MATH 18, Intermediate Algebra for Statistics and Finite Mathematics SECTION: 4098 (Summer 2009) TIME/PLACE: TTh 6:30-9:40 PM, LS205 INSTRUCTOR: Stanley Hecht EMAIL: stanhecht@gmail.com HOME PAGE: http://homepage.smc.edu/hecht_stanley DEPT PAGE: http://www.smc.edu/math TEXTBOOK: Martin-Gay, E. Intermediate Algebra. Upper Saddle River, Pearson Education. 2009. OPTIONAL: Johnson, Mildred, How to Solve Word Problems in Algebra, A Solved Problems Approach, McGraw-Hill, 1976. (Sold at SMC Bookstore) OPTIONAL: Steege, et al, Schaum s Outline of Intermediate Algebra, McGraw Hill, 1997 (ISBN 007068393). Recommended by instructor for supplementary problems. DESCRIPTION: Topics include linear, quadratic, exponential and logarithmic functions and equations; systems of linear equations and inequalities; sequences and series. The emphasis is on setting up and solving applications of the algebraic material. Comment: Math 18 is designed for students who are required to complete Math 52 only or Math 21 only. If you are unsure which subsequent transfer level math course you need, you should take Math 20. PREREQUISITE: Math 31 (Elementary Algebra) or the equivalent. The instructor expects you to have the following entry skills when you walk through the door: Perform basic operations on polynomials. Factor general trinomials at an elementary level. Solve linear equations in a single variable over the rationals. Solve second degree polynomial equations in a single variable over the rationals by factoring. Simplify square roots. Solve first degree linear inequalities in a single variable. Solve applications involving equations in a single variable. Solve linear systems of two equations in two variables. Graph first degree equations/ inequalities in one and two variables. Given the description of a graph of a line, write the equation of the line.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: (Exit skills) Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: Solve linear, quadratic, and literal equations, and systems of equations and linear inequalities. Graph linear equations and inequalities. Factor polynomials at an elementary level. State and apply the quadratic formula. Add, subtract, multiply and divide polynomials, square roots and rational expressions. Simplify complex fractions, square roots and exponential expressions. Solve introductory level equations with rational and radical expressions. Translate and solve algebraic word problems in a single variable. Given the description of a graph of a line, write an equation of the line. Define and use properties of equality and inequality. Recognize and use common mathematical language to describe mathematical processes in either written or verbal form. Apply units of measurements in the solution of algebraic applications as appropriate. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION: Lecture, discussion, group work. COURSE CONTENT: Coverage Topic 21% (2 days) Linear functions, equations, and inequalities (Ch 3) 21% (2 days) Systems of linear equations and inequalities (Ch 4) 18% (3 days) Quadratic functions and equations (Ch 8) 25% (3 days) Exponential and logarithmic functions and eqs (Ch 9) SLO s Math 18, Intermediate Algebra for Elem. Stat. and Finite Mathematics Summer 2009 1. Given a multi-step application problem, students will apply algebraic concepts and vocabulary to formulate an appropriate equation, inequality, or system of equations or inequalities, solve this mathematical problem, and interpret the answer. As assessed by select questions developed by Math 18 instructors and embedded in all Math 18 final exams 2. Given equations such as linear, quadratic, logarithmic and exponential, students will solve for the indicated variable. As assessed by select questions developed by Math 18 instructors and embedded in all Math 18 final exams CALCULATORS: Math 18 is intended to help you to learn, apply, communicate, and gain confidence with basic algebra skills. Calculators don t help this process much they may even hide areas where you are weak. Calculators may be permitted on
some test questions. Some homework problems may be assigned that require you to use a calculator, or that go faster if you use a calculator. Use caution. Generally, if you use a calculator at all, use it sparingly. ATTENDANCE POLICY: Attendance is mandatory. I often explain things in a way the textbook does not. If you miss a lecture, it is your responsibility to contact a classmate for the notes. You should come to the next class with the assignment done. Missing students will be dropped at the discretion of the instructor. If you are absent for 3 classes or more, you may be dropped. If you miss 3 classes and are not earning a grade of B or higher, it is likely that you will be dropped. Even so, it is not my responsibility to drop you. If you decide not to continue with this class, you must drop it yourself, online or in the admissions office. Be careful not to miss the drop deadlines and don t wait for the last minute. HOMEWORK POLICY: Remember, homework is for your benefit. Expect to do a lot of homework the SMC guideline is 2 hours of homework for each hour of class time! If possible, you should do problems beyond those assigned. The goal is for you to build proficiency and confidence. Doing only the assigned homework will probably get you only partway there. Homework is assigned at each class. You are expected to do it promptly. It is collected at the first class of the following week. Do not do homework during class time! Each homework assignment is worth 10 points. You get the first 5 points just for handing the homework in. The next 5 points are awarded based on your organization, neatness, completeness, and correct answers (but I only spot check answers). Make sure to write your steps in order on the paper. You must show your work. Your work must be a clear, written communication in order to get full points. Late homework loses points at the rate of 2 pts/class late. Important - put your name on the first page and state the homework title (eg, HW 1). State the chapter and section number. Staple the pages together - do not fold and tear the corner. Do not use ragged-edge paper torn from a spiral-bound notebook. Keep assignments separate - do not staple multiple homework assignments together. Homework that is not stapled, homework without a name, homework without the homework number on the front page, or homework torn out of a spiral notebook with ragged-edge pages will have points deducted and may even be returned ungraded. If multiple homework assignments are stapled together, only the top assignment may be graded. EXAMS: We will cover chapters 3, 4, 8, 9 and 11. There will be three chapter tests - don't miss them! There will be no make-ups! If you know in advance that you will miss an exam, it may be possible to arrange to take it in advance, but no exam will be given after the class has taken it. Missed tests are scored zero. The lowest test score will be dropped. The tests and final exam are cumulative. Each test will take about 1 hour. The final exam will take approximately 3 hours. All tests are closed book and closed notes. No use of calculators or other electronic devices is allowed except by permission of the instructor.
