Intermediate Algebra Presents Algebraic Skills for MAC 1105

MAT 1033 – Intermediate Algebra

Course Syllabus

FallTerm, 2009 (201010)

Course Description: /

Intermediate Algebra: 4 Credit Hours

Intermediate Algebra presents algebraic skills for MAC 1105.

Course Goals: / The following topics will be covered
Linear equations and inequalities in two variables and their graphs
Systems of linear equations and inequalities
Introduction to functions
Factoring, algebraic fractions
Rational equations
Radicals and rational exponents
Complex numbers
Quadratic equations
Scientific notation
Applications of the above topics and the communication of mathematics.
Applications emphasizing connections with other disciplines and the real world will be included

Contact Information:

Instructor: Ms. Ramesh

Email:

Phone: Office

Office: Building 5 Room 124

Office Hours: /

Mondays and Wednesdays 11:00 am – 12:45 pm at West campus 5-124. Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00 am – 11:00 am at West campus 5-124.

Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm at West campus 5-124.

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm East Campus Adjuncts office, if you are in the neighborhood feel free to drop by there.

Textbook and Other Required Materials.

Intermediate Algebra, 10th edition, by Lial, Hornsby, McGinnis.

You will also need a MyMathLab redemption card and this is included with new book purchase. You may purchase a MyMathLab student access kit from the bookstore or online if you do not have a redemption card.

MAT1033C Lab Manual

Calculator: /

A graphing calculator is required for all college level mathematics courses at Valencia. A TI-83 or TI-83 Plus is recommended and is what your instructor will use for demonstrations. Other TI models and other manufactured brands are acceptable as well, but may not follow the same keystrokes. Mastery of calculator functions applicable to college algebra will be essential to your success.You will need a scientific or graphing calculator for this course. However, the TI-89, the TI-92, or any other type of calculator that has symbolic manipulation capabilities WILL NOT BE ALLOWED IN CLASS. If you have a calculator other than a TI-83, TI-83 Plus or the TI-84, you MUST check with me to be sure you can use your calculator on exams.

Lab Component / This class has a required lab component that will count for 15% of your course grade. Visit the Math Center’s Open Lab in 7-240 for a minimum of 50 minutes per week for Fall Full Term classes, document your time properly on an in-lab computer, and work with Lab Instructors as directed to earn your lab grade.
The Open Lab hours are:
Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Attendance/ Etiquette: / Attendance will be taken every day. Please note that if you do not show up to class during the first week then I can withdraw you from the class. You are expected to attend every class meeting, unless an illness or emergency makes it impossible for you to do so. Absences are excused solely at the discretion of the instructor, who may require that you prove the existence of extenuating circumstances before excusing any absence(s). You are responsible for any information and/or assignments given during class, whether you are present or not. In-class activities can’t be “made up.” If you are absent on a day that an in-class activity occurs for credit or extra credit, your grade is likely to be adversely affected. I understand that sometimes things happen that are beyond our control and so I am alright if you are a couple of minutes late to class, but please do not make it a habit of it. If your actions in class are deemed by your instructor to be disruptive, you will be asked to leave class immediately. If you are ever asked to leave class, you may be permitted to return to future class meetings after consultation with your instructor outside of class. You may also be required to arrange a conference with another college official before attending class again. You are encouraged to actively participate and ask pertinent questions during class. Courtesy will be observed at all times.
Academic Honesty: / I have no problems in you cooperating with your class mates to complete your home work. In fact I encourage you to do home works with your classmates and/or friends. However, cooperation is not allowed on the test. Forms of cheating/academic dishonesty include (but are not limited to): communicating with another student during a test (this includes giving information to another student as well as receiving that information), using an unauthorized calculator, bringing in and using unauthorized material of any sort during a test, and communicating contents of a test to another student.Penalties will range from a grade of zero on an exam to a grade of F for the course. In addition, further disciplinary action through the college may be taken.
Homework and Work Sheet / I have attached a sheet with the homework assignments from the text book. I will not collect this. This is for you to practice. I will go over a few problems from the home work in class the following day. I will also give out a Work Sheet the week before the test. The work sheet will contain questions from your home work. The grade on the Work Sheet will be counted towards your final grade in the class. Also, the questions on your tests will be taken from these work sheets. It will not be the exact questions, but it will be similar questions with different numbers, but the format will be the same. I strongly advise you to motivate yourself and work on the home work so that you will have no problems when I hand out the work sheets. In the long run it is best that you do the home work every day. If you have any questions at all from your homework please do stop by my office. Completion of homework on a regular basis is crucial to your success in this course.
Tests and Final Exam: / There will be four tests and a comprehensive final exam. You must complete each test within the time allotted during the class period.
Every test score will be used in the computation of your progress test average. There are no “dropped” test scores.You must complete each test within the time allotted during the class period.
All materials in your work area during testing, including electronic memory, are subject to thorough and unannounced inspection by the instructor.
Test Dates: /

