FALL, 2000, MORROW

REQUIRED TEXT: Algebra for College Students by Daniel Auvil.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Intermediate Algebra is an introduction to the

mathematical definition of a function, the inverse of a function, exponential

and logarithmic functions and systems of quadratic (second degree) equations.

We will also spend time looking at sequences and series, and doing the curve

sketching based upon the conic sections.

FINAL EXAM: Our final is scheduled for Thursday, December 7th, 1:00-3:00 in

A213.

COURSE PREREQUISITE: The prerequisite for Math 154 is a grade of C or better

in Math 152B within the last two years. If you haven't taken Math 152B

within the past two years, then a satisfactory score on the assessment exam

would qualify you to enroll in the course.

REGISTRATION: Register for Math 154 at the Office of Admissions and Records.

The last day to register is Friday, September 22. The last day to drop this

class with no record is Friday, October 13. You can drop this class with a

"W" grade up through Friday, November 17th.

LENGTH AND BREADTH OF COURSE: The various chapter sections covered will

include approximately 155 pages of reading, or about ten pages per week to

assimilate of college-level mathematics. The chapter sections and topics

covered are listed below.

Chapter 6.4 - 6.6, a general review of quadratic equations and problem

solving with quadratics. Nonlinear inequalities are also covered in this

chapter.

Section 7.1, a review of the Cartesian (rectangular) coordinate system.

8.1, Function notation and operations with relations and functions.

8.3-8.7, Linear and quadratic functions, including parabolas, eclipses and

hyperbolas.

Chapter 10.1-10.6, the exponential function, inverses, and the logarithmic

function. This chapter also includes a discussion of the properties of

logarithms, including both common and natural logs, and change of base.

11.4, 11.8: Linear systems of equations in three variables, and nonlinear

systems of equations.

12.1-12.5, Sequences and Series including geometric and infinite series. The

Binomial Theorem concludes the course material.

Math 154 Section 3, Fall 2000

Room A213 Tuesdays & Thursdays 1:00-2:50

Instructor Audrey Morrow

Work phone: 541-4660 ext. 510

Home phone: 577-4141

GRADING POLICY

During the quarter, Math 154 students will take three "midterms",

including a comprehensive final exam, and five or six quizzes that will

require fifteen or twenty minutes to complete. Homework will be assigned at

each lecture and collected at the following class meeting.

EXAMS: Exams are closed book, and are taken during the regular class meeting.

Math 154 exams are designed to complete in one to one and a half hours,

depending upon the student's preparation and level of mastery. The exam

material is based upon the lectures and the text, and will particularly

reflect problems assigned for homework and worked in class.

MAKE-UP EXAMS: Students who need to make up an exam may do so. There is a

10% penalty for making up an exam. 10% of your total score is deducted,

regardless of your reason for taking the exam late. (For example, if you

score 110/120 on my makeup exam, I will subtract 11 points for a final result

of 99/120.) Students who need to make up an exam must do the following:

1) One day's advance notice must be given unless the problem is a sudden

emergency. Call me or see me.Leave a message at either #.

2) The exam must be completed before the next class meeting. This means that

if the class takes an exam on a Tuesday, I must have your completed exam in

hand before 1 pm on the following Thursday.

QUIZZES: Math 154 quizzes will be unannounced. Expect a quiz every third or

fourth class meeting. Quiz material will be based upon your last two or

three homework assignments. Occasionally in class I will highlight a topic

or an idea that I feel is a good quiz or exam question, and I will mention

this. Quizzes will contain 5-8 short questions, designed to be answered

quickly. QUIZZES MUST BE TAKEN ON THE DAY THEY ARE GIVEN, as they are

returned at the next class meeting.

HOMEWORK: You'll be given one homework assignment each lecture, collected the

following class meeting. We'll go over homework problems at the beginning of

each class meeting, so you can ask questions about any problems that you were

unable to complete. HOMEWORK MUST BE TURNED IN ON TIME.

The grading structure for determining your overall course grade will be as

follows:

Each of the three midterms will count approximately 25%. Your lowest midterm

grade will be dropped at the end of the quarter. The final exam is

cumulative, and will count 35%. Your combined homework and quizzes will

count 10%. Your attitude and behavior in class will determine the remaining

5% of your grade. In other words, courteous and respectful habits in the

classroom will give your grade a boost if you need it. Specifically,

arriving on time, getting settled and paying close attention during the

lecture are success-oriented habits. Behavior that disturbs or distracts

others in the classroom is unacceptable, and if it is persistent, may result

in a lower course grade.

HABITS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS:

1. Take a look at the quarter schedule and count the number of times that

class meets. (We have one class holiday on 11/23, so our class meets a total

of 21 times.) Plan your quarter around this schedule, so that you can attend

every lecture. Ideas and topics can be reviewed periodically, but there is

very little opportunity to actually repeat material already covered, so your

attendance will be critical.

2. Arrive in class on time or early. Bring everything you will need along

with you, and get settled and comfortable before the lecture begins. Seat

yourself where you won't be distracted.

3. Read each section before the discussion in lecture. Work at least some

of the examples in the section as you go, before beginning the homework

problems.

4. Attempt to work each homework problem. Don't be too concerned if you are

unable to finish them all, as you won't be graded on completeness alone.

Begin each problem, get as far along as you can, and bring questions to class

if you aren't able to finish. Much of the lecture period will be given to

questions and discussion. At the beginning of each class we will cover

difficult problems from the previous homework assignment.

5. Do some math each day. Try to establish a consistent pattern of

regularly working a reasonable number of problems each day, as opposed to

lagging behind the class and then attempting to catch up by cramming for

tests. If you stay current with the topics, you'll be well- prepared for

exams.

6. Be aware that any socializing you do during the lecture period will

distract others around you, regardless whether you try to talk quietly.

Chitchatting in class will interfere with the educational process in general,

and may negatively affect your course grade. Do all of your socializing outsi

de class and stay focused on math during the lecture.

7. Take advantage of individual tutoring, it's free and available during a

wide range of hours all week long and on weekends too. Check out tutoring

and math software in G4.