Precalculus
MA115 Fall 2022: Northern Michigan University

This is the syllabus for Math 115.

Instructor

  • Dr. Josh Thompson | Office - JAMR 2226 | email

    • Classroom

  • Math 115 | 11:00 - 11:50 pm | MTWF | JAMR 2317 | zoom

    • Your daily attendance is required. The class is in person but may pivot online due to unforeseen circumstances.

    Textbook

    One of the following is recommened:

  • Open Stax - Algebra & Precalculus
  • Algebra and Trigonometry by Ron Larson

    • Office Hours

  • Monday: 2pm - 3pm
  • Thursday: 11am - 12pm, 2pm - 3pm
  • Friday: 2pm - 3pm

    • Prerequisites

    You need either:

  • C- or better in MA111
  • B- or better in MA 104
  • a satisfactory score on the Math Placement Exam.

    • Grading

  • Homework 25%
  • Exams 50% (4 @ 12.5% each)
  • Final 25%

    • WeBWork

    All homework will be online via WeBWork, and is due each Monday at 8am.

  • Your username is your NMU username. [eg., joshthom]
  • Your password is your student IN.
  • To login from off-campus you must first sign into the NMU VPN
  • Learn how to use WeBWork immediately!
  • Help can be found here.

    • Quizzes

    Unannounced quizzes will be given on occasion.

    Exams

  • Exam 1 - September 23
  • Exam 2 - October 19
  • Exam 3 - November 9
  • Exam 4 - December 7
  • Final - December 13 10am - 11:50am

    • Calculators

    Calculators and graphing software will often be used in class and will be allowed on Some exams and quizzes. Unless otherwise notificed, you are not allowed to have any information saved in your calculators during quizzes and exams.

    You are not required to have a calculator: there are many free online graphing calculators available. [My favorite is DesMos.com]

    Laptops & Phones

    Do not use your laptop, phone or electronic media device in class unless instructed to do so.

    Other Resources

    Some of the best math videos on YouTube:

  • Krista King
  • Patrick JMT
  • Nancy Pi
  • Math Doctor Bob
  • Socratica
  • Kahn Academy

    • Both free and paid tutoring is available, in the tutoring lab on the 2nd floor of Jamrich.

    Outcomes & Assessment

    Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

  • Manipulate mathematical expressions.

  • Apply mathematical models to solve contextualized problems.

  • Recognize and analyze the natural functions and their properties.

  • Construct graphs of functions and interpret the results.

    • Evaluation of these learning outcomes will be done through a mix of assignments, class exercises, projects, research papers, group work, written & oral quizzes and tests.

    Course Description

    The first two weeks of the course we will learn some fundamental concepts and how they are used. It is very important to get a firm grasp on the fundamentals.

  • Chapter 1: Prerequisites - Week 1
  • Chapter 2: Equations and Inequalities - Weeks 2 & 3
  • Chapter 3: Functions - Weeks 4 & 5
  • Chapter 4: Linear Functions - Week 5
  • Chapter 5: Polynomial and Rational Functions - Weeks 5 & 6
  • Chapter 6: Exponential & Logarithmic Functions - Weeks 7 & 8
  • Chapter 7: The Unit Circle - Week 9
  • Chapter 8: Periodic Functions - Weeks 10 & 11
  • Chapter 9: Trig Identities - Week 12
  • Chapter 10: Law of Sines & Cosines - Weeks 13

    • Natural Sciences Requirement

    This course satisfies the Foundation of Natural Sciences/Mathematics requirement. Students who complete this course should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of mathematical logic; use mathematics to solve scientific or mathematical problems in college classes; express relationships in the symbolic language of mathematics; and appreciate the role of mathematics in analyzing natural phenomena.

    University Policies

    Academic Honesty: Cheating is not only unethical and pathetic, but is a violation of the Northern Michigan University Student Code and University Policy and grounds for your dismissal from the University.

    Discrimination & Harassment: Northern Michigan University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, height, weight, martial status, handicap/disability, sexual orientation or veteran status. If you have a civil rights inquiry, contact the Affirmative Action Office at 906-227-2420.

    Americans with Disabilities Act Statement: If you have a need for disability-related accommodations or services, please inform the Coordinator of Disability Services in the Dean of Students Office at 2001 C. B. Hedgcock Building (227-1737 or disserv@nmu.edu). Reasonable and effective accommodations and services will be provided to students if requests are made in a timely manner, with appropriate documentation, in accordance with federal, state, and University guidelines.

    The Registrar: Withdrawing from any course or any matters relating to registration are the responsibility of the student. For more information regarding this topic, check out the Registrars Website.