COLLEGE ALGEBRA

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Tentative Schedule of discussion topics and tests.

Sat Aug. 25 Sections 1.3 – 1.6, Appendix 3 and 5
Most of this material should be familiar to you. The rectangular coordinate system,
plotting points, equations for straight lines, definition of a function, function notation and
terminology (domain & range, zeros, symmetry, vertical line test) and graphing a list of
common (parent) functions. Also, factoring polynomials and solving simple linear and
quadratic equations .

Sat Sept. 01 Sections 1.7 – 1.10
Transforming the graphs of parent functions, combining functions, defining and finding
inverse functions, one-to-one functions, and solving problems with direct and indirect
variation.

Sat Sept. 08 Sections 2.1 – 2.4, Appendix 6
Graphs of quadratic functions, completing the square, the quadratic formula. Long
division of polynomials and synthetic division. Graphs of polynomial functions with a
degree higher than 2, Lead coefficient test (end behavior), repeated zeros (multiplicities),
and complex numbers . Also linear inequalities.

Sat Sept. 15 Appendix 4, Sections 2.5 – 2.7
Review of operations with rational expressions. More with the graphs of polynomial
functions, Rational Zeros Theorem, real and complex zeros. Graphs of rational functions,
defining and identifying vertical, horizontal, and oblique asymptotes. Also non-linear
inequalities.

Sat Sept. 22 Sections 3.1 – 3.3
Graphs of exponential functions and logarithmic functions. The number “e”, equations
for compound interest , and properties of logarithms

Sat Sept. 29 Class canceled

Sat Oct. 06 Sections 3.4 – 3.5
Solving exponential and logarithmic equations. Exponential growth and decay.

Sat. Oct. 13 No Class. Fall Break

Sat Oct. 20 Sections 7.1 – 7.3 First Midterm Handed Out
Solving systems of equations. Linear systems in upto 3 variables and non-linear systems
in 2 variables. Substitution, elimination, graphing, and Gaussian elimination.

Sat Oct. 27 Sections 8.1 – 8.3 First Midterm Due
Define and work with matrices, operations with matrices, augmented matrices, Gauss-
Jordan elimination, inverting matrices, writing systems using matrices , solving systems
by the inverse-matrix method.

Sat Nov. 03 Sections 8.4 – 8.5
Evaluating determinants by “diagonals” and co-factors. Applications of determinants ie.
finding the area of a triangle. Solving systems by Cramer’s Rule.

Sat Nov. 10 Section 7.4, 9.1 – 9.3 Second Midterm Handed Out
Decomposition of rational expressions into partial fractions, introduction to recursive and
explicit formulas, formulas for arithmetic and geometric sequences.

Sat Nov. 17 Sections 9.4 – 9.5 Second Midterm DUE
Proof by Mathematical Induction, Pascal’s Triangle, binomial expansion and the
binomial theorem.

Sat. Nov. 24 No Class. Thanksgiving Break

Sat Dec. 01 Review

Sat Dec. 08 FINAL EXAM (Bring an envelope!)