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PRECALCULUS
Mat 187
COURSE SYLLABUS
Spring 2025
Paradise Valley Community College

18401 N. 32nd St.
Phoenix, AZ. 85032
INSTRUCTOR: Stephen J. Nicoloff, Ed.D.
e-mail: [email protected]
web page: http://www2.paradisevalley.edu/~nicoloff
Phone: 602-787-6676
Office Hours: M&W 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
T&R 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Friday By Appointment
Office: Building Q, Room 254
TEXT and REQUIRED MATERIALS:
 

College Algebra and Trigonometry, 2nd Edition by Open Stax
MOER
MATERIALS & OTHER RESOURCES:
 

Texas Instruments TI-83, or TI-84 or suitable Graphing Calculator, (TI-Nspire, TI-89 and TI-92, Casio fx-CG500 PRIZM (or any calculator with a CAS) are not allowed)

Q Building Puma Tutoring Center Hours
Puma Tutoring Website: https://www.paradisevalley.edu/academics/mathematics/math-tutoring/puma-tutoring-center-q
Monday, Thursday 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Puma Tutoring Center (PTC) Building E, Room 180
PTC Website: https://www.paradisevalley.edu/students/puma-tutoring-center
Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

You must gain access to Moer.  This is an online program where all of the course materials and assignments will be hosted. Access to Moer is through this website: https://moer.maricopa.edu/

Moer is a REQUIRED component of this class and our homework, quizzes, discussions, midterm and final exam will be taken in Moer. If you are uncomfortable working in an online environment, you should enroll in a face to face section. I’m happy to help you find those sections

  • Moer:  Moer will be used for all homework and assessments and is a required component of this class. Moer contains numerous resources to help you learn the course content.

The printed textbook is optional. 

Each section in our course provides a link to the "Textbook/Reading" which will take you to the free, online textbook.  You are not required to have a hard copy of the textbook. If you prefer a hard copy of the textbook, you can purchase it through the links below.

OpenStax Algebra & Trigonometry 2e - This textbook is the primary reading resource for the course.

 Textbook Options

Reliable Internet Access: Because all of our work is done online a reliable internet access is A MUST. Be sure to plan for an alternate method of internet access (suggestions: computer commons, public library, coffee house offering free Wi-Fi, or a friend's house) in case your own internet is unavailable. You are responsible for adhering to the course due dates even in the case of technical difficulties.

Email Access:  Your [email protected] email account is the official form of communication between PVCC and you. You are responsible for reading college and class messages and responding accordingly. You may choose to use your own personal email address in Canvas and Moer, but you should check your college email address frequently for messages.

Calculator: A TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator is required. They can be rented from the math testing and tutoring center for the semester for $20.00.  You will not be allowed to use your cell phone as a calculator for the midterm and final exam.  Calculators with QWERTY keyboards or those which do symbolic algebra (such as the TI-92 or TI-89) may not be used on the midterm or final exam.
You may also download a free online graphing calculator that you may use at home  at this link: http://wabbit.codeplex.com/ (Links to an external site.)

Notebook and headphones: A math notebook with at least the following sections:  Notes, Assignments, and Tests.  This will be your best resource for the class, it is to your advantage to take good notes and to keep an organized notebook.

Other Helpful Resources:

Khan Academy
Just Math Tutorials
Math is Power 4 U
COURSE NUMBER & FORMAT:
  MAT 187 Face-to-Face
CLASS TIMES:
  MW 10:30 PM - 12:45 PM
CLASS TITLE
  PRECALCULUS
CLASS NUMBER:
  18329
CREDIT HOURS:
  5 CREDIT HOURS
INSTRUCTOR TELEPHONE:
  602-787-6676
INSTRUCTOR E-MAIL:
  [email protected]
MATH DIVISION EMAIL:
  [email protected]
OFFICE HOURS & LOCATION:
  M&W 8:30 - 10:00 AM, T&R 12:30 - 1:30 PM in Q254
FINAL EXAM TIME:
  May 07, 2025 10:30 AM
TEXTBOOK:
  College Algebra and Trigonometry
AUTHOR:
  Open Stax
EDITION:
  2nd Edition
PUBLISHER:
  OER
ISBN
  NONE
INSTRUCTIONAL HOURS & MINIMUM COURSEWORK EXPECTATIONS:
  4 hours and 10 minutes/week in class and 8 hours and 20 minutes/week outside of class
THIRD PARTY LEARNING TOOL:
  MOER
STUDENT MARICOPA E-MAIL POLICY:
  Your [email protected] e-mail account is the official form of communication. You are responsible for reading college messages and responding accordingly.
DRS Syllabus Statement:
 

Classroom Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) and its associated colleges are committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities to students with documented disabilities (e.g. mental health, attentional, learning, chronic health, sensory, or physical). Each class/term/semester that a student needs academic adjustments/accommodations, the qualified student is required to work with the Disability Resources and Services Office (DRS) at their individual college(s). College DRS offices may only offer accommodations/academic adjustments for their own college. Contact with the DRS should be made as soon as possible to ensure academic needs are met in a reasonable time. New and returning students must request accommodations each semester through DRS Connect online services. To learn more about this online service process, please contact your local DRS office.

If you have not yet established services through DRS, but have a temporary health condition or permanent disability that requires accommodations, you are welcome to contact DRS by using the information listed on the following webpage: https://district.maricopa.edu/consumer-information/disability-resources/contacts.  The DRS office offers resources and coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and/or temporary health conditions qualifying for accommodations/academic adjustments.  Reasonable accommodations are established through an interactive process between you, your faculty, and DRS; and only those academic adjustments/reasonable accommodations granted by the DRS are recognized by the college and MCCCD.  It is the policy and practice of the MCCCD to create inclusive and accessible learning environments consistent with federal and state law.

 
Title IX Statement:  
  Addressing Incidents of Title IX Sexual Harassment In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the MCCCD prohibits unlawful sexual harassment against any participant in its education programs or activities. Sexual harassment includes quid pro quo (this for that) harassment, hostile environment, sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking. This prohibition against sexual harassment - including sexual violence - applies to students, MCCCD employees, and visitors to campus.   The policy of the MCCCD is to provide an educational, employment, and business environment free of sexual violence, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct or communications constituting sexual harassment as prohibited by state and federal law. Incidents of Sexual Misconduct should be reported to the college Title IX Coordinator, as outlined in policy. MCCCD will provide on its Title IX and Preventing Sexual Harassment webpage a link to all Title IX Coordinators at the MCCCD.  Reports may be filed anonymously at: https://district.maricopa.edu/consumer-information/reporting. Discrimination against pregnant and parenting students is also prohibited under Title IX. For more information regarding pregnancy and parenting status, please visit the webpage Working with Pregnant and Parenting Students.  
HOW CAN I SET MYSELF UP FOR SUCCESS IN THIS COURSE?
 
  • Manage your time efficiently!  It is NOT advised to schedule all 5+ hours of the required time for this class in only 1-2 days a week.  We are typically covering multiple sections per week. 
  • Ask questions & attend office hours if needed
  • Visit the free tutoring centers virtually
  • Stay on schedule!
  • Revisit the video lessons, answer keys for notes, textbook, etc. for further clarification
  • Use your tests and quizzes to review for the next test or quiz
  • Manage your time efficiently!!
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
  Make note of the district and college policy on the student code of conduct located here: Maricopa County Community College District Student Code of Conduct. Students engaging in the following are subject to disciplinary sanctions outlined in the PVCC Catalog, Student Policies Section
  • Acts of Dishonesty; examples include:
    • Plagiarism
    • Furnishing false information
    • Falsifying records related to coursework
    • Forgery, alteration, misuse of any college document
    • Tampering with the election of any college-recognized official
  • Disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, or college activities.  An instructor can remove a student from class for disciplinary reasons.
  • Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion and/or conduct that threatens the health or safety of any person.
  • Attempted or actual theft
  • Failure to comply with direction of college officials or law enforcement officers
  • Unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys to any college premises
  • Violation of federal, state, or local laws on college campus or at college sponsored activities
  • Use, possession or distribution of narcotics or other controlled substances
  • Use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages, or public intoxication
  • Illegal or unauthorized possession of firearms, explosives, weapons, or dangerous chemicals
  • Participation in a college demonstration that disrupts the normal operations of the college
  • Obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on college premises
  • Conduct which is disorderly, lewd or indecent
  • Theft or other abuse of computer time
  • Abuse of the judicial system
THE HONORS PROGRAM:
 
  • The PVCC Honors Program challenges students with a GPA of 3.25 or higher while supporting them with scholarships. The program offers unlimited scholarships up to $1,290 per semester to eligible students.
  • Program benefits include smaller classes, enriching academic opportunities, trips, and social events, as well as transcript recognition.
  • To find out if you are eligible, please visit the Honors Office in K101, email [email protected], and our website https://www.paradisevalley.edu/students/honors
PHI THETA KAPPA INTERNATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
  Learn and Earn! Do you have a 3.50 GPA? The Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society is open to students who have completed 12 college-level credits within the Maricopa Colleges, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 and are currently enrolled in at least 6 graded credits. Phi Theta Kappa doesn’t just recognize students’ academic success; we give them opportunities to develop professional and leadership skills, earn scholarships, explore career paths — and make their worlds a lot bigger.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
  Description: Topics in algebra and trigonometry in preparation for calculus.
Requisites: Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT 15+, OR an appropriate district placement.
Course Notes: Students may receive credit for only one of the following: MAT182 OR MAT187.
COURSE COMPETENCIES: Upon Successful completion of this course, you will have mastered the following basic competencies:
 
  • Demonstrate conceptual understanding of asymptotes, continuity, end-behavior, rates of change of polynomial, absolute value, rational, radical, exponential, logarithmic, logistic, power, composite, and piecewise functions and complex roots of polynomial functions in preparation for Calculus.
  • Determine the length of an arc, area of a sector, and linear and angular velocity.
  • Use the unit circle to determine angle and reference angle measures in radians and degrees and convert between them.
  • Determine triangle measurements using trigonometric ratios and law of sines and law of cosines.
  • Analyze (graphically, numerically, algebraically, and verbally) the trigonometric functions and their inverses.
  • Use inverse trigonometric functions in solving equations.
  • Verify trigonometric identities.
  • Use identities in solving trigonometric equations.
  • Solve applications involving vectors, their components, and visual representations.
  • Model real world situations graphically, numerically, algebraically, verbally, and interpret solutions using a variety of mathematical techniques.


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PVCC MATHEMATICS DIVISION EXPECTED
STUDENT BEHAVIOR FOR SUCCESS AND STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
  • As a college student you need to discipline yourself as to your study habits and classroom behavior. Get to class at least a couple of minutes early. You are expected to at least be on time for each class and remain seated for the entire class. If you must leave early, it is considered only common courtesy to leave quietly and to have informed your instructor beforehand. Please leave iPads, iPods, tablets, laptop computers, cell phones and other electronic devices off. Inattentiveness, disruptiveness or extensive tardiness or absences may affect a student's grade.
  • If for some reason you decide to drop this course, you are advised to discuss it first with your instructor. If you are having difficulties, please see your instructor before giving up or dropping the class. A grade of W will be assigned if you drop before the withdraw date that is in your student center in my.maricopa.edu. After that date, you will be withdrawn from the class with a grade of W, for excessive absences, or by student request. Excessive absences will be the equivalent of missing 2 weeks of class without the instructor's knowledge. If you are still on the class roster at the end of the semester, you will be assigned a grade of A, B, C, D or F, based on your class average.
  • Undergraduate study is time consuming. You can anticipate spending two or more hours of study, reading and research for every hour you spend in the classroom. To earn three hours of academic credit, classes must meet for a minimum of forty-five (45) classroom hours. You should expect to spend an additional 6 hours per week outside of class for study, reading and research, for a total of (90) additional hours per semester. Take these demands seriously as you plan your academic schedule.
  • Have your homework completed before class starts. Please feel free to contact me whenever you run into difficulty, and make use of the LSC.
  • Have questions ready from the previous night's homework and be seated when class begins.
  • Continuously self-test.
  • Make it a goal to attend all classes and stay the entire class period. There is a high correlation between regular class attendance, punctuality, and good grades. Even though you are absent for any reason, you are still responsible for all homework and material covered in class. Get notes from another student for classes missed.
  • Ask questions – participate, don't wait for someone else to ask questions.
  • Be prepared as if you expect a quiz every day.
  • It is the student's responsibility to understand and follow all of the policies found in the Paradise Valley Community College Catalog and Student Handbook.
  • The student is responsible for all information contained in the syllabus.
  • Students are PROHIBITED from digitally recording classes without Dr. Nicoloff�s permission.
  • Your [email protected] e-mail account is the official form of communication between PVCC and you. You are responsible for reading college messages and responding accordingly.
  • Make note of Section 2.5.1, Section A, paragraph 4, pages 145 and 146 in the PVCC Student Handbook regarding the college’s policy on the misuse of computer technology.
  • Make note of the district and college policy on the student code of conduct located here: Maricopa County Community College District Student Code of Conduct.
  • Students with disabilities who believe that they need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Disability Resources and Services in the Gina Kranitz Student Center, Room 1207 or call 602–787–7171
ALL PROVISIONS IN THIS SYLLABUS ARE SUBJECT TO REVISION BY THE INSTRUCTOR. SUCH REVISIONS, IF ANY, WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN CLASS AND POSTED ON THE INSTRUCTOR'S WEBSITE AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:
https://www2.paradisevalley.edu/~nicoloff/changes.html

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CLASS ATTENDANCE:
  Attendance and punctuality is required!! Read the school catalog to become familiar with policies on withdrawals and incompletes. There will be no make-up tests, students must be present on test days.
STUDY TIME:
  For this 5 Credit 16-week class, students should expect to spend 4 hours and 10 minutes/week in class and 8 hours and 20 minutes/week outside of class to complete assignments.
ASSIGNMENTS & IN CLASS WORK:
 
  • Assignments are required and will be due at the beginning of class. They will be worth 15% toward the final grade. The assignments will consist of the problems on the MOER Homework site. Late homework will not be accepted. Late homework is defined to be any homework that is completed after the beginning of class on the day it is due.
  • You should show detailed work on your assignments in your notebook, which will be a valuable resource for the class. Use that notebook regularly, and refer to it while studying for quizzes and tests. 
  • If you get an assignment problem wrong you are allowed to redo it. You will get three attempts per question version.  If you miss a question three times, you can regenerate a similar problem for full credit.  You can regenerate a new problem infinite times.  This means you can get a 100% on every assignment.  
  • It is important to spend time learning the concepts before you start the assignment.  You should read the textbook, and watch any required videos before you start your assignment. 
  • Each assignment has a due date on the calendar and listed in the gradebook.  Assignments are due at 1:00 pm. 
  • Late Passes:
    • You will be given a number of late passes to use to complete late homework assignments for full credit. 
    • Late passes can be used on homework assignments only.  They may NOT be used on any pre-class work, quizzes, or tests. 
    • The late passes will extend any given due date by 5 days from the original due date.  You must use the late pass before the end of the 5-day late pass "window.”  For example, if you click on late pass on day 3 of the "window", you only have 2 extra days to complete the assignment. 
    • You may only use 1 late pass per assignment.
    • After you use all the late passes, you cannot submit any work late for credit.  It would still be recommended to complete the assignment for your learning, but you will not be receiving credit for that work.
    • To request a late pass, click on the late pass link next to the assignment. You may click on late pass EARLY. If you end up completing the test on time, you can UN-USE the late pass to get it back! PLAN AHEAD!
  • You can always review the correct answers to an assignment within each question or through your online grade book.

