MATH 135 - Pre-Calculus: Elementary Functions

Course Description

  • Prerequisite: "C" or higher in MATH 27 or 103 OR placement in MATH 135 or QM 121

A study of elementary functions, including linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Emphasis is placed on those topics which will prove useful to students who plan to take calculus.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of Math 135, the student will be able to:

  • Solve linear, quadratic and rational inequalities
  • Use interval notation
  • Solve absolute value equations and inequalities
  • Find domains and ranges of functions, including sums of functions and composite functions
  • Recognize odd and even functions (symmetry)
  • Define continuous and discontinuous functions
  • Transform functions, including vertical and horizontal translations
  • Use function notation
  • Perform operations on functions, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and composition of functions
  • Define and graph inverse functions
  • Graph piecewise-defined functions
  • Find all complex zeros of polynomial functions
  • Graph general polynomial functions
  • Graph rational functions including horizontal, vertical, slant and curvilinear asymptotes
  • Graph radical functions
  • Graph exponential and logarithmic functions
  • Use the properties of logarithms
  • Solve exponential and logarithmic equations
  • Solve applied problems of exponential and logarithmic functions

In general, the course will prepare students for the study of calculus by providing them with skills, knowledge, and mathematical maturity necessary for success in that course. It will also prepare students for vocations in which knowledge of elementary functions is useful. Completion of this course with a "C" grade or higher satisfies the three credits of quantitative reasoning requirement of many University of Hawaii programs.