San Antonio College/ReaganHigh School
Standard Course Syllabus2016-2017
Dual Credit College Algebra
Instructor: Mr. Matthews
Email:
Course Number and Title:Math 1314 - College Algebra Credits:(3-3-0)
Required Text: College Algebra by John W. Coburn, 2nd Edition, McGraw-Hill,
ISBN 9780077276492
Course Prerequisite: A passing score on the math Accuplacer/THEA (ACD placement exam)and a high school credit in Algebra II or Algebra II Pre-AP. Students in Dual Credit will receive college credit for the course if they make a “C” (70%) or better.
Catalog Description:This course includes the study of quadratic, polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and exponential functions; systems of equations; progressions; sequences and series; and matrices and determinants. It is designed for students in programs which do not require Precalculus (MATH 2412) or Math for Business & Social Sciences II (MATH 1325).
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES:
- The student will utilize polynomial functions in the analysis of various problems.
- The student will utilize rational functions in the analysis of various problems.
- The student will utilize exponential and logarithmic functions in the analysis of various problems.
- The student will utilize matrix and determinant techniques to solve problems involving systems of linear equations.
- The student will categorize basic sequences and series and will utilize summation notation to find the sum of a series.
Assessment: Course grade determination will include at least two exams per unit of instruction, periodic quizzes, and two comprehensive semester exams. The instructor will also consider homework, projects and other related work in determining course mastery.
Grading Process:
1. Homework will be assigned at least 3 days per week and students will be responsible for completing and understanding all of the assigned homework problems.
2. Exams: Approximately 3 regular exams per nine weeks will be given. The instructor will provide students with the specific methods of assessment and evaluation.
Make-Up Test Schedule for Missed Classes Only
Make up Tests will happen in L104 before or after school and scheduled in a timely manner.
Grading: The student’s average will be based on the following percentages:
Exams: / 60%Quizzes / 20%
Class work and Homework / 20%
Coursework Average
(80% of College Algebra/ISM first semester grade) / 100% x .8 = / 80 possible points
Semester Exam / 100% x .2 = / 20 possible points
At the end of each semester, all students who are passing will be awarded ½ high school math credit.
At the end of the year, students who pass College Algebra/Dual with a “C”(70%) or higher will obtain3 college credit hours.
Tutoring is available by the instructor in MS 308before school all mornings from 8:10-8:40AMMonday and Thuhrsday
Cell Phones, Ipods, MP3 players, etc: Turn off all cell phones or place them on etiquette mode. Do not text or play games on phones or other devices during class. Other rules are posted in the classroom and in the student handbook.
Student Code of Conduct and Responsibilities
SAC is committed to helping all students reach their full potential by providing for and supporting their learning needs. The College assumes that students enrolling in SAC are familiar with the ordinary rules governing proper conduct. The Student Code of Conduct can be found at
Students are protected by all laws which provide rights of citizenship to every individual. Students must, however, assume the responsibilities of citizenship and are expected to obey the policies and procedures of San Antonio College. Please reviewStudent Policies and Procedures in Section 6 starting on page 25 of the SAC Student Handbook located at .
Topics to be Covered:
Chapter 2Relations, Functions and Graphs
2.4 Functions, Function Notation, and the Graphs of a Function
Chapter 3Polynomial and Rational Functions
3.1Quadratic Functions and Applications (Omit Completing the Square)
3.2Synthetic Division; the Remainder and Factor Theorems (Omit Long Division)
3.3The Zeros of Polynomial Functions (Omit Imaginary Zeros & Upper and Lower Bounds)
3.4Graphing Polynomial Functions
3.5Graphing Rational Functions
Chapter 4Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
4.2Exponential Functions
4.3Logarithms and Logarithmic Functions
4.4Properties of Logarithms; Solving Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
4.5Applications from Business, Finance, and Science
Chapter 6Matrices and Matrix Applications
6.1 Solving Linear Systems Using Matrices and Row Operations
6.3 (D) Solving Linear Systems Using Matrix Equations (Determinants Only)
6.4 (A) Application of matrices and Determinants: Cramer’s Rule, Partial Fractions, and More (Cramer’s Rule only)
Chapter 8Additional Topics in Algebra
8.1 Sequences and Series
8.2 Arithmetic Sequences
8.3 Geometric Sequences
*Other Topics to be included at the discretion of the instructor
More Info Specific for our Section of College Algebra
Required Materials: pencil, spiral notebook and/or loose-leaf paper.
Optional Materials: Basic Four-Function or ScientificCalculator
Note: In this course, there are only certain times when the use of a graphing calculator will be permitted. If you would like to use a calculator, you can provide your own basic four-function or scientific calculator & will be permitted to use it throughout the entire course on both assignments & assessments. You may NOT use a cell phone calculator on any tests or quizzes.
Homework AssignmentsAssignments (classwork or homework) will be given at every class meeting. Some assignments will be out of the textbook. Assignments must be completed and necessary work must be shown IN PENCIL or no credit will be given. It is expected that all assignments will be done in a timely manner. The district policy regarding late work will be adhered to in this class. Students will have an opportunity to complete late assignments with a 20% penalty, provided the late work is turned in prior to the unit test or before the end of each nine-week grading period. Students should keep all assignments until the end of the semester. Extra credit will NOT be given.
Quizzes are scheduled on a regular basis and check your understanding of recently covered concepts. They are generally 5 to 10 questions in length and only cover one to two sections at a time. Please use these quizzes as a resource in better preparing for upcoming tests.
Tests will be given at the completion of each unit and to assess student comprehension. There will be at least one every three weeks and will be shown on your tentative 9-week overview. For tests that have a group component, the groups will be assigned base on the level of homework completion for that unit & one group assignment will be randomly selected for grading when they are all turned in at the end of the period.
Grading Scale: 90 – 100 A
80 – 89B
66-79 C
70 – 75D
0 – 69 F
Make-up Work Any student returning from an absence is responsible for getting missed work from me. The NEISD policy for makeup work will be adhered to in this class.
Late work may be turned in the for 80% credit until the end of that three week grading period. Work for unexcused absences will also receive 80% credit. This late work policy emphasizes the value in the actual completion of the assignment even if something happens where an assignment cannot be completed in a timely manner.