Math 103 A  -  College Algebra Part I

 

Monday and Wednesday,  6:00 to 7:50 pm

 

Room E 106

 

4 UNITS

 

Class Begins:                         9-19-2005  Monday

Class Ends:                12-5-2005  Monday  -  Final Exam

 

Instructor:                  Richard Lund

 

Phone Numbers:            621-1904   (In Placerville, same area code)

                                    541-5952   (Tahoe, when here)   Both numbers have machines for messages.

                                    Do not leave messages on the LTCC phone system.  I do not check that system.

 

e-mail:                         rwlund@earthlink.net   (Best way to reach me.)

 

LTCC home page:            http://www.ltcc.edu/  Go to Academic Depts, then Math Dept, then Math Resources, you will find a world of resources that will help you to learn Algebra.

 

Required Text:  Precalculus, 3rd Edition, by Michael Sullivan and Michael Sullivan, III

            Check out the solutions manual for this course before purchasing to see if the book meets your needs

 

Course Description:

This course is an in-depth study of functions.  We will study linear, quadratic and higher order polynomials, rational functions, zeros of polynomial functions and their theorems.  We will analyze functions’ algebraic and geometric properties.  Special emphasis will be placed on application problems and the use of graphing calculators.

 

Prerequisite:

            A grade of C or better in Math 154 and either a C or better in Math 153 within the last two years. Alternatively, a student may satisfy the prerequisite by achieving a satisfactory score on the mathematics assessment.

 

Students with disabilities must identify themselves to me within the first two weeks of class.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: Students requiring accommodations for a certain disability that may affect class performance are requested to schedule with a staff member at the DRC to discuss this during the first week of the quarter so that appropriate arrangements can be made. 

* Course materials available in alternate format. 

 

 

 

Grading Policy:

            Your letter grade will be based on your percentage of possible points.

           

            A    90 to 100%

            B    80 to 89%

            C    70 to 79%

            D    60 to 69%

 

            Quizzes                                      50 points

            Homework                                 50 points

            Midterm 1                              100 points

            Midterm 2                              100 points

            Extra Credit Project               extra points            (Voluntary)

            Final Exam                            200 points

 

            Total Points                           500

 

            Quizzes will be given at random intervals during the quarter to assess your progress.

 

Exam Policy:

            Students are to bring calculators, pencils or pens and paper to each exam.  A one page (standard sized) front and back formula sheet may be used during each midterm, and a two page formula sheet may be used during the final exam.  Grading will be based on progress towards the final answer, and the demonstration of understanding of the concept that is being tested.  Therefore, work must be shown in detail.  Remember, my job is to communicate to you the concepts so that you can learn them.  Your job in class or during an exam is to communicate to me how you would go about solving the problems.  The more you communicate, that is, show me with steps and detail, the better your chances for partial credit.  A simple answer, with no detail whatever, does not help me at all; and will get little or no credit.  You give me the communication and detail in your answers; and I will give you the best grade I can based on your communication and answer.

 

            Any student who cannot make it to an exam may elect to take the exam up to two days before the exam is scheduled.

 

Homework Policy:

            Homework is for Your benefit.  Homework is to be turned in at the end of each class on the date due.  Homework may be turned in late, but will be marked down appropriately.

            If a student has additional questions that student may see me after class and then turn in the homework.

 

Extra Credit:

            Any student who has turned in every homework assignment may elect to work on an extra credit assignment or project that will count as additional points towards either a midterm or the final.

Student Outcomes: The successful student will:

1) Exhibit a proficiency in the topics covered in the course.

2) Engage in logical and critical thinking.

3) Read technical information.

4) Demonstrate the solution to problems by translating written language into

mathematical statements, interpreting information, sketching relevant

diagrams, analyzing given information, formulating appropriate math

statements, and checking and verifying results.

 

Registration:

            1. You must register for this class at the Office of Admissions and Records.

            2. Friday, Oct 14; Last day to drop the class with no penalty or mark on your record.

            3. Friday, Nov 18: Last day to drop the class and receive a grade of "W".

            4. After Nov 18, if you are enrolled, you will receive an A, B, C, D, F, or I (Incomplete, which must be negotiated with the instructor and is only allowed under special circumstances).

 

            In this class, it is your responsibility to drop the class in order to avoid an unwanted grade.  You must go to the registrar by the above dates to avoid the unwanted grade.

 

Office Hours:

            I have no office here at the college.  However, I am often available in the "common area" or in the cafeteria an hour or so before class; or you may call, email or see me before or after class to arrange to get together.

 

Calculator:

You will need a graphing calculator for this course.  There are a variety of such calculators on the market.  I will be using a Texas Instruments 89 (TI-89) calculator, but you may use any preference you have. You may rent a TI from the college with a deposit and fee per quarter.  Please talk with me if you have any questions. 

