Course Description
MATH 106: Intermediate Algebra
Intermediate Algebra is an introductory course to review the fundamental
concepts of arithmetic
and algebra. This course is the second in a sequence of two pre-algebra math
courses leading up
to College Algebra, MATH 150, or Finite Math, MATH 170.
Prerequisite:
A passing score on the Columbia College math placement exam or grade of C or
better in Math
104 is required.
I. Overview and Course Goals
Welcome to Intermediate Algebra (MATH 106), on line!
During Week 1, we review how to graph equations in two variables. We
solve system of linear
equations by graphing.
During Week 2, we solve systems of equations using the substitution and
addition methods, and
solve applied problems using systems of equations.
During Week 3, we discuss rational expressions. We simplify, multiply and
divide rational
expressions. We briefly review general factoring strategies .
During Week 4, we add and subtract rational expressions with same and
different denominators.
There is a proctored midterm exam at the end of this week. The exam is a
computerized exam.
During Week 5, we simplify complex rational expressions and rational
equations. We also
discuss square roots, simplify radicals and multiplying and dividing radicals .
During Week 6, we learn more about radicals and are introduced to
rational exponents.
During Week 7, we discuss quadratic equations and find solutions to
quadratic equations using
the square root property , completing the square, and the Quadratic Formula.
During Week 8, we graph quadratic equations and solve applied problems.
There is a proctored
final exam at the end of this week. The exam is a computerized exam.
II. Course Objectives & Measurable Learning Outcomes
After you have completed this course, you should be able to:
• To communicate mathematically in both written and
verbal forms.
• To reason with symbolic and graphical representations.
• To use mathematics to solve real-world problems.
• To use technology, such as graphing calculators and computers , to
enhance your
mathematical understanding.
Measurable Learning Outcomes:
• Graph lines and quadratic, exponential and
logarithmic functions in the Cartesian Plane.
• Find the equation of a line in both slope- intercept and point -slope
form.
• Interpret the meaning of the slope and the intercepts of a line.
• Solve systems of linear equations by graphing, substitution and
elimination.
• Solve real-world problems using equations and systems of equations.
• Factor polynomials . Simplify rational, complex ration , and radical
expressions .
• Add , subtract, multiply and divide rational and radical expressions.
• Solve equations with rational and radical expressions.
• Solve quadratic equations by the square root property, by completing the
square, by
factoring and by the quadratic formula.
III. Course Policies
There will be no discrimination on the
basis of sex, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, religion,
ideology, political
affiliation, veteran status, age, physical handicap, or marital status. Students
with documented
disabilities who may need academic services for this course are required
to register with the
Coordinator for Disability Services. Until the student has been cleared
through the disability
services office, accommodations do not have to be granted. It is vital if
you are a student who
has a documented disability to read the entire syllabus before signing up for
the course. The
structure or the content of the course can make an accommodation not feasible.
The policies and
related syllabus matters remain subject to change in the event of extenuating
circumstances.
Read the entire syllabus before continuing the course.
This is a great resource for students who are new to online coursework.
Student Conduct
The instructor reserves the right to manage a positive learning environment and
thus will not
tolerate inappropriate conduct in the course. All Columbia College students,
whether enrolled in
a land-based or on-line course, are responsible for behaving in a manner
consistent with
Columbia College's Code of Student Conduct and Ethics Code for Computer Users.
Students
violating these codes will be referred to the Campus Life Office for possible
disciplinary action.
Required Calculator
A scientific/graphing calculator is required for this course. This calculator
can be used in
Beginning Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, College Algebra, Finite Math, and
Statistics.
Acceptable calculators for the exams are the TI-83, TI-83 Plus, TI-84 or
TI-84 Plus
calculator. The TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is available for purchase
through MBS. This
allows students to use their book voucher to obtain a graphing calculator.
VII: Course Schedule
Week 1: Linear Equations & Graphing Systems of Linear Equations
1. Readings: Chapter 4.1 and 4.2, pp. 224-243, Chapter 5.1, pp. 290-298.
2. Discussion: Each week you are required to do two discussion posts. These
posts may be
problems from the book, an answer to a critical thinking question, problems from
homework in
Course Compass or the answer to a previous week‘s quiz question. One post needs
to be
posted and corrected in a thread that is labeled (by Wednesday) and one posted
and corrected
in a thread that is labeled (by Friday). Each post is worth 2 points. You are
NOT required to
post in every thread (although it isn‘t against the rules ;)
3. Complete homework assigned in MyMathLab (MML) before midnight Friday.
4. Quiz #1 Due before midnight Saturday.
Week 2: Solving Systems of Linear Equations
1. Reading: Chapter 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4, pp. 301-325.
2. Discussion: see week 1
3. Complete homework assigned in MyMathLab (MML).
4. Quiz #2 Due before midnight Saturday.
5. Proctor Information must be posted and approved before midnight Friday.
Week 3: Factoring & Rational Expressions
1. Readings: Chapter 7.5, pp. 446-451, Chapter 8.1 and 8.2, pp. 474-488.
2. Discussion: see week 1
3. Complete homework assigned in MyMathLab (MML).
4. Quiz #3 Due before midnight Saturday.
Week 4: Adding & Subtracting Rational Expressions
1. Readings: Chapter 8.3 and 8.4, pp. 491-506.
2. Discussion: see week 1
3. Complete homework assigned in MyMathLab (MML).
4. Optional make up Quiz available Tuesday at noon. Due before midnight,
Saturday. It will
replace the lowest of quizzes 1 through 3.
5. Proctored (Computerized) Midterm (two hour time limit) covers the first 3
weeks of material
(Chapter 4.1 through 8.2) 35% of course grade.
Week 5: Complex Rational Expressions, Rational
Equations & Radicals
1. Readings: Chapter 8.5 and 8.6, pp. 510-524, Chapter 9.1 and 9.2, pp. 550-565.
2. Discussion: see week 1
3. Complete homework assigned in MyMathLab (MML).
4. Quiz #5 Due before midnight Saturday.
Week 6: Radical Operations , Radical Equations, Solving Applied Problems
1. Readings: Chapter 9.3, 9.4, 9.5 and 9.6, pp. 567-591.
2. Discussion: see week 1
3. Complete homework assigned in MyMathLab (MML).
4. Quiz #6 Due before midnight Saturday.
Week 7: Solving Quadratic Equations
1. Readings: Chapter 7.6, 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3, pp. 454-462 and 600-620.
2. Discussion: see week 1
3. Complete homework assigned in MyMathLab (MML).
4. Quiz #7 Due before midnight Saturday.
5. Course Evaluation: Please evaluate our course by clicking on the ‗Course
Evaluation‘ link
under ‗Academics‘ when you login in to eServices. The evaluation site will open
on Monday
of week 7 and close Wednesday of week 8.
Week 8: Graphing Quadratic Equations, Solving Applied Problems
1. Readings: Chapter 10.5, pp. 630-639.
2. Discussion: see week 1—this week each discussion post is worth 1 point.
3. Complete homework assigned in MML.
4. Optional make up Quiz available Tuesday at noon and due before midnight,
Saturday. It will
replace the lowest of quizzes 5 through 7.
5. Proctored (Computerized) Final (two hour time limit) covers the last 4 weeks
of material
(Chapter 8.3 through 10.5) 40% of course grade.
