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: D328

Prerequisites: MAT 1275

Textbook: Precalculus, Third 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.
  • WeBWorK:  Much of the homework for this class may be completed on the WeBWorK system.  You will be provided with more information in the second week of class.
  • Brightspace: Brightspace is a new learning management system. We will use it throughout the semester as needed.
  • Dropbox: CUNY has provided all students with Dropbox accounts with large storage limits. We may or may not use Dropbox. Information and a login link are posted here.
  • CUNYFirst: CUNYFirst is where you can go to add or drop courses and see your grades. Make sure your contact information there is current.

In-person Location:

  • Mondays and Fridays, 10:00am to 11:40am, Namm 817

Faculty Information

Professor Name:

  • Kate Poirier

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

Contact Information

  • Email: kpoirier@citytech.cuny.edu

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 scientific calculator is required.
  • A graphing calculator is permitted but not required.
  • A Desmos account is not required but will be convenient

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 Wednesday, May 15

Grading Policy

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

College Academic Integrity Policy

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. 

Please see the our class’s academic integrity policy here.

Disabilities

Students with disabilities recognized by the Center for Student Accessibility should coordinate arrangements for official accommodations with their instructor and with the Center. Other students with disabilities—visible disabilities or invisible disabilities such as chronic illnesses—are encouraged to discuss their situations with their instructor—if they are comfortable doing so—so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

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