SOUTHWEST COLLEGE Department of Mathematics COURSE SYLLABUS MATH 0312: Intermediate Algebra Spring, 2011 / CRN 62620 / MW 1 3 pm / Stafford INSTRUCTOR: Mrs. N. H. Bowen CONTACT INFORMATION: 713-718-5565 / nancy.bowen@hccs.edu OFFICE HOURS: 10:30 am 12:00 noon TR OFFICE LOCATION: Stafford Learning Hub, Room 303.15 Feel free to contact me, or come to see me about any problems or questions you may have regarding the course. Your performance in my class is important to me. MYMATHLAB COURSE ID: bowen13423 (The Mymathlab access code is included in the book package at the bookstores. It can also be purchased separately online or at the bookstore.) Textbook: Intermediate Algebra, 10 th Edition. Margaret Lial, John Hornsby, & Terry McGinnis. Pearson / Addison Wesley: Boston, 2008. Catalog Description: Topics include factoring techniques, radicals, algebraic fractions, complex numbers, graphing linear equations and inequalities, quadratic equations, systems of equations, and an introduction to functions. Emphasis is placed on the algebraic techniques needed in order to successfully complete Math 1314 College Algebra. A departmental final examination must be passed with a score of 60% or higher in order to pass the course. Prerequisites: MATH 0308 or MATH 0108: Pass with "C" or better or Suitable placement test score. Credit: 3 hours credit (3 hours lecture and 1 hour lab). 1
Course Intent & Audience: This course is intended for students who require state mandated remediation. It is the final course in the developmental mathematics sequence, and its purpose is to prepare students for College Algebra. Homework & Quiz policy: All homework and quizzes must be completed online using MYMATHLAB. A link is provided on the instructor s home page for getting started with MYMATHLAB. Print it, and use it to get started. The MYMATHLAB course ID is bowen13423, and the school zip code is 77477. To register for MyMathLab and to access the homework, go to www.coursecompass.com. Practice is essential to the mastery of mathematics, and homework assignments must be done in order to learn the concepts well. At the beginning of the next class, you may ask questions about any problems that you are unable to work or any material in the textbook that you do not understand. As part of your homework, be sure to read in the textbook the next section(s) to be covered in class. Quizzes will be given in MYMATHLAB over the assigned homework. Quizzes need to be completed in one sitting and submitted before the one hour time limit expires; otherwise, you will lose access to that attempt. You are allowed 3 attempts per quiz. In MyMathLab, select Do Homework and then Show All to see the homework and quizzes in order with their due dates. Your MyMathLab grade will be the equivalent of one test grade. Testing policy: There will be three major tests, a MyMathLab grade, and the final examination. Tests will be returned within a week. If a student does not perform well on the 1 st test, then it is the student s responsibility to see the instructor in order to discuss the situation. Make-up policy: NO makeup tests or quizzes will be given. The final examination grade will be substituted for one missed test. If a second test or the final exam is missed, the score for that test is zero (0). Grading policy: Your final course grade is based on the following standard HCC scale. FINAL AVERAGE FINAL COURSE GRADE 90 Average 100% A 80 Average < 90% B 70 Average < 80% C 60 Average < 70% D Average < 60% or Final Exam Grade < 60 F If your final grade is a D, then you may be eligible to take the bridge course MATH 0112 instead of repeating the class. To determine eligibility, please contact the math department. A grade of F is given if the final average is below 60 or the final exam grade is below 60. The formula for computing grades will be as follows: Final Average = (Test 1 + Test 2 + Test 3 + MyMathLab Grade + Final + Final) / 6. 2
Final Examination: The final examination is departmental and consists of 33 multiple-choice problems. The problems cover all the material required in the course. If you score lower than 60% on the final exam, you are automatically given a course grade of F, as noted under the grading policy. If your score on the final exam is 60% or higher, then your grades are averaged using the formula specified under grading policy. You MUST pass the final exam in order to pass the course. Withdrawal policy: The State of Texas imposes penalties on students who drop courses excessively. Students are limited to no more than SIX total course withdrawals throughout their educational career at a Texas public college or university. To avoid having to drop/withdraw from a class, contact