Lake Tahoe Community College

Mathematics Department

Intermediate Algebra 

Math 154A         Winter, 2010

Mondays & Wednesdays       1:30-3:40 pm

Room: A-211         4 units

Instructor              Dr. Beverly Palley

Phone Number  530 544-2724

Office                Commons/TBA

E-mail                palley@ltcc.edu

 Required Text Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, Fourth Edition

by Martin-Gay 

Recommended Text  Student Solution Manual, Prepared by Martin-Gay 

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)

Course Description  MATH 154A

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.

Student Learning Outcomes  

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. 

Prerequiste A grade of C or better in Math 152B or equivalent, or satisfactory score on Mathematics Assessment Test.

Grading Policy/Assessments-SLO

Homework (8 assignments @10 points each)  80 points                  Exam #1: (Sections 3.6, 4.4, 8.2, 8.3 &11.3-11.6)               100 points                                                  

Exam #2: Chapter 12                                                             100 points

Exam #3: Sections 13.1- 13.4 & 14.1 – 14.4              100 points

Quizzes   (Three at 20 points each)     60 points

Final (Covers entire course content)    100 points

*If you spend at least one hour a week (for a total of at least 10 hours) in the Math Success Center, you will receive 6 points extra credit.

Your letter grade will be based on your percentage of the 540 possible points.

A 90-100%

B 80-89%

C 70-79%

D 60-69%

F less than 60%

Make-up Policy

There are no make-up for quizzes. However, if the absence is excused, then you will receive the same percent grade on the quiz as you will earn on the exam (which covers the same material).  You can make-up Chapter Exams and the Final, but 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. 

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 Dr. Palley.  Learning disabilities will be accommodated.

Registration

·     You must register for this class through Admissions and

             Records.

·     The last day to drop the class with no record is Friday, January 29.

·     The last day to drop the class for a "W" grade is Friday, February 19.

·     After February 19, 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.

Office Hours By appointments

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      will not 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.

Schedule Winter 2010

January 4………. Introductions, Discussion of Syllabus

            Section 4.4: Solving System of Linear Equation in Three Variables

                                Section 3.6 (Review) Functions   

January  6………..  Finish Section 3.6

                     Section 8.2 Review Function Notation & Graphing Nonlinear  Functions   Turn in Homework #1 (Section 4.4)

January 11..........Section 8.3 Shifting and Reflecting Graphs of Functions

       Section 11.3 Solving Equations by using Quadratic Methods           

January 13……….Section 11.3 Finish/

                                Section 11.4 Nonlinear Inequalities in One Variable 

                                         Turn in Homework #2 (Sections 3.6, 8.2 & 8.3)

__________________________________________________________________________

January 18………(Holiday MLK)   Quiz #1 (Sections 3.6, 4.4, 8.2& 8.3)Take Home

                                 Finish Section 11.4 

January 20………...Section 11.5 Quadratic Function and Their Graphs

                                 Section 11.6 Further Graphing of Quadratic Functions

     Turn in Homework #3 (Sections 11.3 & 11.4)

January 25...............Review for Exam #1

                                  Section 12.1 Composite Functions        

                                           Turn in Homework #4 (Section 11.5 & 11.6)

January 27 ………….Exam #1 (Sections 3.6, 4.4, 8.2, 8.3 &11.3-11.6)

_________________________

February 1………….Section 12.2 Inverse Functions

February 3………… .Section 12.3 Exponential Functions  

                 Section 12.4 Logarithmic Functions 

February 8………….Finish Section 12.4. 

                  Section 12.5 Properties of  Logarithms

February 10………… Section 12.6 /Section 12.7

                                     Turn in Homework #5 (Sections  12.1 – 12.5)

Quiz # 2 (Sections 12.1 – 12.4)

Schedule (continued)

February 15……………(Holiday) Review for Exam #2

                                           Section 13.1 and Section 13.2

February 17………………. Exam #2 (Chapter 12)

February 22…………..Section 13.4 Nonlinear Inequalities and System of Inequalities 

                           Turn in Homework #6 (Sections  13.1  & 13.2)  

February 24…………….Section 13.3 Solving Nonlinear System of Equations 

                                        Section 14.1 Sequences

March 1…….……… Section  14.2  Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences

March 3 ………… Section 14.3  Series    

 ________________________________________________________________

March 9……………. Finish Section 14.3

Turn in Homework #7 (Sections 13.3, 13.4, & 14.1)  

Quiz #3 (Sections 13.1- 13.4, & 14.1)

March 11……………… Section 14.4  Partial Sums of Arithmetic an Geometric Sequences

___________________________

March 15…………….. Turn in Homework #8 (Sections 14.2 – 14.4)

          Review for Exam #3

March 17……………… Exam #3 (Sections 13.1- 13.4 & 14.1 – 14.4)

March 22...................... Review for Final Exam

March 24……………… Cumulative Final Exam (2-3:50 pm)

Congratulations!

You have successfully completed Math 154A