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.

Fall 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

Fall 2026 Daily Schedule

MATH 1040 Student Success Workshop

Using AI Effectively & Preparing for Exams

Wednesday, September 9 | 5:30–7:30 PM | Cooper Library 200B

MATH 1040 students are invited to a special Student Success Workshop to learn practical strategies for preparing for exams and using AI effectively as a learning tool.

Current and former MATH 1040 instructors, along with a former MATH 1040 student and PAL leader, will share strategies on effective and ethical use of AI, exam preparation, study habits, and student success.

With Exam 1 coming up on September 15, this is a great opportunity to learn strategies that can be used right away.

No registration is required. All MATH 1040 students are welcome.

 

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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

Fall 2026 Exam Dates and Locations

Exam 1: Tuesday, September 15, 7:00-8:30pm 

Exam 2: Tuesday, October 20, 7:00-8:30pm 

Exam 3: Tuesday, November 17, 7:00-8:30pm


Final Exam: Monday, December 7, 11:30am-2:00pm (Rooms: TBA)

Special Help Sessions: 

Math Help Lab: 

PAL Sessions: