First Day Handout for Students MATD 0390 - Intermediate Algebra Spring 2014 Semester, 16 Weeks Session, Section 014, Synonym 47890 Northridge Campus Room 4213, TTh 9:00 a.m. 10:45 a.m. Instructor: John Thomason Voice Mail: 223-1790 (When asked for the mailbox number, enter 26327 and press the # button on your phone. When you hear the beep, leave your message.) Email: jthom@austincc.edu Website: http://www.austincc.edu/jthom Office Location: NRG, Room 2147 Office Hours: TTh 1:30-2:30 p.m. Syllabus Warning! Some of the policies in this document apply only to John Thomason's section of Intermediate Algebra. Information found in this and the accompanying documents is subject to change. If you are enrolled in this class and want to be sure you have current information about it, attend all classes. Announcements of revised policies and schedules are usually made at the beginning of the class period, so it's advisable to arrive on time. Prerequisite: C or better in Elementary Algebra, MATD 0370, or its equivalent knowledge, or a passing score on the MATD 0390 placement test. Additional information about ACC's mathematics curriculum and faculty is available on the Internet at https://sites.google.com/a/austincc.edu/math-students/ Intermediate Algebra is a fast-paced course, which many students find challenging. Make sure that you have adequate background in math before registering. If you did not recently successfully complete the prerequisite course (MATD 0370 Elementary Algebra), take a placement test at any ACC Assessment Center and meet with an advisor to find out what course is best for you. For more information about courses and prerequisites, see the Course Flow Chart at https://sites.google.com/a/austincc.edu/math-students/choose/courses Consider MATD 0385 as an Alternative MATD 0390 is the prerequisite for College Algebra (MATH 1314). Students who are not planning to take College Algebra should consider MATD 0385 as an alternative to MATD 0390. Both courses have Elementary Algebra (MATD 0370) as a prerequisite, and both are developmental exit courses. Successfully completing either course (grade of C or better) earns a student "College Ready" status (TSI complete) in math. See the Course Flow Chart for more information about course sequences. Required Text Intermediate Algebra: Custom Edition for Austin Community College. (ISBN 9781269388412) Based on Intermediate Algebra 3 rd Edition, Sullivan & Struve; Pearson. For more information see: https://sites.google.com/a/austincc.edu/math-students/courses/matd0390 The textbook for Intermediate Algebra (MATD 0390) is a customized edition for Austin Community College, based on Intermediate Algebra, 3rd Edition; by Sullivan and Struve. MyMathLab software is an available supplement for the course. Custom ISBN 9781269388412
(Thomason - MATD 0390 - Intermediate Algebra, p. 2 of 11) Purchasing Options: This custom edition is only sold in loose-leaf format, with a three hole punch and included binder. Purchased new from an ACC bookstore, it does include MyMathLab access. You will not find used copies of this book at any ACC bookstore. Some instructors may allow you to purchase MyMathLab access without a printed copy of the textbook, because the software includes access to the textbook in pdf form. Before choosing this option, you should be realistic about whether it would be helpful to you to have a printed copy of the textbook to look through while studying. Your instructor may require you to bring your book to class, in which case it would be necessary to have a printed copy. For more information about purchasing MyMathLab as a stand-alone product, see the MyMathLab Center for Students at https://sites.google.com/a/austincc.edu/math-students/technology/mymathlab Other Purchasing Options: The custom edition at ACC is not offered in a hard-bound format, and is not sold first-hand by any other retailers. However, it is possible for a student to purchase the book from which our custom edition was created. No additional content was added in our customization. All we did was remove the sections that we don't cover in our curriculum, which got our students a discounted price from the publisher. If preferred for any reason, a student can choose to purchase the following book in lieu of the custom edition: Intermediate Algebra, 3rd Edition; by Sullivan and Struve ISBN 0321880129. MyMathLab access is generally not included with the purchase of a new or used book when purchased at any bookstore other than an ACC bookstore. Before deciding to purchase a version of this book, contact your instructor to make sure MyMathLab is not required for your section. Purchasing a textbook and MyMathLab separately is, in most cases, the least cost-effective option. Optional Resources (Not Required) MyMathLab is an interactive online course that accompanies the textbook. It contains an online version of the book and the Student Solutions Manual as well as multimedia learning aids such as videos and animations for selected examples and exercises in the text. Students can take tests in MyMathLab that generate a personalized study plan with links to practice exercises for the topics that need more study. Visit www.mymathlab.com for more information. Student s Solutions Manual Supplemental Material Rectangular coordinate graphing paper Scientific calculator Catalog Course Description MATD 0390 INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA (3-4-0). A course designed to develop the skills and understanding contained in the second year of secondary school algebra. Topics include review of properties of real numbers, functions, algebra of functions, inequalities, polynomials and factoring, rational expressions and equations, radical expressions and equations, quadratic functions and their graphs, and solving quadratic equations. Instructional Methodology This course is taught in a classroom primarily as a lecture/discussion course. Time Required To be successful in this course, you can expect to spend two or three hours outside of class for every hour you spend in class.
MATD 0390 Common Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes (Thomason - MATD 0390 - Intermediate Algebra, p. 3 of 11) Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course a student will be able to: 1. Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of properties of functions, which include evaluation, domain and range, related equations, and basic operations. 2. Simplify, factor, and perform basic operations on algebraic expressions, including polynomials, rational and radical expressions, complex fractions, and complex numbers. 3. Solve linear, absolute value, rational, and radical equations, quadratic equations by symbolic methods including completing the square, and linear inequalities. 4. Appropriately use forms and formulas, including quadratic formula, midpoint, distance, and equations of circles and lines. 5. Graph linear equations and inequalities, including systems of each, as well as quadratic functions, and circles. 6. Solve application problems using linear and quadratic models, direct and inverse variation, and 2x2 systems of linear equations Course Rationale This course is designed to prepare students for various college-level science and mathematics courses. After succeeding in this course, students may enroll in a number of courses in science, mathematics and various technical areas. These include General College Physics, General Chemistry, Magnetism and DC Circuits, AC Circuits, Manufacturing Materials and Processes, Math for Business and Economics, and College Algebra. Note: To take MATH 1332 (College Mathematics, formerly Topics in Mathematics) or MATH 1342 (Elementary Statistics), you do not necessarily need to take this course. Completing the Math portion of the TSI by passing a state-approved test or successfully completing MATD 0385 is sufficient. Course Objectives These can also be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/mthdept2/tfcourses/obj0390.htm The following objectives are listed in a sequence ranging from the simple to the more complex. As such, this document should not be viewed as a chronological guide to the course, although some elements naturally will precede others. These elements should be viewed as mastery goals which will be reinforced whenever possible throughout the course. Overall Objectives A. Students will feel a sense of accomplishment in their increasing ability to use mathematics to solve problems of interest to them or useful in their chosen fields. Students will attain more positive attitudes based on increasing confidence in their abilities to learn mathematics. B. Students will learn to understand material using standard mathematical terminology and notation when presented either verbally or in writing. C. Students will improve their skills in describing what they are doing as they solve problems using standard mathematical terminology and notation. Computational 1. Evaluate a function using function notation. 2. Find the domain of a function. 3. Perform elementary arithmetic operations with functions. 4. Perform division of polynomials 5. Perform elementary arithmetic operations with rational expressions that require factoring up to and including the sum or difference of cubes.
(Thomason - MATD 0390 - Intermediate Algebra, p. 4 of 11) 6. Simplify a complex fraction, including one with negative exponents. 7. Simplify an expression with fractional exponents. 8. Simplify a radical expression, including rationalizing a monomial or binomial denominator. 9. Perform elementary arithmetic operations with complex numbers. Equation and Inequality Solving 1. Solve an absolute value equation. 2. Solve a rational equation, including one with a quadratic expression in the denominator. 3. Solve an equation with one radical. 4. Recognize an extraneous root. Using Forms and Formulas 1. Graph a function, such as a simple absolute value or rational function, by completing a table and plotting points. 2. Solve a quadratic equation with real or non-real solutions. 3. Find the midpoint and the distance between two points. 4. Complete a square to rewrite an equation for a circle in standard form and identify its center and radius. 5. Determine if a formula, correspondence, table or graph represents a function. Graphing 1. Graph a linear inequality on the Cartesian plane. 2. Graph a system of linear inequalities on the Cartesian plane. 3. Graph and analyze a linear and quadratic function. 4. Sketch a quadratic function, written in the form f x transformations. 5. Sketch a circle from its standard form. ( ) = a( x h) 2 + k, using Applications 1. Represent English descriptions of numerical relationships in algebraic form. 2. Solve application problems including, but not limited to, linear and quadratic models, direct and inverse variation, and those requiring 2x2 systems of linear equations Pretest To a great extent, your success in this course is dependent on your mastery and retention of lower level mathematics. To make sure that your current knowledge of math is adequate to provide you with a reasonable chance for success in this course, you should look over the pretest/prerequisite review available online (link found at https://sites.google.com/a/austincc.edu/math-students/courses/matd0390) or from your instructor. If you are not able to do most of the problems on the review, you should seriously consider dropping back to Elementary Algebra, even if you already have credit for it. Homework and Daily Quizzes Homework will be assigned at almost every class meeting and is due at the beginning of the next class meeting. Homework may not always be taken up, but it is essential that you do it and do it on time. Exam questions will be similar to problems assigned for homework and will rely on the same vocabulary and techniques. Therefore it is very important that you do your homework. Staple your homework pages together or put your name on every page. On the first page, in addition to your name, include the course number, the date, and the textbook section number(s). Show your work. Box your answers. Do the problems in order and write legibly. You may write on both sides of your