Test 1: Week of September 21-27

Test 2: Week of October 12-18

Test 3: Week of November 2-8

Test 4: Week of December 7-13

Final Exam: Week of December 14-20

Make-up Policy: /

Personal travel plans will not be a valid reason for taking any test or the final exam at a different time than scheduled. If you have excused absences for a test, you will be given make-up tests according to a schedule specified by your instructor.

It is your responsibility to make a timely request for an excused absence, should you miss a test. If you do not request an excused absence for a missed test, or your request for an excused absence is denied, you will receive a zero on that test.

Grading Policy: /

Four Tests60%

Comprehensive Final Exam15%

Lab15%

Work Sheet10%

Grades will not be disclosed over the telephone or via e-mail, except through your Atlas account. You must meet with the instructor if you wish to discuss your grade.
Grading Scale: /

Your grade is determined as follows

90-100-----A
80-89.99---B
70-79.99---C
60-69.99---D

Below 60—F

Withdrawal Deadline / The deadline for withdrawing from class with a grade of “W,” if you are eligible to do so, is November 6, 2009 for Fall Full Term classes. After the deadline, withdrawing from class will result in a grade of either “WP” or “WF,” depending on your average the date of your withdrawal.
If you are eligible to withdraw from this class, do not withdraw, and do not take the final exam, then you will receive a grade of “F.”
Disability Related Accommodations: / Students with disabilities who qualify for academic accommodations must provide a letter from the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) and discuss specific needs with the professor, preferably during the first two weeks of class. The Office for Students with Disabilities determines accommodations based on appropriate documentation of disabilities (West Campus SSB 102, extension 1523).
Resources /

I am very interested in your success in this class. Please ask questions regularly. You may stop by during my office hours or send me an e-mail. You may also call me during at my office.
Many students of algebra find it extremely helpful to form study groups with their classmates. This practice is highly recommended.
The West Campus Math Center is in building 7, room 240. It is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, and from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday. There you will find Valencia math department staff, peer tutors, study rooms and other comfortable work areas for study group meetings, computer-based tools as available for your text, and support materials for check-out with your VCC identification card.
Peer tutors in the Math Center are available for walk-in assistance, no appointment necessary. Peer tutors are available for individual appointments as scheduling and funding permit. Ask for details at the Welcome Desk in the Math Center. Tutors have been trained to use techniques that help you become an independent learner. They have been instructed to guide you through the problem solving process and utilize the materials you have available through your course. They may help you by asking open ended questions, walking you through examples in your text, or (hopefully on rare occasions) using pencil and paper to show you how to solve a problem similar to one you are working on. Since the tutors’ goal is to help you become an independent learner, they will let you do the work as much as possible. The learning process requires a regular investment of your time, and patience is the key.
If you purchased a new text, you received a redemption card for the MyMathLab software with it. It is also possible to purchase a student access kit for MyMathLab from the bookstore or online. Please take your MyMathLab redemption card with you to your Open Lab orientation. You will use the software as part of your lab experience.

