MATH-103: Technical Mathematics

School
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
Division
Mathematics
Department
Mathematics
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Mathematics
Course Number
103
Course Title
Technical Mathematics
Credit Hours
4.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
62.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
62.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
MATH-100 with a C grade or better OR a satisfactory score on the placement test
Catalog Course Description

For students in technology programs who have had MATH 100 or one year of Beginning Algebra. Covers functions and graphs, properties of lines, the trigonometric functions, systems of linear equations, rational expressions, quadratic equations, solution of right triangles, vectors, integer exponents, linear regression, complex numbers, and an introduction to the non-graphing scientific calculator. Requires a non-graphing scientific calculator for some formal assessments.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Goal Statement
  1. To introduce trigonometry and develop proficiency in algebraic and trigonometric computations for problem solving in technical areas.
  2. To develop additional mathematical background for more advanced courses that require mathematical competency.
  3. To develop skills in the use of a non-graphing scientific calculator and to incorporate graphing utilities whenever appropriate to illustrate concepts and to solve problems.
Core Course Topics
  1. Measurement
    1. Define the rules for significant digits.
    2. Define the accuracy and precision of measurement.
    3. Define approximate versus exact numbers.
    4. Perform basic arithmetic operations with measurements.
  2. Exponents and Radicals
    1. State the laws of exponents.
    2. Simplify algebraic expressions using the laws of exponents.
    3. Simplify square roots and cube roots.
  3. Linear Equations, Formulas, and Variation
    1. Solve linear equations algebraically.
    2. Solve formulas for the specified variable.
    3. Solve problems involving direct variation, inverse variation, and joint variation.
  4. Right Triangle Trigonometry
    1. Determine the values of the six trigonometric functions of any angle in degrees.
    2. Solve right triangles and solve applications of the right triangle.
  5. Functions and Graphs
    1. Define relations and functions.
    2. Determine the domain and range of relations and functions.
    3. Evaluate functions.
    4. Solve equations graphically.
    5. Determine the slope of a line.
    6. Determine the equation of a line satisfying given conditions including parallel and perpendicular lines.
    7. Find the distance between two points and find the mid-point of a line segment.
  6. Trigonometric Functions
    1. Define angles in standard position and draw positive and negative angles in standard position.
    2. State the definitions of the six trigonometric functions associated with an angle in standard position.
    3. State the signs of the trigonometric functions of nonquadrantal angles and the values of the trigonometric functions of quadrantal angles.
    4. Define the reference angle of any nonquadrantal angle in standard position.
    5. Determine angles, using a scientific calculator, when the value of the trigonometric function is given.
  7. Vectors
    1. Add vectors geometrically.
    2. Resolve a vector into components.
    3. Perform vector addition by components.
    4. Solve vector application problems.
  8. Factoring and Algebraic Fractions
    1. Express polynomials in completely factored form.
    2. Reduce algebraic fractions to lowest terms.
    3. Multiply, divide, add, and subtract algebraic fractions.
    4. Simplify complex fractions.
  9. Systems of Linear Equations
    1. Solve a linear system of two equations in two variables, graphically and algebraically.
    2. Solve application problems using a system of two linear equations.
  10. Quadratic Equations
    1. Solve quadratic equations by factoring (whenever possible), using the square roots (whenever possible), and using the quadratic formula.
    2. Solve applications involving quadratic equations.
  11. Complex Numbers
    1. Perform basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division on complex numbers.

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement
  • All students are required to complete a comprehensive final examination that assesses the learning of all course objectives. This final examination must be weighted in a manner so that this exam score is worth a minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of the student's final course grade. In selected semesters this final exam may be a common final exam administered to all sections of MATH-103.
  • All students will be required to complete at least two (2) proctored on-campus exams. The cumulative value of these exams must be at least forty percent (40%) of a student's final course grade.
  • For proctored in-person formal assessments (quizzes, tests, and exams) the only technology students can use is a non-graphing scientific calculator. Quizzes, tests, and exams may have non-calculator parts. Class projects and informal assessments will require students to use a free graphing application to support learning.
  • Additional assessment of student achievement may include assignments, quizzes, and exams.
  • Application problems must not only be included on chapter exams but also on the final exam.
General Course Requirements and Recommendations
  • A non-graphing scientific calculator is required for formal assessments.
  • Free graphing applications may be used to support learning for informal assessments and class work.
  • Application problems must be covered in all mathematics courses. Every section in any course outline that includes application problems must be covered.

Outcomes

General Education Categories
  • Mathematics
Institutional Outcomes
  • Quantitative Literacy
Satisfies Wellness Requirement
No

Approval Dates

Effective Term
Fall 2024
ILT Approval Date
AALC Approval Date
Curriculum Committee Approval Date
Review Semester
Fall 2024