Western Nevada College (WNC)
Liberal Arts Devision
Intermediate Algebra
Fall 2014
Class: Math 96Instructor:Stuart Sunderman
Section No:82060Office:by arrangement
Room No:Cedar 306Office Hours:by appointment
Prerequisite:Math 95 or one unit each ofPhone:(775) 240-4540
of high school algebra and
geometryUnits:3
Call Hours:11:00 AM – 12:15 PM (MW)
Cancelled Class Hotline: *Email:
*Click on Cancelled Classes for Today on right-hand side of page in
Course Description: This is a second course in algebra. Topics include polynomial, rational and radical expressions; linear, quadratic and polynomial equations; linear and absolute value inequalities; relations, functions and their graphs; systems of linear equations; and applications. This course provides a foundation for the math used in business, science, engineering and related fields.
Course Objective: Gain factual knowledge and learn fundamental principles, and theories relating to the course material listed in the Assignment Schedule in detail at the end of the syllabus. Students will learn to generalize and apply these concepts by solving application (word) problems.
Course Materials:
1)Text: IntermediateAlgebra; 4th Edition, Elayn Martin-Gay.
2)Calculator: A scientific calculator is required for this course. I highly recommend the TI 83, 84, or 85 graphing calculator for this class. It will prove useful for future math courses as well. It is very useful for linear and non-linear graphs.
3)Notebook: A three-ring binder with a folder compartment and four (4) or five (5) dividers is recommended. You may use loose-leaf paper for each of the following sections:
A)Homework assignments (both paper and/or MyMathLab), and
B)Chapter tests (include corrections)
This class meets twice a week from August 25 until December 13. All students should be in class everyday and should be on time. If you miss a class, please notify me before the next class meeting. It is very important that you do not get behind in this material. If you are late to class, you not only miss important material, but you are very distracting to other students and to me. There is a strong correlation between regular attendance and success in this course. I may drop a student who misses four (4) or more days of class. You need to contact me if you have conflicts with work, etc., so that we can make other arrangements. It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to drop the course.
Sunderman 2
Homework, Tests and Grading:
Homework: You must do your homework for every class if you expect to succeed.
This is the first time I am experimenting with MyMathLab (MML) for Math 96. You will have an access code when you pay for your books. You will work an assortment of different problems via the computer (MML). It will ckeck your work when you choose the answer and after several tries you should get the correct answer. The nice thing about MML is that it guides you to the answer. Refer to the Assignment Schedule later in this syllabus for the sections to work. You should work the problems out on paper as much as possible and ask about them in class if you are having difficulty. Highlight or circle the answers. Then choose the correct answer in MyMathLab. Answers alone are not sufficient on tests. Homework will count as extra points and can lead to the next higher grade should your test scores be at the lower of each grade level, so it is important you get the answers correct and show pertinent steps en route to the answer. I am confident that when the student shows details on homework and tests, it translates to better test scores.
A)Tests: There will be three tests throughout the semester in the form of handouts and a final examination. Students not passing any particular section(s) on the test will be given one (1) chance to rework those sections. PLEASE REWORK AS A MINIMUM ALL PROBLEMS WHERE YOU MISSED AT LEAST 30%. I will indicate problems you SHOULD REDO versus the OPTIONAL ones. I have found that by reworking missed sections on the test the student learns so much more as well as benefits from the higher score. PLEASE ATTEMPT TO GET YOUR ‘REDONE’ PROBLEMS BACK TO ME WITHIN TWO (2) CLASS PERIODS. Also, PLEASE KEEP UP WITH THE COURSE. It really moves fast. A student not turning in the tests or/and not maintaining at least a 70% average across tests by course drop deadline (October 24) should drop the course, unless he/she strongly feels a passing grade can be achieved in the remaining weeks. A student must make up missed tests before the end of the course, and preferably in a timely manner after his/her absence, in order to get proper credit in those instances. A grade of incomplete will only be allowed in case of emergencies for which a student could not be held responsible.
B)Grade:
TESTS/HWPOINTS GRADES
three tests 300 93 - 100% A78 – 79% C+ 60 – 62% D-
final exam 100 90 - 92% A- 73 – 77% CBelow 60% F
88 - 89% B+70 – 72% C-
83 - 87% B 68 – 69% D+
Total 400 80 - 82% B-63 – 67% D
Evaluation: I will collect your tests on each exam due date and periodically check how you are doing with your homework. I expect a neatly organized series of steps leading to the answers on your tests, including redone problems.
Sunderman 3
Academic Accommodations: Students with disabilities who may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to notify the instructor and to contact Disability Support Services (DSS) early in the semester so that reasonable accommodations may be implemented as soon as possible. Students may contact DSS in person in Room 103 in the Bristlecone Building or call 445-3266 or 445-3275.
Learning Resources: There are many ways to get help if you need additional assistance. I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the following resources:
A)Instructor: Please do not hesitate to ask questions. Call me at home or email me (preferred) as that is my official place of work for my adjunct teaching assignments. At school my office hours for MW will be for the most part in the library from 8:30 AM until 10:30 AM or between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. My cell number is (775) 240-4540. Then we can arrange a time when we can meet.
B)Classmates: Help each other! Work in study groups as often as possible. My office hours at home, the library, and tutoring center hours at the Academic Skills Center (Bristlecone 330, M-F) may not provide sufficient time for all of your questions to be answered. You will need to rely on each other. Group work can be both beneficial and enjoyable. However, make sure that you turn in your own work. You will not learn anything if someone else does your work for you.
Other: The information on this syllabus may change at times during the course.
Class Policies:
A)Students are responsible for getting class notes from the other students and getting any schedule changes or other announcements from students or the instructor on days missed from class.
B)Students are expected to be courteous to each other and to the instructor. Students will be asked to leave the class for display of behavior the instructor deems as disruptive to the class environment.
C)Use discretion in talking during class (whisper if necessary). Texting and doingfuture assignments in classare also rude. Pay attention. You will get more out of the class if you are listening.
D)All pagers and cell phones are to be turnedto a non-noise mode during class time.
E)Avoid sharpening your pencil or throwing trash away during class.
F)If you are unavoidably late, please sit near the door so you don’t disturb others.
C)As far as attendance policies are concerned, you are expected to complete all handouts and assigned homework problems via MML; otherwise zeros will be given.As far as drops from class are concerned, I will drop a student only after talking to them first. Ultimately, it is a student’s responsibility to drop the course.
Sunderman 4
Advice on Learning Mathematics:
A)Get motivated and set a good mood for study.
B)Learn to use time effectively.
C)Establish your goals for the week.
D)Look ahead at highlights of each section to be covered in class on a particular day.
E)Review supporting examples, noting how each property is applied.
F)Ask questions during the lecture on points that you do not understand.
G)Concentrate on the material when you study.
H)Memorize and know how to use the concepts or techniques in each section.
I)Reinforce concepts by working as many problems as you can from each assignment.
How to Achieve Excellence in Algebra:
A)Attend all class sessions on time.
B)Read the book!
C)Work problems everyday and check your answers.
D)Work with another classmate, but be responsible for your own work.
Note: Do not attempt to learn math by yourself. Share ideas and help each other understand the material.
E)Review everyday.
F)Don’t expect to understand every new topic the first time you see it.
G)Spend as much time as it takes you to master the material.
C)Use the Academic Skills Center for extra help as necessary.
Intermediate Algebra by Elayn Martin-Gay
Chapter 1 – Real Numbers and Algebraic Expressions
Chapter 2 – Equations, Inequalities, and Problem Solving
Chapter 3 – Graphs and Functions
Chapter 4 – Systems of Equations and Inequalities
Chapter 5 – Polynomials and Polynomial Functions
Chapter 6 – Rational Expressions
Chapter 7 – Rational Exponents, Radicals, and Complex Numbers
Chapter 8 – Quadratic Equations and Functions
Chapter 9 – Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE
(Tentative)
The assignment for homework is every other odd-numbered problem (eeo)for each section below; i.e., 1, 5, 9, 13, …. The last day to add this class is August 29. The last dayto drop this class with a ‘W’ is October 24.
Sunderman 5
No. Lecture Due Section Topic
Date Date
1M-8/25 W-8/27 1.6Exponents and Scientific Notation
1.7More Work with Exponents and Scientific Notation
2 W-8/27 W-9/32.1Linear Equations in One Variable
2.2An Introduction to Problem Solving
3 M-9/1 M-9/1 HolidayLabor Day
4 W-9/3 M-9/82.3Formulas and Problem Solving
2.4Linear Inequalities and Problem Solving
5 M-9/8 W-9/102.5Sets and Compound Inequalities
2.6Absolute Value Equations
6W-9/10 M-9/152.7Absolute Value Inequalities
3.1Graphing Linear Equations
7 M-9/15 W-9/173.2The Slope of a Line
3.3The Slope-intercept Form
8W-9/17 M-9/223.4More Equations of Lines
ReviewChapters 2 (2.1-2.7) and 3 (3.1-3.4)
Test 1 due 9/22
9M-9/22 W-9/243.5Graphing Linear Inequalities
3.6Introduction to Functions
10W-9/24 M-9/29 3.7Finding Domains and Ranges from Graphs
and Graphing Piecewise Defined Functions
4.1Solving Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables
11M-9/29 W-10/14.2Solving Systems of Linear Equations in Three Var.
4.3Systems of Linear Equations and Problem Solving
12W-10/1 M-10/65.1Polynomial Functions and Adding and Subtracting
Polynomials
5.2Multiplying Polynomials
13M-10/6 W-10/85.3Dividing Polynomials and Synthetic Division
5.4The Greatest Common Factor (GCF) and
Factoring by Grouping
14W-10/8 M-10/135.5Factoring Trinomials
5.6Factoring by Special Products
Sunderman 6
No. Lecture Due Section Topic
Date Date
15M-10/13 W-10/155.7Solving Equations by Factoring & Solving Problems Rev. Chapters 3 (3.5-3.7), 4 (4.1-4.3), and 5 (5.1-5.7)
Test 2 due 10/20
16W-10/15 M-10/20Rev.Ch. 3 (3.5-3.7), 4 (4.1-4.3), and 5 (5.1-5.7) (cont’d)
6.1 Rational Functions & Multiplying and Dividing
Rational Expressions
17M-10/20 W-10/226.2Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions
6.3Simplifying Complex Fractions
18W-10/22 M-10/276.4Solving Equations Containing Rational Expressions
6.5Rational Equations and Problem Solving
19M-10/27 W-10/296.6Variation and Problem Solving
7.1Radical Expressions and Radical Functions
20W-10/29 M-11/37.2Rational Exponents
7.3Simplifying Radical Expressions
21 M-11/3 W-11/57.4Adding, Subtracting, and Multiplying
Radical Expressions
7.5Rationalizing Numerators and Denominators of
Radical Expressions
22 W-11/5 M-11/107.6Radical Equations and Problem Solving
7.7Complex Numbers
23M-11/10 W-11/12Rev.Chapters 6 (6.1-6.6) and 7 (7.1-7.7);
Test 3 due 11/17
24W-11/12 M-11/178.2Solving Quadratic Equations by Using the
Quadratic Formula
8.3Solving Equations by Using Quadratic Methods
25M-11/17 W-11/198.3Solving Equations by Using Quad. Methods (cont’d)
8.4Nonlinear Inequalities in One Variable
26W-11/19 M-11/248.5Quadratic Functions and Their Graphs
8.6Further Graphing of Quadratic Functions
27M-11/24 W-11/268.6Further Graphing of Quadratic Functions (cont’d)
9.3Exponential Functions
Sunderman 7
No. Lecture Due Section Topic
Date Date
28W-11/26 M-12/19.4Exponential Growth and Decay Functions
9.5Logarithmic Functions
Th-11/27 Th-11/27Hol.Thanksgiving Day
29 M-12/1 W-12/39.6Properties of Logarithms
9.7 Common Logs, Natural Logs, and Change of Base
30 W-12/3 M-12/89.7Common Logs, Nat. Logs, & Change of Base (cont’d)
9.8Exponential and Logarithmic Equations and
Problem Solving
31 M-12/8 W-12/10Rev.Chapters 8 (Sections 2-6) and 9 (Sections 3-8)
Final Test due 12/10
32 W-12/10 W-12/10FinalFinal Examination (usual time)
Please note that in an effort to help students successfully complete their courses, the Counseling Office on campus will ask faculty for names of students they feel may be in need of additional assistance. A counselor may contact you to offer some ideas.