Lurleen B. Wallace
Community College
Course Syllabus
FALL SEMESTER 2010
Intermediate College Algebra
A Little Math Humor
CONTACT INFORMATION
Instructor Name: Michelle Goosby
Campus Location: Macarthur
Office Location: Macarthur Campus, Building B, B118
Office Phone: 334.493.5339
Office Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: TBA
Campus Mailing Address: Lurleen B. Wallace Community College
Macarthur Campus
1708 North Main Street
Post Office Drawer 910
Opp, Alabama 36467
COURSE NUMBER & TITLE
MTH 100, Section 04907
Intermediate College Algebra
MW, 11:00AM – 12:15PM
PREREQUISITES
Appropriate math placement score or MTH 098
DIVISION AND DEPARTMENT
Division of Math/Science, Department of Mathematics
SEMESTER HOURS CREDIT/CONTACT HOURS
Three
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
This course provides a study of algebraic techniques such as linear equations and
inequalities, quadratic equations, systems of equations, and operations with exponents and
radicals. Functions and relations are introduced and graphed with special emphasis on
linear and quadratic functions. This course does apply toward the general core requirements
for mathematics.
TEXTBOOK(S)
A. Title/Edition: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, 4th edition
B. Author: Lial, Hornsby, and McGinnis
C. Publisher: Addison Wesley
D. Copyright: 2008
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS
SPECIFIC TO COURSE HOMEWORK VIA MYMATHLAB
Students will need internet access to complete homework assignments online. Access
to computer labs when no classes are in session in those labs has been provided.
MyMathLab is installed on computers located in the General Studies Lab located in the
Nevins Building and the Success Center located in the computer science building.
There are a few computers available in the LBWCC Library as well. Students will also
need basic computer skills to navigate and key in answers while completing homework
online. For students who choose to do their work using personal computers, the
MyMathLab packet includes pamphlets which list system requirements along with
complete instructions regarding the downloading of plug-ins for your pc’s.
TOOLS & SUPPLIES
Texas Instrument Scientific Calculator: TI - 36X
Notebook Paper, Graphing Paper, Writing Utensils
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
UNIT ONE: Factoring and Applications (Chapter 5)
Upon successful completion of this unit the student will be able to:
1. Find the greatest common factor of a list of terms, factor out the greatest common
factor, factor out a common binomial, and factor by grouping.
2. Factor trinomials whose leading coefficient is one.
3. Factor trinomials whose leading coefficient is not one.
4. Factor a difference of squares, factor a perfect trinomial square, and factor the sum and
difference of two cubes.
5. Solve quadratic equations and other equations by factoring.
6. Solve problems involving geometric figures, solve problems involving consecutive
integers, solve problems by using the Pythagorean formula, and solve problems by using
given quadratic models.
UNIT TWO: Rational Expressions and Applications (Chapter 6)
Upon successful completion of this unit the student will be able to:
1. Find the numerical value of a rational expression, find the values of the variable for
which a rational expression is undefined, simplify rational expressions, and recognize
equivalent forms of rational expressions.
2. Multiply and divide rational expressions.
3. Find least common denominators and rewrite rational expressions with given
denominators.
4. Add and subtract rational expressions.
5. Simplify complex fractions.
6. Solve equations with rational expressions.
UNIT THREE: Equations of Lines; Functions (Chapter 7)
Upon successful completion of this unit the student will be able to:
1. Graph lines and find intercepts, recognize equations of vertical and horizontal lines, use
the midpoint formula, find the slope of a line, graph a line given its slope and a point on
the line, use slopes to determine whether two lines are parallel, perpendicular, or neither,
solve problems involving average rate of change.
2. Write an equation of the line given its slope and y-intercept, graph a line using its slope
and y-intercept, write an equation of a line given its slope and a point on the line, write an
equation of a line given two points on the line.
3. Define and identify relations and functions, find the domain and range, identify functions
defined by graphs and equations, use functional notation, and graph linear and constant
functions.
UNIT FOUR: Systems of Linear Equations (Chapter 8)
Upon successful completion of this unit the student will be able to:
1. Decide whether a given ordered pair is a solution of a system, solve linear systems by
2. graphing, and identify special systems without graphing.
3. Solve linear systems by substitution and solve special systems by substitution.
4. Solve linear systems by elimination, multiply when using the elimination method, use an
alternative method to find the second value in a solution, and use the elimination method
to solve special systems.
5. Solve linear systems with three equations and three variables by elimination, solve linear
systems with three equation and three variables in which some of the equations have
missing terms, and solve special systems.
6. Solve application problems involving systems of equations.
UNIT FIVE: Inequalities and Absolute Value (Chapter 9)
Upon successful completion of this unit the student will be able to:
1. Find the intersection and union of two sets and solve compound inequalities with the
word “and” and the word “or”.
2. Solve equations involving absolute value, solve inequalities involving absolute value, and
solve special cases of absolute value equations and inequalities.
UNIT SIX: Roots, Radicals, and Root Functions (Chapter 10)
Upon successful completion of this unit the student will be able to:
1. Find square roots, decide whether a given root is rational, irrational, or not a real number,
2. Find higher roots, find nth roots of nth powers, and use a calculator to find roots.
3. Use exponential notation for nth roots, define and use the laws of exponents with rational
exponents, convert between radicals and rational exponents, and use the rules for
exponents with rational exponents.
