College Algebra

Scope of the Course: College Algebra emphasizes mathematical reasoning, problem solving, and real-world
applications using numerical, algebraic, and graphical models. Topics will include problem-solving
techniques, algebraic expressions, polynomials, linear equations, linear inequalities, linear and non-linear
graphs, systems of linear equations in two variables , integer exponents, proportions and radicals.
Particular emphasis will be in application of the algebraic concepts not necessarily the final solution .
Maple software in the Math Lab is recommended for use by this class

Prerequisite : A minimum grade of “C” in Math 56 or 60 or a passing score on the placement test.

Withdrawals/Drops: Students are responsible for dropping this class per the calendar noted in the class
schedule. Failure to drop may result in a grade of “F” being issued at the end of the term. The Instructor
will not drop students late in the semester. NO SHOWS (failure to attend classes the first week of classes)
will result in a drop by the instructor.

Class Policies: Students are expected to come to the class PREPARED and ON TIME. Only those absences
coordinated ahead of time or involve a personal emergency will be considered excused. Students are
responsible for any instruction and assignments missed during absences. MISSED EXAMS MUST BE
MADE UP WITHIN 3 DAYS OF THE SCHEDULED EXAM. Unannounced Quizzes will be given during this
class. Missed quizzes cannot be made up. All students need to enroll in a noncredit no cost course called
N BASC 202; Class # 76121. This enables the student to obtain help at the Math Lab and to be able to make
up exams in the math lab (Room E-2)

Homework/Testing: Homework is used to supplement class sessions. A minimum number of problems should
be worked to master the subject material. Homework is not collected. However, an initial portion of the
class meeting will be used to review some of the homework problems. Problems from the homework will
form the basis of the quizzes (ODD NUMBERS ONLY). WORK MUST BE SHOWN Students are encouraged
to form discussion groups and “work out” the homework problems.

The final exam will be a comprehensive in-class final exam. It will be closed book and the only notes will
be one side of 1 page of paper.

Grading policy: The student’s grade will be determined as follows:

Letter Grades will be assigned based upon the student’s point total as follows:

720 to 800 pts A
640 to 719 pts B
544 to 639 pts C
448 to 543 pts D
000 to 447 pts F

Blackboard Learning Course: We have a course setup in Blackboard to communicate via e-mail, list
grades and list lecture notes. This area will also be used to list Exam and Quiz Keys provided they are
completed in time.

Class Schedule of Events
8/25 Chapter P: Prerequisites and In-Class Open Book QUIZ (Working in Groups)
8/27 Chapter 1: Equations and Inequalities
Section 1: Graphs of Equations
Section 2: Linear Equations in One Variable
Section 3: Modeling with Linear Equations
9/1 Labor Day Holiday
9/3 Chapter 1: Equations and Inequalities
Section 4: Quadratic Equations
Section 5: Complex Numbers
Section 6: Other Types of Equations
9/8 Chapter 1: Equations and Inequalities
Section 7: Linear Inequalities in One Variable
Section 8: Other Types of Inequalities
9/10 Chapter 2: Functions and Their Graphs
Section 1: Linear Functions in Two Variables
Section 2: Functions
9/15 Chapter 2: Functions and Their Graphs
Section 3: Analyzing Graphs of Functions
Section 4: A Library of Functions
Section 5: Transformations of Functions
9/17 Chapter 2 Functions and Their Graphs
Section 6: Combinations of Functions (and Composite Functions)
Section 7: Inverse Functions
9/22 Review Chapters P, 1, and 2 (TAKE HOME TEST ISSUED TODAY – DUE 9/24)
9/24 Chapter 3: Polynomial Functions
Section 1: Quadratic Functions and Models
Section 2: Polynomial Functions of a Higher Degree
9/29 Chapter 3: Polynomial Functions
Section 3: Polynomials and Synthetic Division
Section 4: Zeros of Polynomial Functions
Section 5: Mathematical Modeling and Variation
10/1 Chapter 4: Rational Functions and Conics
Section 1: Rational Functions and Asymptotes
Section 2: Graphs of Rational Functions
10/6 Chapter 4: Rational Functions and Conics
Section 3: Conics
Section 4: Translations of Conics
10/8 Review Chapter 3 & 4
10/13 Exam on Chapter 3 & 4
10/15 Chapter 5: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Section 1: Exponential Functions and Their Graphs
Section 2: Logarithmic Functions and Their Graphs
10/20 Chapter 5: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Section 3: Properties of Logarithms
Section 4: Exponential; and Logarithmic Equations
Section 5: Exponential and Logarithmic Models
10/22 Chapter 6: Systems of Equations and Inequalities
Section 1: Linear and Non-Linear Systems of Equations
Section 2: TWO-Variable Linear Systems
Section 3: Multivariable Systems of Equations
10/27 Chapter 6: Systems of Equations and Inequalities
Section 4: Partial Fractions
Section 5: Systems of Inequalities
Section 6: Linear Programming
10/29 Review Chapters 5 & 6
11/3 Exam of Chapters 5 & 6
11/5 Chapter 7 Matrices and Determinants
Section 1: Matrices and Systems of Equations
Section 2: Operations with Matrices
11/10 Veterans Day Holiday
11/12 Chapter 7 Matrices and Determinants
Section 3: The Inverse of a Square Matrix
Section 4: The Determinant of a Square Matrix
11/17 Chapter 7 Matrices and Determinants
Section 5: Applications of Matrices and Determinants
11/19 Chapter 8: Sequences, Series and Probability
Section 1: Sequences and Series
Section 2: Arithmetic Sequences and Series
Section 3: Geometric Sequences and Series
11/24 Chapter 8: Sequences, Series and Probability
Section 4: Mathematical Induction
Section 5: The Binomial Theorem
11/26 Chapter 8: Sequences, Series and Probability
Section 6: Counting Principles
Section 7: Probability
12/1 Review for Exam on Chapters 7 & 8
12/3 Exam for Chapters 7 & 8
12/8 Review for Final Exam
12/10 Review for Final Exam

12/17 Final Exam for Math 110 in Room B-6 at 8:00 AM until 9:50 AM
In-Class Comprehensive Exam: Notes are 1 page paper, one side.