MATH 1040

Precalculus and Introductory Differential Calculus

Course Information and Policies

If you have any questions/comments regarding MATH 1040, please contact the course coordinator, Dr. Cynthia Ramiharimanana at nramiha@clemson.edu.

Spring 2026

  • This document is the MATH 1040 Common Syllabus. Your section-specific syllabus is available on Simple Syllabus in Canvas. 
  • Texts: 

    • Just-In-Time Algebra and Trigonometry for Early Transcendentals Calculus by Mueller, Brent, 4th Edition, Pearson, 2013 (recommended). You may purchase it from the Clemson University bookstore. Clemson Libraries also have a copy of the text that you can check out.

    • Calculus, Early Transcendentals by Briggs, Cochran, Gillett, Schulz, 3rd Edition, Pearson 2019 (recommended). You may purchase the loose-leaf textbook from the Clemson University bookstore or access the eText through Pearson+
    • Clemson Libraries has copies of the recommended class textbooks. The books can be checked out at the Libraries main circulation desk, and students can check them out for 4 hours at a time and renew them if no one else has a hold on the books. Students can also check on the status of the works using this link. 
  • Edfinity will be your online homework platform. You can purchase an access code from the bookstore or directly through Edfinity. Please refer to your Canvas course for registration instructions.
  • This course does not require any calculator. Please note that the use of a calculator is prohibited during any exam/quiz.
Daily Course Schedule

Spring 2026 Daily Schedule

MATH 1040 Help Session Schedule (To be updated)

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Course Learning Objectives

This course builds a strong foundation in algebra, trigonometry, and introductory calculus. It is designed to prepare you for further study in mathematics and related fields by developing essential problem-solving skills and mathematical understanding.

The course is organized into four main units:

  • Unit 1: Algebra and Functions
    Strengthen algebra skills with polynomials, radicals, and equations. Learn what functions are, how they behave, and how to interpret and graph them—including trigonometric functions. 

        Unit 1 Learning Objectives

  • Unit 2: Limits and Continuity
    Discover the concept of a limit, how to evaluate limits, and how limits connect to continuity in functions.

         Unit 2 Learning Objectives

  • Unit 3: Introduction to Derivatives
    Explore what derivatives mean, how to calculate them, and why they are useful. Learn the basic rules of differentiation.

  • Unit 4: Advanced Differentiation
    Build on your derivative knowledge by learning more powerful techniques, such as the Chain Rule, and applying them to more complex functions.

        Unit 3 & 4 Learning Objectives

 
 
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Exam Information

Spring 2026 Exam Dates and Locations

Exam 1: Tuesday, February 3rd, 7:00-8:30pm 

Exam 2: Tuesday, March 3rd, 7:00-8:30pm 

Exam 3: Tuesday, April 14th, 7:00-8:30pm

Exam Rooms: (TBD)

Final Exam: Monday, April 27th, 11:30am-2:00pm (Rooms: TBA)

 

Special Help Sessions: 

  • Monday, February 2nd, 5:00-6:30pm (Room: TBD)
  • Monday, March 2nd, 5:00-6:30pm (Room TBD)
  • Monday, April 13th, 5:00-6:30PM (Room TBD)
  • MATH In, April 25th, 10:00-5:00PM, Martin Hall (Room TBD)

 

Previous Exams
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Spring 2026 Quizzes 

Quiz 1: 01/14, Topic(s): Sec 1.1 | Quiz 1 key

Quiz 2: 01/21, Topic(s): Sec 1.2 & 1.3 | Quiz 2 key

Quiz 3: 01/28, Topic(s):Sec 1.4, 1.5, 1.6 | Quiz 3 key

Quiz 4: 02/11, Topic(s):Sec 2.1| Quiz 4 key

Quiz 5: 02/13, Exam 1 Reflection| On Canvas

Quiz 6: 02/18, Topic(s): Sec 2.2 & 2.3| Quiz 6 key

Quiz 7: 02/25, Topic(s): Sec 2.4 & 2.5| Quiz 7 key

Quiz 8: 03/11, Topic(s): Sec 3.0(A) & 3.0(B) | Quiz 8 key 

Quiz 9: 03/13, Exam 2 Reflection | On Canvas

Quiz 10: 03/25, Topic(s): Sec 3.0(C) | Quiz 10 key 

Quiz 11: 04/01, Topic(s): Sec 3.1 & 3.2 | Quiz 11 key 

Quiz 12: 04/08, Topic(s): Sec 3.3 & 3.4 | Quiz 12 key 

Quiz 13: 12/03, Topic(s): Sec 3.7 | Quiz key 

Note about Previous Quizzes
Quizzes from a previous year are posted to help you practice and get a sense of possible question styles. Please remember, though:

  • The quizzes this semester may not look the same as past ones.

  • Past quizzes should not be used to predict your score.

  • Think of them as extra practice to strengthen your skills and test yourself.

Fall 2024 Quizzes 

Topic(s): Sec 1.1

Topic(s): Sec 1.2 & 1.3

Topic(s): Sec 1.4, 1.5, 1.6

Topic(s): Sec 2.1, 2.2, 2.3

Topic(s): Sec 2.4 & 2.5

Topic(s): Sec 3.0 (A, B, C)

Topic(s): Sec 3.1 & 3.2

Topics: Sec 3.7

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Additional Resources
Course Coordinator: Cynthia Ramiharimanana, Martin Hall O-2
 
If you need assistance getting into a math course, please reach out to our Math Registration Coordinators at mathreg@clemson.edu.
Last Updated: 1/7/26 Comments to: nramiha@clemson.edu