NORTHWEST-SHOALS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

GENERAL COURSE SYLLABUS

TITLE OF COURSE: Technical Mathematics (MTH 118)

DIVISION: Mathematics, Science, and Technology

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course includes selected topics from algebra, analytic geometry, and trigonometry with emphasis on applications to engineering technology. Topics include variation, determinants, conic sections, exponential and logarithmic functions, and solutions to right triangles. This course does not apply toward the general core requirement for mathematics.

HOURS:

Credit: 3 Contact: 3 Lecture: 3 Clinical: 0 Lab: 0

PREREQUISITE(S): MTH 100, MTH 103, or appropriate mathematics placement score.

COREQUISITE(S): None

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK(S): Technical Mathematics, Third Edition, by John C. Peterson, Delmar Learning, 2004.

RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENT(S): Videos produced by NWSCC accompany this course.

SUPPLIES: Scientific Calculator. A graphing utility is helpful but is not required.

GENERAL EDUCATION OBJECTIVE: All associate degree graduates should be able to use the mathematical concepts, notations, and manipulations needed in their field of study or occupation. (3)

COURSE OBJECTIVE(S): Upon successfully completing Technical Mathematics, the student should be able to:

Operate with determinants and matrices: Cramer’s Rule, matrix addition, matrix multiplication, and inverses to solve a linear system.

Factor and perform operations using algebraic fractions; use variation formulas; and solve quadratic equations with the quadratic formula.

3. Apply rules for fractional exponents, and use basic laws of radicals to perform operations with radicals and solve radical equations.

4. Use properties of exponential and logarithmic functions to solve real world problems involving growth and decay, and business and finance.

5. Apply circular trigonometric functions using reference angles, special angles, and inverse trigonometric functions with right triangle trigonometry as a special case.

6. Perform operations using vectors in applications; and use the law of sines and law of cosines in solving oblique triangles.

7. Use analytic geometry formulas for straight lines and conic sections.

METHODS OF EVALUATION:

Course Grade Evaluation: (Minimum of 4 measurements)

A comprehensive final exam will be given and counted toward the student’s final average. Make-up examinations, as such, will not generally be given.

Evaluation of General Educational Objectives: Student success on the General Educational Objective (3) is measured by student performance on each of the course objectives, which require use of mathematical concepts, notations, and manipulations. Performance on each course objective will be evaluated using appropriate problems from the final exam. Results will be tallied for each course objective.

Use of Findings: Instructors will analyze data gathered from the assessment(s) for each course objective and changes will be made based on identified weaknesses. The math department will meet once every two years to discuss findings and implement strategies to improve department and student performance.

OUTLINE OF COURSE TOPICS:

I. Determinants and Matrices

A. Determinants and Linear Systems

B. Cramer’s Rule

C. Matrices and Matrix Addition

D. Matrix Multiplication and Inverse

E. Matrix Application

II. Factoring, Algebraic Fractions, and Quadratic Equations

A. Factoring Monomials, Binomials, and Trinomials

B. Reducing Algebraic Fractions

C. Multiplying and Dividing Algebraic Fractions

D. Adding and Subtracting Algebraic Fractions

E. Variation

F. Solving Equations with Factoring and Quadratics

III. Exponents and Radicals

A. Fractional Exponents

B. Laws of Radicals

C. Basic Operations with Radicals

D. Equations with Radicals

IV. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

A. Exponential Functions

B. Logarithmic Functions

C. Rules for Logarithmic Functions

D. Exponential and Logarithmic Equations

V. Trigonometry

A. The Right Triangle

C. Trigonometric Functions of Any Angle

C. Reference Angles and Special Angles

D. Inverse Trigonometric Functions

E. Vectors and Applications

F. Oblique Triangles: Law of Sines

G. Law of Cosines

VI. Analytic Geometry, Functions, and Conic Sections

A. Straight line: Linear Function

B. Parabola: Quadratic Function

C. Circle

D. Ellipse

E. Hyperbola

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT POLICY: It is the policy of Northwest-Shoals Community College to comply with the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act. Any student covered under this act needing and desiring reasonable accommodations for this class should notify Linda Waide at 331-5321. See NWSCC catalog for additional details.

ATTENDANCE POLICY: Because class attendance is considered to be essential to the accomplishment of course objectives, excessive absences are discouraged. At no time should a student miss more than 20% of the class meetings for a course. These absences also include any absences accrued during late registration. Failure to adhere to the 20% policy may result in a failing grade based on academic performance. Students should discuss with the instructor what is considered “excessive” for a particular course. Any variation of this policy must be approved through the Chief Instructional Officer. A student who is absent due to required participation in a school activity must be allowed to make up work, according to guidelines issued by individual instructors.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY: A student who is unable to complete a course is expected to withdraw from that course by the end of 60% of class meetings. A student who withdraws by the date published in the schedule will receive a grade of “W” for the course. This withdrawal is done only by student request. The grade of “W” is allowed regardless of the student’s grades to the point of withdrawal.

After the designated date of class withdrawal, the approval of the Chief Instructional Officer is required prior to allowing a student to withdraw. The determination of “WP” (withdrawal passing) or “WF” (withdrawal failing) will be made by the instructor for the course and is based on the student’s grades to the point of withdrawal.