Math 106 Intermediate Algebra

I. 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.

II. Overview and Course Goals

During Week 1, we study the rectangular coordinate system, graph equations and solve systems
of equations by graphing.

During Week 2, we solve systems of equations by the substitution and by the addition methods.
We also solve applied problems using systems of equations.

During Week 3, we discuss a general factoring strategy, rational expressions and learn to
multiply and divide rational expressions.

During Week 4, we add and subtract rational expressions with the same and different
denominators. There is a proctored midterm exam at the end of this week. The exam is a pencil
and paper exam.

During Week 5, we discuss simplifying complex rational expressions, solving rational
expressions, finding roots, 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 are introduced to functions. There is
a proctored final exam at the end of this week. The exam is a pencil and paper exam.

III. Course Objectives

After you have completed this course, you should be able to:
•Communicate mathematically in written form
•Reason with symbolic and graphical representations
•Use mathematics to solve real -world problems
•Use technology, such as graphing calculators and computers , to enhance mathematical
understanding

IV. Measurable Learning Outcomes

•Graph lines and quadratic functions in the Cartesian plane
•Find the equation of a line in both slope- intercept and point -slope form
•Interpret the meaning of 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 rational, 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

V. 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. This is a great resource for students that 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. The Code for Student Conduct and the Ethics
Code for Computer Users can be found in the Columbia College Student Handbook, a copy of which can
be obtained by calling the Campus Life office at (573) 875-7425.

On-Line Participation

This course is offered on-line, over the Internet, using the Internet and the World Wide Web,
using publishing technology provided by Desire 2 Learn and Columbia College, participation on-
line is expected and continuous throughout the course. Failure to turn in assignments by the date
due, or timely participation in on-line discussions, may result in the student being withdrawn
from the course. Emergencies should be communicated and documented to the instructor as soon
as possible. Students are expected to watch the assigned videos, do the online homework, and
log-in to the class conferencing at least three different days each week. In addition, students will
take a quiz each week. Active participation in the course will prepare and guide students in
studying for the exams. The instructor will facilitate on-line discussions in the conference room
by responding to posted messages. See "Ground Rules for On-line Participation" for
additional information .
 
A class week is defined as the period of time between Saturday and Friday. The first week begins
the first day of the session and ends midnight the following Friday. Weeks 2- 8 begin on
Saturday and end on Friday at midnight. Both conference and email assignments, scheduled for
completion during a class week, should be submitted or posted by the weekly due dates stated on
the grading schedule below. Late assignments will not be accepted.

Ground Rules for On-line Participation

Students can use their CC e-mail account or their personal e-mail account for private
messages to the instructor and other students and for assignments that will be scored.
The Class Discussion Board is for public messages so we can see what each other
have to say about any given math topic, and respond to if desired.

Students are expected to participate in on-line discussions, as well as with other
appropriate on-line activities including sending/receiving E-mails and completing
homework assignments.

Academic Honesty

All Columbia College policies are in effect as described in the Academic Dishonesty/Misconduct section
of the current college catalog. All your work must be your own unless collaboration has been authorized.
If collaboration is authorized you must acknowledge the collaboration in writing. Your grade will be
based in large part on the originality of your ideas and your written presentation of these ideas. Presenting
as one's own the words, ideas, or expression of another in any form is cheating though plagiarism.
 The content of these plagiarism sites would, if you were lucky, get you a "D": in this course if you were
not caught. It is substandard work indeed, but you will almost always be caught if you try to cheat, due to
the plagiarism prevention tools available to instructors. Those found plagiarizing might be dropped from the course.

Level of Communication

Conference postings are informal. Although there are no penalties for misspellings, incomplete
sentences, or other violations of grammatical rules, please check your posts for accuracy before
submitting them. The criteria that need to be met in conference postings is that your messages
must be original and intelligible. You must communicate effectively. In addition, you must
meet the weekly requirements for full credit on conference room assignments.

VI. Grading Policy

You will be able to track your average exactly throughout the course. The grading scale is as
follows:

A = 90%-100%; B = 80%-89%; C = 70%-79%; D = 60%-69%; F = 0%-59%.

