Intermediate Algebra

Prerequisites: The prerequisite for MA101 is grade of C or better in MA091, MA091A, or MA091D;
or appropriate score on the mathematics assessment test; or consent of department. Assessment level:
RD 120

Course Description: Topics include development of Algebraic and problem-solving skills and concepts
intended to prepare students for a mathematics foundation course. Topics include linear, quadratic,
and exponential equations, functions and their applications, modeling and data analysis.

Text and Supplies:
The optional textbook is Intermediate Algebra, 4th edition, Enhanced, by K. Elayn Martin-Gay,
published by Pearson/Prentice-Hall, 2008. It is not the same as the MA091 text or the MA101
classroom text used at Germantown. A notebook for taking notes and keeping printouts is a great
investment. The homework assignments use the required software package MyMathLab,
The software access code can be purchased online or at one of the campus bookstores.
Use of a graphing calculator will be required.

Homework Assignments:
Students must use the computerized software, MyMathLab, to complete their homework assignments.
There are no due dates on these assignments, as you can work at your own pace – but you must be
finished with the class on or before May 15, 2009, and that includes taking the final exam. I will
provide target dates for you just so you can pace yourself.

Audit Policy:
A student who has registered for AUDIT in this class is just like the student who registered for credit.
He or she MUST take the quizzes, attend classes and turn in completed homework on time. The only
difference between an AUDIT student and a CREDIT student in this class is what grade appears (or
does not appear) on the transcript. There is no other way for either one of us to assess if you are
acquiring the knowledge.

Grading
Your grade will be based on your performance on homework assignments (worth up to 70 in total),
five exams (worth up to 500 points in total), and a final exam (worth up to 130 points in total). You
may take retake any of the five regular exams for grades less than a 70%, between 5/1/2009 and
5/15/2009. Exams are to be taken at the Germantown Assessment Center – 240-567-7739.

Your grade will be calculated in the two ways listed. The highest percentage of the two will be used
as your overall course grade.

1) The average from the mandatory final alone.
2) Your grade will be based on a maximum of 700 points. Grades will be assigned as follows:

Withdrawal from Class

The last day to drop the class with a refund is February 1. The last day to change to audit is February
15. The last day to drop the class without a grade is February 15. The last day to drop the class with a
grade is April 19. I will NOT drop you for lack of effort…but you need to master this material to move
on to MA110 or MA116.

Cancellation of Classes

If something forces the College to suspend classes or close, public service announcements will be
provided to local radio and television stations as early as possible.

Support Services

There is a Math & Accounting Learning Center located in HT229 where tutoring and support materials
are available. The hours for the fall 2008 semester were 8:30am – 9:00pm M – F and 8:30am –
5:00pm on Saturdays. Hours for the spring 2009 have not been established as of yet, but changes are
more likely to occur on Friday night and Saturday. The telephone number is 240-567-1947. Tutoring
and support are also available at Rockville and Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus.

Policy on Academic Integrity: See the Student Code of Conduct – “Academic Dishonesty and
Misconduct”. (Student Handbook)

The maintenance of the highest standards of intellectual honesty is the concern of every student and
faculty member at Montgomery College. The College is committed to imposing appropriate sanctions
for breaches of academic honesty. Academic dishonesty or misconduct can occur in many ways. The
following are a few examples: plagiarism, cheating on examinations, copying a friend's homework
assignment. This IS dishonest and a form of cheating, even if you worked on the assignment together!
Working together IS okay; producing identical homework assignments is NOT okay!

Disability Support Services

Any student needing an accommodation due to a disability should make an appointment to see me
during my office hours. A letter from Disability Support Services (DSS) authorizing your
accommodations will be needed. The DSS office is located in SA201 and may be called on 240-567-
7783. DSS can also assist with making this publication is available in alternative formats upon request
(i.e. Braille). A 24-hour TTY phone is available at 240/567-2133. The campus’s main switchboard
also can receive TTY calls at 240/567-7000.

Course Objectives:

Course Schedule:

The instructor may make amendments to this syllabus.