El Camino College - Division of Mathematical Sciences

Math 180
Precalculus
5 units; 5 hours lecture and 10 hours study

Prerequisite: Mathematics 170 with a minimum grade of C.

Catalog Description:
  This course includes a study of algebraic, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions; an introduction to the algebra of matrices; sequence and series; an introduction to analytic geometry; and applications.

Course Objectives:

1. Manipulate and simplify complex numbers and algebraic expressions at the Precalculus level.
2. Factor polynomials and find the zeroes of polynomial functions using polynomial division and the Factor Theorem.
3. Solve algebraic, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric equations, and equations with absolute value.
4. Solve quadratic and rational inequalities and inequalities with absolute value.
5. Graph algebraic, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions.
6. Solve systems of equations and inequalities.
7. Solve problems using matrices and determinants.
8. Evaluate trigonometric functions and their inverses.
9. Solve problems and verify trigonometric identities using the sum, difference, double-angle and half-angle formulas.
10. Sketch functions in polar and parametric form.
11. Solve problems involving arithmetic and geometric sequences and series.
12. Solve application problems at the Precalculus level.
13. Use Mathematical Induction to write proofs.
14. Use technology (graphing or scientific calculators and/or computer software) to solve problems.