Prince George’s Community College

MAT 1040 -- INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA

Spring 2009

CRN XE01–TTH 6-7:50 PM

Instructor:Prof. Jim ChairesTelephone:301-322-0752 Office (24-hour voice mail)

Office: CAT 229FWeb Page academic.pgcc.edu/~jchaires

301-322-0421 Department

E-Mail: Include course number as subject and sign complete name.

Office Hours:M 8:30-9:30pm

T 10:30-11am. 1:30-2pm, 7:50-8:20pm

W 8:30-9:30pm

TH 10:30-11am. 1:30-2pm,7:50-8:20pm

F

Course Description:A study of intermediate-level algebraic skills and problem solving including: solving, applying, and graphing of linear equations and inequalities in one and two variables, including absolute value; determining the slope and the equation of the line; solving and applying systems of equations and inequalities in two and three variables; understanding, interpreting, and applying functions and functional notation; simplifying polynomial and rational expressions, complex fractions, expressions involving radicals, expressions involving negative and fractional exponents, expressions involving exponentials and logarithms, and complex numbers; solving and applying polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic equations, and equations involving radicals; variation; solving, interpreting, and applying quadratic equations in one variable using factoring, completing the square, and the quadratic formula; using problem strategies of physical representations, guess and check, systematic list, unit analysis, draw a diagram, and patterns to solve applications.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

Students must successfully complete DVM007 or DVM008 or Elementary high school algebra. For students who took the placement tests a score of at least 82 on the Accuplacer Elementary Algebra testand a reading placement score of at least 79 are required. DVR 006 can be completed or concurrent and CAP1030 completed or concurrent for first time students.

Please Note:This course is equivalent to intermediate high school algebra. Its main purpose is to help students who have only completed elementary algebra, and those who have not achieved a satisfactory score on the Accuplacer, to prepare for all PGCC college-level math courses. MAT 1040 doesnot satisfy the PGCC mathematics requirement for graduation and doesnot transfer to most four-year institutions. All students must earn a grade of C or higher in MAT 1040 before continuing with their college-level math courses.

TEXTBOOK:

Sullivan, Struve, and Mazzarella, Elementary & Intermediate Algebra. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. Pearson Education, Inc. (Prentice Hall), 2007.

ISBN: 0-53-643177-9 (PGCC Bookstore)

ISBN: 0-13-191505-3

If a student buys a new book, access to the software is included. If a student buys a used book, the student must purchase the software separately.

SOFTWARE:

MyMathLab/CourseCompass. Web Site:

To get started, see attached Course Compass Instructions for Students.

Calculator:A graphing calculator is required for this course.
Either TI-83, TI-83 Plus or TI-84 Plus is recommended and a TI-82 is acceptable.

Grading Criteria:Your grade will be determined by your total score on submitted homework, computer assessments, tests, calculator/computer projects, final, and participation. Remember you need at least a "C" average to move to the next course.

A = 90%, B = 80%, C = 70%, D = 60%

Tests: 4 Tests @ 100 points each

Assignments, quizzes 100 points

Final Examination 100 points

• Class participation and attendance

• Special written or oral reports

• Comprehensive final examination

Important Dates:

Spring Semester 2009
January 21 / Wednesday / Regular registration ends for spring.
January 22 / Thursday / Classes begin for spring 2009.
February 1 / Thursday / Refund deadline for full semester classes.
February 16 / Monday / COLLEGE CLOSED-President's Day
February 17 / Tuesday / last day to apply for spring graduation.
March 2 / Monday / Last day to withdraw from first half semester classes.
March 17 / Tuesday / Mid-term; End of first half-semester classes.
March 18 / Wednesday / Begin second half-semester classes.
April 6-12 / Mon.-Sun. / COLLEGE CLOSED -Spring Break.
April 13 / Monday / College reopens; Classes resume.
April 17 / Friday / Last day to withdraw from full-semester classes.
April 20 / Monday / Begin open registration for all summer terms.
April 27-May 1 / Mon.-Fri. / Advance registration for fall, 2009 semester.
May 1 / Friday / Last day to withdraw from second-half semester
May 4 / Monday / Begin open registration for fall, 2009 semester
May 6 / Wednesday / Last day of regular classes for the spring semester
May 7-13* / Thurs.-Wed. / Final examination period/last week of classes
May 21 / Thursday / Commencement
May 23-25 / Sat.-Mon. / COLLEGE CLOSED-Memorial Day observed