Time Line

Week # / Dates / Topics / Textbook Sections and Plans
Monday / Wednesday / Friday
1 / August 31 – September 6 / Course Introductions, Lab Orientations,
Linear Equations and Inequalities in One Variable, Set Operations, Compound Inequalities / Linear Equations & Inequalities Review
2.1, 2.5 / Lab Orientation / 2.6
2 / September
7 – 13 / The Rectangular Coordinate System, Slopes of Lines
Lab#1 (2.1, 2.5, 2.6) Due Sunday, September 13 / Labor Day
Holiday
(No classes) / 3.1 / 3.2
3 / September 14 – 20 / Linear Equations in Two Variables, Inequalities in Two variables, Introduction to Functions / 3.3 / 3.4 / 3.5
Work sheet 1 will be handed out.
4 / September 21 – 27 / Introduction to Functions
Lab #2 (Chapter 3) Due Thursday, September 24 / Work Sheet is due. Review the questions from the WS to prepare for test. / Review further for test. / Test 1
5 / September 28 –
October 4 / Review of Factoring, Factoring Cubes, Polynomial Division, Multiplying & Dividing Rational Expressions / Factoring
Review
5.5, 6.3 / Finish
5.5, 6.3 / 7.1
6 / October
5 – 11 / Adding & Subtracting Rational Expressions,
Complex Fractions, Solving Equations with Rational Expressions, Applications of Rational Expressions / 7.2, 7.3 / 7.4 / 7.5
Work sheet 2 is handed out.
7 / October
12 – 18 / Lab #3 (Chapter 7) Due Tuesday, October 13
Review of Integer exponents (optional) / Work Sheet is due. Review the questions from the WS to prepare for test. / Review further for test 2. / Test 2
8 / October
19 – 25 / Radical Expressions and Graphs, Rational Exponents, Simplifying Radicals / 5.1, 8.1 / 8.2 / 8.3
9 / October 26 – November 1 / Adding & Subtracting Radicals, Multiplying & Dividing Radicals, Equations with Radicals,
Complex Numbers / 8.4, 8.5 / 8.6 / 8.7
Work sheet 3 is handed out.
10 / November
2 – 8 / Lab #4 (Chapter 8) Due Tuesday, November 3
Solving Equations by Factoring / Work Sheet is due. Review the questions from the WS to prepare for test. / Further Review for the test / Test 3
11 / November
9 – 15 / Square Root Property, Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square,
Solving Quadratic Equations using the Quadratic Formula / 6.5 / 9.1 / 9.2
12 / November
16 – 22 / Graphs of Quadratic Functions,
More About Parabolas & their applications
Lab #5 (Chapter 9) Due Sunday, November 22 / 9.4 / 9.5 / 9.6
13 / November
23 – 29 / 4.1-4.3
Work sheet 4 is handed out / Thanksgiving Holiday
(No Classes) / Thanksgiving Holiday
(No Classes)
14 / November 30 –
December 6 / Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables and their applications
Lab #6 (4.1, 4.3) Due Sunday, December 6 / Work Sheet is due. Review the questions from the WS to prepare for test. / Review further for the test. / Test 4
Final work sheet is handed out.
15 / December
7 – 13 / Review for the finals. / Work Sheet is due. Review the questions from the WS to prepare for the finals. / Review further for the finals.
Finals
Week / December
14 – 20 / Please consult the college’s Final Exam Schedule at

Please Note: This schedule may be modified at the discretion of the instructor.

Note: The following textbook sections cover prerequisite material:

Section 1.4properties of real numbers

Section 2.1solving linear equations

Section 2.2formulas

Section 2.5solving linear inequalities

Section 5.2adding & subtracting polynomials

Section 5.4multiplying polynomials

Chapter 6factoring (except sums and differences of cubes)

Problems from these sections will be incorporated into lab assignments as appropriate.

Valencia Core Competencies

ValenciaCommunity College wants graduates to possess and demonstrate a set of global competencies including the ability to THINK, COMMUNICATE, VALUE AND ACT. In an effort to help you acquire and improve your ability to demonstrate the competencies this course will include activities that require you to:

1. Think clearly, critically and creatively.

2. Communicate with others in written and verbal form.

3. Make reasoned value judgments and responsible commitments.

4. Act purposefully, reflectively and responsibly.

Addendum to Syllabus:

ValenciaCommunity College is dedicated not only to the advancement of knowledge and learning but is concerned with the development of responsible personal and social conduct. By enrolling at ValenciaCommunity College, a student assumes the responsibility for becoming familiar with and abiding by the general rules of conduct. The primary responsibility for managing the classroom environment rests with the faculty. Students who engage in any prohibited or unlawful acts that result in disruption of a class may be directed by the faculty member to leave the class. Violation of any classroom or Valencia’s rules may lead to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from Valencia. Disciplinary action could include being withdrawn from class, disciplinary warning, probation, suspension, expulsion, or other appropriate and authorized actions. You will find the Student Code of Conduct in the current Valencia Student Handbook.

