SYLLABUS FOR
MATH_1310_7E Intermediate Algebra
Fall 2011
IMPORTANT DATES: Date classes begin: 06 September (Tuesday)
Date classes end: 17 November (Thursday)
Last day to drop classes: 02 November (Wednesday)
Class does not meet Any time Metro cancels night classes at the South Campus
THE CLASS AND THE INSTRUCTOR
COURSE SECTION AND TITLE: MATH_1310 Section 7E Intermediate Algebra, 4.5 Credit Hrs
INSTRUCTOR’S NAME: John Callaghan
INSTRUCTOR’S E-MAIL ADDRESS:
INSTRUCTOR’S PHONE NUMBER: Home phone (402-291-3038
INSTRUCTOR’S WEB SITE faculty.mccneb.edu/jcallaghan (Note: no www)
INSTRUCTOR'S OFFICE HOURS Tuesday, Thursday before and after class
LOCATION OF CLASS Mahoney 216
TIME OF CLASS: ` Tuesday and Thursday 12:00 – 1:55 PM
DEAN OF MATHEMATICS & NATURAL SCIENCES Brad Morrison
DEAN’S PHONE NUMBER: 402-289-1304
COURSE INFORMATION
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Basic algebra skills are extended in this course to provide the background necessary for further mathematics courses. Topics included are: linear quadratic, polynomial, radical and rational equations; systems of linear equations; rational exponents and polynomial factoring; rational and radical expressions; complex numbers; and graphs of linear and quadratic functions.
COURSE PREREQUISITES:
Successfully completed MATH 0921 or MATH 0960 or MCC assessment testing.
RATIONALE:
This course will provide the necessary background for courses such as Statistics, College Algebra and Trigonometry. This course also meets the mathematics graduation requirement for many of the Metropolitan Community College’s Associate Degree programs.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
1. Review the graphing of linear functions, graphing of other basic functions, and definition of a function and its notation.
2. Expand upon operations involving exponents, polynomials, and the methods of factoring.
3. Solve systems of equations and apply them to solving application problems.
4. Simplify rational expressions and solve rational equations.
5. Simplify radical expressions, solve radical equations, define rational exponents, (manipulate and convert from exponential to radical notation and vice-versa), and perform operations with complex numbers.
6. Solve quadratic equations with real and complex solutions.
REQUIRED/SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS:
TEXT: Intermediate Algebra, 3rd ed, 2011, Carson & Jordan, Pearson.
Other material: You will have use of graph paper and a scientific or graphing calculator.
TOPICS and TOPIC OBJECTIVES
Topic 1. Linear Equations/Inequalities and Functions
1. Graph linear functions given a slope and a point.
2. Find the equation of a line given two points.
3. Find the equation of a line given one point and a slope parallel/perpendicular to a given line.
Topic 2. Relations/Functions
1. Identify a function from a set of points.
2. Identify a function from a graph.
3. Find a function value from an equation.
4. Find a function value from a graph.
5. Identify the domain and range of a relation from a set of points.
6. Identify the domain and range of a function from a given graph.
Topic 3. Systems of Equations
1. Solve 2X2 systems of equations by graphing, by elimination, and by substitution.
2. Solve 3X3 systems of equations by elimination.
3. Solve application problems using 2X2 systems of equations.
Topic 4. Polynomials
1. Reduce, multiply, divide, add and subtract rational expressions.
2. Perform various methods of factoring polynomials.
3. Solve polynomial equations by factoring.
Topic 5. Rational Expressions, Equations, and Functions
1. Reduce, multiply, divide, add, and subtract rational expressions.
2. Identify the domain of a rational function.
3. Simplify complex rational expressions.
4. Solve rational equations.
Topic 6. Radical Expressions and Equations
1. Simplify radical expressions (includes applications of the Pythagorean Theorem.)
2. Multiply, divide, and combine radical expressions
3. Rationalize the denominator of a radical expression.
4. Define and manipulate rational exponents, convert from exponential to radical notation and vice-versa.
5. Solve radical equations.
6. Solve equations with rational exponents.
7. Perform basic operations on complex numbers.
Topic 7. Quadratic Equations and Functions
1. Solve quadratic equations by factoring, the square root property, completing the square (with coefficient 1), and the quadratic formula..
