MATH B1A: Precalculus I

CRN: 31889

Spring 2019

Instructor: Scott Warnert Time: TR 6:00 – 8:05 P.M.

Email: scott.warnert@bakersfieldcollege.edu Place: SW204 (BC Southwest)

Office Hours: TR 5:30-6:00, in SW204

Textbook: Stewart, Redlin, and Watson, Precalculus: Mathematics for Calculus, 7th ed., Cengage Learn-
ing, 2016.

Prerequisites: The ability to perform all of the routine algebraic operations with accuracy and confidence.

Course Description:
Preparation for calculus; the algebraic and graphical analysis of polynomial, rational, logarithmic and ex-
ponential functions and their applications; systems of linear and nonlinear equations, graphing, inequalities,
absolute value, and complex numbers.

Student Learning Objectives:

1. Upon successful completion of the course, the student will translate and solve application problems
including exponential, linear, quadratic, and optimization problems, and be able to interpret solutions.

2. Upon successful completion of the course, the student will classify various functions, and apply an
appropriate algorithm to find solutions, both algebraically and by using the graph of the function.

3. Upon successful completion of the course, the student will describe the behavior of various functions
and formulate conjectures on the nature of the roots of polynomials.

Course Objectives: By the end of the course the student should be capable of:

1. Defining and developing the concept of function, including domain range, graph, inverse, and algebra
of functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, composition).

2. Displaying techniques of graphing polynomials, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions, using
intercepts, asymptotes, multiplicity, symmetry, translations, and reflections.

3. Solving exponential and logarithmic equations and demonstration of knowledge of their applications.

4. Solving a system of non-linear equations and inequalities, by graphing and algebraic methods.

5. Applying the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra and demonstrating knowledge of its consequences.
Determine the possibilities for rational roots of polynomial equation, and obtain information about
the number of positive, negative, complex roots.

6. Performing the basic operations with matrices and determinants.

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Precalculus I January 10, 2019

7. Solving systems of linear equations and partial fraction decomposition.

Grading Policy: Homework quizzes (25%), Exams (25%), Final (50%). The following grade scale will be
used:

90 − 10% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A
80 − 89% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B
70 − 79% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C
60 − 69% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D
≤ 59% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F

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Precalculus I January 10, 2019

Course Outline: Note that these estimates are subject to change:

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Precalculus I January 10, 2019

Course Outline

Week Book Chapter Covered Homework

§1.5: 87-137 odd

1/14-1/18 1
§1.7: 7-91 odd

§2.1: 7-10, 19-33 odd, 55-71 odd

1/22-1/25 2 §2.4: 11-21 odd

§2.6: 29-61 odd

§2.7: 27-32, 47-47 odd, 59-72, 77-82

1/28-2/1 2
§2.8: 49-69 odd, 93-101 odd, 105

2/4-2/8 Exam 1

2/11-2/14 3 §3.3: 3-51 odd, 52, 53-69 odd, 75

§3.4: 29-43 odd, 45-54 odd, 55-61 odd, 81-86

2/19-2/22 3
§3.5: 19-69 odd

§3.6: 43-75 odd

2/25-3/1 3
§3.7: 3-35 odd

3/4-3/8 Exam 2

§4.1: 27-39 odd, 53, 57-61 odd

3/11-3/15 4
§4.2: 7-15 odd, 23, 24, 27, 33-38

§4.3: 25-43 odd, 61-71 odd, 97-101 odd

3/18-3/22 4
§4.4: 9-57 odd, 72-77

3/25-3/29 4 §4.5: 11-67 odd, 77, 78, 89-102

§4.6: 1-28
4/1-4/5 4
§4.7: 1-20

4/8-4/12 Exam

§10.1: 59-75 odd

4/15-4/19 Spring Recess
§10.2: 39-47 odd

4/22-4/26 10 §10.3: 25-63 odd, 69-74 page 4 of 5

4/29-5/3 10 §10.7: 13-43 odd

Precalculus I January 10, 2019

Important Dates:
Midterm #1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sep. 27, 2018
Midterm #2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov. 1, 2018
Final Exam . . . . . . . . Tuesday Dec. 4, 2018 6:00-7:50 P.M.

Course Policy:

• Homework will be assigned weekly and posted on Canvas.

• Weekly graded quizzes will consist of homework questions verbatim.

• Regular attendance is essential and highly recommended.

• If you have a conflict with the exams, accommodations can be made provided there is a valid excuse.

Academic Honesty: Do not cheat. Any cheating will result in a failure on the assignment (and possibly
the course) and a referral to the Director of Student Life.

Accessibility:
Students with disabilities needing accommodation, including those who had an IEP or 504 Plan in high
school, should make requests to Disabled Students Programs and Services in CSS 10 (661-395-4334), or
Delano room 1001 (661-720-2000). All requests for accommodations require appropriate advance notice to
avoid a delay in services. Please discuss approved accommodations with me so we can work together to
ensure your access and success at BC.

*Everything outlined here is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion. page 5 of 5