Please find the assignment sheet on the next page. Note that this will not be collected. It is solely for your benefit. Please keep up with these assignments.

Section

Section Title

Page

Problem Selections

Chapter 2

Linear Equations, Inequalities, and Applications

2.1

Linear Equations in One Variable

p.60

2.5

Linear Inequalities in One Variable

p.107

2.6

Set Operations and Compound Inequalities

p.119

1-65 odd

Review Exercises

p.138

27-35, 47-67 odd

Chapter 3

Graphs, Linear Equations, and Functions

3.1

The Rectangular Coordinate System

p.156

1-79 odd

3.2

The Slope of a Line

p.170

1-91 odd

3.3

Linear Equations in Two Variables

p.186

1-6 all, 7-79 odd

3.4

Linear Inequalities in Two Variables

p.197

1-17 odd

(optional) 19-23 odd

3.5

Introduction to Functions

p.210

1-87 odd

5.3

Polynomial Functions, Graphs and Composition of Functions

(Composition is an optional topic)

p.315

1-31 odd

55-60 all

(optional) 35-49 odd

Review Exercises

p.219

1-71 odd

Chapter 7

Rational Expressions and Functions

6.3

Special Factoring (Cubes)

p.364

37-63 odd

5.5

Dividing Polynomials

p.331

5-28 all

7.1

Rational Expressions and Functions: Multiplying and Dividing

p.398

9-19 odd, 25-47 odd,

61-91 odd

7.2

Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions

p.407

1-15 odd, 19-35 odd, 39-83 odd

7.3

Complex Fractions

p.416

3-25 odd, 33-37 odd

7.4

Equations with Rational Expressions and Graphs

p.423

1-41 odd, 49, 51

7.5

Applications of Rational Expressions

p.435

1-19 odd, 23, 27, 29, 35, 43, 45, 47, 51, 53, 57

7.6

Variation (Optional Section)

p.446

9-33 odd

Review Exercises

p.457

1-65 odd

Chapter 8

Roots, Radicals and Root Functions

5.1

Integer Exponents

(optional review material)

p.296

1-149 odd

8.1

Radical Expressions and Graphs

p.471

1-83 odd

8.2

Rational Exponents

p.479

1-98 odd

Section

Section Title

Page

Problem Selections

8.5

Multiplying and Dividing Radical Expressions

p.504

1-105 every other odd

Summary Exercises (optional)

p.507

1-36 odd

8.6

Solving Equations with Radicals

p.514

7-33 odd, 37-51 odd

8.7

Complex Numbers

p.521

1-77 odd

Review Exercises

p.529

1-162 odd

Chapter 9

Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, and Functions

6.5

Solving Equations by Factoring

(optional review material)

p.376

1-35 odd

9.1

The Square Root Property and Completing the Square

p.545

5-25 odd, 27, 28, 31-34 all, 41-44 all, 47-52 all, 65-75 odd

9.2

The Quadratic Formula

p.555

5-37 odd, 39-47 odd, 48

9.4

Formulas and Further Applications

p.575

5-21 odd, 33, 35, 39, 43, 45, 47, 49

9.5

Graphs of Quadratic Functions

p.583

1-19 odd, 21-36 all

9.6

More About Parabolas and their Applications

p.597

5-10 all, 23-26 all

Review Exercises

p.615

1-17 odd, 29-35 odd, 41-47 odd, 61-79 odd

Chapter 4

Systems of Linear Equations

4.1

Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

p.237

1-33 odd, 35, 37, 39, 51, 59-65 odd, 71, 73

4.3

Applications of Systems of Linear Equations

p.259

1-23 odd, 31, 33, 35

Review Exercises

p.278

1-13 all, 19-25 odd

Changes in the syllabus, schedule, and/or assignments for this class may be made at the discretion of your instructor.