Math 25: Unit 2

  • Unit 2 Target Date: Tuesday, February 10
  • Unit 2 DEADLINE Date: Friday, February 13

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


    Table of Contents:
    Topics
    Study Guidelines
    Unit Written Assignment
    Unit Pretest and Exam Description
    Checklist


    Topics

    The first part of Unit 2 continues the development of the trigonometric functions by studying their value at general angles. In section 7.4, these values are computed by using the reference triangle technique. In section 7.5, an alternative approach, using the unit circle, is given. In fact, this actually provides a second alternative definition of the trigonometric functions. It is very important that you learn both approaches to the definition and calculation of trigonometric functions.

    In the second part of Unit 2, you will see how trigonometry can be used to solve a large variety of applications involving right triangles.


    Study guidelines for the 6th edition of Sullivan's Algebra and Trigonometry

    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 graded carefully, 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.


    Unit 2 Written Assignment

    See Blackboard for Written Assignment and Blackboard Assignment.

    Be sure to read and follow the 'General Guidelines' (look in Blackboard).


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

    1. Read the exam description:
      • This exam has 20 questions, and pretests count as 20% of your grade. 
      • This exam has a one hour time limit.
      • Many of the questions expect an exact answer. You can type pi for the number pi and sqrt(2) for the square root of 2, etc.
      • Other questions on this exam ask for an approximation instead of an exact answer. These questions will ask you to give an answer "with an accuracy of at least two decimals after the decimal point" (or possibly one decimal, or three decimals, etc.). In this case, you would have to enter at least two digits after the decimal point. For example, if you calculate your answer to be 1.41421356237, then you could enter 1.41, 1.414, 1.4142, etc. When you view your corrected exam, you will see that the "correct" answer is 1.41421356237  0.01. The symbol means "plus or minus", so anything within 0.01 of the first number counts as correct.
        • If a question does not ask for an approximation, then your answer must be exact.
        • If a question asks for an integer approximation, then your answer must be an integer.
      • Be sure to look under the entry box for the expected format of the answer.
        • Some problems expect an ordered pair, such as (1/2,sqrt(3)/2).
        • Some problems expect a list, separated by commas, such as 1/2,sqrt(3)/2,sqrt(3). The values must be listed in the order requested in the problem.
        • None of the problems in this course require answers in terms of units, or dimensions (for example, "5 cm" or "3 ft"). In particular, questions asking for radians or degrees do not expect units (in fact, as noted on page 481, radian measure is a dimensionless number). Thus, you should not write answers like "pi/4 radians" or "45 degrees". Just write "pi/4" or "45" instead (the problem will tell you if you are supposed to use radians or degrees).
      • If an angle measure doesn't say "degrees" or use the degree symbol, then it is in radians.
      • Make sure your calculator is set to the correct mode (radians or degrees) for each question.
    2. Complete the online Unit 2 Pretest assignment. You may use your book if you wish, and redo the pretest as many times as you like. Your pretest score will be scaled -- each pretest counts equally, and they comprise 20% of your grade.
      • Directions: At the testing web site, choose the "Unit 2 Pretest/HW" assignment.
      • The pretest must be completed by the deadline date listed.
        However, you may redo the pretest as many times as you like before the deadline date. Your best score counts.
    3. If you are having trouble with any of the problems listed above or on the pretest or practice exams, make use of the help resources listed on the Help page.
    4. Go to the Academic Support Center to take the online proctored Unit 2 Exam assignment (see the information in Blackboard for proctored exams). Remember to bring photo 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 on this exam.
      • Directions: At the testing web site, 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.

      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: At the testing web site, choose "Unit 2 Pretest/HW" assignment. 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 and do the problems listed in the Study Guidelines. Use any of the listed supplementary material to help you understand the concepts.
    • Update your Reference Book as you study.
    • Complete the Discussion Board assignment in Blackboard.
    • Prepare for Quizzes in class.
    • Complete the Unit Written Assignment.
    • Complete the online Unit Pretest/HW assignment (read the exam description first).
    • Complete the online proctored Unit Exam.

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