Finite Mathematics MATH 1630

I. Course Description

A traditional college algebra or first course in precalculus. Topics include functions/inverses and their
graphs, inequalities, linear equations and functions, quadratic equations and functions, radical
expressions and equations, polynomial functions, rational expressions and functions including
complex and partial fractions, exponential and logarithmic functions, complex numbers, matrices,
determinants, systems of equations, sequences and series, and applications.

Credit Hours: 3 credits 3 class hours Prerequisite: DSPM 850

II. Course Outcomes and Topics

Upon completion of this course, the student will:
· Use mathematical analysis and problem solving skills in real-world applications using data,
modeling, and/or information with expressions, equations, formulas, and functions.
· Create, analyze, describe, and differentiate the graphic representations of various polynomial
functions, including the characteristics of slope (rate of change), graphic behavior, intercepts,
transformation, and symmetry.
· Solve polynomial, rational, absolute value, radical, exponential, and logarithmic equations
graphically and algebraically as appropriate, and apply them to real world situations.
· Solve systems of linear equations by a variety of methods, including matrix methods.

Topics
Linear Equations
Applications and Modeling with Linear Equations
Complex Numbers
Quadratic Equations
Applications and Modeling with Quadratic Equations
Other Types of Equations
Inequalities
Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities
Graphs of Equations
Functions
Linear Functions
Equations of Lines; Curve Fitting
Graphs of Basic Functions
Graphing Techniques
Quadratic Functions and Models
Synthetic Division
Zeros of Polynomial Functions
Polynomial Functions: Graphs, Applications, and Models
Function Operations and Composition
Inverse Functions
Exponential Functions
Logarithmic Functions
Evaluating Logarithms and the Change-of-Base Theorem
Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
Applications and Models of Exponential Growth and Decay
Systems of Linear Equations
Determinant Solution of Linear Systems
Nonlinear Systems of Equations
Properties of Matrices
Matrix Inverses
Partial Fractions
Systems of Inequalities and Linear Programming (optional)
Sequences and Series
Arithmetic Sequences and Series (optional)
Geometric Sequences and Series (optional)
Mathematical Induction

III. Required Materials

Students must check with the instructor before purchasing any materials.
Required: Precalculus: Graphs and Models package (text, MyMathLab Access
Kit, Graphing calculator manual), 4th edition, by Bittenger, Beecher, Ellenbogen, Penna;
Publisher: Pearson, ISBN 0321530136

Required Calculator/software: A graphing calculator is strongly recommended or required. The
TI-84+ calculator will be the demonstration tool in the classroom. MyMathLab and/or other software
may be used. (The instructor will clarify.)

-if purchased separately-

Required textbook only, Precalculus: Graphs and Models, 4th edition, by Bittenger,
Beecher, Ellenbogen, Penna; Publisher: Pearson; ISBN 0321525345

MyMathLab Student Access Kit alone, ISBN 032119991X
Graphing Calculator Manual alone, ISBN 0321531981

OPTIONAL: Student Solution Manual, ISBN 0321531973

IV. Course Policies

Attendance: The college catalog states that, "A student who misses class for two consecutive
weeks without contacting the instructor or who violates the instructor’s stated attendance policy
will be administratively with-drawn from the course and given a grade of WF.” This course shall
follow the college catalog. Please be advised that instructors also may have a more specific class
policy.

Method of Evaluation: Grading: 90-100 A, 80-89 B, 70-79 C, 60-69 D, below 60 F

The instructor will clarify specific examination, homework, and other methods of evaluation.

V. ADA Statement

Nashville State Technical Community College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If
you wish to request any special accommodations for any courses in which you are enrolled, contact
the Disability Coordinator at 353-3721 in the Student Services building, D-26. Such services must
have proof of documentation that is not over three years old.

VI. Classroom Behavior

Nashville State Community College has a zero tolerance policy for disruptive conduct in the
classroom. Students whose behavior disrupts the classroom will be subject to disciplinary
sanctions.

The instructor has primary responsibility for control over classroom behavior and maintenance of
academic integrity. He/she can order temporary removal or exclusion from the classroom of any
student engaged in disruptive conduct or in conduct which violates the general rules and regulations
of the College.

Disruptive behavior in the classroom may be defined as, but is not limited to, behavior that obstructs
or disrupts the learning environment (e.g., offensive language, harassment of students and
professors, repeated outbursts from a student which disrupt the flow of instruction or prevent
concentration on the subject taught, failure to cooperate in maintaining classroom decorum, etc.), the
continued use of any electronic or other noise or light emitting device which disturbs others (e.g.,
disturbing noises from beepers, cell phones, palm pilots, lap-top computers, games, etc.).

Please be aware that children are not allowed in class or unattended on campus.

Academic Dishonesty (Honor Code)

Any form of academic dishonesty, cheating, plagiarizing, or other academic misconduct is prohibited.
“Plagiarism may result from: (1) failing to cite quotations and borrowed ideas, (2) failing to enclose
borrowed language in quotation marks, and (3) failing to put summaries and paraphrases in your own
words” (A Writer’s Reference 331). Academic dishonesty may be defined as, but is not limited to,
intentionally trying to deceive by claiming credit for the work of another person, using information from
a web page or source without citing the reference, fraudulently using someone else’s work on an
exam, paper, or assignment, recycling your own work from another course, purchasing papers or
materials from another source and presenting them as your own, attempting to obtain
exams/materials/assignments in advance of the date of administration by the instructor,
impersonating someone else in a testing situation, providing confidential test information to someone
else, submitting the same assignment in two different classes without requesting both instructor’s
permission, allowing someone else to copy or use your work, using someone else’s work to complete
your own, altering documents, transcripts or grades, and forging a faculty/staff member’s signature.

In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed through regular
college procedures as a result of academic dishonesty the instructor has the authority to
assign an “F” or a “Zero” for the exercise, paper, or examination or to assign an “F” for the
course.

NOTE: This syllabus is meant simply as a guide and overview of the course, the topics, the
objectives, the general assessments, and some standard college policies. Some items are subject to
change or revision at the instructor’s discretion. Each instructor will further clarify their criteria for
grading, classroom procedures, attendance, exams and dates, etc.