Precalculus, Fall 2005, 640:114:01-05

The final exam will be held on Mon., Dec. 19, 11:45-2:45, in Boyden 100. The final is comprehensive, but will emphasize the material covered after exam 2 (what we've covered in Chapters 7 and 8).

Extra practice problems for the final exam.

Review/Question Session: Wednesday, Dec. 14, 1-2:30pm, Boyden 100.

Here are some notes on how to remember the special values of the sine and cosine functions in Quadrant I.

Exam 2 is graded. There are 3 versions of the test, depending on the mark on the front page before your name (either a + or an * or no symbol before the word Name). Here are solutions according to the version of the test: Version +Name:, Version *Name:, Version Name:.

Lecture: Mon 2:30-3:50, Wed 1:00-2:20, Boyden Hall 100

Recitation: Fridays, Smith Hall 241 (See the schedule below for the time your section meets.)

Schedule of Homework
Schedule of Lectures and Recitations
Instructor Prof. John Loftin, 323 Smith, Phone (973)353-5156, ext. 23.
Email loftin@andromeda.rutgers.edu
Email is the best way to get in touch with me.
Website www.math.columbia.edu/~loftin (this syllabus is attached to the website)
Prerequisites College Algebra (Mathematics 112 or 113) or placement by examination
Which Math Course To Take? Anyone qualified to take Precalculus may instead take Basic Calculus (Math 119). Precalculus is designed for students who intend to take higher mathematics courses later. This includes majors in natural science, mathematics, computer science and engineering. Basic Calculus is usually more appropriate for majors in information systems, finance and social science.
TA Dmitry Rubanovich, drubanov@andromeda.rutgers.edu, 203 Smith, Phone (973)353-5176, ext. 48
Text Goodman and Hirsch, Precalculus: Understanding Functions, A Graphing Approach, 2nd edition, Brooks/Cole.
Calculators You will need a scientific calculator for this course, for the homework, quizzes, and exams. You will not be allowed to borrow a calculator from another student during a test. Calculators equipped with any sort of communication device are prohibited. So you may not use your cellular phone as a calculator during an exam.
Examinations There will be two exams during the term and a final exam. The first two exams will be held in class. First exam: Monday, October 17; Second exam: Monday, November 21. The material for the in-class exams is on the schedule of lectures and recitations .  The final exam will be on the date according to the university's schedule: Tentatively, this is Monday, December 19, 11:45am-2:45pm. Note that this is the exam time of the group mathematics finals, and not the exam time for the time the course meets. The room for the final will be announced later. You may not take the final early. Makeup exams will be given only in extraordinary circumstances.
Homework Homework will be assigned each week but not collected or graded. However, the problems on the quizzes will be closely based on the homework assignment. Homework problems will be assigned a week or so ahead of time (see the schedule of homework). Students are encouraged to work together on the homework.
Quizzes There will be a quiz most weeks in recitation (see the schedule). THERE WILL BE ABSOLUTELY NO MAKEUPS FOR QUIZZES. You will receive a zero on any quiz you miss. However, your lowest two quiz grades will be dropped. So if you have to miss one or two quizzes, these zero grades will be dropped.
Recitation Classes Recitations will be held on Fridays in Smith 241, and will be led by our TA Dmitry Rubanovich. Quizzes will be held during these recitations. Your section number determined when your recitation class meets:
  • Section 01: 9:00-9:50am
  • Section 02: 10:00-10:50am
  • Section 03: 11:30-12:20pm
  • Section 04: 1:00-1:50pm
  • Section 05: 2:30-3:20pm
  • Attendance Attendance in lecture and recitation section is essential to learn the material. In recitation section, your attendance will be required to take the quizzes. In lecture, attendance will be taken on some days. PLEASE BE AT LECTURE ON TIME. The attendance record will affect your final grade in marginal cases: For example, if you have a final grade close to the cutoff between a C+ and a B, and your attendance record is good, you will get the B; if your attendance record is not good, you will get a C+.
    Grades Grades will be computed as follows:
  • 20% Exam 1
  • 20% Exam 2
  • 20% Quizzes
  • 40% Final Exam
    In addition, your attendance record will affect your final grade in marginal cases: For example, if you have a final grade close to the cutoff between a C+ and a B, and your attendance record is good, you will get the B; if your attendance record is not good, you will get a C+.
  • Cell phones Please turn any cell phone to silent or vibrate mode. Cell phone conversations during class are prohibited.
    Help
  • My office hours are: M 1:00-2:00, W 11:30-12:30, in 323 Smith Hall. You may see me any time during office hours without an appointment. You may also make an appointment to see me other times.
  • Our TA Dmitry's office hour is: Tu 10:20-11:20 in 203 Smith
  • Also, the Learning Center, 140 Bradley Hall, offers tutoring sessions and will schedule these sessions to meet the demand of students.
  • Schedule of Homework
    Schedule of Lectures and Recitations


    John Loftin

    2005-08-22

    Exam 1 is on Monday, October 17, 2:30-3:50pm, in class. The exam will cover all the material in the class to date (everything we've covered in Chapters 1,2,3). Here are some extra practice problems: Chapter 1 Review Exercises: 119-125 odd; Chapter 2 Review Exercises: 1-23 odd, 29-67 odd; Chapter 3 Review Exercises: 1-69 odd, 81-95 odd.


    Exam 1 is graded. There are 3 versions of the test, depending on the mark on the front page near the staple (either an X or a dot or no mark near the staple). Here are solutions according to the version of the test: Version X, Version dot, Version no mark.


    Exam 2 is on Monday, November 21, in class. Here are some practice problems for the exam: Chapter 5 review exercises (pp. 400-401): 1-7 odd, 15-63 odd; Chapter 6 review exercises (pp. 453-454): 1-57 odd.