SYLLABUS                             

  MAT 114 – INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA

 

 

Instructor: __________________________              Office:____________________

Phone:        __________________________ E-mail:____________________

 

Lead Instructor:  Rhonda Dillow                  Office: J 1003

Phone: 1-800-481-2242 ext. 3251                  E-mail: rhondad@shawnee.cc.il.us

 

 

Specific Course Description:

This course is an intermediate-level course in Algebra.  Includes properties and operations of the real number system, equations and inequalities, polynomials, rational expressions, powers, roots, radicals, functions, and graphing.

 

Prerequisites:  Introduction to Algebra – MAT 041 with a grade of “C” of better or at least one year of high school Algebra with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent

 

Credit Hours:   Four (4) semester hours.  Three lecture and two lab hours per week.    

 

Textbook(s) and Class Materials:

Intermediate Algebra, 9th edition, by Lial, Hornsby and McGinnis, (Pearson Addison Wesley, Inc. Reading, MA)

 

Course Objectives:

  1. To guide the student in his/her study of algebra.
  2. To provide the student development in the following areas:

Knowledge and application of the properties of real numbers

Understanding of the number system

An understanding of elementary set theory

Polynomial operations and factoring

Linear and quadratic equation solving

An understanding of rational expressions

Complex numbers

Understanding of exponents, roots and radicals

Knowledge of quadratic functions

Coordinate plane, graphing, straight lines

Systems of linear equations and inequalities

  1. To increase the students' mathematical vocabulary
  2. To provide the student with a mathematical background in those areas which will benefit him/her in future work.
  3. To provide the student with the awareness of the role of algebra in all higher mathematics.

 

 

Instructional Modes:

  1. Lecture/demonstration, problem solving and in class discussion methods will be used in addition to homework assignments.
  2. The chalkboard will be utilized extensively.  The overhead projector will be used whenever it is felt its use as a visual aid would be helpful.
  3. Students will be encouraged to verbalize their thoughts, views, concerns, etc., and considerable student/teacher interaction will be encouraged.
  4. Lab will consist of one hour lecture and one hour tutorial.  Tutorial lab may include computer work, cooperative learning, one-on-one assistance or another student service offered at SCC.
  5. On a typical "lab" day, all students must meet the first clock hour for lecture.  Students with a "B" or better average may be exempt from participation in the second clock hour (tutorial lab).  Averages will be computed following the first exam/quiz.

 

Student Expectations:

  1. Attend class regularly and be on time.
  2. Read and prepare assignments prior to class. 
  3. Turn in assignments on time.
  4. Be prepared for exams over assigned material.  Take tests at regularly scheduled times unless extenuating circumstances interfere.  Quizzes may be announced or unannounced.

 

Student Evaluation:

1.      A comprehensive final exam will be given at the end of the semester.  (200 pts.)

2.      Announced one-hour exams, covering the material in the chapters, will be given throughout the semester.  (100 pts.)

3.      Announced or unannounced homework assignments and quizzes may be given as a means of insuring out of class work.  Instructor may also use computer work, notebooks or projects as he/she sees fit.

4.      *** Specifics on the grading procedure and/or a tentative course schedule developed by the instructor may accompany this s

 

Office Hours: 

Office hours will be posted on the bulletin board outside the instructor’s office.  Other times are possible by scheduling individual appointments at mutually convenient hours.  Students are encouraged to consult regularly with the instructor regarding class progress or other topics of concern.

 

Inclement Weather Policy:

Become familiar with the inclement weather policy of Shawnee Community College.  It will be read in all classes and posted in the cafeteria or student lounge.

 

Academic Dishonesty or Plagiarism:

Review the college policy regarding academic dishonesty in the Student Handbook.

 

 

College Policy:

Administrative policy prohibits the following:  eating, drinking, or using tobacco in the classroom; bringing children or other unauthorized individuals to the classroom.

 

Attendance Policy:

Each student is expected to attend all class meetings.  The student is expected to be on time and ready to begin class with the proper materials at the beginning of each class period.

 

Topical Outline:

            Real Numbers

                        Basic terms

                        Equality and inequality

                        Operations

                        Properties

            Linear Equations and Inequalities

                        Linear equations in one variable

                        Formulas

                        Applications

                        Linear inequalities in one variable

                        Absolute value equations

                        Compound inequalities

                        Absolute value equations and inequalities

            Exponents and Polynomials

                        Integer exponents

                        Exponent laws

                        Polynomials

                        Multiplication of polynomials

                        Greatest common factor; grouping

                        Factoring trinomials

                        Special products

                        General methods of factoring

                        Solving equations by factoring

Rational Expressions

                        Basics

                        Multiplication and division

                        Addition and subtraction

                        Complex fractions

                        Division of polynomials

                        Synthetic division

                        Equations

            Rational Exponents and Radicals

                        Radicals

                        Rational exponents

                        Simplifying radicals

                        Adding and subtracting radical expressions

                        Multiplying and dividing radical expressions

                        Radical equations

                        Complex numbers

Quadratic Equations

Factoring methods of solving

Completing the square

Quadratic formula

Word problems

Functions and Graphing

            Rectangular coordinate system

            The slope of a line

            Linear equations

Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities

            Equations in two or three variables

            Graphing

            Matrices and determinants*

Quadratic Functions*

Logarithmic and Exponential Functions*

Binomial Theorem*

 

*optional

                       

 

NOTE:  The above schedule and procedures in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances.

 

 

SEE ATTACHED INSTRUCTOR’S SYLLABUS