MATH 150 - Pre-Calculus

4 Credits
This course is designed to prepare students for the traditional calculus sequence. Topics include: brief review of algebra, solving equations and inequalities, systems of linear and nonlinear equations, the properties and graphs of relations and functions (including polynomial, radical, rational, logarithmic, exponential, and trigonometric), zeros of polynomial functions, trigonometry, conic sections, polar coordinates.

Fees: Additional course fees apply.
Prerequisite(s): C grade or better MATH 120
Course Learning Outcomes:
1. Manipulate numbers and variables algebraically including the solving of equations.
2. Given a function linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, logarithmic, exponential, or trigonometric, generate its graph including domain, range, intercepts, symmetries, asymptotes, and increasing/decreasing.
3. Combine, translate, and manipulate add, multiply, divide, compose, transformations, and find inverses functions and generate the resulting graph.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of logarithmic and exponential properties by simplifying expressions and solving equations.
5. Use functions to build mathematical models in order to understand and predict physical phenomena.
6. Demonstrate full understanding of trigonometric functions including definitions, trig values of standard angles, radian and degree measure, identities, graphs, inverses, and applications.
7. Given a graph of a conic section line, circle, ellipse, parabola, hyperbola, be able to determine its equation, and vice versa.
8. Solve systems of two equations with two unknowns.
9. Convert between polar and Cartesian coordinates and graph simple equations in polar coordinates.
10. Demonstrate an elementary understanding of complex numbers including graphing, adding, and multiplying.
11. Be acquainted with the central ideas of calculus, finding slopes of non-linear graphs and areas of regions under graphs via the process of taking limits.