Intermediate Algebra

Math 154A-2

Spring 2009 4 units

INSTRUCTOR:                     Cindy Littell

PHONE NUMBER:              541-4660, Extension 447 (voicemail only)

E-MAIL:                                littell@ltcc.edu

MEETING TIMES:              Monday & Wednesday: 4:00-5:50p

MEETING PLACE: Room E106 

REQUIRED TEXT:             Elementary and Intermediate Algebra, 4th Ed, by Elayn                          Martin-Gay

Class webpage to log in:       http://www.coursecompass.com

Course Id for Homework:    littell36307

Course Description: MAT 154 is a continuation of MAT 152B and covers functions and inverses, exponential and logarithmic functions, sequences and series, and conic sections, quadratic equations, and systems of quadratic equations.

Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in Math 152B or equivalent or appropriate skills demonstrated through the Math Assessment process.

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. They only test and accept new students into the program during the first two weeks of each quarter, so don’t put it off.

The Math Success Center (within A201) has free tutoring for all registered students. Please Log In and Out so that the facility gets the funds it needs to continue this free service.

 

As a Courtesy to everyone in class, please turn off your cell phones. Thank you.


 

How to succeed in a Math class:

1. Come to every class meeting.

2. Arrive early, be prepared, and take notes.

3. Ask questions, especially if you don’t understand a concept.

4. Do more than just the homework problems.

5. Take advantage of the free tutoring service in the GMC and my hours as your academic coach.

6. Study in groups and do your homework with a classmate.

7. Start preparing for exams at least one week in advance.

8. Do some math every day.

 

Dropping: In this class, it is your responsibility to drop the class in order to avoid an unwanted grade. For this, you must go to Admissions & Records.

Friday, April 17, 2009 is the last day for refunds.

Friday, May 1, 2009 is the last day to drop with no record or file C/NC.

Friday, May 22, 2009 is the last day to withdraw with a “W” grade.

 

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 and graphical information; and
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.

 

 

Grading:  Your class letter grade will be based on the usual grading scale:

A:  90% and above,     B: 80-89%,     C: 70-79%,        D: 60-69%,              F: 59% and under

                        Homework                                             100 points

                        Quizzes                                                   140 points

                        3 Midterm Exams                                 450 points

                        Comprehensive Final Exam:               240 points

                        Total                                                     930 points

Homework:  All Homework assignments are online. Due Dates for each assignment are posted online. All Homework will be due by the next lecture.

Quizzes:  There are no make-up quizzes.  All quizzes are given during the first 5 minutes of class. They will consist of a problem from the homework and a problem from the reading for the lecture that day. Please be on time.

Midterm Exams: Midterms are to be taken on the date scheduled unless you have a medical emergency. In such an event, please notify me as soon as possible to make arrangements. If you are unable to take the exams at the scheduled time, you will need to email me a request stating why you need to take the exam early.

Non-graphing calculators are allowed during testing.  Please practice the homework with them.

The Comprehensive Final Exam is on June 22, 2009 at 4p-5:50p.

Academic Integrity:

Homework may be done in groups with other students or with the help of the instructor or tutors, but each student must turn in their own work. Quizzes and Exams must be done by the student alone. Any Student who violates this rule will receive a zero on the Quiz or Exam. A second offense will result in withdrawal, failing the course, or academic expulsion.

 

 

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Date                Section                        Topic

Apr. 6              11.3                             Intros, Solving Quadratics

Apr. 8              11.4                             Non-linear inequalities in one variable

Apr. 13            11.5                             Quadratic Functions and Their Graphs

Apr. 15            11.6                             Quadratic Graphing Cont.

Apr. 20            8.3                               Graphing Functions

Apr. 22            12.1                             Algebra and Composition of Functions

                                                            Review for MT #1

Apr. 27                                                MT #1

Apr. 29            12.2                             Inverse Functions

May 4             12.3                             Exponential Function

May 6             12.4                             Logarithmic Functions

                        12.5                             Properties of Logarithms

May 11           12.6                             Logs: Common, Natural, change of base

May 13           12.7                             Exponential and Logarithmic Apps.

                        13.1                             The Parabola and the Circle

May 18           13.2                             The Ellipse and the Hyperbola

                                                            Review for MT #2

May 20                                               MT #2

May 25                                               Memorial Day Holiday

May 27           13.3                             Solving Nonlinear systems of Equations

                        4.4                               Linear Systems in 3 Variables

Jun. 1              14.1                             Sequences

Jun. 3              14.2                             Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences

                        14.3                             Series

Jun. 8              14.4                             Arithmetic and Geometric Series

Jun. 10            14.5                             Binomial Theorem

                                                            Review for MT #3

Jun. 15                                                MT #3

Jun. 17                                                Review for Final

Jun. 22                                    Comprehensive Final: 4p-5:50p