Course Description: Math 1051 Precalculus I

Overview: This is the first in a two-course sequence that covers the content of a standard precalculus course. We begin with a quick review of high school algebra and then move on to examine the behavior of functions in some depth including inverses, transformations, and compositions; we pay particular attention to linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions and their graphs. There is no trigonometry in Precalculus I that is covered in Precalculus II. For students who wish to move at a faster pace, Precalculus I & II are combined into a single course, Math 1155 Intensive Precalculus. Precalculus II and Intensive Precalculus each prepare students for success in calculus and also meet the Mathematical Thinking requirement needed for graduation from the U, no matter what your major.

Prerequisites: To be successful in this course you should have completed at least three years of high school math, or PsTL 0731 or PsTL 0732 here at the U, with a grade of at least a C and you still remember the material. Information on the kinds of things you should know before taking Math 1051 can be found at http://www.tc.umn.edu/~droberts/MathPlacementHO.pdf
Trigonometry, which is covered in Precalculus II, is not a prerequisite for this course. If you have any questions about your placement in Precalculus I contact Professor Robertson at 612-625-1075 or droberts@umn.edu.

Audience: Students who plan on taking calculus and who would like to take precalculus over two semesters rather than the one semester option offered through Math 1155 Intensive Precalculus. If you are not planning on taking the calculus sequence you might consider Math 1031 College Algebra and Probability which satisfies the Mathematical Thinking requirement. Note that Math 1051 plus Math 1038 Probability is essentially equivalent to Math 1031 and also satisfies the Mathematical Thinking requirement.

Further Information: The current syllabus, schedule of assignments, and sample exams can be found at http://www.tc.umn.edu/~droberts

Class pacing may vary depending on term length. Check the class syllabus for details.