SYLLABUS
MAT 116
- COLLEGE ALGEBRA
Instructor:___________________________________Office:__________________________
Phone:_____________________________________ E-mail:__________________________
Lead
Instructor: Richard Diefenbach Office:
J1013
Phone: 618/634-3317 E-mail:
Richardd@shawnee.cc.il.us
Credit Hours: Four (4) Semester Hours
Course
Description:
College‑level algebra course. Includes first, second and higher degree
polynomial equations, rational and radical equations, functions and graphing,
linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions,
complex numbers, systems of equations and binomial expansions. Graphing calculators will be used in this
course
Prerequisites:
Geometry (Mat 042) and Intermediate Algebra (Mat
114) with a grade of C or better or satisfactory math background in high school
Textbook(s)
and Supporting Materials:
College Algebra and Trigonometry and Pre-calculus, 2nd ed., Lial,
Hornsby, and Schneider, Addison Wesley Longman, 2001
Supplementary Materials, A set of instructional
videos in on reserve in the Shawnee Community College library. Any student needing additional instruction is
encouraged to make use of these videos.
Calculator: Each student is required to have a graphing
calculator. A Texas Instrument
TI-83 is recommended. There
are a limited number of calculators for loan on a first come basis.
D. Course Objectives:
1. To guide the student in his/her study of
college algebra.
2. To provide for student development in the
following areas:
knowledge
of the real number system
knowledge
of solving equations and inequalities
knowledge of relations, functions,
and their graphs
knowledge
of linear and quadratic functions
knowledge
of complex numbers and the algebra of ordered pairs
knowledge
of polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions
knowledge
of inverse functions
knowledge
of systems of equations and inequalities
knowledge
of matrix theory and applications
understanding
of binomial expansion
3. To increase the student's mathematical
vocabulary.
4. To provide the student
with a mathematical background in those areas which will benefit him/her in future work.
5. To provide for student awareness of the role
of algebra in all of higher mathematics.
6. Students will become adept at using graphing
calculators.
Instructional
Modes:
1. lecture/discussion (primary mode)
2. constant effort will be made to keep
student motivated
3. students will be encouraged to
verbalize their thoughts both in class and out of class
4. creative thinking will be sought for
and rewarded
5. provisions will be made for individual
differences in interests and ability with the constant goal of providing
maximum motivation
6. the chalkboard will be used extensively
to provide a visual aid to understanding
7. the overhead projector may also be used
as a visual tool whenever appropriate
8. more than one approach to a given topic
will be used whenever possible to aid student understanding and acceptance.
Student
Evaluation/Outcomes Assessment Policy:
Hour tests will be given
along the way. A comprehensive final will
be given at the end of the course. The
final will count 200 points and each hour test will count 100 points.
***Specifics on the grading procedure and/or a tentative course schedule,developed by the instructor, may
accompany this syllabus.
Grading Policy:
Final grades will be determined with the
following approximate grading scale and will be based upon the total number of
points accumulated on the quizzes, the work in the textbook, and the take home
exams.
A
= 90% or above
B
= 80 ‑ 89%
C
= 70 ‑ 79%
D
= 60 ‑ 69%
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. If a student will be unable to attend
class, it is their responsibility to contact the instructor to obtain homework
assignments and other information.
Topical Outline:
1.
Algebraic Expressions
- Real Numbers and Their
Properties
- Order and Absolute
Value
- Polynomials; The
Binomial Theorem
- Factoring Polynomials
- Rational Expressions
- Rational Exponents
- Radical Expressions
2.
Equations and Inequalities
a.
Linear Equations
b.
Linear Applications and Modeling
c.
Complex Numbers
d.
Quadratic Equations
e.
Quadratic Applications and Modeling
f.
Other Types of Equations
g.
Inequalities
h.
Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities
3.
Relations, Functions, and Graphs
a.
Relations and the Rectangular Coordinate System; Circles
b.
Functions
c.
Linear Functions
d.
Equations of Lines; Curve Fitting
e.
Graphs of Relations and Functions
f.
General Graphing Techniques
g.
Operations and Composition
4.
Polynomial and Rational Functions
a.
Quadratic Functions; Curve Fitting
b.
Synthetic Division
c.
Zeros of Polynomial Functions
d.
Polynomial Functions: Graphs, Applications, and Models
e.
Rational Functions: Graphs, Application, and Models
f.
Variation (Optional)
5.
Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
a.
Inverse Functions
b.
Exponential Functions
c.
Logarithmic Functions
d.
Evaluating Logarithms and the Change-of-Base Theorem
e.
Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
f.
Applications and Models of Exponential Growth and Decay
6.
Systems of Equations and Inequalities
a.
Linear Systems of Equations
b.
Matrix Solution of Linear Systems
c.
Determinant Solution of Linear Systems
d.
Partial Fractions
e.
Systems of Inequalities
f.
Properties of Matrices
g.
Matrix Inverses
7.
Analytic Geometry
a.
Conic Sections
8.
Further Topics
a. The Binomial Theorem
NOTE: The above
schedule and procedures in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances.
I.
Instructor’s Page: