Course Objectives Math 1050, Robert Morelli

Preliminaries
(1) Use synthetic division to divide a polynomial P pxq by a binomial x a.
(2) Determine if a binomial x a is a factor of a given polynomial P pxq.
(3) Solve equations which are reducible to quadratic, including the following patterns:
Form Examples
Higher order exponents x6 5x3 ` 6 0
Fractional exponents x4{3 5x2{3 ` 6 0
Negative exponents x4 5x2 ` 6 0
` 2x`1 2 ` 2x`1
Algebraic expressions 3 ? 5 3 `60
Equations with Square roots x 5 x ` 6 0
(4) Graph equations in two variables by plotting points.
(5) Find the x- and y-intercepts of the graph of an equation in two variables algebraically.
(6) Understand the concept of symmetry of a graph with respect to a) x-axis, b) y-axis, and c) origin.
(7) Identify symmetry from the graph of an equation.
(8) Test an equation algebraically for symmetry with respect to the x-axis, y-axis, and origin.
(9) Know the standard form of the equation a circle: px hq2 ` py kq2 r2 .
(10) Find the standard form of the equation a circle given a description of the circle, including the
following patterns:
(a) The center and the radius
(b) The center and a horizontal or vertical line tangent to the circle
(c) The center and a point on the circle
(d) Two endpoints of a diameter
(11) Graph a circle given its equation in standard form.
(12) Reduce an equation of a circle x2 ` y 2 ` ax ` by ` c 0 in general form to standard form by
completing the square.

Functions and Graphs

(1) Define the terms: relation, function, domain, codomain, range.
(2) Determine whether a given equation in x and y defines y as a function of x.
(3) Determine whether a given set of ordered pairs defines y as a function of x.
(4) Determine whether a given graph defines a function using the Vertical Line Test.
(5) Find the implicit domain of a function defined by an expression, possibly involving rational expres-
sions and radicals.
(6) Understand and use function notation f pxq.
(7) Understand and use the notation for operations on functions, including the sum, difference, product,
and quotient of two functions.
f px ` hq f pxq
(8) Determine the difference quotient of a function f pxq.
h
(9) Use a graph to answer questions including: find intercepts, domain, range, evaluate, points where
the function equals a given value.
(10) Know and understand the definitions of concepts: maximum and minimum value of a function on
an interval, local maximum or minimum value of a function on an interval, function increasing or
decreasing on an interval.
(11) Determine where a function is increasing, decreasing, or constant. Identify any local minima or
maxima from the graph.
(12) Determine if a function is even, odd, or neither, from the graph.
(13) Determine if a function is even, odd, or neither, algebraically.
(14) Find the average rate of change of a function f pxq on an interval ra, bs using the formula
y f pbq f paq
Average .
x ba
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 Course Objectives Math 1050, Robert Morelli

(15) Understand the connection between the average rate of change of a function f pxq on an interval ra, bs
and the slope of the secant line connecting pa, f paqq to pb, f pbqq.
y
f(b)

y
f(a)
x
x
a b

(16) Evaluate the greatest integer function rxs.

(17) Be familiar with the domain, range, symmetries, and graphs of the library of functions, for instance:
? ? 1
x, x2 , x3 , x, 3 x, , |x|, and rxs.
x
(18) For a piecewise defined function f pxq, evaluate the function, find the domain and range, and graph
it.
(19) Construct a piecewise defined function f pxq with a given graph.
(20) Apply the following geometric transformations to a graph: a) horizontal shift, b) vertical shift, c)
horizontal stretch, d) vertical stretch, e) reflection in x-axis, f) reflection in y-axis.
(21) Know the algebraic substitution corresponding to each geometric transformation of a graph y f pxq:
Transformation Substitution New Equation
Horizontal shift right by c x x c y f px cq
Vertical shift up by c y yc y c f pxq, y f pxq ` c
Horizontal stretch by c x x{c y f px{cq
Vertical stretch by c y y{c y{c f pxq, y cf pxq
Reflection in x-axis x x y f pxq
Reflection in y-axis y y y f pxq, y f pxq
(22) Express a given function as a result of a sequence of geometric transformations applied to a known
(library) function.
(23) Graph a function using geometric transformations.
(24) Construct mathematical models and determine their real world domain in situations such as the
following:
(a) Model the distance from a point pa, bq in the plane to a point px, yq on a curve y f pxq as a
function of x.
(b) Model the area of a rectangle, triangle, or other plane figure inscribed in a curve, as a function
of a parameter x.
(c) Model the sum of the areas of figures shaped from two pieces of a cord, as a function of the
length of one of the pieces.
(d) Model the cost of running cable, partly on a road at one rate per distance and partly off road
at another rate per distance, as a function of how much cable is laid on the road.
(e) Model the time to travel, partly on a road at one speed and partly off road at another speed,
as a function of the distance traveled on the road.
(f) Model the volume of a box created by folding a rectangular piece of cardboard, as a function
of the size of the pieces cut away.

