Departmental Outline for MATH 1101
Introduction to Mathematical Modeling
Description: Mathematical modeling using graphical, numerical, symbolic, and verbal techniques to describe and explore real-world data and phenomena. Emphasis is on the use of elementary functions to investigate and analyze applied problems and questions, on the use of appropriate supporting technology, and on the effective communication of quantitative concepts and results.
Prerequisite: Knowledge of high school algebra II, or equivalent. This includes algebraic expressions, first degree equations and inequalities, exponents, radicals, solving and graphing linear equations, factoring quadratic expressions, and other topics. Some of these topics are reviewed in Chapter 0.
Calculator: Students may have a scientific calculator. It is up to each instructor as to how much the students can use a calculator on tests.
Text: (Required) Explorations in College Algebra, 3nd Edition, by Kime and Clark, Wiley & Sons, ISBN: 0-471-46576-3.
Syllabus:
Chapter 1
Making Sense of Data and Functions
Chapter 2
Rates of Change and Linear Functions
Chapter 3
When Lines Meet: Linear Systems
Chapter 4
The Law of Exponents and Logarithms: Measuring the Universe
Chapter 5
Growth and Decay: An Introduction to Exponential Funtions
Chapter 6
Logarithmic Links: Logarithmic and Exponential Functions
Chapter 8
Quadratic and Other Polynomial Functions