MTH 161

PRE-CALCULUS

Credits: 3

COURSE SYLLABUS

Fall 2022

Reynolds Community College

Instructor: Mr. P. A. Reese

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 804-527-4600

Location: Room 1209/2005

Office Hours:

Tue - Fri 8:10am to 8:50am and 4:00pm to 4:30pm

Some days I will be unavailable due to other commitments. I will notify you
several days in advance when I will not be available. For extra help in the
morning, please look for me in the teacher center on the green hall.
 Policies
E-MAIL
Emails should be sent to [email protected]. You can generally expect a response from me within 24
working day hours.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK

https://openstax.org/details/books/precalculus The text is already embedded in the course page in

Canvas, but you may also download the book to your laptop.

SUPPLIES

o Laptop (charged)

o Login access to Canvas

o Plenty of lined paper in a binder or notebook

o Folders or binder for printed material

o Pens, pencils, and highlighters in a variety of colors

Important dates –
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

CELL PHONE POLICY - Students are expected to secure cell phones out of sight during class periods unless
directed to do otherwise by the instructor. Violations of this expectation are subject to disciplinary action.
Additionally, cell phone usage is prohibited during all assessments. Failure to adhere to this policy during
assessments will result in an integrity violation. Cell phones must be given to the instructor upon request.

ATTENDANCE – Students are expected to attend all class meetings. An absence does not exempt a
student from on-time submission of assignments and requires special action from the student.
Failure to notify the instructor as listed below will result in a zero for class activities missed that day.

Expected Absences – Examples include but are not limited to:

o School sanctioned activities

o School sanctioned field trips

o Athletic early dismissals

o College visits

o Parent requested late arrivals or early dismissals

o Administrator approved absences

o Alternate School Placement (ASP) (this also affects ACA good standing)

Special Action
The student must email the instructor, [email protected], no later than 48 hours
before the expected absence with the date(s) and the reason for the absence. Failure to do
so will result in the student losing the opportunity to make up any missed in-class
assignments from that day. It is the student’s responsibility to seek out what was missed by
checking the syllabus, course announcements, or asking classmates prior to the next class
meeting.

Unexpected Absences –

Special Action
The student must email the instructor, [email protected], by the end of the calendar day
of the unexpected absence. The email must include an explanation for the absence. An
absence followed up with a communication to the instructor acknowledges that class time is
valuable and is only missed after consideration on the part of the student. Failure to email,
as indicated above, will result in the student losing the opportunity to make up any missed
in-class assignments from that day. It is the student’s responsibility to seek out what was
missed by checking the syllabus, course announcements, or asking classmates prior to the
next class meeting.

ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION – students are expected to submit all assignments on-time; digitally to the
Canvas Discussion Board/ Drop Box and/or a paper copy at the start of class. Any submission made after
the due date and time or in the wrong format is considered late. Any late work must be communicated
with the instructor within 24 hours of the submission deadline, points deducted at the discretion of the
instructor. Late submissions shall be penalized by a 10% reduction for each calendar day late.

Examples of behaviors that will result in an assignment marked as NTI and late include but are not limited
to:

o Arriving to class late

o Submitting after the start of class

o Absence from class

o Waiting until the digital submission box/ assignment is about to close

o HCPS computer problems

To avoid late submission due to absence, submit digitally to Canvas on-time.

All math assignments, whether submitted digitally or hardcopy, are due at the beginning of the class on
the date listed in the syllabus/calendar. The grade for any assignment submitted late shall be reduced by
10% for each calendar day in addition to any other directions for incomplete or incorrect work.

Clarification: An NTI in the gradebook indicates that an assignment is Not Turned In. At the discretion of
the instructor, an NTI may be completed and submitted later for full credit with a legitimate reason or may
result in a grade reduction. A zero in the gradebook indicated that an assignment was not turned in and
cannot be made up.

ASSESSMENTS – Students are expected to be present and take all major and minor assessments on-time.
Missing an assessment requires special action from the student (see attendance) and a limited timeline for
makeup.