Quadratic Functions
(1) Reduce a quadratic function f pxq ax2 `bx`c in general form to standard form f pxq apxhq2 `k
by completing the square.
b
(2) Know, and be able to derive, the formula h 2a for the x-coordinate of the vertex.
2
(3) Graph a quadratic function f pxq apx hq ` k using graphing transformations.
(4) Use the x- and y-intercepts, vertex, and axis of symmetry in graphing a quadratic function.
(5) Find the maximum or minimum value of a quadratic function.
(6) Find the domain and range of a quadratic function.
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 Course Objectives Math 1050, Robert Morelli

(7) Set up and solve maximum/minimum word problems. In particular, know the following types:
Projectile motion: Find the maximum height, time to hit the ground, etc.
Revenue: Use the formula R xp and a demand equation to find maximum revenue, etc.
Area: Model the area A of a region and find the maximum possible area.
(8) Solve quadratic inequalities.

Polynomial and Rational Functions

(1) Find the zeros with multiplicities of a factored polynomial function.
(2) At each zero of a polynomial, determine whether the graph crosses or touches the x-axis, and whether
it is tangent.
(3) Determine the end behavior of the graph of a polynomial (the power function which the graph
resembles for large values of |x|).
(4) Determine the maximum number of turning points on the graph of a polynomial function and, if
possible, the exact number.
(5) At each zero x a of a given polynomial f pxq, determine the local behavior of the graph as a
translated power function. If a has multiplicity m and f pxq gpxqpx aqm is the factorization of
f pxq, then this local behavior is f pxq gpaq px aqm .
(6) Graph a polynomial, using local behavior, end behavior, intercepts, and plotted points.
(7) Form a polynomial with given real zeros.
(8) Find the domain of a rational function.
(9) Find the vertical asymptotes of a rational function.
(10) Find the horizontal and/or oblique asymptotes of a rational function.
(11) Find the intercepts of a rational function.
(12) At each zero or pole x a of a given rational function f pxq, determine the local behavior of the
graph as a translated power function. If f pxq gpxqpx aqm is the factorization of f pxq, then this
local behavior is f pxq gpaq px aqm .
(13) Sketch the graph of a rational function, using asymptotes, local behavior at zeros, intercepts, plotted
points, and determination of when a graph is above and below the x-axis.
(14) Solve polynomial and rational inequalities.
(15) Determine the remainder R when a given polynomial P pxq is divided by x a using the Remainder
Theorem: R P paq.
(16) Determine whether px aq is a factor of a given polynomial P pxq by using the Remainder Theorem
and the Factor Theorem.
(17) Use the Rational Zeros Theorem to find all possible rational zeros of a polynomial.
(18) Use the Rational Zeros Theorem together with synthetic division to factor polynomials over the real
numbers.
(19) Understand the geometric principle of the Intermediate Value Theorem.
y
f(a)

x
a b

f(b)

(20) Use the Intermediate Value Theorem to locate and approximate real zeros using the bisection method.
(21) Know and understand the statement of the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra.
(22) Know and understand the statement of the Conjugate Pairs Theorem.
(23) Multiply out expressions like px a biqpx a ` biq px aq2 ` b2 as a difference of two squares.
(24) Find all the complex zeros of a polynomial and write it in fully factored form.
(25) Form a polynomial with given complex zeros.
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 Course Objectives Math 1050, Robert Morelli

Function Composition and Inverse Functions

(1) Given two functions f and g, form the composite function f g, evaluate the composite function,
and find its domain.
(2) Know the definition of a one-to-one function.
(3) Know the Horizontal Line Test.
(4) Find the inverse of a one-to-one function.
(5) Verify that two given functions are inverses of one another.
(6) Know the relationship between the graph of a function and the graph of its inverse.
(7) Find the domain and range of a function from the domain and range of its inverse function.

Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

(1) Know the domain and range of the exponential functions.
(2) Know the shape of the graph of an exponential function.
(3) Know the intercepts and asymptotes of the exponential graphs.
(4) Graph exponential functions using asymptotes, intercepts, and transformations.
(5) Know the domain and range of the logarithmic functions.
(6) Know the definition of the logarithmic functions.
(7) Compute exact values of logarithms (without a calculator) when possible.
(8) Know the shape of the graph of a logarithmic function.
(9) Know the intercepts and asymptotes of the logarithmic graphs.
(10) Graph logarithmic functions using asymptotes, intercepts, and transformations.
(11) Change an exponential equation into a logarithmic equation and vice versa: y ax if and only if
loga pyq x
(12) Know and use the basic multiplicative properties of logarithms:
(a) loga p1q 0
(b) loga paq 1
(c) loga pM N q loga pM q ` loga pN q
(d) loga p M
N q loga pM q loga pN q
(e) loga pM n q n loga pM q
logb pM q
(f) loga pM q
logb paq
(13) Write a logarithmic expression as a sum or difference of logarithms.
(14) Write a sum or difference of logarithms as the logarithm of a single expression.
(15) Use the change-of-base formula to evaluate logarithms with base different from e or 10.
(16) Solve exponential equations when bases are equal, or can be reduced to equal.
(17) Solve exponential equations using logarithms.
(18) Solve exponential equations in quadratic form.
(19) Solve logarithmic equations involving multiple logarithms.

Exponential Growth and Financial Mathematics

(1) Know the concepts:
(a) Simple interest, compound interest
(b) Principal amount, ending amount
(c) Compounding period
(d) Periodic interest rate
(e) Nominal annual interest rate
(f) Effective annual interest rate
(g) Present value, future value
r nt
(2) Know and use the formula for compound interest: A P 1 ` .
n
(3) Know the concept of continuously compounded interest.
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 Course Objectives Math 1050, Robert Morelli

(4) Know and use the formula for continuously compounded interest: A P ert .
(5) Compute the effective rates from nominal rates.
(6) Determine the present value of an investment given the future value.
(7) Compute the value of a zero coupon bond.
(8) Determine the doubling time and tripling time of an investment.
(9) Know the common exponential growth and decay models, such as uninhibited population growth
and radioactivity decay.
(10) Determine the time for an exponentially growing population to achieve a given size.
(11) Determine the exponential model for a radioactive sample given its half-life.

Conic Sections
(1) Know the classical definition of an ellipse.
x2 y2
(2) Know the standard form of the equation of an ellipse in the two orientations: wide ` 1,
a2 b2
x2 y2
and tall
2
` 2 1.
b a
(3) Know the geometric meaning of of the constants for the ellipse

a major radius
b minor radius
c distance from focus to center

Also, know the relation a2 b2 ` c2 .

(4) Graph an ellipse from its equation in standard form, including center, vertices, and foci.
(5) Find the standard form of the equation of an ellipse given information about its vertices, foci, center,
lengths of axes, and points it passes through.
(6) Complete the square to put an equation for an ellipse, such as ax2 `bx`cy 2 `dy `e 0, in standard
form.
(7) Know the reflection property of the ellipse.
(8) Solve applied problems involving ellipses.
(9) Know the classical definition of a parabola.
(10) Know the standard form of the equation of a parabola in the four orientations: up x2 4ay, down
x2 4ay, right y 2 4ax, and left y 2 4ax.
(11) Know the geometric meaning of the parameter for the parabola

a distance from vertex to focus

distance from vertex to directrix

(12) Graph a parabola from its equation in standard form, including vertex, focus, directrix, and endpoints
of the Latus Rectum.
(13) Find the standard form of the equation of a parabola given information about its vertex, focus,
directrix, and points it passes through.
(14) Complete the square and factor to put an equation for a parabola, such as x2 ` ax ` by ` c 0, in
standard form.
(15) Know the reflection property of the parabola.
(16) Solve applied problems involving parabolas (parabolic dishes, parabolic arches, etc.).
(17) Know the classical definition of a hyperbola.
x2 y 2
(18) Know the standard form of the equation of a hyperbola in the two orientations: vertical 2 2 1,
a b
y2 x2
and horizontal 2 2 1.
a b
(19) Find the asymptotes and fundamental rectangle of a hyperbola from its equation in standard form.
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 Course Objectives Math 1050, Robert Morelli

