Precalculus II

Math 1151, Lecture 030, Fall Semester 2002
MWF 12:20-1:10pm, Vincent Hall 16

Lecturer: Jonathan Rogness
Office: Vincent Hall 358
Phone: 612-625-3896
Email: rogness@math.umn.edu (by far the best way to reach me!)
Web Page: http://www.math.umn.edu/~rogness

Course Web Page:

http://www.math.umn.edu/~rogness/math1151

Course Description: We will cover the following topics: trigonometric functions and their inverses; real and complex zeros of polynomials; polar coordinates; DeMoivre's theorem; conic sections; solutions of linear systems of equations by substitution and elimination; systems of non-linear equations; systems of inequalities; and arithmetic and geometric sequences.

Prerequisites: Three and a half years of high school math, or a C- in Math 1031 or Math 1051, or a placement exam.

Required Textbook: Precalculus (6th edition), by Michael Sullivan. If you compare your table of contents with the course description, you'll see that we'll cover all of chapters 5, 6, and 7, and the following sections: 8.1, 8.3, 9.1-4, 10.1, 10.2, 10.7, 10.8, and 11.1-3.

Calculator Policy: You are allowed to use only a scientific calculator on exams and quizzes. For our purposes, a scientific calculator is one which can calculate the standard functions, such as sin x, cos-1 x, log x, ln x, ex, etc. Graphing calculators or calculators which can do symbolic manipulations are not permitted. If you aren't sure if your calculator is acceptable, ask.

Exams: You will have three midterm exams. Each will be a one hour exam, and you will take them during the lecture hour. You will also have a comprehensive final exam at the end of the semester. The dates are:

First MidtermFriday 9/27/0212:20-1:10pm
Second MidtermWednesday 10/23/0212:20-1:10pm
Third MidtermWednesday 11/20/0212:20-1:10pm
Final ExamMonday 12/16/021:30-4:30pm

Make up Exams: Because you are registered for this lecture, I assume that you have no other conflicts during our alloted time. Therefore you should be able to take the midterm exams during the normal time. Make up exams will be permitted only in very serious and unavoidable circumstances. Emergency surgery would qualify; a routine appointment which could be moved will not. You've been told when the exams are -- keep those days clear of other conflicts! In particular, we cannot give you a make up exam if you arrive late, overslept, or couldn't find a parking spot! The date for the final exam is also listed above, so you should keep your schedule absolutely empty on that day. Only in truly exceptional situations could a student who misses the final exam pass the course.

Homework: Homework is an important part of the course; the only way to learn mathematics is by doing mathematics! You will be assigned homework every class, and it will be collected every week by your TA during the recitation hour. You can check the answers to the odd numbered problems in the back of your book.

Mathematicians often work together, and I encourage you to do the same with your homework. Feel free to discuss problems with your classmates. However, you must write up your homework solutions on your own. Handing in homework which is identical (or nearly identical) to a classmate's is a form of cheating, and I consider it unacceptable! At best, you will receive no credit for any homework like this, and the consequences could be more severe than that. Consider yourself warned.

Your homework should be:

Attendance: We will conduct the class under the presumption that you have attended every lecture and recitation section. In particular, you are responsible for any announcements made in class. Note that your attendance in your recitation section will count towards your grade.

Incompletes: These are given only in extremely unusual circumstances, and only if you arrange it with the instructor (not the TA) in advance. Incompletes are given only if you have completed most of the course material at a satisfactory level -- at least two midterms at a C level -- but some terrible, unexpected event prevents you from finishing the course. In particular, we cannot give you an incomplete if you simply fall behind in your work.

Grading Policy: Homework 15%; Recitation attendance 5%; Midterms 20% each -- we will drop your worst midterm score; Final exam 40%. Added up it looks like this:

Homework 15%
Attendance05%
Midterm 20%
Midterm 20%
Final Exam 40%

Total100%