College Algebra Part I

 

Tuesday and Thursday                                                                      10:00 to 11:50 PM

Room E 106                    4 UNITS

Instructor: Larry Green

Office Phone Number: 541-4660 Extension 341

Internet e-mail:...greenl@ltcc.edu

Home Page:   http://www.ltcc.edu/academics.asp?scatID=5&catID=34"

Lecture Notes:   www.ltcconline.net/greenl/courses/103A/103A.htm

Required Text     College Algebra and Trigonometry with Graphing Technology by David E. Stevens

Recommended Text    College Algebra and Trigonometry with Graphing Technology Student’s Solution Manual  by David E. Stevens  (A copy will be on reserve in the library.)

Course description   This course is an in-depth study of functions.  We will study linear, quadratic, and other rational functions.  We will analyze both their algebraic and geometric properties.  Special emphasis will be placed on application problems and the use of calculators

Prerequisite   A grade of C or better in Math 154 and either a C or better in Math 153.  Concurrent enrollment in Math 153 is accepted.  Alternatively, a student may satisfy the prerequisite by achieving a satisfactory score on the mathematics assessment.

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

A 90 -- 100%        C 70 -- 79%

B 80 -- 89%          D 60 -- 69%

Homework: .........................................….150 points

Midterm 1: Jan 25.....................…..…......150 points

Midterm 2: Feb 13................................…150 points

Midterm 3: Mar 6.....................……..…. 150 points

Project: Mar 15.........................................75 Points

Final Exam: Mar 20............................…....325 points

Exam Policy Students are to bring calculators, pencils or pens, and paper to each exam.  Grading will based on the progress towards the final answer, and the demonstration of understanding of the concept that is being tested, therefore, work must be shown in detail.  Any student who cannot make it to an exam may elect to take the exam up to two days before the exam is scheduled. If all homework is completed and no more than three homework assignments are counted late, then the midterm with the lowest score will be dropped.

Homework Policy   Homework will be turned in at the end of class on the date due. If a student has additional questions, that student may see me after class in my office and then turn in the homework by 5:00 PM on the date due. Homework that is turned in within one week of the due date will be counted as half credit.  Homework may be turned later than one week after the due date, but points will not be awarded. 

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.

Project   The project involves investigating an application of College Algebra that is an application of a course that your are taking or an interest that you have. The write-up of the project must be more than two pages (typed). You may write any equation by hand. You are also encouraged to work on the project in coordination with a non-math course that you are currently taking. You may work on the project in groups and if you choose to turn in a group project, the write up should be more than 1 + n pages where n is the number of individuals in your group. Your abstract is to be a one paragraph description of your project. Included in your abstract should be a set of references that you intend to use.

Registration

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

2. You may drop the class with no penalty or mark on your record on or before Friday, January 26.

3. After January 26, you may drop the class and receive a grade of W until Friday, March 2.

4. After March 2, if you are enrolled, you will receive one of the following grades:  A,B,C,D,F or I (Incomplete, must be negotiated with the instructor and is only allowed in special cases).

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:

Room A210

Monday, Wednesday .......………….. 10:00 to 11:00 (In GMC)

Tuesday, Thursday……..................... 3:00 to 4:00 

Friday………………...........................11:00 to 12:00



CALCULATORS: A graphing calculator is required for this class. There are a variety of such calculators on the market. The instructor will be using a Texas Instruments-85. Calculators (with the exception of those equipped with symbolic manipulation) will be allowed on the exams.

Instructions on the TI 85 Calculator

LEARNING DISABILITIES: If you have a learning disability, be sure to discuss your special needs with Larry. Learning disabilities will be accommodated.

TUTORING:  Tutors are available at no cost in G4 (The Gateway Math Center).  A schedule will be available shortly.

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS

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

Date    Section  Topic                             Exercises

1-2       Introductions

1-4       2.1       The plane                     3,4,9,18,21,26,30,33,36

 

1-9       2.2       Graphs & Technology   1,8,13,28,33,38,41,47,49,50

1-11     2.3       Functions                      1,8,15,22,26,36,39,45,47,52,56,57,67,69,70
             2.4       Graph of a Function      13,16,19,24,27,31,33,38,48,53,57,62,65,69

 

1-16     2.5       Shifting & Reflecting     1,5,8,13,17,20,32,44,60,63,68,70,74

1-18     2.6       Composite& Inverse     1,4,8,11,20,23,26,39,45,50,61,64,69,75,82

 

1-23     2.7       Applications                 3,7,17,19,22,28,31,36,40,41

1-25                 Midterm I

 

1-30      3.1       Linear Functions           1,12,14, 36,58, 67,69 

2-1        3.2       Equations of Lines        1,10,35,41,48,51,58
              3.3       Quadratic Functions      1,14,17,23,26,35,42,44,51,56,57,63,64

 

2-6       3.4       Quadratic Inequalities   1,12,15,24,36,41,50,58,65,70,78,81,86,96

2-8       3.5       Curve Intersections       1,8,13,19,23,28,44,57,67,75,79,82

 

2-13                 Midterm II

2-15     4.1       Polys & Graphs            1,6,5,10,15,18,23,26,29,32,36,39
                                                             47,50,51,54,55,56,65,68,71,80

 

2-20     4.2       Polynomial Division       1,5,8,18,21,36,52,55,59,64,69,71,78

2-22     4.3       Factors & Zeros           1,6,9,12,13,15,18,20,21,26,29,30
                                                             33,39,42,45,51,56,59,63,66,67

 

2-27      4.4       Polynomial Equations    1,6,11,15,18,25,34,37,42,47,53,
                                                               57,58,60,63,66,68,69,71,74,76

3-1        4.5       Rational Functions        1,5,8,11,14,18,25,36,37,42
                                                            45,48,51,53,54,55,56,59,63

 

3-6       Midterm III

3-8     Return Midterm III,  Abstract Due

 

3-13     4.6       Rational Equations        1,6,15,19,24,27,36,41,46
                                                            51,53,56,59,62,68,71,73,76

3-15     Project Due

                                   

3-20                 Final Exam: 11:00 to 12:50 PM

 



HOW TO SUCCEED IN A 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   you materials ready when class starts.
  3.  Read each section before it is discussed in class
  4.  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.