MATH 242

Precalculus Algebra

5.0 hours lecture per week.
Associate Degree Applicable.
Prerequisite: Math 126B or MATH 127 or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
Presents a study of precalculus algebra and analytic geometry. Covers such topics as algebraic equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, zeros of functions, polynomial functions, rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, parametric equations, conic sections, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices, determinants, sequences and series, and probability. The course is designed to prepare the student for calculus.
Transfer: CSU; UC (For UC, maximum credit of one course between MATH 232 and 242).

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Analyze, graph, and interpret the graphs of the following:

· inverse functions

· polynomial functions

· rational functions

· exponential functions

· logarithmic functions

· conic sections

· parametric equations

2. Solve the following:

· polynomial equations and inequalities

· rational equations and inequalities

· exponential equations

· logarithmic equations

3. Solve systems of:

· equations algebraically and graphically

· inequalities graphically

4. Use matrix methods to:

· add and subtract matrices

· multiply matrices

· compute determinants

· solve systems of linear equations

5. Identify, construct, and use proper notation for the following sequences and series:

· recursive

· arithmetic

· geometric

6. Correctly apply a mathematical model to solve a problem given in words