Intermediate Algebra

CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Topics covered include solving linear, quadratic, rational, and square root equations, solving linear
and compound inequalities, an introduction to functions, graphs of linear and quadratic functions, rational expressions,
exponents, radicals, and solving systems of linear equations. Techniques of problem-solving and applications are included
throughout the course along with modeling data using linear and quadratic functions.

PREREQUISITE: A grade of C or better in MATH 080 or a satisfactory score on the placement test.

COURSE GOALS:
(1) To develop in students a deeper and broader understanding of algebraic concepts, principles, and methods than
what is achieved in MATH 080.
(2) To develop in students intermediate algebraic skills necessary for success in subsequent mathematics courses and
other courses requiring mathematical skills.
(3) To develop in students the problem-solving skills needed to interpret, analyze, and solve applied problems requiring
intermediate-level algebraic skills.
(4) To incorporate graphing calculators whenever appropriate to illustrate concepts and solve problems.

MAJOR CORE COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of this course students should be able to:
(1) Calculate the slope of a line.
(2) Write equations of lines using the point-slope form and the slope-intercept form.
(3) Algebraically solve linear, quadratic, radical, and rational equations, linear inequalities, and 2 × 2 systems of linear
equations and check solutions using a graphing utility.
(4) Graph linear and quadratic functions by hand and find the significant features of the graph, such as the intercepts,
vertex, and slope, where appropriate, and verify these features using a graphing utility.
(5) Determine whether an equation, graph, or a table of values represents a function, find the domain of simple
functions, and perform basic function operations.
(6) Solve applications that require linear or quadratic functions, linear inequalities, or systems of linear equations
algebraically or by using a graphing utility.
(7) Perform operations with rational expressions.
(8) Simplify expressions with integer and rational exponents.
(9) Perform operations with radical expressions.
(10) Solve applications that require using the Pythagorean Theorem or writing equations that contain rational
expressions.

EXTBOOK AND MATERIALS:
* Intermediate Algebra: A Graphing Approach, 4^thEd., by Martin-Gay and Greene (Prentice Hall)
* MyMathLab Student Access Kit
* TI-83 or TI-83/84 Plus Graphing Calculator
* Optional: Student Solutions Manual

 **TENTATIVE** INSTRUCTIONAL PLAN:

COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM Monday, June 29, 2009 (7:30 – 9:30a)
Class will not meet Monday, May 25, 2009 (Memorial Day).

INSTRUCTIONAL POLICIES:

Homework: Online assignments and perhaps hand-in (paper-based) assignments will be given throughout the semester. For hand-in assignments, points awarded, while largely determined by the content of the work, may also be affected by presentation (legibility, following directions, turning in paper without spiral edges remaining, etc.). The instructor is not responsible for computer or other equipment failures that prevent a student from submitting an assignment on time.

Suggested homework problems will be assigned during most class meetings. These should be done by the following class meeting, but they are not to be turned in, and they are not graded. Students who don’t do the suggested homework, however, do not usually do well on the exams. On a typical day, no more than a few minutes will be spent going over homework questions in class. Students whose questions are not answered in class should feel free to take advantage of office hours or to use the services of the Learning Lab.

Quizzes and Tests: There will be ten quizzes (the best eight of which will count) and four tests during the regular semester. In addition, there will be a cumulative final exam. Although in rare circumstances it may be possible to take a test (other than the final exam) early, there will, in general, be no make-up tests given. There will be no make-up quizzes. The final exam score may be scaled to replace up to one missed or low test score provided that the student’s homework average at the end of the semester is at least 80%.

Attendance: Attendance is taken daily. While no points are directly deducted if a student misses class, please note the above comments about late work.

Grading Procedures:

Let x be the overall percentage earned.

All material submitted for the course will be returned to the students except for the final exam.

Drop Policy:
College Policy: Students may officially drop a class and receive a DR grade anytime up until the end of the day Monday, June
15, 2009. If a student stops attending without officially withdrawing, the instructor may record either an E or a DR grade.

Instructor Policy: After June 15, 2009, a student may receive a DR grade if he or she requests the grade from the instructor IN
WRITING, IN PERSON, using the form provided by the instructor, anytime during office hours on or before Thursday, June 25,
2009. Both the instructor and the student will retain signed copies of the form used. Note that drops are NOT accepted
verbally, by e-mail, voice mail, etc.

Academic Dishonesty:
College Board of Trustees Policy #8500 (adopted 3/17/97):
“...It shall be the policy of the College that determination of the fact of academic dishonesty by a student shall be a matter of
individual judgment by the instructor. The instructor may administer a penalty up to, and including, failure in the particular
course...”

Instructor Policy:
Academic dishonesty of any form will result in a penalty up to, and including, immediate failure in the course and the
recording of a final grade of E in the course. The penalty levied for a particular occurrence of academic dishonesty is at the
sole discretion of the instructor. To help ensure the integrity of quiz and test scores, students are not allowed to leave the
classroom during a quiz or test, and students are not allowed to share calculators during a quiz or test.

Classroom Decorum:
Cell phones and other noise-making electronic devices are disruptive and should be put into “silent” mode or turned off
during class. Talking with other students, even about mathematics, is disruptive to the class during lectures. Sleeping, doing
work for other classes, eating more than a small snack, and leaving the room without a serious reason are examples of
inappropriate classroom behaviors that detract from the learning environment.

MATHEMATICS DIVISION POLICY ON CUT-OFF DATE FOR STUDENT DROP-DOWNS

Registered students may only drop down (move up) to another full-semester math class within the first one-and-one-half
weeks of the Spring semester. In order to drop down (move up), a student must:

1) Obtain the written permission of his/her current instructor stating that the student was misplaced.
2) See the Mathematics Associate Dean for assistance in finding open sections.
3) Officially file an Add-Drop form at the Registration office.