2. Solve equations reducible to quadratics.
3. Sketch the graph of a quadratic function.
COURSE STRUCTURE
This is a lecture class. Each class, including test classes, will begin with a review of the preceding class. Following will be the new information. I will work problems simulating the class objectives. I will not work the examples in the text as you can peruse them at your leisure. You should spend at least two hours per week per credit hour (9 hours) of the course completing your homework. You should begin by working all alternate odd exercise problems (1, 5, 9, etc.) that were assigned. If there are problems, work the remainder of the odd numbered exercises. If you still have problems, work the even numbered problems.
NOTE: Anytime during the lecture, feel free to ask questions about the class content.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT WORK
Types of Assessment/Assignments:
Daily exercises are made for practice of the skills that need to be mastered and will not be graded.
Attendance Expectations
Attendance is recorded. If you will be absent from class e-mail me at with a legitimate reason before the next class: otherwise it will be counted as an unexcused absence. If you have more than three unexcused absences, you are subject to administrative withdrawal (FX) from the class which is treated like an F. I know some of you are in a work or a military environment, but at least tell me or have a friend, wife, first shirt, boss, or someone clue me in if something comes up and you won't be able to attend classes.
Classroom Behavior
The student should:
1. Bring the assignment to class each day with all problems completed or attempted with questions about unsurities.
2. Read the text prior to attending class, take notes in class, and participate in discussions in class
3. Keep up with your assignments everyday as new material builds on previous material. DO NOT GET BEHIND
4. Use the software available in the Math Centers and Academic Resource Centers for additional review and reinforcement. Specific help on the text is also available at www.interact.com on the net.
5. Work with classmates, friends, Academic Resource/Math Center personnel. USE ALL AVAILABLE RESOURCES
6. Shut off all cell phones and portable electronic devices during class time.
7. NO MP3 player, cell phone, or any similar devices during tests.
Tests
Test dates are identified on page 4 and will be cumulative; however, the problems will be similar to the homework assignments. I do not allow individuals to retake a test. There is a Departmental Assessment Test (no make-ups allowed) 17 November which counts as ½ a regular test
Make-up Tests. .
Make-ups are not automatic. However, if you miss a scheduled test with a good excuse, you may request, within 24 hours of the scheduled test, to take a make-up test. You MUST email (no phone nor discuss in person) me at to request taking a retake. If I approve the make-up, the test will be available at the Testing Center in the Interconnect Building at the Metro South campus (M-Th 8AM-8PM, F 8AM-5PM, Sat 8AM-1PM) You must phone the Test Center at 402-738-4613 at least 24 hours before scheduling the test. I expect make-up tests to be completed within 10 days of the original test date.
Grading Policy
Average on all tests = ( sum of my five tests + ½ of assessment test) / 5.5
A 90 - average on all tests.
B 80 – 89.9 average on all tests
C 70 – 79.9 average on all tests.
D 60 – 69.9 average on all tests
F - 59.9 average on all tests.
FX Not successfully completing/passing the tests because of too many unexcused absences.
Student Withdrawal:
If you cannot participate in and complete this course, you should officially withdraw through WebAdvisor at http:/webadvisor.mccneb.edu or by calling Central Registration at 402-457-5231 or 1-800-228-9553. Failure to officially withdraw will result in either an attendance-related failure (FX) or failing (F) grade. The last date to withdraw is noted at top of page 1.
Note that teachers cannot give an instructor withdraw (IW) any longer.
Maintenance of Student Records:
All grading will be done prior to the next class meeting and the test will be returned and reviewed unless I have an unforeseen emergency. You will return the graded test at the end of class and are expected to keep track of your total points and thus your grade in the course. I will keep your tests on file for six months.
Assessment of the Student Learning Program
Metropolitan Community College is committed to continuous improvement of teaching and learning. You may be asked to help us accomplish this objective. For example, you may be asked to respond to surveys or questionnaires. In other cases, tests you are required to do for this course may be shared with faculty and used for assessment purposes.
ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT:
Students are reminded that materials used in connection with this course may be subject to copyright protection. Additional information about copyright is provided on the library webpage at http://www.mccneb.edu/library, by your instructor, or by the College's Copyright Officer. In response to incidents of student dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.), the College imposes specific actions that may include receiving a failing grade on a test, failure in the course, suspension from the College, or dismissal from the College. The disciplinary procedures are available in Student Services.