your professor regarding your academic performance. You may also want to contact a counselor to learn about helpful HCC resources (e.g. online tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement, etc.). If you decide to drop or withdraw from a class after careful review of other options, you can drop yourself online prior to the drop deadline through the HCC Student Center. The drop deadline is April 21 st at 4:30 pm. HCC and/or the instructor may drop students for excessive absences without notification (see Class Attendance below). Students should check HCC s Academic Calendar by Term to review drop/withdrawal dates and deadlines. After the withdrawal deadline has passed, you will receive a grade. Zeros averaged in for required coursework that is not submitted will lower your semester average significantly, most likely resulting in a failing grade of F. It is the responsibility of the student to withdraw from the class; however, your professor reserves the right to withdraw you without your request due to excessive absences. Attendance policy: Regular attendance is essential to good performance. Attendance will be checked during every class. It is your responsibility to be sure that you are marked present if you are tardy. Two instances of leaving early or being tardy will count as one absence. The instructor will drop you for excessive absences (5). Tardiness policy: If you are tardy, then it is your responsibility to tell the instructor at the end of that class to mark you present or you will remain absent for the day. Calculators: SCIENTIFIC calculators are recommended. Graphing calculators are not allowed on tests or quizzes. Cell phones may not be used as calculators. Student conduct: As your instructor and as a student in this class, it is our shared responsibility to develop and maintain a positive learning environment for everyone. You are asked to respect the learning needs of your classmates and to assist your instructor in achieving this critical goal. Therefore, students should not engage in disruptive activities while in the classroom. Any conduct that is deemed detrimental to the academic atmosphere, such as cell phone use or talking during instructional delivery, will not be tolerated. 3
Cell phones must be turned off in the classroom. The use of a cell phone during class for any purpose is not allowed. Any student found guilty of disruptive conduct will be asked to leave the classroom until further notice. Academic dishonesty: All students are required to exercise academic honesty in completion of all tests and assignments. Cheating involves deception for the purpose of violating testing rules. Students who improperly assist other students are just as guilty as students who receive assistance. All students are required to follow and be familiar with HCC Policies & Procedures and the Student Code of Conduct for Scholastic Honesty as stated in the Student Handbook. If you are charged with an offense, pleading ignorance of the rules will not help you. During a test or quiz, activities such as talking to another student, looking on another student s paper, using the book or notes, failure to cover your work or answer sheet, or using a cell phone or other recording device will be considered as cheating. In addition, students should remain in their seats during a test or quiz. To answer questions, the instructor will come to the student. A student guilty of a first offense will receive a grade of F on the quiz or test involved. For a second offense, the student will receive a grade of F for the course. The use of recording devices, including camera phones and tape recorders, is prohibited in all locations where instruction, tutoring, or testing occurs. Students with disabilities who need to use a recording device as a reasonable accommodation should contact the Disability Services Office for information. Resources and Supplemental Instruction: Any student enrolled in Math 0312 at HCC has access to the math tutoring labs which are staffed with student assistants who can aid students with math problems and offer help with MyMathLab. In addition, free online tutoring is provided. For more information and for tutoring hours and locations, go to the math department web page at http://swc2.hccs.edu/math/, and select the tutoring link. One other resource is the student solutions manual that may be obtained from the bookstore. In addition, MYMATHLAB provides guided solutions, online lectures, and study plans. Students with Disabilities: Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Support Service Office at this college at the beginning of the semester. To make an appointment, please call 713-718-7910. Professors are authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Service Office. Advisement: Beginning of semester MATH 0308 (Elementary Algebra) or MATH 0108 is the course prerequisite. See the prerequisites section above. End of semester Students will be advised about upcoming courses. Refer to the math courses flow chart on the math department home page. Instructional Methods: The instructor will strive to facilitate an effective learning environment through lectures, classroom practice activities, discussions, and review sessions. 4
