This course, Precalculus, is an intensive review of advanced algebra, geometry and trigonometry with real world application extensions. In addition, it considers these topics with an emphasis and focus on polynomial, rational, trigonometric and exponential functions and acts as both a high end terminal course in mathematics addressing applications in the Sciences as well as a prerequisite to the study of The Calculus.

Some applications and examples discussed in this course are as follows:

• it provides the necessary tools to solve business problems in profit and loss analysis;
• it helps to determine how deep a scuba diver can go if the pressure for her equipment is limited to 40 lbs per square inch;
• it shows how long it takes for money to double at different investment rates or how to compare different investment opportunities;
• it provides the methodology to discover the age of artifacts discovered at archeological sites through carbon dating;
• it answers questions like: why is the axis of symmetry of a parabola equal to -b/2a;
• and why does the sin^2(x) +cos^2(x) = 1.

There will be approximately 30 homework assignments and each will be graded and will count as 15% of your final grade. There is no midterm exam, however there are four examinations, each worth 15% or a total of 60% of your final grade. The final examination will count for the remaining 25% of your grade. Extra credit will be assigned sparingly throughout the semester. It is understood that students will put in the required time and necessary effort to successfully master the course material. The department of Mathematics provides a tutoring service each semester for your use.