Math 115 syllabus
Precalculus Algebra and Trigonometry
Course description: This fast-paced course is designed as a review of the algebra and trigonometry needed
in calculus. It covers the material of MA 112 and MA 113 in one semester. Topics include
numerical, graphical and algebraic properties of polynomial, rational, exponential,
logarithmic, and trigonometric functions; inverse trigonometric functions; right angle
trigonometry; parametric equations; polar coordinates and conic sections. Applications
of mathematics to modeling real world situations are emphasized. Credit for both MA
112 and MA 115 not allowed; credit for both MA 113 and MA 115 not allowed. Core Course.
Prerequisites: ACT Math 25 or MyMathTest 080 or SAT Mathematics 620 or MATH SECTION
SCORE 640
Learning outcomes: Upon the successful completion of the course a student will:
Read, interpret, describe and produce graphs of functions, including polynomials, rational functions, exponentials and logarithms.
Find the roots of polynomials.
Solve equations and inequalities, including ones involving rational expressions, radical expressions, absolute values, exponentials, and logarithms.
Evaluate, manipulate, and simplify exponential and logarithmic expressions.
Evaluate trigonometric functions in terms of arc length on unit circle and ratios of lengths of sides in a right triangle.
Use algebraic skills to solve equations involving trigonometric functions and to obtain standard forms for conic equations.
Apply reasoning and sketching skills for survey and bearing applications of trigonometry and to read standard form equations for conics from graphs or graph these from equations.
Graph trigonometric functions emphasizing amplitude, period, phase and vertical shifts as they correspond to stretch, compression and shifts in pre-calculus algebra.
Learning outcomes: Upon the successful completion of the course a student will:
Read, interpret, describe and produce graphs of functions, including polynomials, rational functions, exponentials and logarithms.
Find the roots of polynomials.
Solve equations and inequalities, including ones involving rational expressions, radical expressions, absolute values, exponentials, and logarithms.
Evaluate, manipulate, and simplify exponential and logarithmic expressions.
Evaluate trigonometric functions in terms of arc length on unit circle and ratios of lengths of sides in a right triangle.
Use algebraic skills to solve equations involving trigonometric functions and to obtain standard forms for conic equations.
Apply reasoning and sketching skills for survey and bearing applications of trigonometry and to read standard form equations for conics from graphs or graph these from equations.
Graph trigonometric functions emphasizing amplitude, period, phase and vertical shifts as they correspond to stretch, compression and shifts in pre-calculus algebra.
Learning Outcomes for Quantitative Reasoning:
Convert relevant information into various mathematical forms (e.g., equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words).
Solve mathematical problems.
Textbook: A custom edition for the University of South Alabama taken from: Precalculus: A Right Triangle Approach, 5th Edition by Judith A. Beecher, Judith A. Penna and Marvin L. Bittinger (2016).
Coverage: Chapters 1, 2 (excluding 2.6), 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (excluding 8.3), and 10 (excluding 10.4 and 10.5)
Calculator: A Texas Instruments TI30XII-S scientific calculator is required.
Convert relevant information into various mathematical forms (e.g., equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words).
Solve mathematical problems.
Textbook: A custom edition for the University of South Alabama taken from: Precalculus: A Right Triangle Approach, 5th Edition by Judith A. Beecher, Judith A. Penna and Marvin L. Bittinger (2016).
Coverage: Chapters 1, 2 (excluding 2.6), 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (excluding 8.3), and 10 (excluding 10.4 and 10.5)
Calculator: A Texas Instruments TI30XII-S scientific calculator is required.