Determine the roots and relative extrema of polynomials.
    Sketch the graphs of polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
    Solve equations involving polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
    Solve polynomial, rational and absolute value inequalities.
  3. Find the amplitude, phase shift, and period of trigonometric functions.
    Use the trigonometric identities, half- and double-angle formulas to modify trigonometric formulas.
    Solve trigonometric equations
  4. Write a complex number in rectangular and polar forms.
    Multiply and divide two complex numbers in polar form.
    Find the magnitude, direction angle, horizontal, and vertical components of a vector.
  5. Find the n-th term of arithmetic and geometric sequences.
    Find the n-th partial sums of arithmetic and geometric sequences.
    Find terms of a binomial expansion using the Binomial Theorem.
  6. Use a graphing calculator to assist in the above.

Gen Ed Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

  1. Understand and employ both quantitative and qualitative analysis to solve problems.
  2. Employ scientific reasoning and logical thinking.
  3. Communicate effectively using written and oral means.
  4. Use creativity to solve problems.

Technology Requirements

  • A graphing calculator such as the TI-84+ is required.

Schedule

A detailed schedule of topics can be found on the Schedule page.

Percent/Letter Grade conversion

A = 93.0 — 100
A- = 90.0 — 92.9
B+ = 87.0 — 89.9
B = 83.0 — 86.9
B- = 80.0 — 82.9
C+ = 77.0 — 79.9
C = 70.0 — 76.9
D = 60.0 — 69.9
F = 0 — 59.9
W = withdrawal up to 5/16/2023 (WF after 5/16/2023)

Grading Policy

The grading policy for the course appears on the Grading Policy page.

Class Etiquette & Netiquette

Please adhere to the following rules when engaging in class online:

  • Have your microphone and camera turned off while the instructor is speaking.
  • Be ready to turn on your microphone in case your instructor asks you a question.
  • You are expected to attend class virtually as if you are in a regular classroom. This means paying attention, taking notes, working on the problems that are assigned, and asking questions should they arise.

Attendance/Participation

Attendance will be taken. Latenesses and students leaving before the end of the class will be recorded. If these become excessive, the student may be asked to withdraw from the course. Students who are logged into the session for less than 25 minutes will be marked absent. In order to do well, attendance is highly recommended. In addition, it is the student’s responsibility to keep up with the material from missed class.

Academic Integrity Policy

Your work MUST be your own. Use of online or smartphone math solvers is strictly prohibited. I know the types of solutions and work that these apps display, and I will consider it a serious offense if anyone is suspected of using these apps, websites, or programs. Any one suspected to be in violation of this policy will be dealt with by the Academic Integrity Committee.

Students and all others who work with information, ideas, texts, images, music, inventions and other intellectual property owe their audience and sources accuracy and honesty in using, crediting and citation of sources. As a community of intellectual and professional workers, the college recognizes its responsibility for providing instruction in information literacy and academic integrity, offering models of good practice, and responding vigilantly and appropriately to infractions of academic integrity. Accordingly, academic dishonesty is prohibited in The City University of New York and is punishable by penalties, including failing grades, suspension and expulsion. More information about the College’s policy on Academic Integrity may be found in the College Catalog.