INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA 

 

Math 154AA                                                                                                  Fall, 2008

Monday, Wednesday & Friday                                                                     11:00 – 12:25

Room: A206                                                                                                   5 units

 

INSTRUCTOR:                     Jane Ellis

 

PHONE NUMBER:              541-4660, Extension 247

 

OFFICE:                                 A204

 

E-MAIL:                                ELLIS@LTCC.EDU

 

REQUIRED TEXT:              Elementary and Intermediate Algebra, Second Edition

By Mark Dugopolski. 

                                                *After winter, 2009 this textbook will no longer be used as it is going out of print.

 

RECOMMENDED TEXT:  Student Solution Manual, prepared by Mark Dugopolski

 

                                                           

COURSE DESCRIPTION            Welcome to the third class in the algebra sequence here at LTCC.  In this course, you will use many skills that you learned in Math 152A/B (Beginning Algebra).  We will continue our study of functions and quadratic equations including systems of quadratic equations.  New topics will include inverses of functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, conic sections, and sequences and series.  This particular version of intermediate algebra provides us an extra hour each week so that we can take time to go over the concepts more carefully and thoroughly.  The class is specially designed for students who are nervous about math and/or find math difficult to master.

 

 

 

OVER

 

TUTORING:                          Tutoring is available in the Math Success Center (MSC) in Room.  Tutoring schedules will be distributed to you in class.

ACADEMIC COACHES:  These are special tutors in the Math Success Center whose first priority is to  assist beginning and intermediate algebra students.

 

 

JANE’S OFFICE HOURS:  My office is in room A204.

 

                                    Monday, Wednesday, & Friday....................... 12:30 – 1:30

                                    Monday & Wednesday (first 6 weeks)............. 4:00 – 4:30

                                    Monday & Wednesday (second 6 weeks)....... 3:30 – 4:00

                                    Tuesday.......................................................... 4:00 – 5:00

 

CALCULATOR:              You will need a scientific calculator for this course.  It should have the following keys: log, ln, and an exponent key.  Graphing calculators are not allowed.  (See handout for more details)

 

JANE’S COMMITMENT TO THIS CLASS:

·        I will check the earlier part of my day at the door when I enter the classroom, and I will give this class 100% of my attention while we are meeting.

·        I will come to class well prepared.

·        I will be here on time.

·        I will listen and seek to understand what is being said.

·        I will not shortchange the students in this class by setting low standards.

·        I will put 100% of my effort into being the best possible teacher for the students in this class.

 

PREREQUISITE:      A grade of C or better in Math 152B, Mat 152BB, or equivalent; or a satisfactory score on Mathematics Assessment Test.

 

GRADING POLICY:                        MATH 154AA:

                                                            Method of Student Evaluation

 

                                    Homework (10 assignments @ 8 points each)               80 points

                                    Exam #1: Sections 10.3 -10.5, 11.2, 11.3, 11.6, 11.7               100 points

                                    Exam #2: Sections 12.1- 12.4, 7.3, 13.2, 13.3              100 points

                                    Exam #3: Sections 13.1, 13.4, 13.5, 14.1 – 14.5                      100 points

                                    Quizzes (Three at 20 points each)                                             60 points

                                    Final (Covers entire course content)                                          150 points

 

 

            Your letter grade will be based on your percentage of the 590 possible points.

 

                                                            A         90-100%

                                                            B          80-89%

                                                            C         70-79%

                                                            D         60-69%

                                                            F          less than 60%

 

 

Make-up Policy:             For quizzes there is no make-up, however if the absence is excused, you will receive the same percentage grade on the quiz as you earn on the exam, which covers the same material.  For Chapter Exams and the Final, For Exams and the Final, make-up is possible if the instructor is contacted in advance and the absence is excused; there is a 10% penalty if the absence is not excused.  Homework will be accepted late with a penalty of 2 points for each class meeting that it is late.  Each assignment is 8 points so after 2 weeks, the assignment is worth zero points.

