INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA EXPANDED

 

Math 154AA                                                                                                  Fall, 2009

Monday, Wednesday & Friday                                                                     11:00 – 12:40

Room: A211                                                                                                   5 units

 

INSTRUCTOR:                     Jane Ellis

 

PHONE NUMBER:              541-4660, Extension 247

 

OFFICE:                                 A204

 

E-MAIL:                                ELLIS@LTCC.EDU

 

TEXTBOOK (OPTIONAL): Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, Fourth Edition

by Martin-Gay 

                                               

Required Software License: It is required to have a software license to use the software MyMathLab in this class.  Students have two choices.  The first choice is to purchase the textbook from the bookstore.  The textbook comes with the software license for an additional cost of approximately $5.  The second choice is to purchase the license alone either from the bookstore or online at coursecompass.com.  The license gives you access to the textbook online.  This is a more economical choice, but is only recommended to students who have online access and feel comfortable reading a computer screen instead of a traditional book.  If you purchase a used textbook, you will also need to purchase the software license.  If you have already purchased software for Math 152B for this textbook, you may also use it for this class at no extra cost.

 

Our course id is ellis66042.

For assistance call 1-800-677-6337 which is available:

For assistance call 1-800-677-6337.

Mon – Fri 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM & Sunday 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Online assistance is available 24 hours every day at: 247pearsoned.custhelp.com

           

                                               

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. 

 

OVER

 

 

HOMEWORK:  Homework will be done online using MyMathLab.  Due dates are listed for you when you go on line to do the assignments.  Feel free to consult a fellow classmate, a tutor, your instructor, or anyone else for assistance on the homework. In addition, the computer will give you help with any problem, show you an example of a similar problem, and in some cases show you a video of someone teaching how to do that type of problem.  You can work on homework after the due date but there are penalties for being late (see the make-up policy below).

 

QUIZZES:  Quizzes will be taken online in MyMathLab. Before you take the quiz, make sure that you have done the homework for the sections covered in the quiz, read the appropriate sections in the textbook, looked at the video(s), and received assistance from either the computer, a tutor, or your instructor on any difficult topics.  If you do not take a quiz on time, a zero will be recorded for that grade. 

 

Make-up Policy:             For Chapter 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 for each day you are late if the absence is not excused.  You have a full week to do your quizzes, do not procrastinate; there is no make-up for quizzes.  Homework will be penalized by 10% for each class meeting that it is late.

 

TUTORING:  Tutoring is available in the Math Success Center (MSC) in Room 201. 

Tutoring schedules will be distributed to you in class.

 

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

 

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

                                    Monday &Wednesday.................................... 4:00 – 4:30

                                    Tuesday & Thursday ...................................... 5:00 – 6:00

 

 

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; a handout with more details will be provided on the first day.

 

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:     Method of Student Evaluation

 

                                    Homework (will be done online)           15%

Quizzes (will be done online)                 15%

                                    Exam #1 (will be done in class) 15%

                                    Exam #2 (will be done in class) 15%

Exam #3 (will be done in class) 15%

                                    Final (will be done in class)                   25%    

 

                                    Grades will be determined by the following percentages:

                                                            A         90-100%

                                                            B          80-89%

                                                            C         70-79%

                                                            D         60-69%

                                                            F          less than 60%

 

 

 

CHECKING YOUR GRADE ONLINE:

You can check your grade at any time in MyMathLab where you will be doing your homework and quizzes. 

 

 

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.                                                 

Use either the online or traditional textbook.

 

            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 officer, America Ramirez, at 541-4660 x236, email her at Ramirez@ltcc.edu, or drop by A100.

 

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) having someone else to all or part of your 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: Cheating will result in a grade of zero on the item on which the cheating occurred.  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 during the first week of class.  Learning disabilities will be accommodated.

 

 

STUDENT OUTCOMES: The successful Math 154AA 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 16.

            3.  The last day to drop the class for a "W" grade is Friday, November 6.

4.  After November 6, 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

 

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 and take advantage of the assistance offered by the computer and tutors.

