El Camino College - Division of Mathematical Sciences

Math 170
Trigonometry
3 units; 3 hours lecture

Grading Method: Letter

Associate Degree Credit --- Transfers to CSU --- Does Not Transfers to UC

Prerequisite: Mathematics 60 with a minimum grade of C and Mathematics 80 with a minimum grade of C, or qualification by testing (El Camino College Mathematics Placement Test) and assessment.

Catalog Description:
  This course includes a study of trigonometric functions, their inverses, trigonometric identities, equations, complex numbers, graphs of trigonometric functions, and applications.
Note: One year of high school geometry is equivalent to Mathematics 60.

Course Objectives and Methods of Evaluation:

1. Course objectives (list the major objectives stated as student outcomes in behaviorally measurable terms.)

1.  
   1.  Solve problems using angles and triangles.
   2. Define trigonometric functions using the unit circle and right triangles.
   3. Find values of trigonometric functions using reference angles.
   4. Graph trigonometric functions and their inverses.
   5. Solve problems using sum, difference, multiple-angle, and product-sum formulas.
   6. Solve problems using the Laws of Sines and Cosines.
   7. Perform operations on complex numbers, including finding powers and roots.
   8. Perform operations of addition, subtraction, and scalar multiplication on vectors.
   9. Solve problems using vectors.
   10. Prove trigonometric identities and solve trigonometric equations.
   11. Prove trigonometric identities and solve trigonometric equations.
   12. solve application problems.
   13. Solve problems using technology (calculator and/or computer software).

1. Methods of Evaluation - Associate Degree Credit Course

1.  
   1. Substantial writing assignments are inappropriate for this degree applicable course because:
      1. The course primarily involves skill demonstrations or problem solving.
    
   2. Computational or non-computational problem-solving demonstrations, including:
      1. Exam
      2. Quizzes
      3. Homework problems
    

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Outline of Subject Matter
 

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Planned Instructional Activities:

Lecture, discussion, individual and group work

Entrance Skills and Knowledge:

List the required skills and/or knowledge without which a student would be highly unlikely to receive a grade of A, B, C, or Credit (or for Health and Safety, would endanger self or others) in the Target Course.

1. Solve application problems at the Intermediate Algebra level.
2. Solve linear and quadratic equations at the Intermediate Algebra level.
3. Graph basic functions: linear, quadratic exponential and logarithmic at the Intermediate Algebra level.
4. Recognize geometric relationships.
5. Solve problems involving right triangles.