Instructor: Richard Stark, SB 172, ext. 4371, email: richard@stark.smcm.edu

Office Hours: M-W-F 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Other times are available upon appointment.

Time and Place: Tu-Th 10:00 -11:50 a.m., SB 111

Text: Precalculus (2nd edition) by S. L. Salas and C. G. Salas [the book is presently out of print; we will have handouts available for you.]

Content: Numbers and algebraic expressions; Quadratic equations, inequalities, absolute value; Analytic geometry; Functions (including exponential functions and logarithms; Trigonometry; possibly: Conic sections; Additional topics

Classes: There will be lectures, discussions, and many problems will be investigated and solved in class or as homework. To keep up in the course, it is important that you attend all classes and prepare for each class. Much of your work should be in writing -- English sentences, not just formulas or numbers -- and you are encouraged to discuss your work with other students in the class.

Occassionally, the class will split into small groups to discuss problems and work examples together. A number of in-class quizzes will help you keep up-to-date. Don't hesitate to speak up, ask questions, and voice your opinion.

Teaching Assistant: Kristine Roinestad, a sophomore mathematics major, will be teaching assistant for this class. She will attend classes, hold outside-of-class help sessions, and perhaps give some lectures.

Help: Feel free to come to my office for help, or just for a chat. Bring your questions and discuss your problems with me or with Kristine.

Homework: Homework will not be collected but you may turn in problems that you have worked if you are not sure about your answers or need some feedback. Homework problems will be discussed in class at your request.

Evaluation: There will be four tests, several quizzes, and a final exam.
Each test -- 15%; quizzes -- 20%: final exam -- 20%.

Tests: Dates for the tests and the final will be announced in class.