MAH 165 Precalculus Distance Learning Summer I 2016

CRN 40029

Instructor: Dr. Amit Trehan

Office: MP 248; (240) 567 – 1441; Fax: (240) 567 - 1436
Email: amit.trehan@montgomerycollege.edu
Office Hours: Wednesday: 12;30pm-2:30pm

Course Description: Topics from advanced algebra, trigonometry, conics, and functions; applied
problems. Designed to prepare students for MATH 181. PREREQUISITE: A grade of C or
better in MATH096 and MATH 098, appropriate score on mathematics assessment test, or
consent of department. Assessment levels: ENGL101/101A, READ110. For computation of
tuition, this course is equivalent to five semester hours. Five hours each week.
4 semester hours

TEXT: You do not have to purchase the text book separately (although you
can if you wish). Please purchase MathXL code using instructions at the end
of the syllabus and you can find the text book inside that. It comes free with
purchase of MathXL. You are required to read sections in the text
book: Precalculus: Enhanced With Graphing Utilities, sixth edition, by
Sullivan and Sullivan; Pearson Publishers, c 2013. ISBN 0-321-
85265-6. We shall cover most sections of chapters one through eight plus
several sections in chapters nine, eleven, and twelve. You should follow the
schedule given below to cover material from the above text book.

SCHEDULE

CHAPTER Complete By
Chapter 2: Functions and Their Graphs – 2.1 through 2.6 and 1.3 6/3/2016

Chapter 3: Linear and Quadratic Functions – 3.1 through 3.3 6/10/2016

Chapter 4: Polynomial and Rational Functions – 4.1 through 4.6 6/17/2016

Chapter 5: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions – 5.1 through 5.9 6/24/2016

Chapter 6: Trigonometric Functions – 6.1 through 6.6 7/1/2016

Chapter 7: Analytic Trigonometry – 7.1 through 7.6 7/8/2016

Chapter 8: Applications of Trigonometric Functions – 8.1 through 8.4 7/15/2016

Ch 10, 9, 12: Misc. Topics: 10.7, 9.1, 9.2, and 12.1 7/19/2016

Tests: 4 Conducted in weeks of 6/8, 6/22, 6/29, 7/13.

Date before you get refund if you drop class: 5/31/2016

Final Examination Date: From 7/18/2016 to 7/22/2016
Outcomes: By the end of the semester you will be able to calculate with functions, including
composing and finding inverses when defined. You will use polynomial (linear, quadratic, etc.),
rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions in theoretical, computational and
applied/modeling settings. You will identify, analyze, construct, and use/apply patterns from
numerical, algebraic, geometric and verbal sources/data. You will be able to use your calculator to
help find various graphical and numerical solutions when using functions/equations of all the types
studied.

There will be four(4) required tests and a cumulative/comprehensive Final Examination. It is

important in our independent study environment that you keep to the schedule outlined above.
Since study time is a significant factor in your learning, please set up a regular study schedule.
(See Study Tips below.) Tests 2 and Final will have to be taken at ANY Montgomery College
assessment center. Rest of the tests will be delivered by email in the respective weeks
mentioned in the syllabus.

Written homework: Home work must be completed using MathXL. The access code for this
class is given at the end of this syllabus. Please purchase the code first and then use the access
code at the end of the syllabus to gain entry into MathXL homework for this class.

General Comments: From time to time there are concerns about such items as Academic Honesty
and Classroom Conduct. Classroom behavior is not a distance learning issue but nonetheless, when
we do meet, behavior that is conducive to a college learning environment will be expected.
PLEASE make sure that you obtain a copy of the Student Code of Conduct. You may view it
online. Here is the procedure for doing so:
(1) Go to http://www.montgomerycollege.edu (This is the College's homepage.)
(2) Click on Student Services
(3) Look at the menu on the screen. Click on Student Code of Conduct.

Any student who may need an accommodation due to a disability, please make an
appointment to see me during my office hour. A letter from Disability Support Services
(R-CB122; G-SA175; or TP-ST120) authorizing your accommodations will be needed.
Any student who may need assistance in the event of an emergency evacuation must
identify to the Disability Support Services Office; guidelines for emergency evacuations
for individuals with disabilities are found at:
www.montgomerycollege.edu/dss/evacprocedures.htm

 If you wish to withdraw from class, you must complete the appropriate forms. If you do not
attend class and do not officially withdraw from the class, you will receive an F in the class; I
will not drop you. The last day to withdraw from a class with a grade of W can be
obtained by logging into MyMC and looking for this class.