Attendance:Regular attendance is expected for everyone in this course. If absent, it is your responsibility to determine the material covered and the work assigned. While there is no penalty for missing one class period, each additional absence will deduct 10 points from the 100 points designated as your participation score. Tardiness to class will also affect these points since being late twice is equivalent to one absence. This course requires your participation within group activities to be successful.

Tests:There will be 4 tests and a final exam in class. Each test will be 100 points and the final will be 100 points. The final is in this classroom. All tests count toward your final course grade.

FINAL:Exact date and time. Thursday May 7 at 6pm.

Projects:There will be calculator or computer projects that will be announced later. The point value will be announced with the project. Projects, quizzes, etc. will have a total value of 100 points

Homework:Practice working problems is an essential portion of this course. Problems in the text as well as the supplement will be assigned. Specific problems will be assigned and turned in for grading.

Late/make-up Work:Students are expected to turn in work at the time it is due. No late assignments will be accepted. If you believe you will unable to turn in work on the assigned day, you may turn it in early. No penalty is given for work turned in early.

Students are expected to take the tests at the time they are given. There are no make-up exams. If you believe you have a circumstance that warrants special consideration, you must see me or contact me BEFORE the exam with written verification of a medical illness, jury-duty, or other court ordered appearance. The score received on the final will then be substituted for the missing exam. This policy will apply to no more than one exam.

Disability Support:Students requesting academic accommodations are required to contact Disability Support Services Office [M1042] or call (301) 322-0838 [voice] or (301) 322-0122 [TTY] to establish eligibility for services and accommodations.Students with documented disabilities should discuss the matter privately with their instructors at the beginning of the semester and provide a copy of their Student/Faculty Accommodation Form.

Code of Academic Integrity:The college is an institution of higher learning that holds academic integrity as its highest principle. In the pursuit of knowledge, the college community expects that all students, faculty, and staff will share responsibility for adhering to the values of honesty and unquestionable integrity. To support a community committed to academic achievement and scholarship, the Code of Academic Integrity advances the principle of honest representation in the work that is produced by students seeking to engage fully in the learning process. The complete text of the Code of Academic Integrity is in the 2004-2005 Student Handbook (pages 41-43) and posted on the college's website. Be aware that any penalty is shared by the giver and the receiver.

Code of Conduct:The Prince George's Community College Code of Conduct defines the rights and responsibilities of students and establishes a system of procedures for dealing with students charged with violations of the code and other rules and regulations of the college. A student enrolling in the college assumes an obligation to conduct himself/herself in a manner compatible with the college's function as an educational institution. Refer to the 2004-2005 Student Handbook, beginning on page 39, for a complete explanation of the code of conduct, including the Code of Academic Integrity and the procedure for dealing with disruptive student behavior.

Classroom Policies:

Electronic Devices:All pagers and cell phones are to be turned OFF before entering class. “Off” is defined by the phone/pager NOT ringing or vibrating to interrupt your concentration in class. Disruptions by electronic devices will not be tolerated.

Guests:Due to insurance considerations, it is departmental policy that guests (including children) are not permitted in class.

Food:Food, snacks, and drinks, etc. are not permitted in classroom.

