Central Texas College Syllabus for Math 1314 College Algebra Instructor: Edith Stillsmoking

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1 Central Texas College Syllabus for Math 1314 College Algebra Instructor: Edith Stillsmoking Office Hours: No official hours will be held for this course. Students may contact me at: or or I. INTRODUCTION A. Math 1314, College Algebra, is a three semester-hour course. This course includes an In-depth study and application of polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions, and systems of equations using matrices. Additional topics include matrix operations, sequences, series, binomial theorem, and probability. B. This course satisfies the mathematics requirement in most curricula. Please, check your degree plan to determine the status of this course in your program of study. This course is occupationally related and serves as preparation for careers in sciences, social sciences, and business. C. In support of the objectives of the Texas core curriculum, the course provides significant exercise of students critical thinking, communication skills, empirical and quantitative skills, and teamwork. These objectives form a foundation of intellectual and practical skills that are essential for all learning. 1. Critical thinking skills include creative thinking, innovation inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information 2. Communication skills include effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral and visual media. 3. Empirical and quantitative skills include the ability to manipulate and analyze numerical data or observable facts to reach informed conclusions. D. Prerequisites: DSMA 0303 (DSMA 0306 Fort Sill) or equivalent, or acceptable placement test score. II. LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon successful completion of this course, College Algebra, the student will be able to: A. Define relation and function. B. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of properties of functions, including domain and range, operations, compositions, and inverses C. Evaluate functions. D. Apply graphing techniques such as using transformations to common functions, polynomial functions, exponential functions, and logarithmic functions.

2 E. Recognize and apply polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions and solve related equations and application problems. F. Evaluate all roots of higher degree polynomial and rational functions. G. Recognize, solve and apply systems of linear equations using matrices. H. Use matrix operations. I. Evaluate determinants. J. Identify types of sequences and series. K. Use sequences and series to solve problems. L. L. Apply the Binomial Theorem. M. Use the Fundamental Counting Principal. N. Distinguish between and apply the permutation formula and the combination formula. O. Compute theoretical and empirical probability. P. Use electronic and other media, such as the computer and DVD, to reinforce and supplement the learning process. Q. Demonstrate critical thinking, communication, and empirical and quantitative skills. Some learning outcomes are followed by letters and numbers; i.e., C9 or F11. These refer to SCANS foundations skills (F) and workplace competencies (C). View a chart showing these skills at For more on the (Labor) Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills, or SCANS, go to the U.S. Department of Labor site at III. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS Text: Blitzer, Robert, College Algebra, 6 th edition, Pearson. ISBN: Calculator: (any of the following are acceptable) Casio fx-9860gii, Casio fx-cg10, or TI-83, TI-83+, TI-84, or TI-84+ Graphing Calculator IV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS Attendance: CTC Policy: Prompt and regular attendance is required in the classroom. Students may be dropped from class for excessive absences. Further information regarding the attendance policy is available in the current college catalog. Students are expected to attend every class session of the courses in which they are enrolled. Each absence impacts a student s grade, either directly or indirectly. Students are expected to make up any work missed as a result of an absence. Arriving late for a class or leaving early from a class may be counted as an absence or partial absence.

3 Class Participation: At the beginning of the semester, each student will have 100 points credited to the class participation grade. For each absence (whether excused or unexcused absence), 8 points will be deducted from the class participation grade. Arriving late for a class or leaving early from a class will be counted as a partial absence. Two partial absences will be counted as one absence. (Get drinks of water and go to the restroom before the class begins.) V. SEMESTER GRADE COMPUTATION Methods of Evaluation: Homework 10% Attendance and class participation 10% Reports/ Notebook 10% Four in-class tests 50% Comprehensive Final Exam 20% Grading Scale: A: B: C: D: F: Below 60 Note: This percentage distribution is subject to change during the semester. Homework: Homework will be assigned daily. Homework should be done the day it is assigned. Questions on the homework will be discussed the first 10 minutes of the following class. You also have the option of ing your question to me. Doing homework with other members of your class is encouraged. Show all necessary steps in solving problems in order to receive credit. Homework will be collected and a grade will be given for completion. Report(s): Written assignments will be given on various topics regarding understanding of content and developing a mindset of success in regard to mathematics. Notebook: You are required to keep a notebook for this class. It must be a neat and organized folder or binder containing the syllabus, class notes, homework, and other specific entries from the text that the instructor specifies. Notebooks will be reviewed before each exam and graded on completeness. Extra Credit: Before each exam a quiz will be available to review for the test. You will receive 10 points for a 100%, 9 points for a 90%, etc. Tests/Exams: There will be four in class tests and a comprehensive final exam. Cell Phones: All cell phones must be turned off or on silent (not on vibrate) during class time. Use of cell phones in any way will not be allowed in class (this includes text messaging, using the cell phone s calculator or camera, or taking phone calls.) If you must miss an exam, please call prior to the exam to inform me and provide an acceptable reason. If you do so then you will be allowed to make up the exam. If you do not call then you may not be given a make-up exam. In addition, please note that you must take the final exam and make at least 50% on the final exam and have an overall average higher than 60% to pass the course.

