Syllabus: College Algebra

( 3 hour credit course)

Course Number: MT 150-AOY1

(36468)

Room: S-109

Class Time: M(F) 10:00-10:50

Semester: Fall 2008

Instructor: Jeannette Ward

Office: S- 121 ( Science Building)

Office Hours: MWF 9:00 – 10:00

MW 1:00-2:00

3:15-4:00

In S 109 5:15-5:30

T 9:00 -12:00

Phone: Office 686-4598

Home 926-1670

E-mail jeannette.ward@KCTCS

Textbook and Supplies Algebra for College Students by Lial, Hornsby&McGinnis

6th. Edition, , a TI-83 Graphing Calculator and Access

Code for using My Math Lab The textbook is optional.

Prerequisite: Two years of high-school algebra and a score of 20 or

better on the ACT, or completion of MT 122, or placement

into MT 150 by placement test.

Description of Course: This course is a course in selected topics in algebra and analytic

geometry. This course develops manipulative skills and

concepts required for further study in mathematics. The

included topics in this course are linear, quadratic, polynomial,

rational, exponential, logarithmic and piecewise functions.

Systems of equations and inequalities and an introduction to

analytical geometry are also included.

Course Objective: This course is designed to give students a basic knowledge of the

college level algebra concepts; to enable students to successfully

use mathematical modeling based on real life situations; and to

improve their decision-making, writing and oral presentation

skills.

Course Requirements: Students will be expected to demonstrate a strong work ethic

as defined by the OCTC Standards of Professional Conduct.

This standard is found on the OCTC Web Site and in the

center fold of the spring 2008 Schedule of Classes. These

expectations include attending all classes, working the

assigned homework, taking all quizzes and test on the

assigned dates, and participating in class discussions and

group work.

Attendance will be kept and those students with more than

4 absences will not be allowed to withdraw from the class.

Course Outline: We will cover material from the following chapters 2-10.

Additional optional topics will be included in mathematical

modeling.

Course Evaluation: Homework will be assigned on a daily basis. It is expected that each student will do his or her homework before the next class

period. Students will be ask to turn in selected homework

problems from those assigned. These problems will carry

an announced total point value ranging from 2pts. to 5pts.

Students will not be able to make up any daily grade such as

quizzes or homework. In addition homework will

be assigned from My Math Lab. This homework will have a

limited time period ( usually 24-48 hours to complete for a

homework grade) . My Math Lab homework will be assigned point

values.

Quizzes will be given through out the semester. These will

range in value from 5pt. mini quizzes to 20pt.major quizzes.

All major quizzes will be announced in advance. Some quizzes

will be completed on My Math Lab. Quizzes are considered daily

grades and may not be made up. I will drop the lowest 20pt. quiz

grade at the end of the semester. This will allow for the equivalent

of one missed major quiz during semester.

At least one of the quiz grades will actually be a modeling project.

This project will include in the requirements levels of expectations from the list found on the OCTC Web Site and in the center fold of the spring schedule 2008. These expectations will come from the Expression of Ideas through Mathematical Representation and through the Performance and Productions components.

The exact expectations will be outline when the project assignment is made.

Test - Three(3) 50 pt. test will be given during the semester. These test must be made up within six(6) days of the assigned test date.

Failure to make up the test in the required time frame will result in a zero for that test. No partial credit will be given on make up test. A comprehensive final consisting of 100pts.

will be given at the assigned time during finals week

Extra Credit From time to time during the semester extra-credit

problems will be offered. These problems are meant to be

challenging. These problems will range in points from 2pts. to

5pts. These extra credit problems will add to your total points but

not to the total possible points.

Grading Scale: Grades will be determined according to the following scale:

Total Points

470-423 = A or 90%- 100% of the total points

423-376 = B or 80% - 90% of the total points

376-329 = C or 70% - 80% of the total points

329-282 = D or 60% - 70% of the total points

Below 282 = E or below 60% of the total points

Attendance Policy: Because of the nature of mathematics, that it is an accumulative

building course it is strongly advised that you do not miss any

class. I realize that this is the ultimate goal and from time to

time students must miss. I will take attendance daily. I will

provide you with a monthly schedule so that if you must miss

you can keep up.

Withdrawal Policy: If you have no more than four(4) absences and have been trying

in this class you will be allowed to withdraw up until the

last regular class period of the semester.

Student Code of Conduct: Students are expected to follow the acceptable behavior

policies outlined in the Student Code of Conduct Handbook (Pages 23-26) both in the classroom and outside of the classroom. This had book can be found on

the OCTC Web site. Please make special note of the zero

tolerance policy for any threatening or terroristic threatening behavior.

Final Exam Schedule: Monday December 8th. 11:00-1:00 p.m.

