Math 140: Unit 2

Target Date: Tuesday Sept. 15
Deadline: Thursday Oct. 8

Note: The information on this page is for the 8th edition of the textbook.
Click here for the 7th edition information.
Click here for the 6th edition information.

Table of Contents:

Topics
Study Guidelines
Unit Pretest and Exam Description
Checklist

Topics
Unit 2 starts with A.5, which is a review of solving linear equations, quadratic equations, and equations with absolute values. Then we study the Rectangular Coordinates in 1.1, Graphs of Equations in 1.2, and Lines in 1.3.

• Solving Equations (A.6)
  • linear equations
  • quadratic equations
  • equations with absolute values
• The Distance and Midpoint Formulas (1.1)
  • distance between two points
  • midpoint of the segment between two points
• Graphs of Equations (1.2)
  • graph by plotting points
  • x and y -intercepts of a graph
  • symmetries of a graph
• Lines (1.3)
  • equation of a line
  • slope and intercepts
  • slope-intercept form
  • point-slope form
  • parallel and perpendicular lines
• Circles (1.4)
  • equation of a circle

In order to be successful in later math, science, and business courses, it is extremely important to be able to perform basic algebra manipulations. Therefore, calculators will not be allowed on the Unit 2 Exam. 

Study Guidelines for the 8th edition of Sullivan's Precalculus

These reading and problem assignments are designed to help you learn the course material. You should complete all of these problems, check your answers in the back of the textbook, and get help with the problems that you missed. Most of the problems are odd-numbered, so you can check the solutions in the Solutions Manual.

The only way to learn mathematics is to do mathematics, so while these problems will not be collected or graded, you will probably not do well in the course if you do not complete these and check your work as described above. After completing these problems, go on to the Unit Exam Description below and follow directions.

• Section A.6 Appendix A: Solving Equations
  • Reading: appendix section A.5
  • Practice Problems: A.5 #1-4, 17, 21, 27, 29, 31, 35, 41, 45, 49, 53, 59, 63, 67, 69, 77, 83, 89, 91, 95, 99, 107, 111, 113, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125
    
    
• Section 1.1: The Distance and Midpoint Formulas
  • Reading: section 1.1
  • Practice Problems: 1.1 #1-4, 11, 13, 15, 23, 25, 29, 31, 35, 39, 45-51, 55-58, 59
    
    
• Section 1.2 : Graphs of Equations
  • Reading: section 1.2
  • Practice Problems: 1.2 #1, 2, 11, 13, 19, 21, 29, 31, 35, 39-46, 51, 53, 59, 67, 69, 71, 73, 75
    
    
• Section 1.3: Lines
  • Reading: section 1.3
  • Practice Problems: 1.3 #11, 17, 19, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 37, 41, 43, 49, 61, 63, 65, 67, 75, 77, 91, 111, 113
    
    
• Section 1.4: Circles
  • Reading: section 1.4
  • Practice Problems: 1.4 #1, 2, 11, 13, 15, 23, 27, 35, 47, 59
    
    
• Supplementary material (optional):
  • Student Solutions Manual
  • Algebra Review booklet
  • CD lecture series (step-by-step video examples on CD)
  • For tutoring help, visit the Prentice Hall Tutor Center. Tutors can be contacted by phone, fax, or e-mail. To register, you will need the access code that came with your textbook.
  • Graphing Calculator Help

Unit 2 Pretest and Exam Description
After completing the above work, do the following:

1. Read the exam description:
   • This exam has 15 questions, and will count 15 points toward your grade. 
   • The exam has a one hour time limit.
   • In order to be successful in later math, science, and business courses, it is extremely important to be able to perform basic algebra manipulations. Therefore, calculators will not be allowed on the Unit 2 Exam. 
   • All of your answers in the Unit 2 Exam must be exact. 
   • Some questions in this unit are multiple choice. For the other questions, be sure to look under the entry box for the expected format of the answer.
     • Many questions ask you to solve an equation. If the equation has more than one solution, separate the solutions with a semicolon. For example, your answer might be 3;5. This type of answer will always be explained in detail in the problem.
     • The answer to some questions is an ordered pair, such as (3,5).
     • The answer to some questions is a list of values in a specified order, separated by commas. This type of answer will always be explained in detail in the problem.
     • The answer to some problems is an equation (for example, the equation of a line). In this case, simply type in the equation. For example, your answer might be y=2x-3.
     • Type sqrt for square root. It is best to get into the habit of using parentheses with sqrt. For example, the square root of 3x should be typed as sqrt(3x) not sqrt 3x. The testing system would interpret the latter as (sqrt(3))*x).
       • Warning: The lower level TI calculators (86 and below) will allow you to enter sqrt 3x without parentheses. This is not standard mathematical notation, and in fact the higher level TI calculators (89 and 92) use the standard convention and force you to put the arguments of all functions within parentheses, just as you should when using online testing system (as shown above).
       • Use the Preview button to check your answer!
2. Complete the online Unit 2 Pretest assignment. You may use your book and notes if you wish.
   • Directions: Click on the link above, then choose the Unit 2 Pretest.
   • The pretest must be completed by the deadline date listed at the top of this page.
     However, you may redo the pretest as many times as you like before the due date.
     Your best score counts, and it will be rescaled to 5 points maximum.
3. If you are having trouble with any of the problems listed above or on the pretest, make use of the help resources listed on the Help page.
4. Arrange with your proctor to take the online proctored Unit 2 Exam. Remember to bring identification, and remember that you will not be able to take the unit exam after the deadline date given at the top of this page. You may NOT use your book or notes or calculators on this exam.
   • Directions: Click on the link above, then choose Unit 2 Exam.
   • The proctored unit exam must be completed by the deadline date listed at the top of this page, and may be repeated under certain conditions. See the Detailed Schedule page for specific rules.

   Note: Remember that you can always go back and take practice exams on this unit after the deadline has passed. In particular, this will help you prepare for the midterm and final exams.

   • Directions: Click on the link above, then choose Unit 2 Practice Exam. After the deadline has passed, this exam will be available in practice mode.

Unit 2 Checklist

Make sure that you have finished the following items to complete Unit 2:

• Read the material listed in the Study Guidelines.
• Practice the problems listed in the Study Guidelines, and use any of the listed supplementary material to help you understand the concepts.
• Complete the online Unit Pretest (read the exam description first).
• Complete the online proctored Unit Exam.

back to the self-paced Math 140 home page