Math 163

College Algebra

3 Semester Hours

 

The Community College of Baltimore County

 

Math 163

Rm:  G-206

Section:  L

CRN:  23206

Greg Stiffler, Instructor  Spring 2009

Office:  E-204 C

Office Hours:  Tues/Thurs – 1:00-1:30, Wed – 10:00-2:00

Phone:  (443) 840-4967

Math Department: 443-840-4251 (Room E-204)

Testing Center:   catonsville.testingcenter@ccbcmd.edu,   443-840-5246 (Room K-205)

Email:  gstiffler@ccbcmd.edu

 

Text:  Stewart, Redlin, and Watson – Algebra and Trigonometry  2nd Edition (required) – Thompson Brooks/Cole 2007

 

Description:

Explores the nature and scope of college mathematics through the study of functions.  Topics include the study of polynomial, rational, radical, piece-wise defined, and absolute value functions and their graphs and applications as well as modeling with these functions.  Additional topics include complex numbers, the binomial theorem, inverse functions, operations with functions, exponential and logarithmic functions and their graphs and applications.

 

 

Prerequisites:

(RDNG 052 or LVR2) and (ENGL 052 or LVE 2) or (ESOL 052 or LVE 2) and Algebra I and II in high school and a satisfactory score on the placement exam; or (MATH 083 or LVM 3) or consent of instructor.

 

 

Calculator:

**Graphing calculators will be used in this course.  A graphing calculator is highly recommended, such as TI-82/83/83plus/84/86 or equivalent calculator (at instructor’s discretion).  The TI-89/92 or Voyage 200 or calculators at or above this level are not permitted.

 

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

            1. Produce and compare graphs of absolute value and piece-wise functions

            2. Solve inequalities in one and two variables

            3. Solve absolute value inequalities in one variable

            4. Identify domain and range of functions

            5. Produce and compare graphs of functions using translations, symmetry, end

                behavior, and asymptotes

            6. Combine two or more functions using addition, subtraction, multiplication,

                division, or functional composition

            7. Identify the inverse of a given function

            8. Identify the function, given information about it

            9. Model numerical data using quadratic functions to further analyze data and

                predict values

            10. Perform operations with functions

            11. Produce and compare graphs of exponential and logarithmic functions

            12. Solve problems using exponential and logarithmic functions

            13. Produce and compare graphs of polynomial functions

            14. Identify the zeroes of polynomial functions, apply the Fund. Theorem of Alg.

            15. Identify the equation of a polynomial using the Theory of Equations and given

                  sufficient information about its zeroes

            16. Apply the Binomial Theorem to determine the coefficients of a polynomial

            17. Solve rational equations

            18. Produce graphs of rational functions

            19. Construct a solution to real world problems using problem methods

                  individually and in groups

            20. Examine the mathematical contributions made by people from diverse

                  cultures throughout history

            21. Articulate a solution to mathematical problems

            22. Apply appropriate technology to the solution of mathematical problems

 

Major Topics:

            I. Equations and Inequalities

            II. Graphing with Calculators and Lines

            III. Modeling

            IV. Functions

            V. Polynomial and Rational Functions

            VI. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

            VII. The Binomial Theorem

 

 

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.  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:  100 points

 

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.  All tests will be given in class.  If you miss a test for any reason, there are NO make-ups or re-takes.

 

Total:  300 points

 

Homework:

Homework is worth 100 points.  There will be homework problems at the end of each section, which are listed on the course calendar below.  These will be for practice and will not be graded.  At the end of each chapter I will pass out a set of questions.  It will consist of 5-10 questions from the chapter that I feel are important to know, totaling 10 points.  From the five chapters and additional sections, homework points will total 50 points.  Your point average at the end of the semester will be your score out of 100.  For example, if you scored 40 points out of 50 possible, it averages to 80%.  Therefore, you will receive 80 points out of 100 at the end of the semester. 

 

Total:  100 points

 

Writing Assignments:

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

 

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 that if you are auditing, college policy requires that you continue to come to class as I will keep recording attendance.

 

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. 

 

Final Exam:

The final will be cumulative and will be worth 100 points.

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.)

 

 

Disabled Students

 

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, CCBC is committed to providing an environment that is conducive to learning for all students. 

 

The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) is obligated to

·         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.

Students with disabilities are obligated to

·         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

  • Support and implement reasonable accommodations as identified in a letter from the disability support office and presented by the student without requesting specifics of the diagnosis and/or copies of medical documentation.
  • Consult with the disability support office if requests conflict with course objectives/requirements.
  • Maintain CONFIDENTIALITY.
  • Refer students who request accommodations based on disability to the appropriate disability support office.  The following syllabus statement is recommended:

 

Students requesting reasonable accommodations based on disability should contact the campus disability support office at (campus telephone number and location).

 

01/09                                                                                                                                                               

The disability support office is obligated to

  • Coordinate services and serve as a resource to students, faculty and administration in matters regarding access, disability status, eligibility for services and accommodation.
  • Receive and review disability documentation, determine eligibility, and provide letters to faculty upon request from students.
  • Retain confidential files and documentation of disability, sharing information only as appropriate in accordance with privacy laws.
  •  

Further information about services for students with disabilities at CCBC may be obtained by contacting the following:

 

Campus:

Office:

Room:

Phone:

Catonsville

Office of Disabilities Support Services

K-205

443-840-5246

443-840-4553 (TTY)

Dundalk

Office of Disabilities Support Services

A-100

443-840-3774

443-840-3529 (TTY)

Essex

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.

 

 

Writing Policy

 

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:

 

Catonsville

443-840-1711

Dundalk

443-840-1711

Essex

443-840-1711

 

 

 

TUTORING SERVICES

 

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:

 

Campus:

Office:

Room:

Phone:

    Catonsville

Student Success Center

F-304

443-840-5959

    Dundalk

Student Success Center

J-211

443-840-3666

    Essex

Student Success Center

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 Maryland who provide email accounts to all credit students.  Each student who is registered in credit classes now has an email account and up to 5 Mb of storage in their mail box.  This account will not be deleted even if the student graduates or leaves CCBC for any reason.

 

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.)

 

Note:  If you miss a class/week/etc, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed (lectures/assignments/etc).  You may contact classmates or myself.  Saying “I didn’t know we had a test” or “I didn’t know this was due” is no excuse (unless you had a documented emergency). 

Homework and Pacing Schedule

 

Week of

Sections

Practice Problems

2/2

1.1, 1.2, 1.3

1.1: 1-17 odd,19,23,24,29,32,33,41,44,51,55,58,66,67,80,82,89

1.2: 2,7,9,11,15,17,23,24,29,32,35,40,41,45,49-53 odd

1.3: 3-45 every other odd,56,57,61,65,69,76,81,84,89,92,95

1.4: 11-51 odd,53-67 odd

1.5: 1-31 odd, 36,41,45,46,56,57,59,69,73,77

1.6: 7,11-39 odd, 45,49,51,53,54,63,73,75,78,83,86

1.7: 1-37 odd,41,47,49,50

2/9

Quiz Chp 1.1-1.3

1.3, 1.4, 1.5(maybe)

2/16

1.5, 1.6, 1.7

2/23

Quiz Chp 1

2.1, 2.2

2.1: 2,5,7,10,13,22,27,33,37,37-45 odd

2.2: 1,3,5,7,13,15,16,19-39 odd (only find x/y intercepts),45,53,59-67 odd,73,83,84

2.3: 5,11,19,23,24,27,29,31,37-41 odd,45,46,51,58,59

2.4: 1-33 odd,41-51 odd,55,63,66,67

2.5: 1-21 odd,23,29,32,37,39

3/2

2.3, 2.4, 2.5

Quiz Chp 2.1-2.3

3/9

Test Chp 1 & 2

3.1, 3.2

3.1: 11-51 odd,59,62a,b,65,67,70

3.2: 1,5,11,25,31,33,36,39,45,49,55,84

3.3: 1,5,9,12,14,15,17-25 odd,31,33,34

3.4: 1-15 odd,18-20,23-31 odd,33,39,42,45,54,57,61-69 odd

3.5: 2,3,5-35 odd,39,41,45,50,51,59,60,62,65

3.6: 1-7,10,17-37 odd,41,55,57,62

3.7: 1-27 odd, 31-47 odd,55,58,66,67,71,73,74,76

3/16

 3.3, 3.4

3/23

Quiz Chp 3.1-3.4

3.5, 3.6

3/30

3.7, 4.1, 4.2 (maybe)

4.1: 1,2,5,7,10,11,15,21,23-33 odd,37,39,43,49,56,59,69,79

4.2: 1-50 odd,52,53,56,57,59

4.3: 2-4,7,11-51 every other odd,55,61,65,67,69,79,80,93,94

4.4: 1-45 odd,49,52

4.5: 5,9,13-29 odd,33-51 odd,57,60,75,76

4/13

Quiz Chp 4.1-4.3

4.3,4.4

4/20

4.5,5.1

Test Chp 1-4

4/27

5.2,5.3

5.1: 3,11-33 odd,41,42,47-49,53,54,59,65,66,69

5.2: 5-33 odd,34,41-53 odd,54,56,59,60,78-80

5.3: 7-55 odd,59,63,64,65

5.4: 1-51 odd,57,63,64,67,70,71,73,74,79

5.5: 1-21 odd,22,25,27,28,30,31,35

12.6: 1-8,11-27odd,30-33,35,37,42.45.55,57,61,62,65

5/4

5.4,5.5

 

5/11

 

12.6

Test Chp 3-5

Review for final

 

5/18

Finals Week