# Syllabus for Precalculus

## Spring 2012

Professor: Mark McClure
Office: Robinson 325
Phone: 232-5197
email: mcmcclur@unca.edu

### Course Purpose

"Pre"-Calculus is much more than just preparation for calculus. It largely concerns the development of the concept of "function". In addition to our standard departmental objectives, we will:

• Discuss functions algebraically, as in $$f(x)=x^2$$.
• Discuss functions numerically, as in
$$\begin{array}{c|c|c|c|c|c} x & -2 & -1 & 0 & 1 & 2 \\ \hline f(x) & 4 & 1 & 0 & 1 & 4 \end{array}$$.
• Apply functions to solve mathematical and real world problems.

### Materials

• Learning mathematics I expect that you wouldn't be in calculus if you didn't already know that mathematical study is a challenging, yet worthwhile endeavor. Mathematics is the most natural language with which we describe the world around us and, I believe, this this helps us better comprehend and enjoy the world. However, understanding this deep language has a price - it's hard and takes loads of work! I suggest that you spend at least 1.5 hours between classes and at least 3 hours over the weekend studying each math class. Remember that college is a full time job!
• The Typical Week Typically, Monday and Wednesday will be devoted to lecture over new material. I will assign a bit of homework both of these days and you should do it as soon as you can. Thursdays will usually be devoted to problem sessions. After I briefly answer a couple of questions, you will work on a problem sheet in groups. This is a great opportunity for you to learn material and to get feedback. Furthermore, quizzes, (typically on Friday) will take problems right off of these sheets.
• Exam Week The exams are all on Friday. Problems will be taken from homework, in class sheets, and a small collection of review problems. We will typically review on the day before the exam.
• Help You are not undertaking this challenging task alone. Here are a few sources of assistance.
• Me I like to talk to people about mathematics! That's why I chose this profession. Please feel free to approach me any time you have questions.
• Your classmates Most people learn mathematics best by talking it through with others. You will find that you can both learn from and help your fellow classmates. In particular, if your classmate is explaining a fine point to you, then you are helping them!
• The Math Lab We all know the Math Lab rocks! It's open long hours and is located right across the hall from my office. You will welcome there and will definitely find people to talk to about mathematics.