MATH 104 Combined Precalculus for Life Sciences

Presents linear, quadratic, cubic, reciprocal, exponential and sinusoidal functions in their multiple representations with a focus on their use as models for concrete applications. Explores the concept and application of transformations, compositions and inverse of a function. Recommended for students with an interest in the life sciences. Prerequisites, if any: C or better in Math 102 or placement test

Credits

7

Outcomes

1. Define, Compose and evaluate functions in their representations (equations, tables and graphs).
2. Use functions to create appropriate mathematical models for realistic situations: identify a reasonable domain and range for the situation.
3. Determine the characteristics (formula, graph, table, domain, range, etc.) of inverses of functions defined by equations, graphs, tables or words.
4. Interpret the practical meaning of the parameters of linear, exponential and sinusoidal models.
5. Use algebraic methods or a calculator to find the extrema of a function used in a model.
6. Use the properties of f(x) to describe or sketch the graph the graph of y= a f(b(x+c))+d
7. Describe and apply the characteristics (including domain, range, intercepts, and asymptotes) of graphs of polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and sinusoidal functions.
8. Define and apply the characteristics of compositions and inverses of functions.
9. Translate between the graph and the formula of functions that are defined piece-wise.
10. Find the equations of a sinusoidal function given its graph, or estimate the equations if the exact equation cannot be determined.