INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA

I will be available for extra assistance after all classes and on Wednesdays.
You may phone me at home any evening and on weekends.

Course Description:
This course is designed to prepare the student for college algebra. It covers
real number properties and operations, variable expressions, first degree equations and inequalities,
second degree equations, linear analytic geometry, systems of linear equations, polynomials,
exponents, radicals, rational expressions, functions, relations, graphs of inequalities and logarithms.

Prerequisites: Math 025 with C grade or higher, or COMPASS placement score.

Required Textbook and Supplies:
* Intermediate Algebra with Applications by Aufman, Barker, Lockwood, 6th edition
* A calculator with LOG and EXPONENTIAL functions, but not a graphing calculator
* Graph paper

Course Objectives:
The student will demonstrate a working knowledge of the material covered in Chapters 1-10 of the textbook.
The topics are listed in the course description above. A detailed list of course objectives is attached to this syllabus.

Outcomes Assessment:
Daily assignments, multi-chapter tests, and a comprehensive final exam will be used to assess how well students
achieve the course objectives. All exams as well as student evaluations will be analyzed to help improve curriculum
and instruction for the course. Also, regular informal feedback will be solicited in an effort to improve the class as we
go along. Please feel free to contact me with any suggestions or concerns.

As part of departmental analysis of outcomes in this course and its place in the Mathematics program, student
completion of the prerequisite, success in the current course, success in subsequent courses and student satisfaction
will be reviewed by the instructor. A report containing this information will be submitted by department faculty to
determine what, if any, changes can be made to improve the course in terms of content, focus, and instruction.

General Policies:
1. Attendance is necessary for you to be successful in this course! If you know you will miss a class, call or
email me in advance. If an unexpected event prevents you from being in class, let me know as soon as you can.
2. DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Algebra is a participatory sport. I know of no student who passed this class without
doing the required homework. The minimum assignment is to do the first two odd problems from each change
of directions, and ALL odd-numbered story problems. I will explain more in class!
3. READ each section of the book, BEFORE we cover it in class. I will not read the book to you during class!
4. PARTICIPATE in your learning by asking questions, working with fellow students, or scheduling time with
me. Tapes and DVDs are available as additional resources. Don’t wait until the final exam to seek
assistance!
5. Make-up exams are available, after the initial exam is handed back. You must schedule the make-up exam
using the on-line scheduling program. All make-up exams must be completed by May 4, 2007.
6. Homework and tests must be done by you, individually! Copying from another will result in an automatic
grade of 0%.

Grading Procedure:

On-line Course Evaluation:
Students are strongly encouraged to complete evaluations at the end of the course. Evaluations are very important to
assist the teaching staff to continually improve the course. Evaluations are available online at .
Evaluations open up two weeks prior to the end of the course. The last day to complete an evaluation is the last day of
the course. During the time the evaluations are open, students can complete the course evaluations at their convenience
from any computer with Internet access. When students log in they should see the evaluations for the courses in which
they are enrolled. Evaluations are anonymous. Filling out the evaluation should only take a few minutes. Your honest
feedback is greatly appreciated!

Disabilities:
Any student with a documented disability may be eligible for related accommodations. To determine eligibility
and secure services, students should contact the coordinator of disability Services at their first opportunity
after registration for a class. Student Disability Services is located on the second floor of the Taylor Building
on the Twin Falls Campus. 208-732-6250 (voice) or 208.734.9929 (TTY) .

Course Objectives:
The student will demonstrate a working knowledge of the following processes and concepts:
a. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of rational numbers
b. Variable expressions (simplify, translate, evaluate)
c. Operations on sets of numbers (union, intersection)
d. Set-builder notation and interval notation
e. First degree equations in one variable (solve, translate from application problems such as coin and stamp
problems, integer problems, uniform motion problems, investment problems)
f. First degree inequalities (solve and graph simple, compound)
g. Linear functions (evaluate, graph, find slope)
h. Find length and midpoint of a segment
i. Write the equations for lines (including parallel lines and perpendicular lines)
j. Solve systems of linear equations (use graphs, substitution method, addition method)
k. Polynomials (add, subtract, multiply, divide using long division and synthetic division, evaluate, factor)
l. Simplify exponential expressions having integer and variable exponents
m. Scientific notation
n. Expressions with rational exponents (simplify, change to radical form)
o. Radical expressions (simplify, add, subtract, multiply, divide)
p. Complex numbers (simplify, add, subtract, multiply, divide)
q. Solve equations containing radicals
r. Functions (domain, range, graph, use vertical line test, add, subtract, multiply, divide, find inverse, composition
s. of functions)
t. Rational expressions (simplify, multiply, divide, add, subtract, simplify complex fractions)
u. Solve fractional equations (including application problems like work problems, uniform motion problems,
proportions, variations, and literal equations)
v. Solve quadratic equations (use factoring, completing the square, and quadratic formula)
w. Solve equations that are quadratic in form
x. Solve quadratic and rational inequalities
y. Parabolas (find axis of symmetry, vertex, x-intercepts, graph)
z. Exponential functions (evaluate, graph)
aa. Logarithms (log notation, properties of logarithms, evaluate logs with and without a calculator, solve log equations,
graph log functions using ordered pairs)

Optional Topics (if we have time):
a. value mixture problems
b. percent mixture problems
c. absolute value equations
d. absolute value inequalities
e. application problems with systems of equations
f. application problems with quadratic equations and functions