(Thomason - MATD 0390 - Intermediate Algebra, p. 5 of 11) paper if you wish. Turn in your pages in the correct sequence. Do not turn in homeworks any place other than in the classroom during class time without specific permission to do so. Some days a quiz will be given over the homework assigned for that day and the grade on the quiz will be used as the homework grade for that day. Such quizzes will normally be given at the beginning of the class period so it is important you not be late for class. Late Homework Late homework will not be accepted and there is no makeup for a missed quiz. Your two lowest daily grades will be dropped. Tests There will be four major "unit" exams and a comprehensive final exam. Most exams except for the final exam will be taken out of class in the Northridge Testing Center, Room 4119. Exams given in the Testing Center will be available there for several days and must be taken by the deadline specified by your instructor. The final exam will be given in class during the last week of the semester. There will be a study guide or review sheet for each of the four exams and also one for the final. ACC Testing Center policies can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/ On some days, a short quiz may be given over the assignment due that day. If you are tardy you must turn in your quiz at the same time as students who arrived on time, which may result in a lower quiz grade. If you are absent on a day a short quiz is given, you will get a 0 for that quiz. Missed Exam Policy If one unit exam is missed for any reason, the final exam grade will be used for the missed unit exam's grade. If a student misses more than one unit exam without providing in a timely manner documentation of an emergency cause, the student will be dropped from the course by the instructor. Short quizzes given in class, if any, count as part of the daily grade and, if missed, cannot be made up. Neither unit exams nor short quizzes can be retaken. Determination of Course Grade The semester average is calculated as follows: Homework counts 20% Average of four major unit exams counts 60% Final Exam counts 20% With a semester grade of A given for a semester average of 90 or more B given for a semester average of 80-89 C given for a semester average of 70-79 D given for a semester average of 60-69 F given for a semester average of 59 or less. Attendance Attendance is required for this course. If you must miss a class, it is your responsibility to find out what material was covered and to learn it. A student may be dropped by his or her instructor for excessive unexcused absences or for disciplinary reasons. TSI-mandated students who have excessive absences will be withdrawn. See "Withdrawal" below. TSI Warning for students who are not TSI complete* Students who are not TSI complete in math are not allowed to enroll in any course with a math skill requirement.
(Thomason - MATD 0390 - Intermediate Algebra, p. 6 of 11) All students are required to be "continually in attendance" in order to remain enrolled in this course. If this is the only developmental class you are enrolled in, and you withdraw yourself from this course or are withdrawn by your instructor, then: a) You may be withdrawn from courses that you should not be enrolled in, such as any class with a math skill requirement. b) You will have a hold placed on your registration for the following semester. The Hold will require that you register for the next semester in person with an advisor or counselor and that you work with the Developmental Math Advisor during that semester. c) You will continue to face more serious consequences, up to being restricted to only registering for developmental courses, until you complete the required developmental math course or satisfy the TSI requirement in another way. More information can be found at https://sites.google.com/a/austincc.edu/math-students/choose/matd/tsi. * If you are unsure whether or not this warning applies to you, see an ACC advisor immediately. Importance of Completing Developmental Course Requirements The first steps to achieving any college academic goal are completing developmental course requirements and TSI requirements. The first priority for students who are required to take developmental courses must be the developmental courses. TSI rules state that students are allowed to take college credit courses, if they are fulfilling their developmental requirements. Because successful completion of dev courses is so important, ACC will intervene with any student who is not successfully completing developmental requirements. This intervention can mean a hold on records, requiring developmental lab classes, working with the Dev Math Advisor, and monitoring during the semester. Class Participation Students are expected to participate in class by attending, asking questions, contributing suggestions and ideas, and participating in group work. The quality of a student's class participation may be used in determining part of the student's "daily work" grade. Withdrawal In this class, if a student is absent more than four times without providing in a timely manner documentation of an emergency cause, he or she will be dropped by the instructor. Not all instructors follow such a policy, so if you decide you want to drop a course be sure you officially drop the class by completing the necessary form in the Registrar's Office; otherwise you may receive an F for your grade in the course. The withdrawal deadline is Monday, April 21, 2014. After the withdrawal deadline, neither the student nor the instructor may initiate a withdrawal. Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in a course taken since Fall, 2002, may be charged a higher tuition rate, for that course. State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their entire undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities. With certain exceptions, all course withdrawals automatically count towards this limit. Details regarding this policy can be found in the ACC college catalog. Reinstatement Once withdrawn from the class, a student can only be reinstated in two situations: (1) At the student's request, if the student had some documented emergency or tragedy that prevented the student's participation in class for a period of time and had not exceeded six absences or missed any major tests
