MAT 170 Precalculus Course Structure and Study Guide Overview

Course Overview: MAT 170 Precalculus

This guide provides a structured overview of the MAT 170 Precalculus course, including its main units, assessment structure, and support resources. The course is organized into four primary content units, each corresponding to foundational topics in precalculus, as well as orientation and exam modules. This overview is intended to help students navigate the course and understand the scope of study.

Course Structure and Main Topics

Unit A: Algebra and Equation Review

This unit reviews fundamental algebraic concepts and equation-solving techniques essential for success in precalculus and higher mathematics.

• Key Concepts: Properties of real numbers, operations with algebraic expressions, solving linear and quadratic equations, factoring, and manipulating rational expressions.

• Applications: Foundational skills for all subsequent units, including function analysis and graphing.

• Assessment: Unit A Quiz (10% of course grade)

Unit B: Graphs and Functions

This unit introduces the concept of functions, their representations, and the analysis of their graphs.

• Key Concepts: Definition of a function, domain and range, function notation, types of functions (linear, quadratic, absolute value, piecewise), and transformations of functions.

• Graphing: Techniques for sketching and interpreting graphs, identifying key features such as intercepts, maxima, minima, and asymptotes.

• Assessment: Unit B Quiz (10% of course grade)

Unit C: Polynomial, Rational, Exponential, and Logarithmic Functions

This unit explores advanced function types, their properties, and applications.

• Polynomial Functions: Degree, leading coefficient, end behavior, zeros, and graphing.

• Rational Functions: Asymptotes, discontinuities, and graphing techniques.

• Exponential and Logarithmic Functions: Definitions, properties, laws of exponents and logarithms, solving exponential and logarithmic equations.

• Assessment: Unit C Quiz (10% of course grade)

Unit D: Trigonometry

This unit covers the fundamental concepts of trigonometry, including trigonometric functions, identities, and equations.

• Trigonometric Functions: Definitions using the unit circle, graphs, and properties of sine, cosine, tangent, and their reciprocals.

• Analytic Trigonometry: Fundamental identities, solving trigonometric equations, and applications.

• Additional Topics: Laws of sines and cosines, polar coordinates, and complex numbers (if included in course scope).

• Assessment: Unit D Quiz (10% of course grade)

Assessment Structure

Assessment	Weight	Description
Unit A Quiz	10%	Algebra and Equation Review
Unit B Quiz	10%	Graphs and Functions
Unit C Quiz	10%	Polynomial, Rational, Exponential, Logarithmic Functions
Unit D Quiz	10%	Trigonometry
Midterm Exam	20%	Cumulative assessment of Units A and B (and possibly part of C)
Final Exam	40%	Cumulative assessment of all units

Course Resources and Support

• Welcome Module: Orientation to course structure, technology, and support systems.

• Math Support Team: Contact information and guidance for academic assistance.

• Technology Support: Instructions for using ALEKS (adaptive learning platform) and Honorlock (exam proctoring system).

• Formulas and Calculators: Reference materials and guidelines for calculator use.

• Webinars and Recordings: Supplemental instructional materials.

Exams and Proctoring

• Honorlock Practice Quiz: Required to familiarize students with the online proctoring system before the midterm and final exams.

• Midterm and Final Exams: Proctored assessments administered via ALEKS and Honorlock, with practice quizzes and instructions provided.

• Submission of Work: Students are required to upload written work for exams as part of the assessment process.

Course Completion and Credit

• End of Course Survey: Feedback opportunity for students.

• Credit Posting: Instructions for posting course credit to the ASU transcript upon completion of all requirements.

Summary Table: Main Units and Topics

Unit	Main Topics
Unit A	Algebraic operations, equations, factoring, rational expressions
Unit B	Functions, graphs, transformations, domain and range
Unit C	Polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic functions
Unit D	Trigonometric functions, identities, equations, applications

Additional Info:

• This overview is based on the course module and syllabus structure. For detailed content, students should refer to the respective Student Guides and ALEKS modules for each unit.

• All units align with standard precalculus topics as outlined in the course description.