College Algebra - Math 1314.08 Course Syllabus: Fall 2014

“Northeast Texas Community College exists to provide responsible, exemplary learning opportunities.”

Kelly Lewis Office: Adjunct, n/a

Office: 903-434-8292

Cell/Text: 225-772-2444 Email: klewis@ntcc.edu

Office Hours Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Courses

9 -9:25 am 9 -9:25 am 9-9:25 am 9 -9:25 am M/W Math 0305 9:30-10:50 (BT 115) T/TH Math 1314 9:30-10:50 (MS118)

T/TH Math 1314 11:00-12:20 (UHS 155)

The information contained in this syllabus is subject to change without notice. Students are expected to

be aware of any additional course policies presented by the instructor during the course.

Catalog Course Description (include prerequisites): This course covers the development of

the complex number system, solutions of quadratic equations and systems involving

quadratics, relations, functions, inverses, ratio, proportion, and variation, theory of

equations, progressions, matrices, exponential and logarithmic functions, permutations,

combinations, and probability as time permits. Prerequisite: MATH 0305 (or its

equivalent) or an appropriate placement score.

Required Textbook(s): Blitzer, College Algebra, 6

th Edition (You are not required to have a hardcopy of the text, but you must

have the MyMathLab Access Code and the ebook)

Publisher: Pearson, Boston, MA

ISBN Number: # 0-321-90050-2 (Includes both textbook and MyMathLab access code)

Note: The NTCC Bookstore link is at www.ntcc.edu.

Recommended Reading(s): None

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will

1314.1 Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of properties of functions, which include

domain and range, operations, compositions, and inverses.

1314.2 Recognize and apply polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic

functions and solve related equations.

1314.3 Apply graphing techniques of transformations and combinations to common algebraic

functions.

1314.4 Use linear mathematical models to problem-solve.

1314.5 Evaluate all roots of higher degree polynomial functions.

1314.6 Recognize, solve and apply systems of linear equations using matrices.

Core Curriculum Purpose and Objectives:

Through the core curriculum, students will gain a foundation of knowledge of human cultures and the

physical and natural world; develop principles of personal and social responsibility for living in a

diverse world; and advance intellectual and practical skills that are essential for all learning.

Courses in the foundation area of mathematics focus on quantitative literacy in logic, patterns, and

relationships. In addition, these courses involve the understanding of key mathematical concepts and the

application of appropriate quantitative tools to everyday experience.

College Student Learning Outcomes:

Critical Thinking Skills

CT.1 Students will demonstrate the ability to 1) analyze complex issues, 2) synthesize information,

and 3) evaluate the logic, validity, and relevance of data.

Communication Skills

CS.1 Students will effectively develop, interpret and express ideas through written communication.

Empirical and Quantitative Skills

EQS.1 Students will manipulate numerical data or observable facts by organizing and converting

relevant information into mathematical or empirical form

EQS.2 Students will analyze numerical data or observable facts by processing information with correct

calculations, explicit notations, and appropriate technology.

EQS.3 Students will draw informed conclusions from numerical data or observable facts that are

accurate, complete, and relevant to the investigation.

SCANS Skills: N/A

Course Outline:

I. Equations and Inequalities

A. Linear Equations and Rational Equations

B. Quadratic Equations

C. Models and Applications

II. Functions and Graphs

A. Linear Functions and Slope

B. Transformations of Functions

C. Combinations of Functions

D. Inverse Functions

E. Distance and Midpoint Formulas; Circles *Exam 1*

III. Polynomial and Rational Functions

A. Quadratic Functions

B. Polynomial Functions and Their Graphs

C. Zeros of Polynomial Functions

D. Modeling Using Variation

IV. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

A. Exponential Functions

B. Logarithmic Functions

C. Properties of Logarithms

D. Exponential and Logarithmic Equations

E. Exponential Growth and Decay *Exam 2*

V. Systems of Equations and Inequalities

A. Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

B. Systems of Linear Equations in Three Variables

VI. Matrices and Determinants

A. Matrix Solutions to Linear Systems

B. Inconsistent and Dependent Systems and Their Applications

C. Matrix Operations and Their Applications *Exam 3*

*Final Exam*

Evaluation/Grading Policy: The face-to-face class time will be in a traditional setting; however, the homework component will take

place on MyMathLab. It is possible that there will be at least two homework assignments each week.

Students are expected to complete the homework assignments by the next class period; therefore, having

access to a computer outside of class is essential. While homework assignments are taken in

MyMathLab, Exams (including the Midterm and Final Exam) and Quizzes are taken in class. Choosing

not the do the homework assignments is not an option! At the end of the semester, zeroes will replace

any assignment that is not completed. This could seriously affect one’s semester grade and could cause

a student to fail a course. Extra time will not be given to students who do not finish a quiz or exam

(unless there is a documented “Accommodations Form” on file). While attendance is not mandatory,

students who do not show up to take a quiz or an exam, will earn a zero; no exceptions.

The grading policy will be as follows:

Homework – 30% Quizzes – 20%

Exam 1 – 10% Exam 2 – 10% Exam 3 – 10% Final Exam – 20%

Assignments and Exams:

See Appendix/Course calendar. This is your “playbook”.

