College Algebra

MAT 161/A is for Associate of Arts students.  It is designed to be either (1) a terminal course for AA students, (2) or a course to prepare them for Brief Calculus (MAT 263) or for Statistics (MAT 155) or for Finite Math (MAT 165).

MAT 161 is all about problem solving.  The goal of the course, even though it is named College Algebra, is not to equip the student with a variety of algebraic tools.  The goal is to equip the student with enough algebraic skills, along with other tools, to solve a variety of problems and applications.

For Example:
A Traditional College Algebra student might have to solve the following problem, or ten like it:
Consider the function:   f(t) = 5 + 96t - 32t²  
a.  Find the value of t that produces a maximum.  
b.  Find t for f(t) = 0
           The student would them employ algebraic procedures to obtain:  (a)  t = 1.5  and (b) t = 3.05121, -0.05125

In MAT 161 at WTCC, the student might be asked to solve the following problem:
The height of a projectile can be modeled by the following formula:   Height (time) = 5 + 96t - 32t²  (t is in seconds)
Use Excel to show a graphical depiction of the model and discuss the height of the projectile over time including when the projectile will be at a maximum height as well as when it will hit the ground.

Precalculus

MAT 171/A and MAT 172/A are for Associate of Science students. These two courses are designed to prepare students for calculus, MAT 271, MAT 272 and MAT 273 here at WTCC. These three courses make up what has been traditionally called "engineering calculus", or calculus for programs that are math intensive.  

Precalculus is a demanding sequence.  

Not only are we responsible for providing you with the mathematical skills you will need to succeed in calculus, but we must also equip you with the analytical problem solving skills you will need. In addition, you will need to employ technology to solve problems and communicate results. You will need to be able to work with others and meet deadlines. Perhaps most of all, you will need to strengthen your ability to manage your time and allocate resources towards meeting your goals in this course and others.

One of the things you've probably heard about this course is that a great many students start the course and withdraw. You don't have to be one of those students! If you are prepared mathematically, you can succeed - - IF you are prepared mentally to do what it takes to succeed. That often means working with others outside of class time. It means seeing your instructor regularly to answer questions you might have. It means keeping up with homework DAILY. It means getting feedback on what you UNDERSTAND not what you can replicate. That is probably the biggest difference students see in this course and some high school courses they might have taken: MAT 171 requires you to understand the concepts and apply them in situations and contexts that you might not have seen before.