Discussion assignments count as 15% of your total grade, and quizzes count as 10% of your total
grade. The mid-term counts as 35% of your final grade, and the final counts as 40% of your final
grade.

You will know in advance the standards for each assignment. My goal is to give prompt, clear,
and useful feedback to help you. Each student is responsible for:
• •Completing weekly Reading/Video assignments.
• •Completing Weekly Homework/Discussion by Friday at midnight CST.
• •Completing all quizzes by Saturday at noon CST.
• •Completing a proctored Mid-Term Examination in week 4 and a proctored
comprehensive Final Examination in week 8.

• • NOTE: If you live within one hour of a Columbia College ESD site you should
utilize the Columbia College approved proctor for exams. If you do not live close to
a Columbia College ESD site you may be required to pay fee for proctoring. Please
contact me, if you do NOT live within one hour of a Columbia College ESD site, before the end
of Week 1.

VII. Schedule

• •Homework, Discussion, and Calculator Assignments (due by Friday at midnight
each week, Central Time): 15% of course grade. Each correct, original homework
posting counts 1-2 points for a total of 12 points maximum each week, except Week 1
which has only 6 points maximum. So a total of 90 points for session. Late assignments
will not earn credit.

•Quizzes (due Saturday at noon Central Time): 10% of course grade. Each quiz
counts 10 points, 60 points for session. Late quizzes will not earn credit. Quizzes are
posted in MML. All quizzes need to be taken between noon on Thursday and noon on
Saturday, Central Time. Email me your answers by the deadline if you have an issue with
MML.

• •Mid-Term Exam (end of week 4): 35% of course grade. Counts 210 points.
• •Comprehensive Final Exam (end of week 8): 40% of course grade. Counts 240 points.
 

Final grades will be determined as follows:

VIII. Course Expectations

Homework: Each week, you will be assigned a number of problems to complete in the
MyMathLab area (MML for short).Homework assignments must be submitted before midnight
on Friday, Central Time. Late submissions will not receive credit.

Each homework assignment must have a score of 70% or higher. You may and should redo
the homework until you achieve at least a 70% on each homework assignment for that week until
the Friday, midnight deadline. Post early in the week to allow time for corrections and questions.
My suggestion is to post your math posts by Wednesday of each week and save Thursday and
Friday for correction posts.

Discussion/Calculator: In Weeks 2-8, there will be assignments that involve the use of a
graphing calculator and required Discussion postings (math posts). Choose even numbered
problems from the end of each section to post to the Discussion Board (these are math posts).
Calculator assignment answers will be emailed to me. Please type the course title and section in
the Subject line of any emails sent to me i.e. Math 106B, Math 106C, etc.

Quizzes: Each week except week 8, a quiz is posted by noon on Thursday and is due by
noon on Saturday, Central Time. You will submit your answers into MML. The quizzes will be
closely related to the suggested homework problems assigned for the week. Quizzes will be
posted in MML. Late quizzes will not receive credit.

Reading/Video: Each week, you are expected to read the textbook sections for the week.
You should also watch any video lesson on material that you feel you need more instruction on.
Completion of the homework problems in the book is good practice as well. Complete as many
problems as necessary to become comfortable with each section.

Proctored Midterm/Comprehensive Final Exam:
These will be pencil and paper exams, and you may use an approved calculator. If you live
within one hour of Columbia College or a Columbia College site, you should take the exam
there. If you do not live within one hour of a Columbia College site, email me by the end of
Week 1 so that we can discuss suitable proctors. Proctors must be able to receive the exams via
email in a PDF file and return them via a fax machine. Educational settings must be used for
proctored exams. Ten points per day will be deducted from the score for late exams, i.e. exams
taken after the Saturday of the appropriate week.

Proctor Information: Contact the CC site nearest you and post your Proctor Information
in D2L indicating the name of the Site, date/ time of your exam. If using a non Columbia
College site for proctoring, post your proctor’s name, position, email and phone by the end of
Week 2 so there is time to approve the individual. The midterm can be taken Wednesday-
Saturday of Week 4. Please take care of conflicts now.