Competencies: MT 150

Recognize functions and specify the domain and the range of a given function;
Graph linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and piecewise functions;
Write function expressions and equations of conic sections from data, verbal description, or graph;
Solve applications using linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, and piecewise functions;
Perform operations with functions;
Find inverse functions;
Solve linear and nonlinear systems of equations and inequalities;
Graph parabolas, ellipses, circles, and hyperbolas;

9. Recognize the equations and important features of the conic sections.

Outline:

I. Review of Intermediate Algebra Topics

A. Real and Complex Number Systems

B. Exponents and Radicals

C. Polynomials: Factoring and Simplification

D. Solution of Linear Equations & Inequalities

E. Solution of Quadratic Equations

II. Functions, Models, & Applications

A. Functions, Relations, Domain, and Range

B. Linear Functions

C. Quadratic Functions

D. Exponential Functions

E. Logarithmic Functions

F. Polynomial and Rational Functions

G. Operations with Functions

H. Piecewise-Defined and Inverse Functions

III. Systems of Equations & Inequalities

A. Linear

B. Nonlinear

IV. Analytic Geometry

A. Circles and Ellipses

B. Parabolas

C. Hyperbolas

General Education Competencies: Fall 2008

I. Communicate Effectively

1. Read and listen with comprehension.

2. Speak and write clearly using standard English.

3. Interact cooperatively with others using both verbal and non-verbal means.

4. Demonstrate information processing through basic computer skills (or calculator skills).

Method of Assessment: Written explanation of mathematical problems will be required of each student on either exams and/or homework.

II. Think Critically

1. Make connections in learning across the disciplines and draw logical conclusions.

2. Demonstrate problem solving through interpreting, analyzing, summarizing, and/or integrating a

variety of materials.

3. Use mathematics to organize, analyze, and synthesize data to solve a problem.

Method of Assessment: Exams and/or homework will consist of a significant number of application problems and/or projects.

III. Learn Independently

1. Use appropriate search strategies and resources to find, evaluate, and use information.

2. Make choices based upon awareness of ethics and differing perspectives/ideas.

3. Apply learning in academic, personal, and public situations.

4. Think creatively to develop new ideas, processes, or products.

Method of Assessment: Exams and/or homework will consist of some application problems, and the student will be expected to demonstrate traditional work ethics of responsibility, attendance, class participation, and cooperation.

IV. Examine Relationships in Diverse and Complex Environments

1. Demonstrate an awareness of the relationship of the individual to the biological and physical environment.

2. Develop an awareness of self as an individual member of a multicultural global community.

Method of Assessment: Students will be expected to demonstrate respect to the instructor and other students in the class, open-mindedness towards different approaches to problem solving, and willingness to learn from each other.

A special Note:

v Due to the increase use of cell phone I am asking that if you must have your cell phone on please put it on vibrate. Do not let the phone ring in class. It is disturbing to others.

v Please do not talk to others while I am teaching.

Everyone has paid for this course and deserves the same right to learn. You discussion with a classmate is disturbing to others.

v If my office schedule does not meet with your schedule please consult with me and we will work out a mutually agreeable time.

v For each of you this syllabus represents a contract

with me as your instructor. A contract has

responsibilities placed upon both parties. As your

instructor it is my responsibility to provide you will

good instruction and responsible timely evaluation of

your work. As you the student it is your responsibility

to follow through on all of the requirements outlined in

this syllabus. Just to make sure we understand each

other from the beginning I am asking you to complete

sign and return the following agreement located at the

bottom of this schedule.

------

(Please clip and return by the third (3rd.) class period)

I ______(Print Name) wish to enroll in MT-150-01 at Owensboro Community and Technical College. I understand and agree to complete the above requirements for

MT 150.

______(Signature) ______(Date)

If it becomes necessary for me to withdraw from this class I understand the

required process that is outlined in the above MT 150 syllabus.

______( Name) ______(Date

Tentative Schedule for MT 150

August
15th / Tuesday / Syllabus & Survey & Registration
17th. / Thursday / Section 2-1,2-2 MML
22nd. / Tuesday / Section 2-6 & 2-7
24th. / Thursday / MML Review of 3-2 & 3-3
29th. / Tuesday / MML Quiz on review
Section 3-4 & 3-5
31st. / Thursday / Section 4-1,4-3
February
5th. / Tuesday / Section 4-4 & MML Review for Test
7th. / Thursday / Test on Sections 2-6 through 4-4
12th. / Tuesday / Linear Modeling
14th. / Thursday / Linear Modeling Project
19th. / Tuesday / Linear Modeling Project Due MML Review of Factoring & Section 6-5
21st. / Thursday / MML Review of Rational Expressions & Section 7-3
26th. / Tuesday / MML Quiz on Factoring & Rationals & Section 7-5 & 8-1 & 8-2
28th. / Thursday / Sections 8-3,8-4&8-5
March
4th / Tuesday / Section 8-7
6th. / Thursday / Test II Sections 6-5 through 8-7
11th. / Tuesday / Spring Break
13th. / Thursday / Spring Break
18th. / Tuesday
20th. / Thursday / Section 9-1 & 9-2
25th. / Tuesday / Section 9-3 &10-1
27th. / Thursday / Sections 10-2 & 10-3
April
1st. / Tuesday / Quadratic Modeling
3rd.. / Thursday / Sections 10-4 & 10-5
8th. / Tuesday / Quadratic Modeling Due
Section 11-1
10th. / Thursday / Sections 11-2 & 11-3 MML Quiz on 9-1 through 11-1
15th. / Tuesday / Section 11-2 & 11-3
17th. / Thursday / Sections 11-4 & 11-5
22nd. / Tuesday / Section 11-6 & Review
MML Review for test
24th. / Thursday / Test 3 Chapters 9-11
29th. / Tuesday / Section 5-3 & 12-2
May
1st. / Thursday / Section 13-1 Review for Final
Final Exam Date & Time /
May 8th / Thursday 8:00-10:00 / Final Exam