MAT 172

Official Course Description. Polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, with applications to problems in mathematics and the sciences. 

Text and Materials. The course will cover select topics from, Precalculus, Cengage Learning 7th, 8th, 9th, or 10th edition, by R. Larson. 

Course Format. Several sections of MAT 172 are offered at Lehman during any given semester. Therefore, a uniform syllabus has been adopted and must be followed. The syllabus culminates in a uniform departmental final exam. A student must pass the final exam to pass the class; there are no exceptions to this policy. For this reason, topics will be covered at a predetermined pace. 

More On The Course. Students are expected to learn both the mathematics covered in class and the mathematics in the textbook and other assigned readings. Completing homework is part of the learning experience. Although prerequisite material will be covered as needed, some individualized review outside of class will be expected. This class will satisfy your Mathematics graduation requirement.  

Communication. Communication is essential to succeeding in this class – this cannot be stressed enough. After identifying topics that may be giving you trouble, please communicate this information to me. It is my goal to create an environment best conducive for learning.  

Getting Help. There are three places that you can (and should) go to for help: 

• Me. I will hold office hours, check email, and make appointments to meet with you.  

• Math Lab. The Math and Computer Science Learning Center (MCSLC) is located in GI-222. It is open 5 days a week and staffed with well-qualified tutors.  

• Your Classmates. Your classmates are a valuable resource to ask questions to and exchange ideas with.  

Your Final Grade. Provided that you attend class regularly and on time, AND pass the Final Exam, your final course grade will be calculated as follows: 

Homework/Quizzes      20%  

Exam I              22.5% 

Exam II             22.5% 

Final Exam35% 

Homework Assignments. Homework  will  be  assigned,  collected,  and  graded  about  once  every  week. They will be announced ahead of time. Your homework grade will mostly consist on homework completion. 

Quizzes. Quizzes will be given randomly throughout the semester. For this reason, there will be absolutely no make-up quizzes.  

Exams. There will be three in class full period exams, Exam I, Exam II, and the Final Exam. The exams will be announced at least one week in advance. The Final Exam will be given during Final Exam week at a time and on a date determined by the College.  

Notes.  

• There will be no extra credit given of any kind. Your grade will be calculated exactly as indicated above.  

• Students will excessive absences/lateness may fail the course despite having a passing average.  

• Excellent attendance/participation will benefit students with border-line grades.  

Topic Outline. We will cover the following topics: 

• Functions, Graph of functions, Linear equations in multiple variables. Shifting reflecting and stretching graphs. Composition of Functions 

• Inverse functions, mathematical modeling; polynomial and synthetic division; maximizing quadratic functions; exponential functions; logarithmic functions; exponential and logarithmic equations 

• Exponential and logarithmic modeling; radian and degree measure; the unit circle, Pythagorean identity; trigonometric functions of any angle; sum and difference formula; law of sine and cosine.