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MAT 150



I.  TITLE:   Algebra and Trigonometry

II.   CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
Modern college  algebra and plane trigonometry .  Restriction: A student who receives credit for MAT 150 may not receive credit for MAT 130 , 140 or 145. (Credit for the combination of MAT 140 and MAT 145 will substitute for MAT 150.)

III.  PURPOSE:
It is critical in todays world that one be able to deal effectively in the area of problem solving.  Since many problems are addressed in mathematical/analytic form , it becomes clear that a knowledge of the techniques and procedures of algebra and trigonometry is essential.
In order to understand the scientific methodologies and the necessary critical thinking involved in many academic disciplines, one must be able to employ algebraic/trigonometric techniques and concepts.  Mathematics is a universal language and is used in almost all communications involving scientific methodology and critical thinking.  The solutions studied in MAT 150 requires one to engage in analyzing problems and developing logical steps to arrive at a conclusion.

IV. COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Students will develop critical thinking and problem solving skills by analyzing problems and determining solution techniques.

V.  CONTENT OUTLINE :
A. Fundamentals
          1. Review of the real numbers , subsets of real numbers and the properties of the
               arithmetic of real numbers
          2. Ordering and absolute value
          3. Polynomials - Addition , subtraction , multiplication and factorization
          4. Rational expressions - Multiplication , division , addition and subtraction
          5. Radicals and rational exponents
          6. Complex numbers and the arithmetic of complex numbers
B.  Equations and inequalities in one variable
          1. Solutions of equations in one unknown
               (a) linear
               (b) literal equations - formulas
               (c) equations involving rational expressions
               (d) absolute value equations
               (e) quadratic equations
               (f) applications
           2. Solutions of linear , absolute value and nonlinear inequalities and applications
C. Functions
          1. Graphing in a rectangular coordinate system
          2. Algebra of functions
          3. Linear and Quadratic functions and their graphs
D. Graphing techniques
          1. parabolas and circles
          2. symmetry and translations
          3. inverse functions
          4. variations
E. Polynomial and rational functions
          1. Synthetic division
          2. Remainder and Factor Theorems
F. Exponential and logarithmic functions
          1. Exponential functions and their graphs
          2. Logarithmic functions and their graphs
          3. Solutions of exponential and logarithmic equations
G. Systems of equations
          1. Systems of linear equations in two and three variables
          2. Systems of nonlinear equations in two variables
H. Trigonometric functions
          1. Measurements of angles
          2. Trigonometric functions of angles
          3. Fundamental identities - Reciprocal , ratio and Pythagorean
          4. Trigonometric function values
          5. Graphs of the trigonometric functions
          6. Right triangles and their applications
I. Analytic trigonometry
          1. Additional identities
              (a) sum and difference of two angles
              (b) double and half-angle
              (c) product and sum
          2. Solutions of trigonometric equations
          3. Inverse trigonometric functions
J. Triangle solutions
          1. Law of sines
          2. Law of cosines

VI. INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES
This course is a thematic problem-solving course meant to develop students' ability to logically and independently analyze and solve algebraic and trigonometric problems.  In the classroom an interactive format is used in that instructors use a question/answer, discussion approach.  Participation in class discussions and the presentation of homework problems are activities which develop the students’ reasoning and communication skills.  Frequent testing develops the students' abilities in reading , critical thinking and writing.  Problem sessions are used to encourage students to accept a shared responsibility for learning.

VII. FIELD AND CLINICAL EXPERIENCES : none

VIII. RESOURCES :
The textbook and a scientific calculator are required.  Handouts and additional exercise sets are frequently used to augment the instruction.

IX. GRADING PROCEDURES :
The course grade is determined by the student's performance on homework/quizzes, several hourly exams, a comprehensive final exam, and other in class activities such as presenting their solution to a problem on the board and verbally explaining their solution. Critical thinking, problem solving skills, and writing skills will be evaluated on each exam.  Homework is typically checked by the use of quizzes.  A group project is generally included as a part of the homework component.  Various instructors assign different weights to factors used in determining grades, but ranges are usually:
 homework/quizzes/in class activities 10% - 17%
 hourly exams    50% - 70%
 comprehensive final exam  20% - 33%

Grades are assigned according to the following scale:
               A    90% and above
               B    80 - 89 %
               C    70 - 79 %
               D    60 - 69 %
               E    below 60 %

X. ATTENDANCE POLICY :
Regular attendance is expected.  Attendance records are kept and reports will be made to the First Year Experience Office.  The student is responsible for missed work.  Penalties for the lack of attendance may vary with instructors.

XI.  HONESTY POLICY :
Any instance of academic dishonesty , as determined by the instructor ( in compliance with the Board of Regents Policy on Academic Integrity - Feb. 1975), will result in zero points for the assignment, or a grade of E for the course.

XII. TEXT AND REFERENCES :  Current

XIII.  PREREQUISITES :
Mathematics ACT of at least 21.


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Last updated February 14, 2000. Designed and maintained by Kyosung Koo