 

CHECKING YOUR GRADE ONLINE:

To retrieve your grade information online, follow these steps:

Ø         www.gradesource.com

Ø         student reports

Ø         Instructor Name: Ellis

Ø         Click on your class: Math 154AA

Ø         Your secret number is on your homework #1

 

HOW TO SUCCEED IN A MATH CLASS:

           

1) Come to every class meeting.

 

            2) Arrive early, get yourself settled and be ready when class starts.  Sit where you                              won’t be distracted.

 

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

 

            4) Do all of the homework.

 

            5) Do some math every day.

 

            6) Start preparing for tests at least a week in advance.

 

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

 

            8) Do some review every time you study math.

 

            9) Be willing to ask questions.

 

            10) Take notes.

 

            11) Study in groups and find a study buddy.

 

 

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: If you need help paying for your books or other expenses, call our financial aid office at 541-4660 x236 or drop by room A100.

 

OVER

 

 

 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY (CHEATING):

 

Cheating will be defined as but not limited to: (1) using any method to copy an other’s work on an exam, quiz, or final  (2) directly copying another student’s homework assignment  (3) using any method other than your own honest efforts to complete exams, quizzes, the final, or homework assignments.

The following activities are NOT cheating: (1) collaborating with other students to complete homework assignments  (2) working with math tutors or academic coaches to complete homework assignments  (3) working with other students to study for exams, quizzes or the final.

 

Disciplinary actions for cheating in this class: (1) First offense will result in a grade of zero on the item on which the cheating occurred  (2) Second offense will result in the student being given an “F” for their grade in the class. The worst thing about cheating, however, is compromising your character for such a small reward.

 

 

LEARNING DISABILITIES:          If you have a certified learning disability that may affect your performance in this class, be sure to discuss your special needs with Jane.  Learning disabilities will be accommodated.

 

 

 

STUDENT OUTCOMES: The successful student will:


1. Apply the course topics to real-world situations.
2. Sketch and interpret the graphs of functions and relations introduced in intermediate algebra.
3. Simplify mathematical expressions into forms more amenable to analysis.
4. Provide solutions to equations using methods from intermediate algebra.                                

 

                                   

REGISTRATION:

 

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

                        2.         The last day to drop the class with no record is Friday, October 17.

                        3.         The last day to drop the class for a "W" grade is Friday, November 7.

4.         After November 7, if you are enrolled, you will receive one of the following grades: A  B  C  D  F  or  I  (Incomplete, is only allowed in special cases).

 

In this class, it is your responsibility to drop the class in order to avoid a grade.  You must go to the registrar by the above dates to avoid a grade from option three or four.

 


 

 

 

SCHEDULE

 

 

  Date          Section                            Topic

v     Do homework for a section before the next section is presented in class.  Having a hard time getting started?  Promise yourself that after doing math for a half-hour, you can do something else.

Sept. 22......                              Introductions, Discussion of Syllabus

10.3                                           Quadratic Functions and Their Graphs

v  Introduce yourself to 3 classmates to develop a math support system.

Sept. 24...... 10.4                      More About Quadratic Equations

Sept. 26...... 10.5                      Quadratic and Rational Inequalities

                                                            Turn in Homework #1 (Section 10.3)           

                                                                                                                                               

v     Quiz yourself on last week’s work.  Work out 3 problems from each section (10.3-10.5).

Sept. 29......                              Finish Chapter 10 (Handout)

Oct. 1......... 11.2                      Graphs of Functions & Relations 

                                                Quiz #1 (Sections 10.3 – 10.5)

Oct. 3......... 11.3                      Transformations of Graphs

                                                Turn in Homework #2 (Sections 10.4 & 10.5)

                                                                                                                                               

v     Recognize how much more math you know now than you did two weeks ago.

Oct. 6......... 11.6                      Combining Functions

v     Begin today  reviewing for your exam next Monday.  Do some math everyday.