(Thomason - MATD 0390 - Intermediate Algebra, p. 7 of 11) prior to that period of time. (2) If the withdrawal was made by instructor or college error. In either case the student is responsible for all missed assignments and must complete remaining assignments and tests on schedule. Tardies and Early Departures You are expected to be in class on time and to stay the entire class period. If you come in late or leave early, it distracts and interrupts the class. Perhaps more significantly to you, you may miss important announcements, pop tests, and course content. However, sometimes being late to class or leaving early may be unavoidable. Your instructor would prefer either of these, when necessary, to your being absent. Please let him know, preferably in advance and definitely not during lecture, if such conditions occur. (You can leave a phone message at 223-4880.) If you arrive after attendance has been taken, it is your responsibility to stay after class and see to it that the attendance register is changed to indicate that you were tardy, not absent. Three tardies or early departures will be counted as an absence. Sorry, but this is not a "come and go" party. Incomplete grades (I) are given only in very rare circumstances. To qualify for an "I", a student must have completed almost all exams and assignments, have a passing grade, and have a serious situation occur that prevents course completion after the withdrawal deadline. In Progress grades (IP) are also rarely given. In order to earn an "IP" grade the student must remain in the course, be making progress in the material, not have excessive absences, and not be meeting the standards set to earn the grade of C or better in the course. Students who are given an IP grade must register and pay for the same course again to receive credit. Students who make a grade of IP should not go on to the next course with that grade. A maximum of two IP grades can be awarded in any one course. Instructor's Website Your instructor maintains an Internet website that contains the information in this document, current test information and other updates, and links to other sites that you may find interesting or helpful. The address of his site is http://www.austincc.edu/jthom All students have access to the Internet in the LRS (Library), which at Northridge is located on the second floor of Building 1000. If you're new to computers or the Internet, there will be someone at that location who can help you get started. How to Reach the Instructor Office Location: Northridge Campus, NRG 2147 Office Hours: TTh 1:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. Voice Mail (any time): 223-1790 (When asked for my mailbox number, enter 26327 and press the # button on your phone. When you hear the beep, leave your message.) Email: jthom@austincc.edu Note: Use only your ACC gmail account to send email to your instructor; otherwise, your message is likely to be filtered into his Spam Folder and not be read. Also, in the subject line identify the course (MATD 0370 or Elementary Algebra) that you are in. Help Available Learning Lab: ACC main campuses have Learning Labs which offer free first-come first-serve tutoring in mathematics courses. The Northridge Learning Lab is located in Room 4119. The locations, contact information, and hours of availability of other ACC Learning Labs are posted at http://www.austincc.edu/tutor.
(Thomason - MATD 0390 - Intermediate Algebra, p. 8 of 11) Software: MyMathLab is an interactive online course that accompanies the textbook. Visit www.mymathlab.com for more information. The "Course ID" for this course is professor91172. Telephone Tutoring Center: Pearson has a tutoring center that is available by phone for students using any of their texts. I nformation about the service can be found at www.aw-bc.com/tutorcenter/. Hours of operation are Sunday-Thursday, 4 p.m. - 11 p..m. Students toll-free: 1.800.877.3016 Fax: 1.877.262.9774 Email Questions: mtutor@pearson.com DVDs: DVDs that correspond to the textbook are available for use in the Library and for checking out to use at home. Your Instructor: You can get help by going to see your instructor in his office during office hours or by phone or email. Course-Specific Support Services: A number of sections of MATD 0011, Developmental Mathematics Lab, are offered. This lab class is designed for students currently registered in Developmental Mathematics. It offers individualized and group setting to provide additional practice and explanation. This course is not for college-level credit. Check the course schedule for offerings of the lab class. Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty A student attending ACC assumes responsibility for conduct compatible with the mission of the college as an educational institution. Students have the responsibility to submit coursework that is the result of their own thought, research, or self-expression. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations. Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, and falsifying documents. Penalties for scholastic dishonesty will depend upon the nature of the violation and may range from lowering a grade on one assignment to an F in the course and/or expulsion from the college. See the Student Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process and other policies at http://www.austincc.edu/current/needtoknow Student Rights and Responsibilities Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process. Opportunity for students to examine and question pertinent data and assumptions of a given discipline, guided by the evidence of scholarly research, is appropriate in a learning environment. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student. As willing partners in learning, students must comply with college rules and procedures. Statement on Students with Disabilities Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD). Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed.
