SPRING 2011 MATH 18
INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA for Statistics and Finite Math(3 units)
Section #2484 MW 12:45-2:05 p.m. in LS 203
Instructor: I-Shen Lai
Email address:
Voicemail: (310) 434-8080
Office Hours: Mondays 2:15-3:05 pm in MC 22; Wednesdays 4-4:30 pm in MC84B
eCompanion website: Access from Corsair Connect: . Click on SMC Online.
Prerequisite: Math 31 with a C or better, or appropriate placement. You are expected to be proficient in arithmetic and basic algebraic skills as covered in Math 31.
Catalog Description: Topics include linear, quadratic, exponential and logarithmic functions and equations; systems of linear equations and inequalities; sequences and series. The emphasis is on setting up and solving applications of the algebraic material.
Course Comment: Math 18 is designed for students who are required to complete Math 54 only or Math 21 only. If you are unsure which subsequent transfer level math course you need, you should take Math 20.
Required Text: Martin-Gay, Elayn, Intermediate Algebra, 5th Edition, Upper Saddle River, Pearson, 2009
Calculator Policy:
Scientific calculatorsare helpful tools. It’s good to be able to know how to use calculators! For the purpose of this class, a non-graphing scientific calculator will suffice (for e.g. Casio fx-300 or TI-30xii). A two-line calculator is more user-friendly than a one-line. Calculator policy for exams will be announced before exams.
Community is built on mutual trust and respect. Every class is a community of learners, and we can enjoy this semester better if webecome a team with a common goal. In order to learn and thrive in this class, we all need to invest the time and effort necessary for success.
In order to maintain this trust, please be respectful to your instructor and fellow students. Refrain from talking during lectures. Silence your cellphones and do not text or take calls during classtime. Repeated warnings for excessive talking or texting may result in you being dropped from the class.
As your instructor and coach, I commit to do my very best to teach, to motivate, to support, to be available, and to walk alongside you on this 16-week journey.
I will hold very high standards and expectations for you as well. I trust that you will take this class very seriously and will work to the best of your ability; you will come to class on time, ready to learn and participate; you will complete the homework daily; you will go to office hours and workshops; you will be prepared for exams; and you will abide by the Academic Honor Code.
Have the right attitude, and you may be surprised at what a wonderful, fun, fruitful semester this could be, even though it will be tiring and stressful at times.
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. -John Wooden
Failure to prepare is preparing to fail. - John Wooden
Attendance is mandatory. Arrive to each class on time and stay for the entire class session. If you are absent three times or if you are late/ leave early six times, you may be dropped from the class. Absences and tardies/leaving class early will result in deduction of points in the final calculation of your grade (every absence after the first one = -0.5% ; every tardy/leaving early after the first two = -0.3%, up to 5% deduction).
You are responsible for all announcements made in class. If you miss class, please be sure to contact me, a classmate, or check eCompanion for all announcements.
Homework assignments are an essential part of the course. Start TODAY and DO HOMEWORK DAILY!!
-Homework sets are due on the due dates (exam days). In general, no late homework will be accepted.
However, as an allowance, one (and only one) homework set may be turned in late (by the next class).
-Homework is assigned for each section and should be completed dailybefore the next class meeting,
according to the lectures and sectionscovered in class.
HW write-up guidelines (your homework will NOT be graded if these are not followed):
- Check HW lists for assigned problems. These will be distributed progressively.
- Write the textbook section number and assigned problems at the top of the page. Keep pages organized.
- Do not crowd problems together. There should be NO MORE than 2 problems on each line (no more than 2 columns). If you wish to divide the page into two columns, fold the paper or draw a line down the middle with a ruler. Leave a line between problems.
- Number your problems clearly (in the margin or circled).
- Write out solutions neatly, step-by-step, giving correct and clear reasons.
- Check answers in the back of the textbook or solutions manual after you have tried it.
- All work must be shown neatly and legibly (pencil is best).
- If work is not shown with the correct steps or if it is too messy, you will not receive credit.
- Homework sets must be stapled in order, and remove frayed edges please (or just use binder paper!).
- Check out and read the article “How to suck up to your teacher”!!
*Homework that shows signs of copying (whether from the answers or someone else) will receive no credit.
Classwork and Assignments Worksheets/ handouts will be done in class as well as assigned for homework. These must be turned in on time, no exceptions.
Quizzes may (or may not) be given on any Monday (based on the previous week’s work). No make-up quizzes for any reason, but lowest score will be dropped.
Exams Threeexams and a final exam make up the bulk of your grade. Be present on exam days! If you miss an exam, it is unlikely that you will do well in the class.
Make-up Policy:
1) If you miss an exam because of an extreme emergency (with a valid document to prove it—e.g. hospital note, police report, court document, etc.), inform me right away ON THE DAY of the exam (by email or voicemail) if you wish to make-up the exam the next day.
2) If you do not inform me of the emergency on that same day OR if you miss an exam for any other reason, you must take the exam the next day, but there will be a penalty of up to 2 letter grades (20% deduction).
3) Any future missed exams will receive a score of zero.
The Comprehensive Final Examis mandatory andMUST be taken on the college-scheduled date.
-You must take the final and earn at least 55% on the final exam in order to pass the course.