4 VI. COURSE OUTLINE Chapter/Section Topics Basics of Functions and their Graphs More on Functions and their Graphs Transformations of Functions Combinations of Functions; Composite Functions Inverse Functions Review/ Test Polynomial Functions and Their Graphs Dividing Polynomials; Remainder and Factor Theorem Zeroes of Polynomial Functions Rational Functions and Their Graphs Polynomial and Rational Inequalities Review/ Test 2 Exponential Functions Logarithmic Functions Properties of Logarithms Exponential and Logarithmic Equations Review/ Test 3 Matrix Solutions to Linear Systems Inconsistent and Dependent Systems and Their Applications Matrix Operations and Their Applications Multiplicative Inverses of Matrices and Matrix Equations Determinants and Cramer s Rule Review/ Test 4 Sequences and Summation Notation Arithmetic Sequences Geometric Sequences and Series Mathematical Induction The Binomial Theorem Review/ Final VII. NOTES AN ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS A. Withdrawal from Course: It is the student s responsibility to officially drop a class if circumstances prevent attendance. Any student who desires to, or must, officially withdraw from a course after the first scheduled class meeting must file an Application for Withdrawal or an Application for Refund. The withdrawal form must be signed by the student.

5 An Application for withdrawal will be accepted at any time prior to Friday of the 12 th week of classes during the 16-week fall and spring semesters. The deadline for sessions of other lengths is as follows. Session Deadline for Withdrawal 12-week session Friday of the 9 th week 10-week session Friday of the 9 th week 8-week session Friday of the 9 th week 6-week session Friday of the 9 th week 5-week session Friday of the 9 th week The equivalent date (75% of the semester) will be used for sessions of other lengths. The specific last day to withdraw is published each semester in the Schedule Bulletin. Students who officially withdraw will be awarded the grade of W provided the student s attendance and academic performance are satisfactory at the time of official withdrawal. Students must file a withdrawal application with the college before they may be considered for withdrawal. A student may not withdraw from a class for which the instructor has previously issued the student a grade of F or FN for nonattendance. B. An Administrative Withdrawal: An administrative withdrawal may be initiated when the student fails to meet College attendance requirements. The instructor will assign the appropriate grade on the Administrative Withdrawal Form for submission to the registrar. C. An Incomplete Grade: The College catalog states, An incomplete grade may be given to those cases where the student has completed the majority of the course work but, because of personal illness, death in the immediate family, or military orders, the student is unable to complete the requirements for a course Prior approval from the instructor is required before the grade of I is recorded. A student who merely fails to show for the final examination will receive a zero for the final and an F for the course. D. Cellular Phones and Beepers: Cellular phones and beepers will be turned off while the student is in the classroom or laboratory. E. Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA): Disability Support Services provides services to students who have appropriate documentation of a disability. Students requiring accommodations for class are responsible for contacting the Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) located on the central campus. This service is available to all students, regardless of location. Explore the website at for further information. Reasonable accommodations will be given in accordance with the federal and state laws through the DSS office. F. Civility: Individuals are expected to be cognizant of what a constructive educational experience is and respectful of those participating in a learning environment. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. G. Office Hours: Part-time instructors may be available by appointment. If you have difficulty with the course work, please consult your instructor.

Instructor: Matthew Wickes Kilgore Office: ES 310

MATH 1314 College Algebra Syllabus Instructor: Matthew Wickes Kilgore Office: ES 310 Longview Office: LN 205C Email: mwickes@kilgore.edu Phone: 903 988-7455 Prerequistes: Placement test score on TSI or