MAT 160  Pre-Calculus

Description
Prerequisite: SAT-M score of 500 or equivalent
This course will introduce and develop competence with a variety of mathematical concepts and techniques useful in the natural sciences, economics, finance, and public policy analysis. Beginning with a review of basic coordinate geometry, facility in algebraic and graphical analysis will be extended to linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. The latter part of the course will develop and apply a variety of mathematical tools: systems of linear equations and their solutions using basic matrix algebra; permutations, combinations, and basic probability theory; infinite sequences and series; mathematical induction; the binomial theorem. If time permits, some special topics may be considered at the end of the semester: polar coordinates, the complex plane, vectors, conics, etc. Emphasis throughout the course will be placed on real world applications.

Objectives
Below are the over-arching objectives for this course. Specific behavior objectives are delineated in each module for the course.

• Students will be able to define mathematical functions and specify their domain and range.
• Students will be able to discuss the equations and properties of lines and circles, polynomial and rational functions, as well as graph them and use this knowledge for the description and analysis of a variety of real-world situations.
• Students will be able to solve a variety of algebraic equations and inequalities and apply this skill in a variety of practical contexts.
• Students will be able to apply exponential and logarithmic functions to the solution of a variety of problems, including calculations of compound interest.
• Students will have an elementary grasp of trigonometry and its application using right triangles to the solution of a variety of real-world geometrical problems.
• Students will be able to find simultaneous solutions for systems of linear equations using basic techniques of matrix algebra, and apply this knowledge to a variety of practical problems.
• Students will be able to make practical calculations of permutations and combinations, as well as apply elementary probability theory to a wide range of situations and phenomena.
• Students will understand recursive definitions and be able to construct and calculate with arithmetic and geometric sequences and series.
• Students will have an exemplary grounding in basic mathematical literacy, and be well-prepared for future courses in calculus, linear algebra, and statistics.

Instructor

Allison Alexander earned her B.A. in Applied Mathematics at Drew University and studied industrial engineering at Rutgers University. Prior to serving as assistant vice president at HSBC Securities from 2000 – 2005, Allison worked as a production support analyst for Pfizer and as an electronic data systems engineer for AT&T and ACC Communications. She currently resides in New Jersey and works for Redeemer Presbyterian Church.