    Late homework will not be accepted. Late homework is defined to be any homework that is turned in after the beginning of class on the day it is due. All work must be completed by the official end date even if a late pass extends a due date past the official end date.
TESTING:
  There will be up to 10 unannounced quizzes worth 10% of the final grade and there will be 6 tests given during the semester to cover all chapters studied worth 60% of the final grade, and a final exam, worth 15%.

There will not be an opportunity to make up a missed test or final exam. Official Absences with advanced arrangements are the responsibility of the student.
Extra Credit
  There will not be an opportunity for extra credit.
GRADING:
 
Category Percentage of Grade Grade
Quizzes 10% A=89.5-100%
Homework 15% B=79.5-89.4%
Tests 60% C=69.5-9.4%
Final Exam 15% D=59.5-69.4%
Total 100% F= 00.0-59.4%
 
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
DAY OF CLASS MEETING SECTIONS TO BE COVERED TOPICS TO BE COVERED ASSIGN # DUE DATE

(M) 1/13

Introduction
1A

Introduction
Angles

#1 1/15

(W) 1/15

1B

Right Triangle Trigonometry

#2 1/22

(M) 1/20

NO CLASS

MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY

 

(W) 1/22

1C Part 1
1C Part 2

Unit Circle Part 1
Unit Circle Part 2

#3 1/27

(M) 1/27

REVIEW

REVIEW

DUE 1/29

(W) 1/29

TEST UNIT 1

TEST 1 UNITS (1A - 1C)

DUE 1/29

(M) 2/3

2A

Sinusoidal graphs

#5 2/5

(W) 2/5

2B

Graphs of Other Trigonometric Functions

#6 2/10

(M) 2/10

2C
2D

Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Modeling with Trigonometric Functions

#7 2/12
#8 2/12

(W) 2/12

REVIEW

REVIEW

DUE 2/19

(M) 2/17

NO CLASS

PRESIDENT'S DAY

 

(W) 2/19

TEST UNIT 2

TEST 2 UNITS (2A - 2D)

DUE 2/19

(M) 2/24

3A

Fundamental Trigonometric Identities

#9 2/26

(W) 2/26

3B

Sum, Difference and Cofunction Identities

#10 3/3

(M) 3/3

3C

Double Angle and Half Angle Identities

#11 3/5

(W) 3/5

3D

Solving Basic Trigonometric Equations

#12 3/17

(M) 3/10

NO CLASS

SPRING BREAK

 

(W) 3/12

NO CLASS

SPRING BREAK

 

(M) 3/17

3E

Solving Trigonometric Equations with Identities and Multiple Angles

#13 3/19

(W) 3/19

REVIEW

REVIEW

DUE 3/24

(M) 3/24

TEST UNIT 3

TEST 3 UNITS (3A - 3E)

DUE 3/24

(W) 3/26

4A

Law of Sines

#14 3/31

(M) 3/31

4B

Law of Cosines

#15 4/2

(W) 4/2

4C

Vectors

#16 4/7

(M) 4/7

REVIEW

REVIEW

DUE 4/9

(W) 4/9

TEST UNIT 4

TEST 4 UNITS (4A - 4C)

DUE 4/9

(M) 4/14

5A
5B

End Behavior
Continuity

#17 4/16

(W) 4/16

5C

Rates of Change

#18 4/21

(M) 4/21

5D

Modeling with Functions

#19 4/23

(W) 4/23

5E

Solving Equations and Inequalities

#20 4/28

(M) 4/28

REVIEW

REVIEW

#21 4/30

(W) 4/30

TEST UNIT 5

TEST 5 UNITS (5A - 5E)

DUE 4/30

(M) 5/5

NO CLASS
REVIEW

FINALS WEEK
FINAL EXAM

(W) 5/7


COMPREHENSIVE
FINAL EXAM

EXAM TIME 10:30 AM - 12:20 PM

DUE 5/7
 


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URL-https://www2.paradisevalley.edu/~nicoloff/187syl20252.html
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