Assessment Procedures

All electronics (cell phones, smart watches, etc) are turned off and turned in to the instructor until all
students are finished.

o All personal belongings are to be placed in an area designated by the instructor.

o Have something to read under your desk/chair if no assignment is provided.

o No talking of any kind during the assessment until the last person is finished.

o During assessments, bathroom breaks are at the instructor’s discretion. Students would be wise
to use the restroom prior to the start of the test/assessment.

MAKEUP PROCEDURE

The student must seek out the instructor upon return to school and take the missed assessment within
1 week of the original date and in one sitting.

o The make-up assessment will not be the same as the original assessment.

o The studentmay only make-up one test and one quiz within the semester course.

o Failure to follow the expected or unexpected absence actions will exclude a student from
making up the assessment, resulting in a zero.
 o Failure to make up the assessment within one week will result in a zero

ITEMS TO NOTE
o Missed Class Assignments-- For this class, certain assignments can be made up and submitted
by the next class meeting for full credit. This will be done on a case-by-case basis. Always check
with the instructor when you miss a class.
o Printing – Any printing, required for submission of work, must be completed prior to the start of
class.
o Digital Submissions - Any writing assignment submitted digitally is subject to review through
Turn It In.
o Work turned in that is not in the correct format may be counted late.

Final Exam – A final examination will be given in the form of a cumulative or partially cumulative
assessment or activity. No exam exemption exists for Reynolds ACA courses.

GRADING – Reynolds allows grades of A, B, C, D, and F for courses numbered 100-200 level. Reynolds
does not give plus and minus grades. Grades are based on the percentage of total possible points earned.
Reynolds college transcripts and HCPS high school transcripts use the following scales:

Canvas serves as an important component of this course.

Check Canvas daily for announcements, due dates, and
assignment criteria.

ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY

The faculty of Reynolds Community College recognizes that academic honesty is an integral factor in
developing and sharing knowledge. We support the concept of academic honesty, practice academic
honesty in our classes, and require academic honesty from our students. Reynolds students are expected
to maintain complete honesty and integrity in the completion and presentation of all academic
assignments and examinations. Any student found guilty of cheating, plagiarism, or other dishonorable
acts in academic work is subject to College disciplinary action.

Academic dishonesty is cheating and stealing. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:
o Intentionally using material verbatim from a source without giving credit.
o Rewriting material from a source without giving credit.
o Using information from an Internet source without giving credit.
o Submitting the work of another person as your own work.
o Using/copying another student’s computer disk.
 o Copying from another person’s paper/test/homework.
o Allowing someone else to copy/use your work (paper, homework, quiz, or test).
o Violating VCCS Computer Ethics Guidelines in the pursuit of academic studies.
Please read the Academic Honesty Policy (Policy 1-34) and be certain that you understand what is meant
by “cheating,” “plagiarism,” “facilitating academic dishonesty,” and “other forms of academic dishonesty.”
Any allegations of violations of the academic honesty policy will be pursued. Students found responsible
for academic dishonesty may be subject to a grade of 0 on an assignment or an “F” for the course.

STUDENT CONDUCT

http://www.reynolds.edu/student_services/student_conduct.aspx
Policy 1-35 In order to achieve the best learning environment possible for this class, students are expected
to adhere to the highest behavioral standards. All forms of disruptive behavior will not be tolerated in this
course. Disruptive Behavior can be defined as behavior that interferes with the teaching and learning
process. As such, any disruptive behavior will be addressed by the instructor and /or reported to the Vice
President for Student Affairs for judicial processing. Electronic devices should be turned off or set to silent
mode during class. Use of an electronic device during a test is considered a violation of the
Academic Honesty Policy and will result in a grade of 0 on that test.

Types of Behavior Viewed as Disruptive in this Class Include

o Cell phones ringing during class
o Texting during class
o Arriving to class late
o Arguing with other students in the class
o Speaking rudely to instructor or classmates
o Sleeping in class

♦ In addition, please note that more than three (3) incidents of disruptive behavior may result in a one
letter grade reduction in your overall grade. Single incidents that are severe may result in one letter grade
reduction in your overall grade or your removal from the course, at the discretion of the Instructor.
If you have any questions regarding the Student Conduct Policy 1-35, please refer to the Student
Handbook online, or contact the Student Affairs Office at 804-523-5296.

