Fundamental Concepts I

Catalog description

A study of the real number system and its field properties. As tools for the development of these topics, a study is made of set theory and various numeration systems. Attention is given to problem solving; sets, whole numbers, and numeration; whole number operations and properties; whole number computation; number theory; fractions and decimals; ratio, proportion, and percent. Strategies for explaining these topics will be introduced. Prerequisite: 2 years of high school algebra or MATH 090. Not applicable to a math major or minor. Offered spring term each year. Three semester hours. MATH 171/171M. Precalculus – An in-depth study of functions of one variable; in particular polynomials, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and inverse trigonometric functions. Application of these types of functions will be emphasized. Also included is an in-depth presentation of trigonometry; in particular the unit circle, graphs, identities, solving equations, solving triangles, and polar coordinates. Not applicable to a math major or minor. Prerequisite: High school algebra or equivalent. MATH 171 offered spring term each year. MATH 171M offered as needed. Three semester hours.