Other Course Requirements

Having access to a computer outside of class is critical. Homework is only submitted online

(MyMathLab and BlackBoard). On campus there are computers available for students to use in the

library, MS 103, and Humanities 109 (the Academic Skills Center – tutors are available). Computers

are also available at the Hansen-Sewell Center in Pittsburg, the Naples/Omaha Education Center in

Naples and at public libraries. Call first to check hours of operations. Students are expected to complete

homework assignments when in class or not.

Student Responsibilities/Expectations:

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a mature and respectful manner toward the instructor as

well as other students. An orderly and cooperative classroom environment is essential for optimum

learning to take place. In order to maintain an environment in which learning can take place the

following behaviors are expected to be observed:

Turn off cell phones or set them on silent. This means no texting during class!

Laptops are permitted, but will be closely monitored to ensure the student is on task.

Pay attention during instruction. You should not be working on homework, texting, visiting

other website, carrying on side conversations with your neighbor, etc.

Limit leaving class.

Use class time wisely.

Practice the “Golden Rule”!

NTCC Academic Honesty Statement:

"Students are expected to complete course work in an honest manner, using their intellects and resources

designated as allowable by the course instructor. Students are responsible for addressing questions

about allowable resources with the course instructor. NTCC upholds the highest standards of academic

integrity. This course will follow the NTCC Academic Honesty policy stated in the Student Handbook."

Academic Ethics

The college expects all students to engage in academic pursuits in a manner that is beyond

reproach. Students are expected to maintain complete honesty and integrity in their academic

pursuit. Academic dishonesty such as cheating, plagiarism, and collusion is unacceptable and may

result in disciplinary action. Refer to the student handbook for more information on this subject.

ADA Statement: It is the policy of NTCC to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals who are

students with disabilities. This College will adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws,

regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to afford

equal educational opportunity. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange an appointment with a

College counselor to obtain a Request for Accommodations form. For more information, please refer to

the NTCC Catalog or Student Handbook.

Family Educational Rights And Privacy Act (Ferpa):

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of

student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program

of the U.S. Department of Education. FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s

educational records. These rights transfer to the student whenhe or she attends a school beyond the high

school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are considered “eligible students.” In essence,

a parent has no legal right toobtain information concerning the child’s college records without the

written consent of thestudent. In compliance with FERPA, information classified as “directory

information” may be released to the general public without the written consent of the student unless the

student makes a request in writing. Directory information is defined as: the student’s name, permanent

address and/or local address, telephone listing, dates of attendance, most recent previous education

institution attended, other information including major, field of study, degrees, awards received, and

participation in officially recognized activities/sports.

Other Course Policies:

There will be no cell phone usage in the classroom. Students will be warned if caught using a phone

during class. A student will be removed from class if the disruption continues.

The college’s official means of communication is via your campus email address. I will use your campus

email address, Blackboard, MyMathLab, and Remind101 to communicate with you outside of class.

Make sure you keep your campus email cleaned out and below the limit so you can receive important

messages.

Appendix

Homework: 30% Quizzes: 20% *no make ups; must be present

Exam: 30% (10% each)

*no make ups; must be present

Final Exam: 20%

How often? Assigned for every

section in the book.

Assigned for every few

sections of the book

Assigned for every

chapter/unit in the

book

Assigned after Unit 6,

covers Units 1-6

Can I redo?

May be completed over

and over until you

understand the

concept(s)

May only be completed 1

time (drop lowest, double

highest)

May only be

completed 1 time

May only be completed

1 time

When is it

due?

No due dates (to receive partial credit, the

assignments associated with each test must be complete by

Test date)

See course calendar for

specific quiz dates

See course calendar

for specific Unit Exam

dates

See course calendar for

specific Final Exam date

Where is it

completed?

Completed in MML/

and BB

Completed in MML and

BB

Completed in class,

start to finish

Completed in class, start

to finish

What kind of

questions? Fill-in-the blank Fill-in-the blank Fill-in-the blank Fill-in-the blank

How many

questions?

10-50 questions per

assignment 4-10 questions 20-33 questions 20-50 questions

Can I earn

partial

credit?

The grade earned in

MML is the grade

earned.

If you want the opportunity

for partial credit, you need

to show your work

If you want the

opportunity for partial

credit, you need to

show your work.