 

Homework Assignments

            Lecture will always be geared towards an explanation of the topics that will be covered on the homework assignment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lecture Schedule Math 103A-2

Date                             Topic                                                                                       Section  

 

Sept. 19            Welcome - Introduction, Graphs and Graphing Utilities             1.1 & 1.2

                        The Distance formula, the Midpoint formula            

 

Sept. 21            Symmetry, Graphing Key Equations (no circles)                               1.3

 

Sept 26            Solving Equations: Linear, Quadratic                                                         1.4 & 1.5

Inequalities, Interval Notation Combined Inequalities

 

Sept 28            Lines and Slopes - Parallel and Perpendicular Lines                            1.6

                       

Oct. 3              Functions                                                                                             2.1

 

Oct. 5              Exam 1 -  Sections  1.1 through 1.6

 

Oct. 10                        Linear Functions and Models                                                             2.2

                        Properties of Functions                                                             2.3

 

Oct. 12                        Library of Functions            - Piecewise                                                         2.4

 

Oct. 17                        Graphs - Transformations and Combinations of functions                   2.5

 

Oct. 19                        Operations on Functions - Composite                                            2.6

 

Oct. 24                        One for one functions - Inverse Functions                                              4.1

 

Oct. 26                        Mathematical Models                                                                         2.7

 

Oct 31              Quadratic Functions and Models                                                      3.1

Power Functions and Models                                                             3.2

 

Nov  2             Polynomials and Models                                                             3.3

 

Nov. 7              Veterans Day Holiday, No Classes

 

Nov. 9              Dividing Polynomials: Remainder and Factor Theorem                       A5 & Handouts

 

Nov. 14             Rational Functions                                                                                3.4      

 

Nov. 16             Exam 2 -  Sections    2.1 through 3.3 and A5

 

            Continued Lecture Schedule Math 103A-1

 

Date                            Topic                                                                                       Section         

 

Nov. 21            Rational Functions -  Analyzing graphs                                      3.5

 

Nov 23                        Polynomials & Rational Inequalities                                                       3.6

Real zeros of a polynomial function                                                            3.7

 

Nov 28                        Complex Zeros; Fundamental Theorem of Algebra                                    3.8

 

Nov 30                        Review for Final Exam

 

Monday, Dec. 5, 6:00 – 7:50 PM         Comprehensive Final Exam

 

 

 

Homework Math 103A-2

 

The Gateway Math Center has free tutoring for all registered students.  Please Log In and Out so that the facility gets the funds it needs.

 

Section / Pages                          Problems____                    HW Sec                      Due Date

1.1       9 - 11               #23, 29, 41, 47, 47, 53, 59, 69.                   1.1                   Wed. Sep 21

 

                                                                                   

1.4       43 – 45            #13, 17, 33, 39, 45, 61, 77, 81, 97.                        

                                    99, 111, 115

 

1.5       56 - 57             #13, 27, 45, 51, 63, 67, 87, 97                    1.4 &1.5   Wed  Sep 28

 

 

1.6       71 – 74            #3, 5, 11, 15, 27, 31, 33, 41, 49, 53, 59.      

                                    67, 87, 97

 

2.1       96 – 98            #3, 5, 11, 13, 17, 27, 29, 35, 39, 47,                         1.6 & 2.1       Wed Oct 5

                                    61, 63                                                              [May be turned in Mon]

 

 

2.2       108 - 110      #9, 11, 21, 27                                     

 

                                               

2.3       122 – 124      #17, 23, 29, 39, 49, 51, 61, 67                    2.2 & 2.3       Wed. Oct 12

Section/ Pages                          Problems_                             HW                 Due Date

 

2.4       132 – 134      #21, 27, 27, 29, 33, 35, 37, 41                   

 

 

2.5       145 – 147      #25, 27, 37, 39, 43, 49, 55, 61, 63,             2.4 & 2.5       Wed. Oct 19

                                    69, 81

 

 

2.6       155 - 157      #5, 7, 9, 17, 19, 23, 34, 39, 55, 61,                        

                                    65, 67, 77

 

4.1       284 – 286      #5, 7, 11, 13, 15, 19, 31, 35, 37, 41, 61        2.6 & 4.1       Wed Oct 26

 

 

2.7       163 – 165      #7, 9, 11, 19(a – d), 21, 23 

 

3.1       189 – 193      #17, 21, 27, 31, 45, 49, 65, 77, 83            

 

3.2       200                  #1, 3, 7, 9, 13, 15, 17                                    2.7, 3.1 & 3.2   Wed. Nov 2

 

 

3.3       211 – 212      #7, 9, 13, 19, 29, 43, 53, 59, 65, 67              3.3                   Wed Nov 9

 

 

A-5      1028                #3, 5, 9, 13, 19, 25, 27, 31, 31, 39, 43       

 

3.4       224 – 225      #9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 23, 27, 33, 39,                   A5 & 3.4       Wed Nov 16

                                                                                                     [May turn in on Monday]         

 

 

3.5       234 – 236      #3, 5, 9, 11, 15, 21, 29, 41, 51                    3.5                   Wed Nov 23           

 

 

3.6       243 – 244      #7, 19, 39, 49, 59, 63, 65, 65                         

 

3.7       257 – 258      #7, 19, 21, 25, 29, 45, 47, 53, 59, 73            

 

3.8       263 – 264      #9, 13, 15, 17, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 35        3.6, 3.7 & 3.8   Wed Nov 30

 

 

 

 

 

How to Succeed in Math Class

            1.  Come to every class meeting.

            2.  Arrive early, get yourself settled, spend a few minutes looking at your notes

                 from the previous class meeting, and have your materials ready when class starts.

            3.  Read each section before it is discussed in class.

            4.  Do ALL of the homework.  Do some math every day.

            5.  Start preparing for the tests at least a week in advance.

            6.  Spend about half of your study time working with your classmates.

            7.  Take advantage of tutors and office hours, extra help can make a big difference.

8.      Do not do homework in class.