(Thomason - MATD 0390 - Intermediate Algebra, p. 9 of 11) Students who have received approval for accommodations from OSD for this course must provide the instructor with the Notice of Approved Accommodations from OSD before accommodations will be provided. Arrangements for academic accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the Notice of Approved Accommodations from the student. Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the Notice of Approved Accommodations to the instructor at the beginning of the semester because a reasonable amount of time may be needed to prepare and arrange for the accommodations. Additional information about the Office for Students with Disabilities is available at http://www.austincc.edu/support/osd/ Safety Statement Austin Community College is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for study and work. You are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Additional information on these can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/ehs. Because some health and safety circumstances are beyond our control, we ask that you become familiar with the Emergency Procedures poster and Campus Safety Plan map in each classroom. Additional information about emergency procedures and how to sign up for ACC Emergency Alerts to be notified in the event of a serious emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency/. Please note, you are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be dismissed from the day s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities. You are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be immediately dismissed from the day s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities. Use of ACC email All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account. Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff. Instructions for activating an ACCmail account can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/index.php. Testing Center Policy Under certain circumstances, an instructor may have students take an examination in a testing center. Students using the Academic Testing Center must govern themselves according to the Student Guide for Use of ACC Testing Centers and should read the entire guide before going to take the exam. To request an exam, one must have: ACC Photo ID Course Abbreviation (e.g., ENGL) Course Number (e.g.,1301) Course Synonym (e.g., 10123) Course Section (e.g., 005) Instructor's Name
(Thomason - MATD 0390 - Intermediate Algebra, p. 10 of 11) Do NOT bring cell phones to the Testing Center. Having your cell phone in the testing room, regardless of whether it is on or off, will revoke your testing privileges for the remainder of the semester. ACC Testing Center policies can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/ Student And Instructional Services ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services. Information on these services and support systems is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/s4/ Links to many student services and other information can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/current/ ACC Learning Labs provide free tutoring services to all ACC students currently enrolled in the course to be tutored. The tutor schedule for each Learning Lab may be found at: http://www.autincc.edu/tutor/students/tutoring.php For help setting up your ACCeID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, see a Learning Lab Technician at any ACC Learning Lab. Other ACC Policies No food or drink in the classroom. No children in the classroom. No cell phones, smart phones, ear buds, headphones, or other audio devices are to be used during class. Please turn them off and put them out of sight.
(Thomason - MATD 0390 - Intermediate Algebra, p. 11 of 11) Course Calendar Please note that the following calendar is a plan and is not "set in stone." Any changes will be announced in class and on your instructor's website. Week Sections Topics 1 R.1-R.5, 1.1, 1.2 Real numbers and algebraic expressions, linear equations in one variable, introduction to problem solving 2 1.3-1.6 Using formulas to solve problems, linear inequalities in one variable, rectangular coordinates and graphs of equations, linear equation in two variables 3 1.7, 1.8, 2.1 Parallel and perpendicular lines, linear inequalities in two variables, relations 4 2.2 2.4 Introduction to functions, functions and their graphs, linear functions and models 5 2.5, 2.6, 3.1 Compound inequalities, absolute value equations and inequalities, systems of linear equations in two variables 6 3.2, 3.6, 4.GR Problem solving using systems of two equations with two unknowns, systems of linear inequalities, laws of exponents and scientific notation 7 4.1 4.5 Adding and subtracting polynomials, multiplying polynomials, dividing polynomials, greatest common factor, factoring by grouping 8 4.6 4.8 Factoring trinomials, factoring using special products, a general strategy for factoring 9 5.1-5.4 Polynomial equations, multiplying and dividing rational expressions, adding and subtracting rational expressions, complex rational expressions 10 5.6, 5.7 Rational equations, models involving rational expressions, variation 11 6.1 6.4 N-th roots and rational exponents, simplifying expressions using the laws of exponents, simplifying radical expressions using properties of radicals 12 6.5 6.8 Adding, subtracting, and multiplying radical expressions, rationalizing radical expressions, functions involving radicals, radical equations and their applications 13 7.1, 7.2, 7.4 The complex number system, solving quadratic equations by completing the square and by the Quadratic Formula 14 7.5, 9.1 Graphing quadratic functions using transformations and by using properties 15 9.2, 8.2* Exponential functions, distance and midpoint formulas, circles 16 Review & Final *Optional Section