Syllabus              College Algebra                   MATH 1710

 

Instructor:                     Dr. Linda Horner                      Phone:  931-540-2708

Office:                          WARF 229                              Email:  lhorner1@columbiastate.edu

Weather Line:               931-540-2515

Office Hours:                MW at 9:30-11:00am and TR at 9:30-11:00am           

 

Course Number: MATH 1710A                                  

Time: MW at 8:00-9:20am

Location: Warf   104

 

Textbook:                   College Algebra, 7th Edition by Sullivan

 

Course Description

College Algebra is a study of the solution of linear and quadratic equations with applications, linear and quadratic inequalities, radicals, conics, functions, the rectangular coordinate system, exponential functions, logarithmic functions and systems of equations.

(Prerequisite: 19 ACT or other satisfactory placement tests scores, or DSPM 0850)

 

Information: College Algebra is the beginning course in the general mathematics requirements for many students pursuing a liberal arts education. It is required for many students pursuing more specific programs of study.

 

Course Objectives

  1. use critical thinking to factor polynomials
  2. use synthetic division
  3. manipulate rational exponents and radicals
  4. perform operations on polynomials, rational expressions, and complex numbers
  5. graph, find slopes, and write equations for lines
  6. solve linear and quadratic equations
  7. solve problems involving inequalities
  8. write equations for and sketch circles, lines, parabolas, ellipses, and hyperbolas
  9. evaluate and sketch functions
  10. expand a binomial
  11. graph exponential and logarithmic functions
  12. solve exponential and logarithmic equations
  13. solve systems of equations
  14. inverse functions
  15. solve systems of inequalities

 

Teaching Methods

The class will be delivered as a conversational lecture. The instructor will present material and then work example problems. The students may interact with the instructor by raising their hands and being recognized. Questions over the homework assignment will be taken during the first part of class. This will be a participatory class. When the class is given a problem or exercise to work in class, all students are expected to work on it. Students who do not participate in class activities will be marked absent. Demonstrations will be given on the TI-83 Graphing Calculator.

 

 

 

Calculator

The TI-83, TI-83+, or TI-83 Silver Edition Graphing Calculator is recommended for the course.

 

Attendance Policy

Student attendance at all class meetings is expected and essential in order to learn all the objectives. Roll will be taken each day. If it is absolutely necessary to miss class, then it is the student’s responsibility to read the sections covered in the book and work the homework problems. You will be allowed 4 absences maximum without being penalized. A grade of “F” will be assigned for the course upon the fifth absence. Each tardy and early departure will be one-half an absence and count in the total number of absences allowed. Any student who sleeps in class will be marked absent. Also, students who do participate in in-class activities will be

marked absent.

 

Homework Assignments

Homework assignments will be kept in a notebook that can be turned in. These notebooks will be turned in on the day of each test. I will look over them during the test and assign points based on what you have completed. Notebooks may be picked up following the test.

 

Lab Assignments

There will be five Lab assignments. Students must follow the directions as stated for each one. They will be distributed to the class on a Monday and will be due on the following Monday (None will be accepted after class on that following Monday). The topics will support the content of the material that is being studied.

 

Grading Policy

There will be five tests (100 points each), given during the term, and one comprehensive final exam (100 points). Homework will count 50 points and lab assignments will count 50 points. These two will total 100 points, thus counting the same as a test. There will be a total of 700 points possible.

A   630-700;    B    560-629;    C    490-559;    D    420-489;    F    Below 420

 

Make-up Tests

There will be no make-up tests. If the student misses one test, then the Final Exam Grade will count twice. If a student misses a second test, the grade will be a zero, and so on for any more absences. This will not apply to an “institutional” absence, death in the immediate family, extended illness or hospitalization, and governmental related duties. Make arrangements with the instructor prior to the absence when possible and be prepared to provide documentation as requested.

If a student does not miss a test, then the lowest test grade will be dropped, if it is lower than the Final Exam Grade, and the final Exam Grade will count twice. If the lowest test grade is higher than the Final Exam Grade, then that grade will not be dropped and the Final Exam Grade will not be counted twice.

 

Expectations

1.       Attendance at all classes. Be on time, do not leave the class, or depart early.

2.       No food or drink in the classroom.

3.       Read sections to be covered prior to the class and prepare the homework.

4.       Participate in discussions.

5.       Seek help from the learning resource center and the instructor.

6.      Keep all your returned tests and homework to prepare for the Final Exam

 

Academic Misconduct

Please read the definition of Academic Dishonesty on page 92 of the Catalog/Student Handbook. The instructor has the authority to assign a zero for an assignment or examination or to assign an “F” in the course, if there is academic misconduct.

 

Reporting of Grades

Grades are not mailed to students. You must access grades through TRACS or Web for Students five working days after grades are required in admissions. If you need an Official Copy of your grades, you must request it in writing from the Office of Admissions and Records. Call the Transcript Information Line at 931-540-2550 for detailed instructions. You may print an unofficial copy of your grades from the Web.

 

ADA Compliance

In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, students are encouraged to register with the office of Counseling/Disability Services for possible assistance with accommodations. It is the student’s responsibility to voluntarily and confidentially provide appropriate documentation regarding the nature and extent of a disability. Students requesting special accommodation are encouraged to contact the office of Counseling/Disability Services at the beginning of the term.

 

Emergency

Please follow the instructor’s instructions in the event of an emergency.

 

 

 

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