This course is part of the Precalculus through Data and Modelling Specialization

4.7
stars
52 ratings

Joseph W. Cutrone, PhD

Top Instructor

3,934 already enrolled

Offered By

Precalculus through Data and Modelling SpecializationJohns Hopkins University

About this Course

5,016 recent views

This course helps to build the foundational material to use mathematics as a tool to model, understand, and interpret the world around us.  This is done through studying functions, their properties, and applications to data analysis.  Concepts of precalculus provide the set of tools for the beginning student to begin their scientific career, preparing them for future science and calculus courses. This course is designed for all students, not just those interested in further mathematics courses.  Students interested in the natural sciences, computer sciences, psychology, sociology, or similar will genuinely benefit from this introductory course, applying the skills learned to their discipline to analyze and interpret their subject material.  Students will be presented with not only new ideas, but also new applications of an old subject. Real-life data, exercise sets, and regular assessments help to motivate and reinforce the content in this course, leading to learning and mastery.

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Earn a Certificate upon completion

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Course 3 of 3 in the

Precalculus through Data and Modelling Specialization

Beginner Level

Some familiarity with algebraic expressions and function basics at the high school level.

Approx. 9 hours to complete

English

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What you will learn

Model data with both single and multivariable functions
Visualize and analyze data using different technologies.
Understand properties of different types of functions to apply them accordingly to model different situations.
Perform vector operations, such as addition, scalar multiplication, dot product, and cross product, to analyze geometry in space.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

Learn more about Coursera Labs

Course 3 of 3 in the

Precalculus through Data and Modelling Specialization

Beginner Level

Some familiarity with algebraic expressions and function basics at the high school level.

Approx. 9 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructor

Instructor rating

4.73/5 (16 Ratings)

Joseph W. Cutrone, PhD
Top Instructor

Associate Teaching Professor and Director of Online Programs

Mathematics

53,291 Learners

16 Courses

Offered by

Johns Hopkins University

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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week1

Week 1

4 hours to complete

Module 1: Linear Modeling

Data is all around us, Trillions of terabytes of data are generated and recorded daily by just using a smartphone, driving a car, or using a credit card. In this course, students examine how data is created, obtained, examined, and used to shape everyday life. To understand an analyze this data, researchers in diverse fields conjecture models based on their data. With more data, they modify and update the model accordingly. The model is then tested to validate results and conclusions. This module will help you to visualize large data sets, present different models for data, and statistics to measure how good the model is to the data. We will also focus on how to communicate the results of the models and common pitfalls to avoid overreaching or overstating your conclusions.

4 hours to complete

3 videos (Total 65 min), 1 reading, 2 quizzes

Week2

Week 2

2 hours to complete

Module 2: Exponential Modeling

Perhaps the most important function of this course and your future courses in calculus, the exponential function is introduced to model many natural phenomena. For example, this function is used to measure population growth, the spread of a disease, and the elimination of drug from the body. Types of interest and present value calculations will require the understanding and use of the exponential functions. We will allow the exponential to have any positive base, but the natural exponential, that with e = 2.718.. will be our main object of study.

2 hours to complete

2 videos (Total 40 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz

Week3

Week 3

2 hours to complete

Modeling with Other Functions

2 hours to complete

2 videos (Total 33 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz

Week4

Week 4

3 hours to complete

Module 4: Dimensional Analysis

In engineering and science, dimensional analysis is the analysis of the relationships between different physical quantities by identifying their base quantities (such as length, mass, time, and electric charge) and units of measure (such as miles vs. kilometres, or pounds vs. kilograms) and tracking these dimensions as calculations or comparisons are performed. In this module, we will study dimensional analysis, or more specifically the factor-label method and apply it to measure the strength of an explosion.

3 hours to complete

2 videos (Total 33 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes

Reviews

4.7

19 reviews

5 stars
73.07%
4 stars
21.15%
3 stars
5.76%

TOP REVIEWS FROM PRECALCULUS: MATHEMATICAL MODELING

by VBNov 15, 2020

Very good basic course for PUC level. Explanations are crisp and to the point.

by VSJul 12, 2022

One of the best courses on Coursera. This course beautifully explains the basics of mathematical modeling and takes the student to higher mathematics with great understanding.

by SPJun 19, 2022

very good teaching, a little preview should be provided giving an idea what mathematical concepts should be known beforehand

by HGMar 18, 2023

Excellent course to start the mathematical modelling.

View all reviews

About the Precalculus through Data and Modelling Specialization

This specialization helps to build the foundational material to use mathematics as a tool to model, understand, and interpret the world around us. This is done through studying functions, their properties, and applications to data analysis. Concepts of precalculus provide the set of tools for the learner to begin their scientific career, preparing them for future science and calculus courses.

This specialization is designed for all learners, not just those interested in further mathematics courses. Those interested in the natural sciences, computer sciences, psychology, sociology, or similar will genuinely benefit from this introductory course, applying the skills learned to their discipline to analyze and interpret their subject material. Learners will be presented with not only new ideas, but also new applications of an old subject. Real-life data, exercise sets, and regular assessments help to motivate and reinforce the content in this course, leading to learning and mastery.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

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Precalculus: Mathematical Modeling

About this Course

What you will learn