Course Topics:

Chapter 4:Sections 4.1-4.6

Chapter 5:[Omit all sections]

Chapter 6:6.4 [Omit all other sections]

Chapter 7:Sections 7.1-7.8

Chapter 8:Sections 8.1 Review 8.2 – 8.6, 8.7 (equations only)

Chapter 9:Sections 9.1-9.9

Chapter 10:Sections 10.1-10.3 [Omit 10.4-10.7]

Chapter 11:Sections 11.1-11.3 [Omit 11.4-11.5]

Appendix D and Supplements: Recognition/Best Fit model for quadratic and cubic, Unit Analysis

Week / Sections / Content
1 / 4.1-4.3 / Graphs of Equations, Relations and Introduction to Functions
Functions and Their Graphs
2 / 4.4-4.6 / Solve Applications Using Systems
Solve Systems of Linear Inequalities
3 / 6.4, 7.1-7.3 / Factoring Special Products
Simplify, Multiply, Divide, Add and Subtract Rational Expressions
4 / 7.4-7.6 / Add and Subtract Rational Expressions
Complex Rational Expressions
5 / 7.7-7.8
Unit Analysis / Solve Rational Equations
Solve applications Using Rational Equations
Unit Analysis
6 / 8.1-8.4 / Graphs of equations, Relations and Introduction to Functions
Functions and Their Graphs
7 / 8.5-8.7
Note omissions / Linear Functions
[Omit Models from Data until Curve Fitting]
Compound Inequalities, Absolute Value Equations [only]
[Omit Absolute Value Inequalities]
8 / 9.1-9.3 / Square Roots, nth Roots and Rational Exponents
Simplify Expressions Using Laws of Exponents
9 / 9.4-9.6 / Simplify Radical Expressions
Add, Subtract, and Multiply Radical Expressions
Rationalize Radical Expressions
10 / 9.7-9.9 / Radical Functions and Equations, Complex Numbers
11 / 10.1-10.3
[Omit 10.4-10.7 / Solve Quadratic Equations
12 / 11.1-11.2 / Composite and Inverse Functions
Exponential Functions
13 / 11.2-11.3
[Omit 11.4-11.5] / Exponential Functions and Logarithmic Functions
14 / 8.5, Appendix D,
Supplement / Library of Functions, Families of Lines, Curve Fitting-Linear and Quadratic
8.5 Models from Data [Required]
15 / Review and Catch-up

EXPECTED COURSE OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of the course a student will be able to use symbolic, numerical, and visual skills to find and verify solutions of algebra problems and algebra applications (of intermediate-level difficulty) in the following areas:

  1. Solve one-variable linear equations graphically.
  2. Solve one-variable quadratic equations symbolically and graphically.
  3. Solve one-variable absolute value equations symbolically and graphically.
  4. Solve one-variable rational equations symbolically and graphically.
  5. Solve one-variable radical equations symbolically and graphically.
  6. Solve simple linear inequalities symbolically, numerically, and graphically, writing solutions in algebraic, interval, and number-line notation.
  7. Solve compound linear inequalities symbolically, numerically, and graphically, writing solutions in algebraic, interval, and number-line notation.
  8. Graph linear inequalities in two variables on the coordinate system.
  9. Solve systems of linear equations in two variables.
  10. Solve systems of linear inequalities in two variables.
  11. Recognize linear, quadratic, cubic, absolute value, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
  12. Evaluate linear, quadratic, cubic, absolute value, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions with and without a graphing calculator.
  13. Graph linear, quadratic, cubic, absolute value, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions with and without a graphing calculator.
  14. Demonstrate the basics of functions and function notation.
  15. Factor the sum and difference of cubes.
  16. Factor expressions with negative exponents.
  17. Factor expressions with fractional exponents.
  18. Factor higher order polynomials in quadratic form.
  19. Simplify and perform arithmetic on radical expressions.
  20. Simplify and perform arithmetic on complex numbers.
  21. Simplify and perform arithmetic on expressions with negative and fractional exponents.
  22. Simplify and perform arithmetic on rational expressions.
  23. Simplify and perform arithmetic on expressions with complex fractions.
  24. Analyze and solve appropriate applications including curve fittingwith graphing calculators.
  25. Techniques of algebraic problem solving should be used throughout the course.

RANGE OF SUBJECT MATTER DEFINED IN MODEL COURSE OUTLINE:

Further explanation of course outcomes:

  1. Solve one-variable linear equations graphically.
  • Solving symbolically will be de-emphasized.
  1. Solve one-variable quadratic equations symbolically and graphically.
  • Factoring will be de-emphasized while methods such as graphing, square-root, completing the square, and quadratic formula will be stressed. Solutions may be real or complex.
  1. Solve one-variable absolute value equations symbolically and graphically.
  • Equations will include those with two sets of absolute value signs.
  • Graphical solutions are to be emphasized.
  1. Solve one-variable rational equations symbolically and graphically.
  • Although rational equations are covered in DVM 007, we find a review to be warranted.
  1. Solve one-variable radical equations symbolically and graphically.
  • Include equations with one and two radical signs.
  • Include extraneous solutions.
  1. Solve simple linear inequalities symbolically, numerically, and graphically, writing solutions in algebraic, interval, and number-line notation.
  • Absolute value inequalities will not be covered.
  1. Solve compound linear inequalities symbolically, numerically, and graphically, writing solutions in algebraic, interval, and number-line notation.
  • Absolute value inequalities will not be covered.
  1. Graph linear inequalities in two variables on the coordinate system.
  1. Solve systems of linear equations in two variables.
  • Use three methods for solving a system of equation (graphing, elimination, substitution) as well as other representations such as tables.
  • Review graphing linear equations with emphasis on using the point-slope formula and the slope formula to obtain the equation.
  • Write the equation of a line parallel or perpendicular to another line.
  • Three variable systems will not be covered in this course.
  1. Solve systems of linear inequalities in two variables.
  1. Recognize linear, quadratic, cubic, absolute value, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
  • Determine an equation or a function given the roots.
  1. Evaluate linear, quadratic, cubic, absolute value, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions with and without a graphing calculator.
  1. Graph linear, quadratic, cubic, absolute value, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions with and without a graphing calculator.
  1. Demonstrate the basics of functions and function notation.
  • Given the graphs and/or function, evaluate a function at certain values and determine the domain and range of the function.
  • Perform the algebra of functions (sum, difference, product, quotient, composition).
  • Find the inverse of a function.
  1. Factor the sum and difference of cubes.
  • Factoring in general should be done only as a review or taught with the appropriate content, i.e. simplifying rational expressions.
  1. Factor expressions with negative exponents.
  1. Factor expressions with fractional exponents.
  1. Factor higher order polynomials in quadratic form.
  1. Simplify and perform arithmetic on radical expressions.
  • Rationalize the denominator.
  1. Simplify and perform arithmetic on complex numbers.
  1. Simplify and perform arithmetic on expressions with negative and fractional exponents.
  1. Simplify and perform arithmetic on rational expressions.
  • Polynomial division will not be covered in this course.
  1. Simplify and perform arithmetic on expressions with complex fractions.
  1. Analyze and solve appropriate applications including curve fittingwith graphing calculators.
  • Analyze and solve contextual applications.
  • Graph data to determine the most appropriate model: linear, quadratic, or exponential.
  • Include supplementary materials for curve fitting.
  1. Techniques of algebraic problem solving should be used throughout the course.
  • Include supplementary materials for Dimensional/Unit Analysis.

College Resources and Services:

StudentAssessmentServicesCenter (Testing Center)Bladen Wing, Room 100301-322-0090

Check the web site for hours and policies and procedures.

Mathematics Department Tutorial Help:Marlboro 3104No appointment necessary
Walk-in tutoring is available anytime PLTL is not in session. Check for exact times on the door.

Tutoring and Writing CentersBladen Wing, Room 107Stop by or call 301-322-0748 to make an appointment.

Tutoring Center: If you have the feeling that something is missing from your studies can help you put the pieces of the puzzle together with free one-on-one or group tutoring.

WritingCenteroffers one-on-one tutoring for all students who are working on any writing assignment in any course.

Student Development Services301-322-0886

Student Development Services has various programs that provide students with mentoring, advising and individual counseling. Call or check the website for more information.

LibraryAccokeek HallGeneral information: 301-322-0105

Circulation services: 301-322-0475

Reference services: 301-322-0476

The Learning Resources Division provides a range of library and media services.

Refer to the web site for hours and more information about the services.

Campus Bookstore

LargoStudentCenter, Room 116301-322-0912

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