 

Sept. 21...... Introduction to Class

                    Section 4.4     Solving Systems of Linear Equations in Three Variables

 

 

Sept. 23...... Section 3.6 (Review) Functions

 

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

 

Sept. 25...... Section 8.2 Reviewing Function Notation & Graphing Nonlinear Functions

 

                           Quiz #1 (Sections 4.4, 3.6 & 8.2) due by Friday, Oct. 2 at 6:00 pm

                                                                                                                  

v     Attend class every day on time.

 

Sept. 28...... Section 8.3  Shifting and Reflecting Graphs of Functions

 

Sept. 30...... Section 11.3   Solving Equations by Using Quadratic Methods      

                                         

Oct. 2......... Section 11.4  Nonlinear Inequalities in One Variable

 

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

 

Quiz #2 (Sections 8.3, 11.3 & 11.4) due by Friday, October 9 at 6:00 pm

 

                                                                                                                                               

 

Oct. 5......... Section 11.5     Quadratic Functions and Their Graphs

 

Oct. 7......... Section 11.6     Further Graphing of Quadratic Functions              

 

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

 

Oct. 9......... Section 12.1     Composite Functions

                                                 Begin reviewing for Exam #1 next Wednesday

 

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

 

 

OVER

 

Schedule Continued

                                                                                                                  

v     Write a practice exam and take it or take one in MyMathLab.

 

Oct. 12....... Review for Exam #1

 

Oct. 14....... Exam #1 (Sections 3.6, 4.4, 8.2, 8.3, 11.3 – 11.6)

 

Oct. 16....... Section 12.2     Inverse Functions

 

                        Quiz #3 (Sections 12.1 & 12.2) due by Friday, Oct. 23 at 6:00 pm

                                                                                                                  

v     Every time you do homework from a section, write down 2 problems which could be on the next math exam.  Use them to make a practice test.

 

Oct. 19....... Section 12.3   Exponential Functions

 

Oct. 21....... Section 12.4   Logarithmic Functions

 

Oct. 23....... Section 12.5  Properties of Logarithms

 

                        Quiz #4 (Sections 12.3, 12.4 & 12.5) due by Friday, Oct. 30 at 6:00 pm

                                                                                                                  

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

 

Oct. 26....... Section 12.6   Common Logarithms, Natural Logarithms, and Change of Base

 

Oct. 28....... Section 12.7   Exponential and Logarithmic Equations and Applications

 

Oct. 30....... Review for Exam #2 on Monday

                                                                                                                  

Nov. 2........ Exam #2 (Chapter 12)

 

Nov. 4........ Section 13.1   The Parabola and the Circle

 

v     Summarize what you learned in class today.

 

Nov. 6........ Section 13.2   The Ellipse and the Hyperbola

 

Quiz #5 (Sections 13.1 & 13.2) due by Friday, Nov.13 at 6:00 pm

                                                                                                                   

 

Schedule continued on next page

 

Schedule Continued

 

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

 

Nov. 9........ MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY

 

Nov. 11...... Section 13.4   Nonlinear Inequalities and Systems of Inequalities

 

Nov. 13...... Section 13.3   Solving Nonlinear Systems of Equations

 

   Quiz #6 (Sections 13.3 & 13.4) due by Friday, Nov. 20 at 6:00 pm

                                                                                                                  

v     Recognize how much more math you know now than when you began this class.

 

Nov. 16...... Section 14.1   Sequences

 

Nov. 18...... Section 14.2   Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences

 

   Quiz #7 (Sections 14.1 & 14.2) due by Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 6:00 pm

 

Nov. 20...... Section 14.3   Series

                                                                                                                  

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

 

Nov. 23...... Section 14.4   Partial Sums of Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences

 

Nov. 25...... Section 14.5  The Binomial Theorem

 

Nov. 27...... THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

                                                                                                                  

 

Nov. 30...... Review for Exam #3

 

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

 

Dec. 2........ Exam #3 (Sections 13.1 – 13.4 & 14.1 – 14.5)

 

Dec. 4........ Review for Final Exam

                                                                                                                                               

 

Dec. 7........ Cumulative Final Exam 10:00 – 11:50

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

CONGRATULATIONS!