Cheating in any form will not be tolerated. Students are expected to abide by the SMC Academic Honor Code. Anyone caught cheating will receive a score of zero and will be reported to the College Disciplinarian.
Grades: Your semester grade will be calculated according to the following weighted scale:
Homework Packets3%
Assignments / Classwork / Attendance3%
Quizzes (lowest dropped) 9%
Chapter Exams(3 Exams x 19%) 57%
Final Exam 28%
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Total 100%
Overall class grade is assigned as follows (in %): A = [90,100], B=[80,90), C=[70,80), D=[55,70), F=[0,55). Adjustments may be made at instructor’s discretion.
Drop deadlines: It is your responsibility to be aware of college drop deadlines and regulations, and
to inform me if you intend to withdraw from the course. Deadlines by phone/web:
Receive refund by THUR 2/24; AVOID ‘W’ on permanent record by MON 3/7
Drop yourself, receive a ‘W’ by SUN 4/10
Requires instructor to drop you (extenuating circumstances), receive a ‘W’ by SUNDAY 5/8
How to be Extra Successful:
1. Instructor’s office hours and workshops, or by appointment.
2. Other Math 18 workshops held in the Math Lab Quiet Room (MC 84b).
3. Supplemental Instructors (SI Leaders) for our class and the Math 18 cohort. Attend their workshops.
Check posted flyers. More details to come.
4. Math Lab (MC 84, MC 72, AET 240) Free tutoring (one-hour appointments or drop-in).
5. Form study groups with your classmates.
6. Be pro-active and motivated; don’t delay in doing homework and attending workshop sessions.
All students who are requesting disability-related accommodations (including learning disabilities) should contact Disabled Student Services and inform me as soon as possible.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
*schedule is subject to change. You are responsible for all changes.
Date / Text SectionM 2/14 / First day craziness!!!
Introduction/ Course Requirements
1.2, 1.3, 1.4 The Real Number System (Brief review in class; please review on your own)
Things to do before the end of the week:
1. Purchase textbook ASAP.
2. Read the syllabus carefully.
3. Know how to log on to eCompanion and SMC email system.
4. Read Section 1.1 in the textbook and go over the Exercise Set on page 6.
5. Start on the homework!
W 2/16 / 2.1 Linear Equations in One Variable
2.3 Formulas and Problem Solving
M 2/21 / President’s Day Holiday
W 2/23 / 2.4 Linear Inequalities and Problem Solving
2.5 Compound Inequalities
M 2/28 / 2.6 Absolute Value Equations
2.7 Absolute Value Inequalities
W 3/2 / 2.7 Continued
3.2 Introduction to Functions
M 3/7 / 3.3 Graphing Linear Functions
3.4 The Slope of a Line
W 3/9 / 3.5 Equations of Lines
M 3/14 / Review
W 3/16 / Exam 1 (1.2-1.4, 2.1, 2.3-2.7, 3.2-3.5)
HW Due
M 3/21 / 4.1 Solving Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables
W 3/23 / 4.2 Solving Systems of Linear Equations in Three Variables
4.3 Systems of Linear Equations and Problem Solving
M 3/28 / 4.4 Solving Systems of Equations by Matrices
W 3/30 / 4.4 Continued
M 4/4 / 3.7 Graphing Linear Inequalities
4.5 Solving Systems of Linear Inequalities
W 4/6 / 8.1 Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square
M 4/11 / No classes == Spring Break (4/11-4/17)
W 4/13
M 4/18 / 8.2 The Quadratic Formula
W 4/20 / 8.5 Quadratic Functions and Their Graphs
Review
M 4/25 / Exam 2 (3.7, 4.1-4.5, 8.1-8.2)
HW Due
W 4/27 / 8.6 Further Graphing of Quadratic Functions
M 5/2 / 9.2 Inverse Functions
W 5/4 / 9.3 Exponential Functions
M 5/9 / 9.4 Logarithmic Functions
W 5/11 / 9.5 Properties of Logarithms
M 5/16 / 9.6 Common Logarithms, Natural Logarithms, and Change of Base
9.7 Exponential and Logarithmic Equations and Applications
W 5/18 / 9.7 Continued
Review
M 5/23 / Exam 3 (8.5, 8.6, 9.2-9.7)
HW Due
W 5/25 / 11.1 Sequences
11.2 Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences
M 5/30 / Memorial Day Holiday
W 6/1 / 11.3 Series
11.4 Partial Sums of Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences
M 6/6 / Wrap-up
Review for final
W 6/8 / Final Exam 12-3 pm
Course Objectives
Upon completion of the course students will be able to:
A. / Solve linear inequalities in one and two variables, graph their solution sets, and express the answer in interval notation where appropriate.B. / Solve literal equations for a designated variable
C. / Solve linear, quadratic, exponential and logarithmic equations.
D. / Solve systems of linear equations using matrix row reduction
E. / Graph the solution sets of systems of linear inequalities.
F. / Given its graph, determine whether a relation is a function and whether it is one-to-one, and determine its intercepts and domain and range.
G. / Graph and determine the domain and range of linear, quadratic, exponential and logarithmic functions.
H. / Use proper mathematical notation to evaluate functions and obtain their inverses.
I. / Evaluate simple expressions involving summation notation.
J. / Determine terms of arithmetic and geometric sequences, and evaluate those series using relevant formulas
K. / Set up and solve practical applications of the algebraic material.
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