(20) Know the geometric meaning of the constants for the hyperbola
a distance from vertex to center
b length of side of the fundamental rectangle
c distance from focus to center
Also, know the relation a2 ` b2 c2 .
(21) Graph a hyperbola from its equation in standard form, including center, vertices, foci, fundamental
rectangle, and asymptotes.
(22) Find the standard form of the equation of a hyperbola given information about its vertices, foci,
center, asymptotes, and points it passes through.
(23) Complete the square to put an equation for a hyperbola, such as ax2 ` bx cy 2 ` dy ` e 0, in
standard form.
(24) Solve applied problems involving hyperbolas (nuclear power plants, sonic boom wavefront, etc.).

Matrices
(1) Know the three kinds of elementary row operations.
(2) Know row echelon and reduced row echelon forms.
(3) Use Gauss elimination and back substitution to solve systems of linear equations.
(4) Use Gauss-Jordan elimination to solve systems of linear equations.
(5) Determine how many solutions a system has from its augmented matrix in row echelon form.
(6) Find the determinant of a 2 2 and a 3 3 matrix.
(7) Determine when Cramers Rule applies and use it to solve a system of equations.
(8) Add and subtract matrices. Find scalar multiples of matrices. Multiply matrices.
(9) Know the basic rules for matrix algebra: distributive law, associative law, . . .
(10) Know the identity In and zero matrices 0m,n .
(11) Know the formula for the inverse of a 2 2 matrix.
(12) Find the inverse of a square matrix using the row reduction method.
(13) Convert a system linear equations to a matrix equation Ax b.
(14) Solve a matrix equations Ax b using the inverse of A, by x A1 b.
P
(15) Know the form of the partial fraction decomposition of rational expressions , including the following
Q
patterns:

Form Examples

2 ` 7x A B
Distinct linear factors `
px 3qpx 5q x3 x5
2 ` 7x ` 13x2 A B C
` `
px 3qpx 5qpx 6q x3 x5 x6
2 ` 7x A B
Repeated linear factors `
px 3q2 x3 px 3q2
2 ` 7x ` 13x2 A B C D
` ` `
px 3q3 px 5q x3 px 3q2 px 3q3 x5
2 ` 7x ` 13x2 Ax ` B C
Quadratic factors 2 `
px2 ` 11qpx 5q x ` 11 x5
(16) Find the partial fractions decomposition by clearing fractions and comparing coefficients.
(17) Find the partial fractions decomposition by plugging in values for x.
(18) Find the partial fractions decomposition by the coverup method (where applicable).

Sequences
(1) Know the definition and notation for sequences.
(2) Given a sequence, list the first few terms.
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 Course Objectives Math 1050, Robert Morelli

(3) Determine successive values of a recursively defined sequence.

(4) Know the definition of the factorial function.
(5) Simplify rational expressions involving factorials by canceling.
(6) Understand and use summation notation.
(7) Know the definitions of arithmetic and geometric sequences and be able to recognize them.
(8) Given two or more terms of an arithmetic sequence, find the first term and common difference.
(9) Find the nth term of an arithmetic sequence using the formula an a1 ` pn 1qd.
(10) Find the sum of the first n terms of an arithmetic sequence using the formula
n
n
Sn an pa1 ` an q.
k1
2
(11) Solve word problems using sums of arithmetic sequences.
(12) Find the nth term of a geometric sequence using an arn1 .
(13) Find the sum of the first n terms of a geometric sequence using the formula
n
1 rn
Sn ark1 a .
k1
1r
(14) Determine whether an infinite geometric series converges or diverges.
8
a
(15) Find the sum of a convergent infinite geometric series using the formula ark1 .
k1
1 r
(16) Solve word problems using sums of geometric sequences.
n n!
(17) Evaluate binomial coefficients using the factorial formula .
k k! pn kq!
(18) Evaluate binomial coefficients using Pascals Triangle.
(19) Use the Binomial Theorem to expand a power of a binomial expression pa ` bqn .
(20) Use the Binomial Theorem to find the coefficient of a specific term in an expansion of a power of a
binomial expression pa ` bqn .