ACCESS FOR STUDENTS NEEDING ACCOMMODATIONS

Policy 1-15 Students who wish to request accommodations should contact the Office of Student
Accommodations [OSA] on the Downtown or Parham Road Campus to schedule an appointment. Service
for the Western Campus is coordinated through the Parham Road
Office.http://www.reynolds.edu/student_services/accommodations/default.aspx
Services include
• Registration assistance Contact Information:
• Referral Information Reynolds Community College
• Placement Testing Office of Student
Accommodations Accommodations
• Academic Accommodations P.O. Box 85622
Richmond, VA 23285-5622
email: [email protected]

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
In case of any emergency event, the following shall take place:
o Your instructor will take the lead in directing students with regard to the proper evacuation
process. If you are required to evacuate out of the facility, go at least 300 feet from the building.
 § If the event mandates a “shelter in place” (inside of the facility) your
instructor will announce the location if not the usual location.
o After you are evacuated to the proper location, please stay with your instructor. Your instructor
will be asked to take roll and report to the Emergency Coordinator.
o During an emergency event, use the stairway not the elevator.

STUDENT RESOURCES
o Students have a number of College resources available to assist them in achieving the learning
in a particular course or program. Students are encouraged to utilize the services of the Academic
Computing Centershttp://www.reynolds.edu/register_for_classes/technology_support/
computing_centers.aspx
(e.g., computers to produce papers, essays).
o Math Central+https://www.reynolds.edu/get_started/programs/smse/math/math_central.aspx
provides free tutoring as staffing provides in many disciplines, including online tutoring through
Smart Thinking which is available 24-7.
o Testing Centershttp://reynolds.edu/student_services/testing_center/Default.aspxprovide services
to students in online, hybrid, and face-to-face courses as faculty and course requirements find
necessary. Libraries at the Downtown and Parham Road Campuses, as well as the Western Campus
(http://library.reynolds.edu/) provide print and media resources to encourage student learning.
Students are encouraged to visit each of these facilities to learn more about the services that are
available
o Student Advising http://www.reynolds.edu/student_services/advising/default.aspxor the School
of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering office for assistance.
o Student Information System Video
Tutorialshttp://www.reynolds.edu/register_for_classes/technology_support/
student_tutorials.aspxUse the link above to view short step-by-step video tutorials on how to use
the basic features of the college's Student Information System (SIS).

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Course Description: Presents topics in power, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic
functions, systems of equations, and trigonometry. Replaces MTH 166 or MTH 168. Credit will not be
awarded for both MTH 167 and 161/162 or equivalent. Prerequisite: Competency in MTE 1-9 as
demonstrated through placement or unit completion or equivalent or co-enrollment in MCR 7. Lecture 3
hours per week.

General Course Purpose: Designed for students preparing for the fields of science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics with the intent to pursue further coursework in calculus and beyond. This
course provides the level of rigor expected from Calculus I students in regards to pacing and workload.

Course Prerequisites and Co-requisites: Prerequisite: Competency in MTE 1-9 as demonstrated

through placement or unit completion or equivalent or co-enrollment in MCR 7

Course Objectives: Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

1. Relations and Functions

o Distinguish between relations and functions;

o Evaluate functions both numerically and algebraically;

o Determine the domain and range of functions in general, including root and rational functions;

o Perform arithmetic operations on functions, including the composition of functions and the difference
quotient;

o Identify and graph linear, absolute value, quadratic, cubic, and square root functions and their
transformations;

o Determine and verify inverses of one-to-one functions

2. Polynomial and Rational Functions

o Determine the general and standard forms of quadratic functions;

o Use formula and completing the square methods to determine the standard form of a quadratic
function;

o Identify intercepts, vertex, and orientation of the parabola and use these to graph quadratic functions;

o Identify zeros (real-valued roots) and complex roots, and determine end behavior of higher order
polynomials and graph the polynomial, and graph;

o Determine if a function demonstrates even or odd symmetry;

o Use the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, Rational Root test, and Linear Factorization Theorem to
factor polynomials and determine the zeros over the complex numbers;

o Identify intercepts, end behavior, and asymptotes of rational functions, and graph;

o Solve polynomial and rational inequalities;

o Interpret the algebraic and graphical meaning of equality of functions (f(x) = g(x)) and inequality of
functions (f(x) > g(x));

3. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

o Identify and graph exponential and logarithmic functions and their transformations;

o Use properties of logarithms to simplify and expand logarithmic expressions;

o Convert between exponential and logarithmic forms and demonstrate an understanding of the
relationship between the two forms;

o Solve exponential and logarithmic equations using one-to-one and inverse properties;

o Solve application problems involving exponential and logarithmic functions;

4. Systems of Equations

o Solve three variable linear systems of equations using the Gaussian elimination method;

o Decompose partial fractions of the form P(x)/Q(x) where Q(x) is a product of linear factors

5. Introduction to Calculus

o Finding limits graphically and numerically

o Continuity

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

DAILY APPROACH: Learning activities include class attendance, class work, lecture, group work,
homework, quizzes, and tests. Homework assignments are an essential extension of class work, but
homework may include reading the online textbook, studying notes, and learning the concepts. Students
should always review the appropriate sections in the textbook before material is presented in class.
Students should be investing at least one to two hours outside of class for every hour in class, and work
together in study groups to help facilitate comprehension.

CALCULATOR: Each student must have a calculator with trigonometric & statistical function capability.
The calculator may be used in class on most quizzes and tests if desired. A TI-84 graphing calculator is
available via the Henrico County Software Center, but you must be on the Henrico County Public Schools
wifi in order to download it. Here are the directions.

TI-89 and TI-Nspire Calculators are not permitted in this course. Cell Phones may not be used as a
calculator.

OTHER RESOURCES: The websites DeltaMath, Khan Academy, and the PatrickJMT Youtube channel may be
used for most topics covered in this course.

GRADES: There are no “naked” answers. All answers must be properly justified. You will not
receive credit for only writing the answer irrespective of the simplicity of the problem.

HOMEWORK/CLASSWORK/PROJECTS:Success in mathematics is achieved by building content; homework

and classwork must be completed on time to maximize its effectiveness. Success in each new topic
depends on mastery of previous topics. Homework assignments shall be turned in at the beginning of
class. There shall be a variety of independent and collaborative assignments ranging from 5 to 50 points
depending on the length of time required to complete. All homework assignments are listed at the end of
the syllabus. Each due date will be announced in class and/or posted online. Both homework and classwork
shall be done regularly but not necessarily every day. Projects will be assigned, explained, and discussed
both in class and on discussion boards. A total of 380 points will result from these assignments.

ASSESSMENTS: There are 2 tests and 2 quizzeseach quarter (4 tests and 4 quizzes for the semester). Each
test is worth 50 points, andeach quiz is worth 30 points. There is a cumulative final exam worth 100
points. A student may make up only two missed assessments per semester. The questions may be
different at the instructor’s discretion. Additional missed assessments will be recorded as a zero.

GRADING: Your grade in MTH 161 will be determined by total points as follows:

Day/Date SECTIONS DESCRIPTION

M 8/29 1.1, 1.2 Intro, Functions, Family of Functions

W 8/31 1.1, 1.2 Functions, Family of Functions

T 9/6 1.2, 1.3 Functions, Family of Functions, Graphs & Properties of

Functions

Th 9/8 1.3 Properties of Functions

M 9/12 Quiz (HW #1, 2, 3, Extra Credit are due!)

W 9/14 1.5 Transformations of Functions

F 9/16 1.4, 1.7 Composition of Functions, Inverse Functions

T 9/20 3.2 Quadratic Functions

Th 9/22 TEST (HW #4, 5, 6, 7 are due!)

M 9/26 3.3, 3.4 Polynomial Functions/Graphs

W 9/28 3.3, 3.4, Polynomial Functions/Graphs, Synthetic Division, Zeros of
3.5, 3.6 Polynomial Functions

F 9/30 3.5, 3.6 Synthetic Division, Zeros of Polynomial Functions

T 10/4 Quiz (HW #8, 9, 10, 11 are due!)

F 10/7 3.7 Rational Functions

T 10/11 3.7 Rational Functions/Graphs (Family of Functions Project

assigned)

Th 10/13 3.7 Rational Functions/Graphs

M 10/17 TEST (HW #12 is due!)

