MTH 111Z Precalculus I: Functions

A course primarily designed for students preparing for trigonometry or calculus. This course focuses on functions and their properties, including polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, piecewise-defined, and inverse functions. These topics will be explored symbolically, numerically, and graphically in real life applications and interpreted in context. This course emphasizes skill building, problem solving, modeling, reasoning, communication, connections with other disciplines, and the appropriate use of present-day technology. This course is part of the Oregon Common Course Numbering System.

Credits

Prerequisite

MTH 095 with a C- or better within the past two years OR equivalent placement via the math placement process

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Explore the concept of a function numerically, symbolically, verbally, and graphically and identify properties of functions both with and without technology
2. Analyze polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions, as well as piecewise-defined functions, in both algebraic and graphical contexts, and solve equations involving these function types
3. Demonstrate algebraic and graphical competence in the use and application of functions including notation, evaluation, domain/range, algebraic operations & composition, inverses, transformations, symmetry, rate of change, extrema, intercepts, asymptotes, and other behavior
4. Use variables and functions to represent unknown quantities, create models, find solutions, and communicate an interpretation of the results
5. Determine the reasonableness and implications of mathematical methods, solutions, and approximations in context