Oct. 8......... 11.7                      Inverse Functions

Oct. 10....... 11.7                      Inverse Functions (con’t)

                                                            Turn in Homework #3 (Sections 11.2, 11.3 & 11.6)

v     Write 5 questions on what you do not understand in this chapter.  Plan time to get assistance; then DO IT!

                                                                                                                                               

v     Write a practice exam and take it.

Oct. 13                                    Review for Exam #1

Oct. 15                                    Exam #1 (Sections 10.3 -10.5 & 11.2, 11.3, 11.6, 11.7)

Oct. 17....... 12.1                      Exponential Functions & Their Applications

                                                            Turn in Homework #4 (Section 11.7)

                                                                                                                                               

v     Every time you do homework from a section, write down 2 problems which could be on the next math exam.

Oct. 20....... 12.2                      Logarithmic Functions & Their Applications

Oct. 22....... 12.3                      Properties of Logarithms

Oct. 24....... 12.4                      Solving Equations & Applications

                                                            Turn in Homework #5 (Sections 12.1 & 12.2)                                                                                              _____________________________ 

 

 

Schedule Continued

 

Date            Section                            Topic

 

v     Review your class notes before beginning your homework.  You did take notes didn’t you?  If not, try it at the next class meeting.

Oct. 27.......                              Summary of Exponential & Logarithmic Equations

Oct. 29....... 7.3                        Solving Linear Equations in Three Variables

 

Oct. 31....... 13.2                      The Parabola

                                                            Quiz #2 (Sections 12.1 – 12.4)

                                                            Turn in Homework #6 (Sections 12.3 & 12.4)

                                                                                                                                               

v     Summarize what you learned in class today.

Nov. 3........      13.3                 The Circle

Nov. 5                                     Review for Exam #2

Nov. 7                                     Exam #2 (Sections 12.1 – 12.4, 7.3, 13.2, 13.3)

                                                            Turn in Homework #7 (Sections 7.3, 13.2 & 13.3)

                                                                                                                                               

v     Attend class every day on time.

Nov. 10......                              VETERAN’S DAY HOLIDAY

Nov.12....... 13.4                      The Ellipse and The Hyperbola

Nov. 14...... 13.5                      Second-Degree Inequalities                                         

                                                                                                                                               

v     Use the holiday from class to catch up if you are behind…final exam in 3 weeks!.

Nov. 17...... 13.1                      Nonlinear Systems of Equations           

Nov. 19...... 14.1                      Sequences

Nov. 21...... 14.2                      Series

                                                Quiz #3 (Sections 13.1, 13.4, & 13.5)

                                                Turn in Homework #8 (Sections 13.4, 13.5 & 13.1)

                                                                                                                                               

v     Stay focused, you will be done in 2 weeks.

Nov. 24...... 14.3                      Arithmetic Sequences and Series

Nov. 26...... 14.4                      Geometric Sequences & Series

                                                            Turn in Homework #9 (Sections 14.1 & 14.2)

Nov. 28......                              THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

                                                                                                                                               

 

Dec. 1                                      Review for Exam #3

Dec. 3                                      Exam #3 (Sections 13.1, 13.4, 13.5 & 14.1 – 14.4)

                                                            Turn in Homework #10 (Section 14.3 & 14.4)

v     Begin going over old exams to prepare for the final.  Write a practice final.

Dec. 5                                      Review for Final Exam

                                                                                                                                               

 

Dec. 8                                      Cumulative Final Exam (10:00 – 11:50)

This is the day that you successfully complete Math 154AA.  CONGRATUALTIONS!



MATH 154 ASSIGNMENTS

 

TEXT: "Elementary and Intermediate Algebra”, second edition

by Mark Dugopolski

INSTRUCTOR: JANE ELLIS

 

Each assignment is worth 8 points.  You will turn in only the even numbered problems listed in bold print to be graded.  The remaining problems you will be checking yourself in the back of the book.  Be sure to use class time, office hours, classmates and the Gateway Math Center to get all of your questions answered.

