MAT 121 CALCULUS WITH ANALYTIC GEOMETRY I

Prerequisite: MAT 102 (trigonometry) or the equivalent

This course is a study of limits, continuity, the derivative and its applications.

Professor: Dr. Melinda Gann

Rationale

This course is intended for mathematics majors and minors and is required of prospective secondary mathematics teachers. Calculus has applications in many fields such as business, science, computer science, and engineering, and is required in some related majors.

Required Test

Larson, R., Hostetler, R., & Edwards, B. (2007). Calculus: Early Transcendental Functions (4^th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of the course, successful students should be able to:

‑define function, limit, continuity, and derivative

‑calculate the limit of a function, if it exists

‑determine if a limit doesn’t exist

‑determine whether a function is continuous

‑calculate the derivative of a given function, if the derivative exists

‑solve related rate problems

‑determine the critical numbers of a function

‑determine the relative maximums and relative minimums of a function

‑determine the absolute maximums and absolute minimums of a function

‑determine the intervals where a function increases and decreases

‑determine the intervals where a function is concave downward and concave upward

‑graph a function

‑solve optimization problems

‑compute the differential of a given function

Academic Integrity

Honesty and integrity are basic virtues expected of all students at Mississippi College. The Mississippi College Student Handbook (available online – p. 41) lists the policies and penalties for plagiarism and cheating . On tests, quizzes, and individual out‑of‑class projects, the work is assumed to be the student’s own and no cheating will be tolerated.

Outline of Topics_

Graphs

Linear Models and Rates of Change

Functions and Their Graphs – including exponential, logarithmic, and inverse

Limits

Continuity

Derivatives

Implicit Differentiation

Related Rates

Extrema

Rolle’s Theorem

Mean Value Theorem

Increasing and Decreasing Functions

Concavity

Limits at Infinity

Optimization problems

Differentials

Assessment

There will be approximately three regularly scheduled exams worth 100 points each. A comprehensive 200 point final exam will be given at the completion of the course. You are expected to take the exams at the assigned times. If an exam is missed due to illness, a doctor’s excuse will be necessary in order to receive a make‑up test. Other make‑up exams may be administered only if the student has notified the professor prior to exam time and received permission to receive a make‑up exam. These make‑up exams will be given at the end of the semester. The particular time and place will be announced at a later date. Partial credit may not be given on make‑up exams. Ten point pop tests will also be given during the semester. Any homework assignment is also eligible to be collected and checked, so you have been warned! Late homework is not accepted.

Grades will be based on total points earned during the semester in the following manner:

90 ‑100 % of total points = A

80 ‑ 89 % of total points = B

70 ‑ 79 % of total points = C

60 ‑ 69 % of total points = D

below 60 % of total points = F

Class participation, attendance, and homework completion will be used as deciding factors for the course grade in borderline cases.

Other Policies

Makeup work is the responsibility of the student and should be cleared with the instructor in advance whenever possible. The college stipulates that the grade for the course is automatically an F in the event of 12 or more excused or unexcused absences (MWF). Please note that three tardies constitute one unexcused absence.

If you need special accommodations due to learning, physical, psychological, or other disabilities, please contact Dr. Buddy Wagner in the Counseling and Career Development Center.

Note: The last day to drop a course this semester is Friday, October 31. Students cannot withdraw after that date with a W (withdrawal) unless the following criteria are met:

1) extenuating circumstances (clearly outside the student’s control)

2) passing the course at the time of withdrawal

3) does not have excessive absences at the time of withdrawal

Office Hours

During the following times I make a concentrated effort to be available in my office. Please be aware of the fact that I have committee meetings and emergencies do arise. Thus, it may be wise to call my office prior to coming or schedule an appointment in advance to ensure your time is maximized.

MW: 10:00 – 10:50 am,

TR: 9:30 – 11:30 am, 1:30 – 3:00 pm

Contact Info

My office is located in MCC 318.

Phone: 925-3941

Email: gann@mc.edu

Exam Time

Friday, Dec. 12 (8:00 pm – 10:00 am)