Student Responsibilities: To be successful in this class, it is the student s responsibility to complete the following tasks. Attend class and be on time. Participate in class discussions and activities. Read and study the textbook. Complete the MyMathLab homework and quizzes. Work the reviews before taking the tests. Take all the tests. Pass the Final Exam. Keep copies of all paperwork, including this syllabus, handouts, and all homework assignments in a binder. Work your homework problems showing all steps on paper, and enter the answer in MML. Ask for help when there is a question or problem. Course Schedule: Chapters and Sections Chapter 2 Linear Equations, Inequalities, and Applications 2.5 Linear Inequalities in One Variable Chapter 3 Graphs, Linear Equations, and Functions 3.1 The Rectangular Coordinate System 3.2 The Slope of a Line 3.3 Linear Equations in Two Variables 3.4 Linear Inequalities in Two Variables (Omit compound inequalities.) 3.5 Introduction to Functions Chapter 4 Systems of Linear Equations 4.1 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables Approximate Time 1 day 4 days 1 day Chapter 5 Exponents, Polynomials, and Polynomial Functions 5.4 Multiplying Polynomials 5.5 Dividing Polynomials Chapter 6 Factoring 6.1 Greatest Common Factors; Factoring by Grouping 6.2 Factoring Trinomials 6.3 Special Factoring 6.4 A General Approach to Factoring 6.5 Solving Equations by Factoring Chapter 7 Rational Expressions and Functions 7.1 Rational Expressions and Functions; Multiplying and Dividing 5 1 ½ days 4 days 5 days
7.2 Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions 7.3 Complex Fractions 7.4 Equations with Rational Expressions and Graphs 7.5 Applications of Rational Expressions Chapter 8 Roots, Radicals, and Root Functions 5 ½ days 8.1 Radical Expressions and Graphs (Omit graphs of radical expressions.) 8.2 Rational Exponents (Include a review of exponents.) 8.3 Simplifying Radical Expressions 8.4 Adding and Subtracting Radical Expressions 8.5 Multiplying & Dividing Radical Expressions (Omit rationalizing cube & 4 th roots.) 8.7 Complex Numbers Chapter 9 Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, and Functions 9.1 The Square Root Property and Completing the Square 9.2 The Quadratic Formula 2 days 3 Tests 3 days Final Review 1 day Total Class Days 28 days Test Schedule: Test Chapters Covered on Test Date Test #1 2.5, 3.1 3.5, 4.1, 5.4, 5.5 Wednesday, February 23 rd Test #2 6.1 6.5, 7.1 7.5 Wednesday, April 6 th Test #3 8.1 8.5, 8.7, 9.1, 9.2 Monday, May 2 nd Final Exam 2.5, 3.1-3.5, 4.1, 5.4-5.5, 6.1-6.5, Monday, May 9 th, 1-3 pm 7.1-7.5, 8.1-8.5, 8.7, 9.1-9.2 Important Dates: Drop Deadline: Thursday, April 21 st @ 4:30 pm Holidays: President s Day, Monday, February 21 st Spring Break, March 14-18 6
Course Objectives & Student Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, a student should be able to perform the following mathematical skills: Student Learning Outcomes 1. Solve algebraic equations and inequalities involving rational expressions, radicals, quadratics, or linear expressions. 2. Examine and interpret the linear and quadratic graphs of equations and inequalities. Course Objectives 1.1 Add, subtract, multiply and divide polynomials 1.2 Factor polynomials 1.3 Add, subtract, multiply and divide rational expressions 1.4 Simplify complex fractions 1.5 Solving equations involving rational expressions 1.6 Simplify equations involving rational exponents and simplify radicals 1.7 Add, subtract, multiply, divide expressions involving radicals and solve radical equations 1.8 Add, subtract, multiply and divide complex numbers 1.9 Solve quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square, use of the quadratic formula and the square root property 1.10 Solve systems of linear equations in two variables 2.1 Graph linear equations & linear inequalities in two variables 2.2 Find the slope of a line & write its equation 2.3 Graph quadratic functions and inequalities 3. Solve application problems. 3.1 Solve word problems 4. Use and interpret function notation in both algebraic and graphical contexts. 4.1 Recognize functional notation & evaluate functions 7