 Policy on Academic Integrity: Cheating, plagiarism and/or other forms of academic

dishonesty will not be tolerated. Refer to the Code of Conduct described above. During
quizzes or exams, papers, notes, and calculators may not be shared; each student is expected to
focus only on his/her own paper. Your test-taking is independent except for Test 2 and the
Final Examination – of course you will follow the time limits; you will work entirely by
yourself and not use notes, just as if you were in a classroom. .
 Classroom Conduct: (This should not impact your distance learning experience but is general
information that may otherwise be useful.) In order for learning to occur, it is necessary that
the classroom environment be one of mutual respect. If a student behaves in such a way that
1) demonstrates a lack of respect, 2) interferes with the educational process or 3) violates the
Student Code of Conduct, instructors are responsible for advising the student of the
inappropriate behavior and granting her/him an opportunity to correct it. A student who fails
to correct this behavior will be asked to leave the class and will be subject to disciplinary
action, as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

 Cancellation of Classes: (This should not impact your distance learning experience but is
general information that may otherwise be useful.) If inclement weather forces the College to
close, public service announcements will be provided to local radio and television stations as
early as possible. If you have checked several stations and have not heard the announcement,
you may Call the Montgomery College Information Line at 240-567-5000 or go to our Web
site at (http://www.montgomerycollege.edu) for closing information. Classes may be cancelled
for the other public schools in Montgomery County but not be cancelled at the College.

Study Tips: Learning mathematics is (inter)active! You need to plan two (2) hours in study
for each hour of class. Since you are also responsible for what would be face-to-face class time,
time-on-task for MA180DL in the summer amounts to roughly thirty-six (36) hours per week
during the entire 5 week summer session. This will, of course, vary according to your
understanding of and previous practice with the various topics being discussed. Remember:
Learning mathematics is (inter)active! You may wish to use our MyMC site or regular e-mail to
set up discussion connections with other students in our class.

Study includes printing for off-line use and then writing out your practice exercises! Writing out
exercises at the end of each assigned section will be crucial and will strengthen your knowledge
Ask questions; Use e-mail or call me. Don’t forget to check your logic and your verbal/
numerical/algebraic/graphical results. The practice exercises at the end of each chapter are
excellent to solidify your skills.

Technology Support: (i) Your graphing calculator, the TI – 83+, is a great tool for you to use.
Become practiced in using it – especially because it becomes an even more important tool when
you reach calculus. The text has an on-line calculator but your job is to use your own graphing
calculator because that is what you will need for subsequent courses (and for taking the tests
associated with our course). If you have TI 83+ questions, immediately call or request assistance
by e-mail. (ii)Your text is entirely an electronic resource. You are authorized to print any pages
that would be helpful.

Grading: You must take all four (4) Tests, 90 minutes each. Your final grade will be proportional
to the total point score over tests, progress reports, your homework notebook, and the
comprehensive Final Examination. Based upon percentages of total possible points, 90% - 80%
- 70% will generally correspond to no less than A - B - C. Although a grade of D is possible for
less than 70% (to roughly 60%), a C or better is the prerequisite to enter calculus.
Each of the 4 tests will be 100 points. The comprehensive final will be worth 200 points.
Tests 1,3,4 will be sent to students on e-mail with complete directions as to how to submit
them. Tests 2 and Final have to be taken in any MC assessment center. You will also receive an
e-mail with complete directions regarding how and when to do that.
Ground rules: If you choose NOT to take tests or submit them, I will generally NOT drop you. I
assign a grade based entirely upon the points you do earn; if you submit no work on a requirement
you will earn zero(0) points.

Please find below detailed instructions to purchase MathXL and use the code (in 2.) to get entry
into the homework for this class.

How to Register and Enroll in Your Course

Welcome to MathXL! Your instructor has set up a MathXL course for you.

The course name is: Precalculus Math 165

It is based on this textbook: Sullivan: Precalculus Enhanced w/ Graphing Utilities, 6e

To join this course, you need to register for MathXL and then enroll in the course.

1. Registering for MathXL

Before you begin, make sure you have the access code that comes with your MathXL Access Kit.

To register or buy access, go to www.mathxl.com, click the Student button in the Register section, and
then follow the instructions on the screen.

2. Enrolling in your instructor's course

After registering, log in to MathXL with your username and password. To enroll in this course, enter the
following Course ID:

The Course ID for your course is: XL2C-N1JD-

801Z-6NU2