Course Syllabus for Intermediate Algebra

• PREREQUISITE: MAT 031 or appropriate score on the placement test.

• COURSE DESCRIPTION: “A continuation of beginning algebra. Topics included are factoring, fractional expressions and equations, radical expressions and equations, quadratic equations and inequalities. ”

• (Three hours per week), three load hours, 0 credits.

• Now that you have decided to take this course, remember that a positive attitude will make all the difference in the world. Your belief that you can succeed is just as important as your commitment to this course. Make sure that you are ready for this course by having the time and positive attitude that it takes to succeed.

• In this course you will study:
o Factoring
o Rational expressions and equations
o Radicals, rational exponents, and complex numbers
o Quadratic equations
o Exponential and logarithmic functions

• This course is intended to provide a useful background in mathematics for students pursuing any degree or certificate. This is the middle step in your non-credit mathematics. This is approximately equivalent to the second year of high school algebra. In this course, you will learn many new concepts and see the expansion of several familiar ones. All the topics in this course are designed to prepare you for subsequent courses in Mathematics. You will be doing some applications that will help you understand the relevance of what you are learning. As your mathematical expertise expands in succeeding courses, the applications of your skill will become even more diverse and interesting. Your ability to succeed in those later courses will very much depend on how well you understand the material covered in this course.

• Scientific or graphing calculators may also be used to further illustrate specific concepts.

• In addition to the class time, the average student should plan to spend six hours outside of class each week (2 hours for every hour spent in class). Students whose background in mathematics is below average, or who normally work at a slower than average pace, should schedule more time in order to keep up with the course material.

• REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS:
o TEXTBOOK: Foundations of Mathematics by Marvin L. Bittinger and Judith A. Penna. Addison Wesley. 2004 ISBN # 0-321-16856-9
o CALCULATOR
o Pencil and a notebook to keep a very good set of notes. A separate notebook to do the homework.

• COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
o 11 pop quizzes (20 points each, best ten will be counted for total of 200 points)
o 5 tests (100 points each, best four will be counted for total of 400 points)
o 1 comprehensive final examination (100 points)

• In order to comfortably succeed in MAT 032 you will need to be proficient in the following skills. If you need to brush up on any of these skills please ask for help immediately!
o Solving equations and inequalities
o Graphing equations and inequalities
o Exponents and polynomials
o Solving systems of equations

• Attendance: Students whose attendance is sporadic often do not do well because of the nature of the course, especially in the accelerated format. Most students need guidance in understanding the procedures involved in developing a new mathematical process. If you find yourself unable to keep up with the class, make an appointment immediately to see the instructor outside of class time. It is the student's responsibility to make up any work missed due to an absence for any reason.

• Academic Honesty: As a reminder, the College has a policy on academic honesty. You are expected to abide by the procedures set forth in the document.

• Accommodating Disabilities: Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him or her from fully demonstrating his or her abilities should contact the instructor as soon as possible, so we can discuss accommodation necessary to ensure full participation and facilitate your educational opportunity.

• College policy prohibits young children from accompanying parents to class.

• Classroom Etiquette: It is assumed that all students will respect each others rights to fully participate in the discussion of the day. To that end, it is expected that students will not engage in behaviors that distract not only the instructor but also their fellow classmates. Students who engage in activities such as talking to each others, talking on cell phones or text messaging, leaving class for non-emergency needs, will be asked to leave. If you are unlucky enough to be one of these students, you will be required to meet with me in my office prior to returning to class. I expect that all of my students will behave in an adult, respectful and professional manner. Students are prohibited from using, activating or displaying personal electronic devises.

• GRADES: The numerical final course grade will be computed as indicated in the following distribution, and letter grades will be assigned as follows.

Components of Final Grade

Quizzes 33%
Tests 50%
Final Examination 17%

Letter grade
Points

A 90% or more
B 80% - 89%
C 70% - 79%
F Less than 70%

• TESTING: Dates for tests are given on the syllabus. You should make a special effort to be present for class on those days, but should it be absolutely necessary to miss a scheduled test, the student should contact the instructor as early as possible to make other arrangements for testing. A separate make-up test will be given only for an extreme emergency, and will be scheduled at the instructor's convenience.

If you are absent prior to a scheduled test, you will still be expected to take the test at the scheduled time and are expected to contact a classmate or the instructor in advance to obtain the information required to prepare for the test.

Although you will be tested on the subject matter of each chapter, tests for specific sections may be combined so as to maximize course effectiveness. The following outline may be modified slightly as necessary to accommodate student needs and to permit possible computer and/or video demonstrations. A brief description of the Objectives for each chapter is detailed on the following pages.

This course consists of all or parts of chapters #10, #11, #15, #16, and #17 in the assigned textbook. The following syllabus outlines in detail the material, which will be presented from each of the chapters, and the intended order of presentation.

COURSE OUTLINE