Precalculus Course Materials and Calculator Guide
Document information
| Author | Thomas Tradler |
| School | New York City College of Technology |
| Major | Mathematics |
| Year of publication | 2015 |
| Place | New York |
| Document type | textbook |
| Language | English |
| Number of pages | 426 |
| Format | |
| Size | 3.16 MB |
- Precalculus
- Functions
- TI-84 Calculator
Summary
I. Introduction to Precalculus
The document titled Precalculus Course Materials and Calculator Guide serves as a comprehensive resource for students enrolled in precalculus courses at the New York City College of Technology. It emphasizes a calculator-based approach, particularly utilizing the TI-84 calculator. This choice reflects a modern educational trend where technology enhances learning. The text is structured to revisit algebraic concepts through the lens of functions, which is a central theme throughout the course. The authors, Thomas Tradler and Holly Carley, aim to provide a self-contained guide that recalls necessary results for students, ensuring they can follow the course material effectively. The document is not just a textbook; it is a living resource that encourages interaction and engagement with the material. The inclusion of exercises at the end of each session reinforces the importance of practice in mastering precalculus concepts.
1.1 Course Structure and Content
The course is divided into five parts, each focusing on different aspects of precalculus. Part I introduces functions and graphs, laying the groundwork for understanding mathematical relationships. Subsequent parts delve into polynomials, exponential functions, logarithmic functions, and trigonometric functions. The final part addresses more algebraically oriented topics, such as complex numbers and sequences. This structured approach allows students to build upon their knowledge progressively. Each section concludes with exercises, emphasizing the necessity of practice for successful course completion. The document also highlights the significance of reviewing key concepts, which is crucial for exam preparation. The organization of the material into 25 sessions aligns with typical semester schedules, making it a practical tool for both instructors and students.
II. Calculator Integration
A significant feature of the Precalculus Course Materials and Calculator Guide is its integration of the TI-84 calculator into the learning process. The document provides an introduction to the calculator, detailing its functionalities and applications relevant to precalculus. This integration is not merely supplementary; it is essential for understanding the graphical representation of functions. The authors emphasize that while the TI-84 is the primary tool, other calculators with similar capabilities can also be utilized. This flexibility is important as it accommodates students who may have access to different technologies. The guide includes practical examples and exercises that require the use of the calculator, reinforcing the idea that technology can enhance mathematical understanding. The focus on graphing and analyzing functions through the calculator prepares students for more advanced studies in mathematics and related fields.
2.1 Practical Applications of the TI 84
The document outlines specific applications of the TI-84, such as graphing functions, finding zeros, and analyzing maxima and minima. These skills are crucial for students as they progress to calculus and other advanced mathematics courses. The ability to visualize functions graphically aids in comprehension and retention of mathematical concepts. The authors provide step-by-step instructions for using the calculator effectively, ensuring that students can navigate its features with confidence. This practical approach not only enhances learning but also prepares students for real-world applications of mathematics, where technology plays a pivotal role. The emphasis on calculator use reflects a broader educational trend towards integrating technology in the classroom, making the learning experience more interactive and engaging.
III. Importance of Exercises and Reviews
The Precalculus Course Materials and Calculator Guide places a strong emphasis on the importance of exercises and reviews. Each session concludes with a list of exercises designed to reinforce the material covered. This practice is vital for students to solidify their understanding and develop problem-solving skills. The authors stress that completing these exercises is essential for successful course completion. Additionally, the document includes review sections at the end of each part, which serve as a valuable resource for exam preparation. These reviews summarize key concepts and formulas, allowing students to revisit important topics before assessments. The structured approach to exercises and reviews not only aids in retention but also builds student confidence in their mathematical abilities.
3.1 Engaging with the Material
The exercises are designed to be engaging and challenging, encouraging students to think critically about the material. The authors recognize that active participation in learning leads to better outcomes. By providing a variety of problems, the document caters to different learning styles and paces. The inclusion of review sessions further enhances the learning experience, allowing students to consolidate their knowledge. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are well-prepared for future mathematical challenges, whether in higher education or professional settings. The focus on practice and review underscores the document's value as a teaching tool, making it an indispensable resource for both instructors and students.
Document reference
- Precalculus (Thomas Tradler, Holly Carley)
- Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License
- Introduction to the TI-84 (Thomas Tradler, Holly Carley)
- Functions and graphs (Thomas Tradler, Holly Carley)
- New York City College of Technology