Math 083
Intermediate Algebra
3 Semester Hours
The Community College of
School of Math and Science
MATH 083
Rm: G-203/G-204
Section: K/7
CRN: 23633/22401
Greg Stiffler, Instructor Spring 2009
Office: E-204
C
Office Hours:
Tues/Thurs: 1:00-1:30, Wed: 10-2
Phone: (443)
840-4967
Email: gstiffler@ccbcmd.edu
Math Department: 443-840-4251 (Room E-204)
Testing Center: catonsville.testingcenter@ccbcmd.edu, 443-840-5246 (Room K-205)
Text: Intermediate Algebra by Charles McKeague, 8th Edition (required)
Description:
Intermediate Algebra – Covers rational expressions, radicals, quadratic equation, complex numbers, functions and relations, and exponential and logarithmic functions.
Prerequisite:
Math 082 or a satisfactory score on the math placement test, RDNG 051 or LVR1 or by consent of the Coordinator
Scientific calculator required.
I.
Course Goals
A.
Learning
outcomes (as listed on the
official common course outline):
a.
Functions
and Relations
i.
Introduce
function notation
ii.
Identify
the domain and range of a function
iii.
Perform
operations on functions
b.
Quadratic
Functions
i.
Graph
quadratic functions, identifying domain and range using function notation
ii.
Solve
quadratic equations using the square root method, factoring, completing the
square, and the quadratic formula
iii.
Perform
operations on complex numbers
iv.
Solve
quadratic equations (including equations with complex number roots)
v.
Use
optimization and simulation methods
vi.
Solve
radical equations
c.
Polynomial,
Radical, and Rational Functions and Equations
i.
Perform
operations on polynomial expressions and factor
ii.
Graph
power and polynomial functions, identifying domain and range and using function
notation
iii.
Simplify
radicals and expressions with rational exponents
iv.
Perform
operations on rational expressions
v.
Solve
rational equations
d.
Exponential
and Logarithmic Functions and Equations
i.
Graph
exponential functions, identifying domain and range and using function notation
ii.
Graph
logarithmic functions, identifying domain and range and using function notation
iii.
Evaluate
exponential and logarithmic functions
e.
Conic
Sections
i.
Graph
parabolas and circles
ii.
Write
equations of parabolas and circles
B.
Objectives (as listed on the official common course
outline):
a.
Identify
functions and use function notation
b.
Determine
the domain and range of a function
c.
Factor,
add, subtract, multiply, ad divide functions
d.
Graph
linear, quadratic, exponential and logarithmic functions
e.
Solve
quadratic equations by (1) factoring, (2) completing the square, (3) the
quadratic formula, (4) graphing the function
f.
Solve
applications of quadratic equations
g.
Perform
operations on radical expressions
h.
Perform
operations on radical expressions
i.
Solve
radical equations
j.
Simplify,
factor, add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational expressions
k.
Solve
rational equations
l.
Recognize
and graph conic sections
C.
Rationale:
Algebra is a branch of mathematics which studies equations and the methods for
solving these equations. Algebra has evolved for more than 3000 years and has emerged
as a basic tool of modern science, social science, business, and technology.
Algebra is a foundation for al higher mathematics, including, but not limited
to, trigonometry, calculus, finite mathematics, probability and statistics.
Algebra teaches not only skills, but also thought processes that will be used
again and again in college level mathematics courses.
Course Requirements:
Grading:
Quizzes:
There will be five quizzes during the semester, each worth 25 points, for a total of 125 points. All quizzes will be given in class. There are NO make-up quizzes without proper documentation. If you miss a quiz for any reason, you will receive a zero! I will drop your lowest quiz grade to compensate for this policy (hence 100 points). If you know that you will miss a class quiz, inform me before the class and we can reschedule.
Total points: 100
In addition to regular quizzes, at the end of each week, I will give a short (2 questions) quiz on the material learned that day, or prior material. We will most likely have between 12-13 quizzes of this type. The point values will end up totaling 25 points, and your overall score will count as a separate quiz.
Total points: approx 25
Tests:
You will take 3 tests during the semester, each worth 100 points. If you miss a test, there are NO make-ups or re-takes.
Final/Midterm
The final and midterm are departmental exams, meaning every Intermediate
Algebra class takes the same ones. Each is worth 25% of the overall grade,
or in this class, 100 points each. The midterm covers the first half of the semester
and the final covers the second half.
In addition, we may have quarter exams, which will test your knowledge of the
material at that time. These will not be graded.
The midterm will be March 18th or 19th. Details will be given as we get
closer.
Total points: 500
Homework:
Homework is worth 100 points. Homework will be completed and distributed through WebAssign, which is an online resource for our textbook. Questions will posted online, which you will need an access code to reach. If you bought your book new, it should have it. If you did not buy it new, go to www.webassign.net to get a new one (approx. $25). Homework will be assigned after we finish a chapter, and you will have one week to complete it. We will have five assignments, for a total of 50 points, but the grade will be out of 100 points, meaning if you get 40/50, that’s an 80%, thus you will get 80 points.
Total points: 100
Writing Assignment/Project:
The writing assignment for this course will be a reflective journal that you will add to each week. The journal will be a brief (2 paragraph) summary of the week’s lessons and topics and/or answering a particular question based on the lessons. Each journal article should be:
-typed, double-spaced
-between one and two paragraphs (paragraph is 3-5 sentences)
-grammatically correct
-either summarizes the lessons of the week, using proper terminology and at least 1 example, or discusses the applied uses of the content, i.e., how is it used in real life (with examples)
These will be due the first class of the following week. That is, they’ll be assigned on a Thursday and collected the following Tuesday. Each will be worth 2-3 points.
Total: approx 25 points
Overall Total: 750 points.
Attendance:
As students you are expected to attend every class ON TIME. Good attendance is expected. Students who are absent more than FOUR class sessions will have their final course grade numerically lowered one grade (for example, a student missing five sessions with a “B” average will receive a “C” in the course). If you are going to miss class for something out of your control (work, family emergency, etc), bring me documentation of the absence, and it will not count against you.
NOTE: The deadline for withdrawing from a course or
changing to an audit for the Spring 2009 semester is Monday,
April 20, 2009 by 7 p.m. Failure
to officially withdraw from a class you have stopped attending may result in an
"F" grade.
Remember you cannot audit a developmental course.
Lateness:
As a student it is your responsibility to arrive to class on time and ready to work. I understand that the unexpected can happen, thus I will take attendance after the first five minutes of class.
COURSE REPEAT
POLICY
Students who have already received two grades (including W, AU, I, and R) in any course are prohibited from registering for the course for the third or subsequent time without the written permission of an academic dean or his/her designee. (Note: If the course is developmental, the recommendation of a support team [including at least one individual selected by the Dean of Developmental Education and Special Academic Programs and at least one individual selected by the academic unit] must be included in the decision making process of the academic dean or his/her designee.)
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, CCBC is committed to providing an environment that is conducive to learning for all students.
· Assure compliance with all laws regarding equal opportunity for students with disabilities as defined in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
· Be “otherwise qualified” e.g. be able to meet the academic standards and requirements of the College with reasonable accommodation, as needed.
· Request accommodation through the disability support office on the campus they attend. Documentation of disability must be provided to the office in order to determine eligibility.
· Present letters requesting classroom and testing accommodations from the disability support office to instructors in a timely manner, in accordance with established procedures.
· Renew requests each semester by completing the accommodation request form (blue form) indicating their schedule for the semester.
· Remain in contact with faculty throughout the semester regarding arrangements for accommodations.
Students with
disabilities may choose not to identify themselves to the disability support
office or faculty member. However, a
student choosing this option is not eligible for accommodations.
Faculty members are obligated to
Students requesting reasonable
accommodations based on disability should contact the campus disability support
office at (campus telephone number and location).
01/09
Further information about services for students with disabilities at CCBC may be obtained by contacting the following:
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Campus: |
Office: |
Room: |
Phone: |
|
|
Office of Disabilities Support Services |
K-205 |
443-840-5246 443-840-4553
(TTY) |
|
|
Office of Disabilities Support Services |
A-100 |
443-840-3774 443-840-3529
(TTY) |
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Office of Disabilities Support Services |
A-210 |
443-840-1741 443-840-1601
(TTY) |
Code of
Academic Integrity
For the College to make its maximum contribution as an institution of high learning, the entire college community must uphold high standards of integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior. In seeking the truth, in learning to think critically, and in preparing for a life of constructive service, honesty is imperative. Each student has a responsibility to submit work that is uniquely his or her own, or to provide clear and complete acknowledgement of the use of work attributable to others. To these ends, the following actions are expected of students:
· Complete all work on exams without assistance.
· Follow the professor’s instructions when completing all class assignments.
· Ask for clarification when instructions are not clear.
· Report to the instructor any unauthorized information related to an exam.
· Provide proper credit when quoting or paraphrasing.
· Submit only one’s own work.
Students who do not accept responsibility for the integrity of their own work will experience sanctions, including a written reprimand, failure of the assignment, failure of the course, and/or dismissal from the program. For repeat and extreme offenses, the College reserves the right to suspend or expel students.
The College recognizes that clear, correct, and concise use of language is characteristic of an educated person. Therefore, whenever possible, faculty members in all disciplines should require written assignments in their courses in order to encourage effective writing by their students. Also, instructors should consider the quality of writing in determining a grade for a written assignment. Poor writing can be a sufficient cause for a failing grade on a paper and, in extreme cases, a failing grade in a course.
Inclement Weather/Emergency Closing Policy
In the event that the college (or
a specific campus) opens late due to weather-related or other emergency
conditions, classes will commence at the announced opening time and resume the
normal schedule thereafter for the remainder of the day. Faculty, students, and classified staff
should report to wherever they would normally have been at the announced
opening time. **
Students and faculty engaged in
field placement programs (such as internships, clinical placements, etc.)
should discuss the handling of emergency situations at the beginning of the
placement period. Both the requirements
of the program and the safety of persons involved should be considered in
planning a course of action in those cases where students are expected to report
to off-campus locations.
** For example, if you had a class that began at 9:35 and the college opened at 10:00 because of snow, you would report to your 9:35 class at 10:00.
When the college closes because of severe weather or emergency conditions, announcements of class cancellations are made on local radio and television stations and the college website (www.ccbcmd.edu). Closings and delays will also be recorded on the campus weather line:
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443-840-1711 |
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443-840-1711 |
|
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443-840-1711 |
Students are encouraged to seek help from their instructors whenever they encounter academic difficulty (either during scheduled office hours or by appointment). In addition, each campus offers free academic support services. For more information, contact:
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Campus: |
Office: |
Room: |
Phone: |
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Catonsville |
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F-304 |
443-840-5959 |
|
Dundalk |
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J-211 |
443-840-3666 |
|
Essex |
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A-307 |
443-840-1820 |
CIVILITY AND COMMUNITY BUILDING EXPECTATIONS
Creating a Culture of CARE©
(Compassion, Appreciation, Respect, Empowerment)
As
members of the CCBC community of learners, we are expected to act with respect,
honesty, responsibility and accountability.
Each of us is expected to be aware of the impact our behavior has on the
community. CCBC wishes to each learner
to commit to the following actions:
• Become an active and engaged learner
• Celebrate the richness of our diversity
• Respect the campus and its code of conduct
• Practice empathy and compassion
• Promote the empowerment of others
MAJOR
RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY POLICY
Students not attending class because they are
observing major religious holidays shall be given the opportunity, to the
maximum extent possible, to make up, within a reasonable amount of time, any
academic work or tests they miss. Arrangements between the student and the
faculty member(s) for the student to make up missed assignments or tests must be made in advance of the religious
holiday, at the initiation of the student.
STUDENT E-MAIL ACCOUNTS
CCBC has joined
the ranks of the very few community colleges in
For information
about the system and how students can determine their email address, go the
CCBC Home Page and click on “Student Email”.
From here students can find their email address, get to an on-line user
manual and access instructions on how to forward the CCBC email to the system
of choice (AOL, Comcast, Hot Mail, etc.)
Following is a list of sections that must be covered and will be included on the Midterm and Final Exams. Other sections may be covered as review or instruction at the instructor’s discretion. (subject to change)
|
Week of |
Sections |
Problems |
|
|
2/2 |
5.4a 5.5a 5.5b |
To factor out the Greatest
Common Factor |
1-20 |
|
To factor a trinomial of
the form x2 + bx + c |
1-28 |
||
|
To factor ax2 +
bx + c |
29-66 |
||
|
2/9 |
5.6b 5.6c 5.7a |
To factor the difference of
two squares |
29-46 |
|
To factor the sum or
difference of two cubes |
79-98 |
||
|
To factor a variety of
polynomials |
1-4, 6, 8-11, 13-17, 19-24, 26, 29-34, 36, 39-41,
47-52 |
||
|
2/16 |
5.8a 3.5b 3.5c |
To solve an equation by
factoring |
1-30 |
|
Identify the domain and
range of functions Quiz
Chapter 5.4-5.7 |
1-10, 21-24 |
||
|
Determine if a relation is
a function |
11-20 |
||
|
2/23 |
3.6a 3.7a 3.7b |
Evaluate functions using
functional notation |
1-26, 33-40 |
|
To perform operations on
functions Quiz
Chapter 3.5-3.6 |
1-30 |
||
|
To find the composition of
two functions |
31-36 |
||
|
3/2 |
6.1a 6.1b 6.3a |
Reducing rational
expressions to lowest terms Test
Chapter 3 and 5 |
1, 2, 5-32, 41-52 |
|
Find function values for
rational expressions |
3, 4, 57-64 |
||
|
To multiply and divide
rational expressions |
1-36, 45-64 |
||
|
3/9 |
6.4a 6.4b 6.5a 6.6a |
To add or subtract
expressions with a common denominator |
11-18 |
|
To add or subtract rational
expressions |
25-64 |
||
|
To simplify a complex
fraction
|
7-22, 27-34, 43-52 |
||
|
To solve a fractional
equation |
1-16, 33-58 |
||
|
3/16 |
7.1b 7.3a 7.3b |
MIDTERM --- 25% of course grade |
********** |
|
To simplify expressions
with rational exponents |
33-56 |
||
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To simplify radical
expressions |
1-34 |
||
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To rationalize denominators |
41-70 |
||
|
3/23 |
7.4a 7.5a 7.5b |
To add or subtract radical
expressions Quiz
Chapter 7.1-7.3 |
1-26, 39-46 |
|
To multiply radical
expressions |
1-30, 35-40, 43-48 |
||
|
To divide radical
expressions |
49-88 |
||
|
3/30 |
7.6a 7.7a 7.7b |
To solve a radical equation |
1-18 |
|
Simplify complex numbers |
1-8 |
||
|
Simplify powers of i |
9-14 |
||
|
4/13 |
7.7d 7.7e 7.7f 8.1a |
To add or subtract a
complex number |
25-40 |
|
To multiply complex numbers |
41-66 |
||
|
To divide complex numbers |
67-78 |
||
|
To solve a quadratic
equation by taking square roots |
1-16 |
||
|
4/20 |
8.1b 8.2a 8.5a |
To solve a quadratic
equation by completing the square Test
Chapter 5-7 |
17-44 |
|
To solve a quadratic
equation by using the quadratic formula |
1-14, 17-18, 23-26 |
||
|
Graph parabolas |
1-28 |
||
|
4/27 |
8.5b 10.1c |
Solve applications with
quadratics |
29-31, 33-36 |
|
To find the equation of a
circle and then graph the circle Quiz
Chapter 8 |
13-30 |
||
|
10.1b |
To write the equation of a
circle in standard form |
31-36 |
|
|
5/4 |
9.1a 9.1b |
To evaluate an exponential
function Test
Chapter 8 and 10 |
1-8 |
|
To graph an exponential
function |
9-16 |
||
|
5/11 |
9.3a 9.3c |
Convert between logarithmic
and exponential forms |
1-36 |
|
To graph a logarithmic
function |
37-44 |
||
|
5/18 |
|
FINAL EXAM --- 25% of course grade |
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