MATH 138

MATH 138: Precalculus II (GE)

Prerequisites: One of the following: 1) a C or better in MATH 125, 2) a passing score on a placement exam approved by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, or 3) a C or better in a high school precalculus class.

Credit Hours: (3)

This is the second course in precalculus to prepare undergraduates for the calculus sequence. This course focuses on transformations and inverses of functions, angles and their measurement, trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions and their geometric properties, trigonometric identities, and solving trigonometric equations. Polar coordinates and functions as well as the complex numbers and conics are also included. Throughout the course, students will use established models and applications used in industry.

Note(s): General Education and Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning designated course.  Will not satisfy requirements for a major in mathematics.

 

Detailed Description of Content of the Course

The course will cover the following topics:

1. Properties of functions
   1. Transformations
   2. Compositions
   3. Inverses
2. Angles and their measure
3. Trigonometric functions
   1. Definitions on right triangles and on the unit circle
   2. Reference angles
4. Graphs of trigonometric functions
   1. Period and cycle
   2. Odd and even functions
   3. Transformations such as phase shift
5. Analytic trigonometry
   1. Finding inverse trigonometric functions
   2. Establishing trigonometric identities
   3. Solving trigonometric equations
6. Applications of triangles
   1. Right triangle problems
   2. Law of Sines and Law of Cosines
   3. Area of triangles
7. Polar Coordinate System
   1. Relationship between rectangular and polar coordinates
   2. Special polar equations and their symmetry
8. Complex numbers. The complex plane in rectangular and polar coordinates
9. Conics
   1. The parabola
   2. The ellipse
   3. The hyperbola

 

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

Instruction will emphasize real‑world, career‑relevant applications drawn from a variety of fields. Instructors may use various instructional methods, such as lectures or collaborative small‑group activities to deepen understanding and develop problem‑solving skills. Students will use multiple forms of technology both in and out of class to support analysis and explore applied scenarios. In every section, students are expected to complete all assigned homework problems to reinforce concepts, build proficiency, and build their knowledge needed for future careers.

 

Goals and Objectives of the Course

Students will develop the basic foundational skills in mathematics needed to advance to courses in mathematics or other disciplines that require these skills.

Students will be able to:

1. Translate information among various mathematical forms (e.g., equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words).
2. Successfully solve problems using appropriate mathematical tools.
3. Draw appropriate conclusions based on mathematical evidence.

 

Assessment Measures

Assessment measures will depend on the topic and the instructor. These may include examinations, quizzes, oral presentations, group projects, class participation, or other commonly employed assessments.

 

Other Course Information

This a General Education and Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning designated course.  Will not satisfy requirements for a major in mathematics. Credit for MATH 138 may not be received after receiving credit for a MATH course numbered higher unless it is required by a degree program.

 

Review and Approval

Sept. 2001 Review Stephen Corwin, Chair

Revised: March 21, 2012

June 20, 2015

March, 2019

March 01, 2021

April 23, 2026