4. Simplify radical expressions involving addition and subtraction.
5. Multiply radical expressions, rationalize denominators and numerators.
6. Solve equations involving radicals.
7. State the zero-factor property, apply the zero-factor property, and solve quadratic
equations by using the square root property. (Chapter 11)
TEACHING METHODS
 Tests will be administered in a varied fashion to include, but not limited to, group
projects, take-home assignments, and in-house exams.
 Quizzes will be given frequently during sessions to promote hands-on learning styles.
 Homework will be assigned online via MyMathLab.
.
……homework online……
The student will need three pieces of information
in order to complete homework online via MyMathLab.
1)Valid email address
2)Student access code
included w/new textbooks
must be purchased separately w/used textbooks
3) Course ID number for 4th Ed.: goosby84807
PEARSON EDUCATION CUSTOMER TECHNICAL SUPPORT
MYMATHLAB
1-800-677-6337
Students should be prepared to turn in assignments such as tests,
homework, quizzes, etc. in a timely manner as requested by the instructor.
Due dates for each assignment will be given individually.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Students are expected to attend all classes for which they are registered. Students
who are unable to attend class regularly, regardless of the reason or circumstance,
should withdraw from that class before poor attendance interferes with the student’s
ability to achieve the objective required in the course.
WITHDRAWAL
A student may withdraw from a course or all courses without a grade penalty up to fourteen (14)
days prior to the first day of final exams for the fall and spring terms. For the summer term,
students may withdraw from classes up to seven (7) days prior to the first day of final exams for
each session. The final date for official withdrawal is printed in the college calendar and
published in each class schedule. A student who receives Title IV Federal Financial Aid (for
example, Pell Grant) may have to repay funds if he/she withdraws prior to completing 60 percent
of the semester. See the Director of Financial Aid for more specific information.
EVALUATION PROCEDURES
The final average for MTH 100 will be calculated as follows:
 80%
Chapter Test Grades
The average of the chapter test scores to include the final comprehensive exam will
count as 80% of the final grade. Students will be administered at least one test at the end
of each chapter. A library assignment – a one time assignment – will be given and will
count as a test grade. Please make note that the final comprehensive exam score will
not be dropped. This exam cannot be made up and will be administered at LBWCC,
Macarthur Campus, Building B, Rm 123. On the other hand, each student who attains
perfect attendance will be exempt from taking the final comprehensive exam. Regarding
the grading of tests, partial credit may be given depending on the judgment of the
instructor and is not a negotiable instrument. Students are allowed to retake one test.
Regarding passing scores on a test, attending class on a regular basis, taking good notes,
studying and completing homework in a timely manner, and asking questions in
reference to difficult topics covered by the instructor directly correlate to passing scores
on a test and, in turn, are crucial factors in the successful completion of the course.
Keep in mind that 80% of the final grade is equivalent to
 20%
4
of your final grade.
5
Quiz Grades
The average of the quiz scores will count as 20% of the final grade. A quiz entails the
completion of three or more problems during each class period assigned randomly
during the session. The student is allowed to makeup or retake one quiz. Keep in mind
that 20% of the final grade is equivalent to one fifth, , of your final grade.
MAKE-UPS and RE-TAKES: Make-ups and re-takes are only allowed when the instructor
deems it appropriate and necessary. The decision to allow or disallow a student to make-up or
re-take an assignment will be made on an individual basis. In doing so, the student must initiate
arrangements with the instructor via email, [email protected] , office visit, B118, or phone,
334-493-5339. Until a makeup test has been completed, the student will automatically receive a
grade of “0” for that particular test.
Upon approval to retake or makeup a test,
the designated final day for doing so is
Wednesday, December 8, 2010.
Note!
A student is responsible for any material missed during his or her absence.
Therefore, each student present on test day
will be required to take any scheduled test for that day
regardless of prior absences.
LATE WORK
The instructor reserves the right based on the student’s class performance and
attendance to accept or decline any late work presented by the student. Any late work
accepted will be subject to a penalty of up to 5 points per day out of 100 possible points.
Therefore, be prepared to receive less than full credit for assignments turned in late.
ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY
Students are expected to follow the Rules and Standards Governing Students as described in the
current college catalog. Cheating and plagiarism violate these standards and may result in
disciplinary action, including expulsion.
POLICY ON REASONABLE ACCOMODATIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Lurleen B. Wallace Community College complies with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973 and the American with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you have a disability that might require
special materials, services, or assistance, or if you have any questions relating to accessibility,
please contact the ADA Coordinator on the respective campuses in advance. For TDD users in
Alabama, the Alabama Relay Center is available by calling 1-800-548-2546. All materials
related to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act are maintained by the college
coordinators.
Andalusia Campus
Greenville Campus
MacArthur Campus
Bridges Anderson
334-222-6591 ext. 2247
Dr. Jean Thomson
334-382-2133 ext. 3102
Jason Cain
334-493-3573 ext. 5363
SAFETY
Students are expected to follow all safety guidelines issued by the instructor.
OTHER
Additional course information may be announced by the instructor, and the instructor may make
changes to this syllabus.
Revised 1/6/09