If you want the

opportunity for partial

credit, you need to show

your work

Will there be

a review? No Yes, in MML (optional)

Yes, in MML

(optional) Yes, in MML (optional)

College Algebra Course Calendar Quizzes and Exams CANNOT be made up; Must be present the day of the quiz/exam

Class Date Concept(s) Assignments Day 1 Tues

8/26

Introduction to Course

Review

Section 1.1 – Graphs and Graphing Utilities

Buy materials

1.1 HW in MML

and BB

Day 2 Thurs

8/28

Section 1.1 – Graphs and Graphing Utilities

Section 1.2 – Linear Equations and Rational Equations

Quiz 1

1.2 HW in

MML and BB

Mon 9/1 Labor Day - Campus Closed

Day 3 Tues 9/2 Section 1.2 – Linear Equations and Rational Equations

Section 1.3 – Models and Applications

1.3 HW in

MML and BB

Day 4 Thurs 9/4 Section 1.4 – Complex Numbers

Quiz 2 over 1.1 to 1.3

1.4 HW in

MML and BB

Day 5 Tues 9/9 Section 1.5 – Quadratic Equations

Section 1.6 – Other Types of Equations

Quiz 3 over 1.4 to 1.6

1.5 and 1.6

HW in MML

and BB

Day 6 Thurs

9/11

Section 2.1 – Basics of Functions and Their Graphs

Section 2.2 – More on Functions and their Graphs

2.1 and 2.2

HW in MML

and BB

Day 7 Tues

9/16

Section 2.3 – Linear Functions and Slope

Section 2.4 – More on Slope

Quiz 4 over 2.1 and 2.2

2.3 and 2.4

HW in MML

and BB

Day 8 Thurs 9/18 Section 2.5 – Transformations of Functions

Quiz 5 over 2.3 and 2.4

2.5 HW in

MML and BB

Day 9 Tues

9/23

Section 2.6 – Combinations of Functions; Composite Functions

Section 2.7 – Inverse Functions

2.6 HW in

MML and BB

Day 10 Thurs 9/25 Section 2.7 – Inverse Functions

Section 2.8 – Distance and Midpoint Formulas; Circles

Quiz 6 over 2.5 to 2.6

2.7 HW in

MML and BB

Day 11 Tues 9/30 Section 2.8 – Distance and Midpoint Formulas; Circles

Quiz 7 over 2.7 and 2.8 Review for Test 1

2.8 HW in MML

and BB

Day 12 Thurs 10/2 Test 1

All HW assignments for Ch 1 and Ch 2 are due by this day

Day 13 Tues 10/7 Section 3.1 – Quadratic Functions 3.1 HW in MML

and BB

Day 14 Thurs 10/9 Section 3.2 – Polynomials Functions and Their Graphs 3.2 HW in MML

and BB

Day 15 Tues 10/14 Section 3.3 – Dividing Polynomials; Remainder and Factor Theorems

Quiz 8 over 3.1 and 3.2

3.3 HW in MML

and BB

Day 16 Thurs

10/16

Section 3.3 – Dividing Polynomials; Remainder and Factor Theorems Section 3.4 – Zeros of Polynomial Functions

3.4 HW in MML

and BB

Day 17 Tues 10/21 Section 3.5 – Rational Functions and Their Graphs

3.5 HW in MML

and BB

Day 18 Thurs Section 4.1 – Exponential Functions 4.1 HW in MML

How to Be Successful In This Course:

Bring materials to class – something to write with, something to write on, a positive attitude

Come to class - on time

Print notes from Blackboard before class

Work through notes as I teach

Ask questions as I teach or ask questions after class/during office hours (or ask through email or ask

through a text)… just ask questions! It takes A LOT of courage to ask for help.

Work the HW assignments before the next class (Use your notes and the tools in MML to help you)

Redo homework assignments until you completely understand the concept(s)

As you finish an assignment in MML, go to BBL and complete the correlating assignment

Study for the quizzes and exams (complete the reviews and go over homework assignments)

Show work on quizzes and exams!

Manage your time wisely, do not wait until the last minute to complete assignments/study

Make sure I know who you are! I am here to help you succeed

Laugh at my jokes ;)

10/23 Quiz 9 over 3.3 to 3.5 and BB

Day 19 Tues 10/28 Section 4.2 – Logarithmic Functions

Quiz 10 over 4.1 to 4.2

4.2 HW in MML

and BB

Day 20 Thurs

10/30

Review for Test 2

Day 21 Tues 11/4 Test 2

All HW assignments for Ch 3 and Ch 4 are due by this day

Day 22 Thurs 11/6 Section 5.1 – Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables 5.1 HW in MML

and BB

Day 23 Tues 11/11 Section 5.2 – Systems of Linear Equations in Three Variables

Quiz 11 over 5.1 and 5.2

5.2 HW in MML

and BB

Day 24 Thurs

11/13

Section 6.1 – Matrix Solutions to Linear Systems

Section 6.2 – Inconsistent and Dependent Systems and Their

Applications

6.1 HW in MML

and BB

Day 25 Tues 11/18 Section 6.2 – Inconsistent and Dependent Systems and Their

Applications

Section 6.3 – Matrix Operations and Their Applications

Quiz 12 over 6.1 and 6.2

6.2 HW in MML

and BB

Day 26 Thurs

11/20

Section 6.3 – Matrix Operations and Their Applications

Review for Test 3

6.3 HW in MML

and BB

Day 27 Tues 11/25 Test 3

All HW assignments for Ch 5 and Ch 6 are due by this day

Thurs 11/27 Thanksgiving Break - Campus Closed

Day 28 Tues 12/2 Review Review in MML

Day 29 Thurs 12/4 Review Review in MML

Tues 12/9 Or

Thurs 12/11

Final Exam

Last day to turn in any homework assignment