 

“It is well to remind ourselves that anxiety signifies conflict, and so long as a conflict is going on, a constructive solution is possible.”    Rollo May

 

 

SECTION                                                       PROBLEMS

 

      10.3.............................................. Pages 645-648 #1-6, 7, 11, 13-57 every other odd, 59-65 odd

      .....................................................                         #42, 62

      10.4.............................................. Pages 656 & 657 #5, 9, 11, 15, 27-55 every other odd,                                         ..................................................... 81, 83, 87     #36, 84

      10.5.............................................. Pages 668 - 669 #4, 5-13 odd, 25-33 odd      

      .....................................................                          #12, 34

 

      11.2.............................................. Pages 701 – 703 #7, 13, 17-41 odd

      .................................................................             #26, 40

      11.3.............................................. Pages 713 - 716 #1-6, 7, 11, 15 - 51 every other odd

      .................................................................             #40, 52

      11.6.............................................. Pages 744 - 745 #5-61 every other odd

      .................................................................             #46, 56

11.7.............................................. Pages 754 - 756 #1-8, 9-23 odd, 31-63 every other odd

      .................................................................             #34, 50

 

 

      12.1.............................................. Pages 784 - 787 #1-6, 7-47 every other odd, 53-61 odd,

      .................................................................             83, 85, 93        #32, 60, 84

      12.2.............................................. Pages 795 - 797 #1, 3-6, 7-17 odd, 19-43 every other odd, 49,

      .................................................................             51, 57-73 odd, 85, 87, 89        #52, 70, 86

12.3.............................................. Pages 804 - 805 #1-6, 7-79 every other odd, 81-93 odd, 97

      .................................................................             #68, 80

      12.4.............................................. Pages 812- 814 #1-81 every other odd, 83

      .................................................................             #34 (approximate the solution), 64

 

 

OVER

 

SECTION                                                       PROBLEMS

 

      7.3................................................ Pages 469 - 470 #13, 17, 21, 23, 25, 31, 35, 41, 45

      .................................................................             #18, 28, 41

 

      13.2.............................................. Pages 843 - 845 #7 – 13 odd, 33-45 odd, 57, 59, 67, 69

      ................................................................. #10, 38, 48 (Do not find focus or directrix)  

      13.3.............................................. Pages 850 - 851 #1, 2, 3–31 every other odd, 33, 35, 37, 45, 47

      .................................................................             #38, 46

      13.4.............................................. Pages 862 - 864 #9-21 odd, 29-39 odd, 47-53 odd

      .................................................................             #18, 32

      13.5.............................................. Pages 870 - 872 #1, 5, 9, 15-23 odd, 27, 35, 37, 39

      .................................................................             #30, 32

      13.1.............................................. Pages 832 - 833 #5, 13, 17, 19, 25, 27, 45

      .................................................................             #20, 28

 

      14.1.............................................. Pages 892 - 893 #1, 2, 5–25 every other odd, 27-37 odd, 41                                ..................................................... #24, 36

      14.2.............................................. Pages 898 & 899 #3-43 every other odd, 51

      .................................................................             #22, 42

      14.3.............................................. Pages 903 - 904 #1, 3, 5-57 every other odd

      .................................................................             #38, 50

      14.4.............................................. Pages 912 - 914 #1,3 5, 7–55 every other odd, 59

      .................................................................             #14, 28, 38

      14.5.............................................. Page 920 #13, 17, 19, 21, 25, 27, 33-39 odd

      .................................................................             #20, 40

 

 

 

GRADE SOURCE INFORMATION

FOR STUDENTS

 

TO RETREIVE YOUR GRADE INFORMATION ON LINE, DO THE FOLLOWING:

 

Ø      www.gradesource.com

Ø      student reports

Ø      Instructor Name :Ellis

Ø      Click on your class

Ø      Your secret number is on homework #1