COMMUNICATION EXPECTATIONS:
When you communicate with others in this course, you must follow the Student Code of Conduct
(http://www.mccneb.edu/catalog/studentinformation.asp) which calls for responsible and cooperative behavior. Please think critically,
ask questions, and challenge ideas, but also show respect for opinions of others, respond to them politely, and maintain the
Confidentiality of thoughts expressed in the class. You may also wish to review information at http://www.albion.com/netiquette/
USE OF STUDENT WORK
The ownership of student work submitted in fulfillment of classroom requirements, with the exception of the tests, shall remain with the student. By enrolling in classes offered by Metropolitan Community College, the student gives the College license to mark on, modify, and retain the work as may be required by the process of instruction, as described in the course syllabus. The institution shall not have the right to use the work in any other manner without the written consent of the student(s).
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
If you have a disability that may substantially limit your ability to participate in this class, please contact a Disability Support Services Counselor, located in the Student Services Office on each campus. Metro Community College will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with documented qualifying disabilities. However, it is the student’s responsibility to request accommodations. Discuss your special requirements with the instructor before the end of the second class. For further information, please contact the Student Services Office at your campus.
TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES AND USE OF COLLEGE COMPUTERS
By using the information technology systems at MCC (including the computer systems and phones) you acknowledge and consent to the conditions of use as set forth in the Metropolitan Community College Procedures Memorandum on Acceptable Use of Information Technology and Resources. It is your responsibility as a student to be familiar with these procedures. The full text of the Procedures Memorandum may be found at the following website: http://www.mccneb.edu/itprocedures.htm
USE OF COLLEGE COMPUTERS
When using College computers at the computer labs, Learning Centers, Libraries and classrooms, you need to login with your username and password*. Your username and password are the same whenever you log into the network (campus computers), SharePoint Services, student e-mail, Web Advisor and WebCT (if enrolled in an online or blended course). For other systems (not listed above), your instructor will provide you with the necessary username and password information.
The Password Center (http://www.mccneb.edu/password) is a new web resource available to all students and staff. This web site allows you to change (reset) your password even if you don’t know your username and password, provided the personal information you enter to verify your identity, matches the information the College has in its database. Verification information consists of student ID number (or the last 5 digits of your Social Security number), last name, birth date, street address and ZIP Code.
*Note: If you have not logged in before, your initial password is the first initial of your first name (in UPPERCASE), the first initial of your last name (in lowercase), followed by your student ID number with leading zeros to make the password 9 characters long. For example, if your name is Chris Doe and your student ID number is 1234; your initial password will be Cd0001234.
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES PROGRAM AREA IDENTIFICATION:
Program Area: Mathematics and Natural Science
Dean: Brad Morrison
Office phone 289-1304
INFORMATION SOURCES:
Both the College Catalog and the Student Handbook have sources of general college information such as parking, children on campus, identification cards, etc. You may obtain either document from the on-base representative or from any Student Services Center.
LEARNING SUPPORT
Metro’s Math Help Centers at the South, Sarpy, Fort Omaha, and Elkhorn campuses can help you achieve educational success. The staff in these centers provides drop-in assistance with basic math skills. They offer a friendly, supportive learning environment. Detailed information is in the Student Handbook and College Catalog located at http://www.mccneb.edu/learningcenter.
Assignments and Tests
Section Homework
Unit 1
. 3.2 The Slope of a Line 11 – 53 and Test 0
. 3.3 The Equation of a Line 7 – 79
. 3.5 Introduction to Functions and Function Notation 15 – 55
. 4.1 Solving Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables 7 – 13; 19 – 55; and 59 - 77
. 4.2 Solving Systems of Linear Equations in Three Variables 7 – 25
. 4.3 Solving Applications Using Systems of Equations 5 – 31
Test 1 20 September
Unit 2
. 5.2 Polynomial and Polynomial Functions 9 – 21 and 33 – 51
. 5.3 Multiplying Polynomials 55 – 83 and 93 -111
. 6.1 Greatest Common Factor and Factoring by Grouping 5 – 63
. 6.2 Factoring Trinomials 7 – 91
. 6.3 Factoring Special Products and Factoring Strategies 9 – 111