IndietroPrecalculus (Math 109) Syllabus and Course Structure – Study Guide
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Course Overview
Introduction to Precalculus
This course, Math 109: Precalculus, is designed to provide students with the foundational concepts and skills necessary for the study of calculus. The curriculum covers algebraic and transcendental functions, their properties, inverses, graphs, equations, and applications. It also includes the study of angles, triangles, trigonometric functions, analytic trigonometry, and systems of equations and inequalities.
Prerequisite: Math 103 with a grade of C or better, or instructor permission.
Course Format: Online, asynchronous.
Required Materials: MyMathLab with Pearson e-text for Blitzer's Precalculus, 7th Edition.
Learning Objectives
Solve problems involving algebraic and transcendental functions and their inverses.
Solve problems involving angles using circular and right triangle trigonometric functions.
Formulate mathematical models to solve applied problems.
Analyze functions numerically, algebraically, and graphically.
Use technology to identify key characteristics of functions, equations, and statements.
Major Topics and Chapters
The course is structured around the following main topics, each corresponding to textbook chapters and sections:
Ch. 1: Functions and Graphs (Sections 1.1 – 1.9)
Ch. 2: Polynomial and Rational Functions (Sections 2.1 – 2.7)
Ch. 3: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions (Sections 3.1 – 3.5)
Ch. 4: Trigonometric Functions (Sections 4.7 – 4.8)
Ch. 5: Analytic Trigonometry (Sections 5.1 – 5.5)
Ch. 6: Additional Topics in Trigonometry (Sections 6.1 – 6.2, 6.6 – 6.7)
Ch. 7: Systems of Equations and Inequalities (Sections 7.1 – 7.3)
Assessment and Grading
Grading Breakdown
Component | Weight |
|---|---|
Mid-term Exams (3 total) | 42% |
Quizzes (approx. 10) | 16% |
Homework (MyMathLab) | 20% |
Final Exam (Comprehensive) | 22% |
Letter Grades: A: 90% and higher; B: 80%–89.9%; C: 70%–79.9%; D: 60%–69.9%; F: below 60%.
Homework: Assigned and graded online; lowest three homework grades dropped.
Quizzes: Lowest quiz score dropped.
Exams: Three midterms and a comprehensive final; lowest midterm may be replaced by final exam grade if higher.
No extra credit or grade curving.
Calculator Policy
Required: Scientific calculator (graphing calculators such as TI-83, TI-83 Plus, or TI-84 recommended).
Not Allowed: Calculators with Computer Algebra Systems (CAS), including TI-89, TI-92, TI-Nspire CAS, HP Prime, and certain Casio models.
Course Schedule (Tentative)
Week | Topics | Assessments |
|---|---|---|
1 | 1.1 Graphs & Graphing Utilities 1.2 Basics of Functions & Their Graphs | Homework 1.1, 1.2 |
2 | 1.3 More on Functions & Their Graphs 1.4 Linear Functions & Slope 1.5 More on Slope | Homework 1.3, 1.4, 1.5 Quiz 1 (1.1–1.4) |
3 | 1.6 Transformations of Functions 1.7 Combinations & Composite Functions | Homework 1.6, 1.7 |
4 | 1.8 Inverse Functions 1.9 Distance, Midpoint, & Circle Formulas | Homework 1.8, 1.9 Quiz 2 (1.5–1.9) |
5 | 2.1 Complex Numbers | Homework 2.1 Exam 1 (Ch. 1) |
6 | 2.2 Quadratic Functions 2.3 Polynomial Functions & Graphs | Homework 2.2, 2.3 |
7 | 2.4 Dividing Polynomials, Remainder & Factor Theorems 2.5 Zeros of Polynomial Functions 2.6 Rational Functions & Graphs | Homework 2.4, 2.5 Quiz 3 (2.1–2.5) |
8 | 3.1 Exponential Functions 3.2 Logarithmic Functions 3.3 Properties of Logarithms 3.4 Exponential & Logarithmic Equations 3.5 Exponential Growth | Homework 3.1–3.5 Quiz 4 (Ch. 3) |
9 | 4.7 Inverse Trigonometric Functions | Homework 4.7 Exam 2 (Ch. 2 & 3) |
10 | 4.8 Applications of Trigonometric Functions 5.1 Verifying Trigonometric Identities 5.2 Sum & Difference Formulas | Homework 4.8, 5.1, 5.2 Quiz 5 (Ch. 4) |
11 | 5.3 Double-Angle, Power-Reducing, & Half-Angle Formulas 5.4 Product-to-Sum & Sum-to-Product Formulas 5.5 Trigonometric Equations | Homework 5.3–5.5 Quiz 6 (Ch. 5) |
12 | 6.1 Law of Sines 6.2 Law of Cosines 6.6 Vectors 6.7 Dot Product | Homework 6.1, 6.2, 6.6, 6.7 Quiz 7 (Ch. 6) |
13 | 7.1 Systems of Linear Equations (2 Variables) | Homework 7.1 Exam 3 (Ch. 4 & 5) |
14 | Fall Break | No assignments |
15 | 7.2 Systems of Linear Equations (3 Variables) 7.3 Partial Fractions | Homework 7.2, 7.3 Quiz 8 (Ch. 7) |
16 | Final Exam (Comprehensive) | Due Dec. 11, 2026 |
Key Course Policies
Attendance: Regular participation is expected; missing two consecutive weeks of assignments may result in administrative withdrawal.
Make-up Policy: No make-up exams or quizzes; lowest homework and quiz grades are dropped. One 48-hour extension for homework/quizzes per term (not for exams).
Academic Integrity: Cheating, plagiarism, or facilitating dishonesty results in a grade of zero and disciplinary action.
Religious Observance: Students may request make-up work for religious holidays with advance written notice.
Support and Resources
Instructor: Dr. Laxmi K. Chataut (contact via OwlMail; office hours listed in syllabus).
Tutoring: Free in-person and virtual tutoring available at the Academic Success Center (ASC).
Learning Management: Course materials, assignments, and exams are accessed via Brightspace and MyMathLab.
Important Dates
Aug. 24, 2026: First day of class
Sep. 7, 2026: Labor Day (no class)
Nov. 23–28, 2026: Fall Break
Nov. 25, 2026: Last day to withdraw
Dec. 11, 2026: Final Exam due
Dec. 12, 2026: Semester ends
Summary of Main Mathematical Topics
Functions and Graphs: Definitions, properties, transformations, combinations, and inverses.
Polynomial and Rational Functions: Quadratic and higher-degree polynomials, division, zeros, and rational expressions.
Exponential and Logarithmic Functions: Properties, equations, and applications including growth and decay.
Trigonometric Functions: Definitions, graphs, inverse functions, and applications.
Analytic Trigonometry: Identities, formulas, and solving trigonometric equations.
Additional Trigonometry Topics: Laws of sines and cosines, vectors, and dot product.
Systems of Equations and Inequalities: Linear systems in two and three variables, partial fractions.
Additional info: This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the Precalculus course structure, expectations, and policies. For detailed mathematical content, refer to the corresponding textbook chapters and sections as outlined above.