W 10/19 4.1, 4.2 Exponential Functions/Graphs

F 10/21 4.1, 4.2 Exponential Functions/Graphs (MON 11/1 Family of Functions

Project due!)

W 10/26 4.3, 4.4 Logarithmic Functions/Graphs

F 10/28 4.3, 4.4 Logarithmic Functions/Graphs

T 11/1 Quiz (HW #13, 14, 15, 16 are due!)

Th 11/3 4.5 Properties of Logarithms

W 11/9 4.5 Properties of Logarithms

F 11/11 4.6 Exponential & Logarithmic Equations

T 11/15 4.6 Exponential & Logarithmic Equations

Th 11/17 4.7 Exponential & Logarithmic Models

M 11/21 TEST (HW #17, 18, 19 are due!)

M 11/28 9.1, 9.2 Systems of Equations (two and three variables)

W 11/30 9.2, 9.3 Systems of Equations (three variables), Systems of Nonlinear

Equations

F 12/2 9.3 Systems of Nonlinear Equations

T 12/6 Quiz (HW #20, 21, 22 are due!)

Th 12/8 9.4 Partial Fraction Decomposition

M 12/12 9.4 Partial Fraction Decomposition

W 12/14 9.6 Gaussian Elimination

F 12/16 9.6 Gaussian Elimination

T 1/3 TEST (HW #23, 24, Extra Credit #2 are due!)

Th 1/5 12.1 Finding Limits

M 1/9 12.2 Properties of Limits

W 1/11

F 1/13 Review for exam (HW #25, 26, Population Project are due!)

FINAL EXAM!

MTH 161 Homework problems Fall 2022

HW # Section Problems HW Section Problems

#
1 1.1 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 28, 30, 14 4.2 13 – 22
32, 36, 40, 46, 52, 54,
68, 74

2 1.2 4, 6, 10, 14, 18, 20, 15 4.3 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 30,
28, 30, 32, 34, 40, 42, 34, 36 – 52 even
46, 50

EC (3.2) 21 – 24 16 4.4 6, 16, 26 – 33, 38 – 40

(4.2) 26 – 28, 32 – 37
(4.4) 7 – 19 odd

3 1.3 2, 8, 16, 18, 20, 22, 17 4.5 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18,
28, 30, 32 20, 22, 24, 30, 32

4 1.5 2, 6, 8, 12, 14, 18, 20, 18 4.6 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32,
28, 34, 36, 40, 48, 50, 36, 40, 44, 48
52, 54, 58, 62, 64, 66

5 1.4 11, 12, 14, 18, 26, 28, 19 4.7 6, 23, 28, 30, 34, 36, 38, 40,
36, 38, 42, 44, 46, 48 42

6 1.7 8, 12, 18, 26, 28, 30, 20 9.1 12, 18, 20, 28, 36, 58, 60,
34, 36 62, 64, 66

7 3.2 6, 14, 18, 22, 24, 26, 21 9.2 12, 14, 16, 52, 56
28, 30, 32, 46

8 3.3 2, 4, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 9.3 6, 8, 12, 14, 16, 18, 24, 28
24, 26, 28, 32, 36

9 3.4 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, 30, 23 9.4 6, 12, 24, 28, 32, 36, 44, 48
32, 42, 46, 48, 50, 54,
56, 58

10 3.5 4, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 24 9.6 6, 8, 12, 14, 18, 22, 26, 32,
30, 34, 38, 42 38, 40

11 3.6 14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, EC (9.1) 51 – 55 odd

38, 40, 44, 48, 50, 56, (9.2) 47, 49
60 (9.3) 39 – 45 odd

12 3.7 10, 14, 18, 20, 22, 26, 25 12.1 4 – 14 even, 30, 34, 38
28, 30, 32, 36, 40, 44,
48, 52, 54

13 4.1 10, 12, 28, 34 26 12.2 4 – 12 even, 38, 42, 44, 48

By signing my name I acknowledge all aspects of the MTH161 syllabus and will abide by all policies within.
I understand that when a student is absent, he/she is responsible for material covered in class. I
understand that late homework will be accepted with reduction in grade and that unexcused absences will
result in a zero on any graded assessments. By signing my name, I acknowledge the honor code as stated
in the syllabus and understand that a violation of the honor code may result in dismissal from the ACA
program.

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