COLLEGE ALGEBRA

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is a general education mathematics course; however, this course cannot be
taken as the only mathematics course for the A. A. degree. College Algebra is a course
that gives in-depth study of graphs of equations, functions, transformations, and
polynomial and rational functions. The course also covers exponential and logarithmic
functions, systems of equations and inequalities , and matrices and determinants.
College Algebra requires a thorough understanding of Intermediate Algebra. The Texas
Instruments TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator or a graphing calculator approved by the
instructor is required for this course.

PREREQUISITES:

MAT 061 and MAT 062 both with a grade of "C" or higher or assessment.

If you have not successfully completed the equivalent of these prerequisites, then you
should not take this course. You must have the proper prerequisite to expect to
successfully complete this course. If you are unsure of your readiness for this course,
you need to contact me immediately.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

At the completion of the course, the student should be able to:

1. Graph elementary equations using properties such as intercepts and symmetry
2. Develop a mathematical model that describes real world phenomena
3. Define domains, range, relation, and function and give examples of each
4. Graph polynomial and rational functions
5. Perform arithmetic with functions, composition of functions, transformations of functions, and find inverses of functions
6. Perform long division and synthetic division of polynomials
7. Determine the zeros of polynomial functions
8. Utilize the properties of logarithms and solve exponential and logarithmic equations
9. Demonstrate the ability to graph and apply natural logarithmic and exponential functions to workplace situations
10. Use the matrix method of row reduction to solve a system of linear equations
11. Perform matrix operations
12. Apply matrices and determinants to real-life situations

COURSE OUTLINE:

Tentatively, topics to be covered in this course include:

A. Chapter P - Prerequisites
 P.3 Polynomials and Special Products
 P.4 Factoring
 P.5 Rational Expressions

B. Chapter 2 - Functions and Their Graphs
 2.1 Linear Equations in Two Variables
 2.2 Functions
 1.1 Graphs of Equations (Chapter 1 Equations and Inequalities)
 2.3 Analyzing Graphs of Functions
 2.4 A Library of Functions
 2.5 Shifting, Reflecting, and Stretching Graphs
 2.6 Combinations of Functions
 2.7 Inverse Functions

C. Chapter 3 - Polynomial Functions
 3.1 Quadratic Functions
 3.2 Polynomial Functions of Higher Degree
 3.3 Polynomial and Synthetic Division
 3.4 Zeros of Polynomial Functions

D. Chapter 4 - Rational Functions
 4.1 Rational Functions and Asymptotes
 4.2 Graphs of Rational Functions
 4.3 Partial Fractions

E. Chapter 5 - Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
 5.1 Exponential Functions and Their Graphs
 5.2 Logarithmic Functions and Their Graphs
 5.3 Properties of Logarithms
 5.4 Exponential and Logarithmic Equations

F. Chapter 9 - Systems of Equations and Inequalities
 9.1 Solving Systems of Equations
 9.2 Two-Variable Linear Systems
 9.4 Systems of Inequalities
 9.5 Linear Programming

G. Chapter 10 - Matrices and Determinants
 10.1 Matrices and Systems of Equations
 10.2 Operations with Matrices
 10.4 The Determinant of a Square Matrix
 10.5 Applications of Matrices and Determinants

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

A. Homework. Homework will be assigned at every class session and should be
attempted prior to the next meeting. The student should realize that, as a general
rule of thumb , a minimum of two hours of study outside of class is required for every
one hour of class time. This course will require between six and ten hours per week
of outside class work if the student plans to successfully complete the course.

B. Attendance. Attendance to this class is both expected and required. John A. Logan
College=s attendance policy will be enforced:

1. Students are expected to attend all scheduled class periods for the courses in
which they are enrolled unless they are participating in a scheduled, supervised
college trip or function. There are no excused absences or minimum number of
class "cuts." All absences must be made up in a manner acceptable to the
instructor.

2. A student who is absent from a class for three consecutive meetings or who is
excessively absent as defined by the instructor (more than 5 absences), without
prior approval, may be required by the instructor to meet with the appropriate
administrator before being readmitted to the class. Students who claim illness as
a cause for excessive absences may be required to present a physician=s
statement before being readmitted to class.

3. Each student is expected to be in class on time. Repeated or consistent
tardiness will not be tolerated. Failure to comply with this requirement could
result in the student's grade being lowered or the student being asked to
drop the course.

C. Required Materials. The textbook, along with the usual notebook, paper, pencils,
etc., represents the required materials for the class. Your homework notebook
should have loose leaf paper. A TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator or graphing
calculator approved by the instructor is required for this course.

Supportive Information:

A. Student Success Center. Tutors may be obtained through the Student Success
Center. Contact the staff in C219 if this service is desired. John A. Logan College
will make reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities
under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990. Any student with a disability that may have some impact on
work in this class, who feels she/he needs an accommodation, should make an
appointment with the Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities on
campus, Christy McBride, Room C219B, Ext. 8516. Before services can be
provided, this advisor must determine eligibility and arrange appropriate academic
adjustments. It is the student=s responsibility to register in advance of a school
term with this office and to turn in a schedule each term to ensure that there is
every opportunity for success in this class.

B. English Writing Center/Tutoring: For assistance with writing assignments in any
college courses, students are encouraged to visit “The Write Place” in E109.
English instructors are available for one-on-one tutoring each semester during hours
posted at the center.

C. Financial Aid. Students who receive financial assistance and completely withdraw
from classes prior to 60% of the semester being completed (approximately 2-3
weeks after midterm) could be responsible to return a portion of their Federal Pell
Grant award. Prior to withdrawing from courses, students should contact the
Financial Aid Office.

D. Math Help Room. Students are encouraged to visit the Math Help Room in C218
where free one-on-one tutoring is available during posted hours.

METHODS OF EVALUATION:

A. Tests: There will be up to six chapter tests. Each test will count 100 points. No
makeup exams will be given. The lowest chapter test score will be dropped for
grade computation.

If a student will be taking a school sponsored trip on the day of a test, he/she may
take the test before leaving on the trip. The student is responsible for giving the
instructor advance notification of these trips.

B. A 200-point comprehensive, multiple-choice, final exam will be given during the final
exam week. All students are required to take the final exam.

METHODS OF PRESENTATION:

Primary method is lecture and class discussion involving assigned problems. The
student can obtain additional help through (1) school tutoring C218/219 (free), (2) videotapes
keyed to each section of the textbook, available in the Learning Lab (3)
computerized tutorials available in the Academic Computing Lab (Room E204), or (4)
the instructor during office hours.