GRADING: Your course grade will be computed from your test scores, your homework and quizzes, and your final exam score. Homework and quizzes together count for 10% of the grade. Chapter tests count for 60%. The final exam counts for the remaining 30%. Any missing test (except the dropped one) will be scored zero. If your grade on the final exam is less than 60%, the highest grade you can earn in this class is a D. Otherwise, your course grade will be calculated from your weighted average: (homework and quiz points earned / total possible) * 10 + (test points earned / total possible) * 60 + (final exam points earned / total possible) * 30. A weighted average of 90-100 will get you an A; 80-89, a B; 70-79, a C; 55-69, a D; and below 55, an F. CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR: Please limit your talking to discussions with the instructor. Talking to the person next to you disturbs the whole class. Students are expected to comply with the SMC Student Conduct Code (as printed in the SMC catalog). Disruptive behavior violates that policy and may result in suspension or expulsion from the class. CELL PHONES/PAGERS: Turn them off when class starts. If you absolutely must be reachable, put them in quiet mode (no rings or beeps), and leave the classroom to answer. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: the SMC code of academic integrity applies and will be enforced.
Syllabus and Homework (Subject to change) Day Material Covered Sec. Assignment Name T 6/23 of entry skills (2.1-2.4) p.115 Chapter test HW1 Chap 3 part 1 (3.1-3.4) 3.1 Graphing 3.1 3.2 25,27,45,55,61,67-81 odd 1,3,11,16,18,29-31,51-65, Th 6/25 3.2 Functions 97-98,112-113 HW2 3.3 Graphs of linear Functions 3.3 73,75,77 3.4 Slope of a Line 3.4 59,61,73,76 Su 6/28 T 6/30 Th 7/2 Su 7/5 M 7/6 T 7/7 Th 7/9 Deadline to drop and AVOID "W" Chap 3 part 2 (3.5-3.7) 3.5 Equations of Lines 3.6 Piecewise functions 3.7 Graphs of inequalities Chap 4 part 1 (4.1-4.3) 4.1 Systems in 2 variables 4.2 Systems in 3 variables 4.3 Problem solving Deadline to drop & be eligible for a REFUND of enrollment fees Deadline to apply for Credit/No Credit grading option Chap 4 part 2 (4.4-4.5) Test 1 on chap 2-4 T 7/14 Chap 8 part 1 (8.1-8.3) Th 7/16 Chap 8 part 2 (8.4-8.6) Su 7/19 T 7/21 Th 7/23 T 7/28 Deadline to drop and receive a GUARANTEED "W" Finish Chapter 8 Chap 9 part 1 (9.1-9.2) Chap 9 part 2 (9.3-9.4) Chapter 8 Chapter 8 Test 2 on Chapter 8 (not 8.4) Th 7/30 Chap 9 part 3 (9.5-9.6) F 7/31 Deadline to drop with required faculty approval (you must be earning a grade of C or better) NO MORE TRANSACTIONS ALLOWED AFTER THIS DATE 3.5 3.6 3.7 p.200 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 p.253 p.253 bottom 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.5 8.6 1,7,13,21,79 1,7,15,25 15,17,33,71 Chap 3 Test 15,23,55 5 1,7,17 HW3 HW4 29-35 odd, 36 HW5 5,15,21-27 1-7 odd, 15 1-13 odd, 17-43 odd HW6 1,11,17,37,53,75,87-97 odd 7,25,35,51 1,7,19,33,57,67 1,3,9,19,27,47,67 3,7,15,47 HW7 HW8 p.537 Chapter 8 test HW9 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 1-21 odd 1-39 odd, 47,59,51-56 all 1-5 odd,17-20 all, 21-41 odd 1-79 odd 1-69 odd 1-63 odd HW10 HW11 HW12 T 8/4 HW13 Th 8/6 Test 3 on Chap 9 (9.1-9.6) T 8/11 Last day to turn in homework Th 8/13 Final exam 6:30 PM