IX. Course Materials

Required Textbook

Introductory Algebra, 5th Edition, by Robert Blitzer with
CourseCompass/MyMathLab access.

Here are your options:

1. The textbook package includes a physical textbook, CourseCompass/MyMathLab access as well as
a Students Solutions Manual and CD copies of the video lectures.

2.  The stand-alone CourseCompass registration gives immediate access to class materials, including the online
copy of the book.

3. Remember that if you purchase the physical textbook elsewhere, you will still need to
purchase access to CourseCompass/MyMathLab  .

**If you are not sure whether you would like using an online book, as opposed to a physical textbook, we have
set up a site where you can see what the online textbook set-up is like.

Required Graphing Calculator

A TI-83, TI-83+, TI-84 or TI-84+ is required for this course. This is a widely used
graphing calculator. I would suggest shopping around – prices for these calculators vary. It
is possible to rent this calculator through online sites, or to buy a used one using an online
search for information, going through auction sites, checking the classified ads in the
newspaper, etc. The TI-83 costs less than the TI-84. You will use this calculator for the
remainder of your math classes at Columbia College.

The TI-84 Plus graphing calculator will be available for students to purchase through MBS.
This will allow students to use their book voucher to obtain a graphing calculator.

Optional Tutoring

Students may get access to free tutoring with MML.

Prentice Hall offers math tutoring Sunday-Thursday for a cost of $28/session.

On-Line Study Guide

Go to this site if your book does not arrive by the start of class.

Enter the site and find the correct Blitzer book, as stated above, from the drop down menu. Click Submit.
You may have to download the Installation Wizard. Just follow the directions on the screen. Choose the
Chapter and section from the drop down menus. The problems can be worked with immediate feedback given.

X. Course Schedule

Week 1: Rectangular Coordinate system , Graphing Equations/Solving
Systems of Equations by Graphing

Readings: Sections 4.1, 4.2, 5.1

Week 2: Solving Systems of Equations

Readings: Sections 5.2 – 5.4

Proctor Information: Contact the CC site nearest you and post your Proctor
Information in D2L indicating the name of the Site, date/ time of your exam. If
using a non Columbia College site for proctoring, post your proctor’s name,
position, email and phone by the end of Week 2 so there is time to approve the
individual. The midterm can be taken Wednesday-Saturday of Week 4. Please
take care of conflicts now.

Week 3: Factoring/Rational Expressions

Readings: Sections 7.5, 8.1- 8.2

Week 4: Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions

Readings: Sections 8.3 – 8.4

Proctored Midterm (two hour time limit): taken anytime Wednesday – Saturday
of this week. Bring a Photo ID.

Week 5: Complex Rational Expressions/Finding Roots/Radicals

Readings: Sections 8.5-8.6, 9.1-9.2

Week 6: Radical Operations /Radical Equations/ Rational Exponents

Readings: Sections 9.3-9.6

Week 7: Solving Quadratic Equations

Readings: Sections 7.6, 10.1-10.3

The site will open on Monday of Week 7 and close on Wednesday of Week 8 at 5:00pm.

Week 8: Graphing Quadratic Equations,

Readings: Sections 10.5-10.6

Proctored Comprehensive Final Exam (two hour time limit): taken anytime
Wednesday-Saturday of this week. It is a pencil and paper exam. Bring a Photo ID. Since the
course ends on Saturday the Final exam may not be taken later than Saturday.

XI. Instructor Information
My undergraduate degree was earned at the University of Pittsburgh and the
University of South Florida and my graduate degree here at Columbia College. I
have taught mathematics for the past 17 years, everything from General Math to
Calculus. I live in Columbia, MO with my husband and 10-year old son and 6-year old
daughter. Welcome to Everyone!

Home Town: Columbia, MO
Phone: (573) 445-4250 (9 am – 7 pm, Central Time, for emergencies only)
Fax: (727) 490-7077
I check email regularly throughout the day. That is the fastest way to contact me.