SOUTH PLAINS COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS COLLEGE ALGEBRA MATH 1314-392 INSTRUCTOR: Marilyn Jones phone: 806-828-5833 Room 605 email: [email protected] TEXTBOOK: College Algebra (5th edition); author: Robert Blitzer; publisher: Prentice Hall ISBN # 0-321-55983-5 This book may be purchased on E-bay, Amazon.com or from the SPC bookstore(s). PREREQUISITES: Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry ATTENDANCE: Regular attendance and sincere effort are critical elements for success in this course. If you must be absent, try to let me know beforehand; you are responsible for completing the assignment for that day before the next class period. If you miss an exam or a quiz, you have 3 days to make it up. It is also your responsibility to come in for help when it is needed. CALCULATOR: You must purchase a scientific calculator for use in this class. (suggestions: TI-30X, TI-34, TI-36X) Graphing calculators will occasionally be utilized (TI-83, TI-84, TI-84 Plus, TI-83 Plus only), and may possibly be available for check-out from Slaton High School. GRADING: Each six weeks average will consist of: Summative assessment = 75% Daily formative assessment = 25% Each semester average: (2(1st six weeks avg)+2(2nd six weeks avg)+2(3rd six weeks avg)+(semester exam))/ 7 All students must take the semester exam. If you qualify for a semester exam exemption (no more than 2 absences for the semester and at least an 80 average), then the grade that you make on the exam will be used as a six weeks exam grade for that particular six weeks. Homework will be kept in sequential order in a folder. This homework folder will be taken up several times (at the discretion of the instructor) per six weeks to be graded. Late folders will not be accepted. This folder should also contain graded quizzes and exams and will be given a grade based on effort and neatness, as well as accuracy of answers. The first pages in your folder should be the syllabus for this class and the assignment sheet. Write each homework assignment in pencil, start each assignment on a new page, copy each assigned problem from the book, and show any pertinent work; label each homework assignment with your name, section number from the book, problems worked and date of assignment. You will need graph paper for some assignments. FINAL AVERAGE: A (90-100); B (80-89); C (70-79); D (60-69); F (0-59)CELL PHONES: I follow the policy that SHS has adopted for cell phone use and I will have the courtesy not to text/use my cell phone during your class time. I expect this courtesy to be repaid in kind. DO NOT text or talk on your cell phone at any time in my classroom. If this happens, I will be forced to take up the phone, turn it in to Mr. Hendrix and you will have to collect it from him. NO WARNINGS WILL BE GIVEN. College Credit: Successful completion of this course will result in 3 hours worth of college credit at South Plains College. This class is a one semester college course stretched out over both the fall and spring semesters. Both semesters must be completed in order to receive credit for College Algebra . (Registration for this course opens up online in November.) STUDY SUGGESTIONS: 1) Always read the section(s) before you come to class. 2) Before class, attempt as many of the homework problems as possible. 3) Stay organized, take careful notes in a spiral or folder, and participate in class discussions. 4) Complete every homework assignment. 5) Work with a tutor, ask the teacher questions, and/or work with a classmate. 6) In preparation for exams, memorize any formulas as they are presented in class. Sorry guys!  No formula sheets will be provided for exams. PURPOSE OR GOALS OF THIS COURSE: Satisfactory completion of this course will result in a standard university level, transferable course in college algebra. To receive credit for this course, you must have mastered at least 70% of the following objectives: 1) Solve a) linear equations and inequalities; b) quadratic equations with the use of i) factoring; ii) extraction of roots; iii) completing the square; iv) quadratic formula; v) graphing; c) quadratic type equations; d) quadratic and rational inequalities; e) radical equations; f) higher order polynomials and inequalities; g) absolute value equations and inequalities; h) logarithm and exponential equations; i) polynomial functions; j) rational functions; 2) Write stated problems as mathematical expressions and/or equations and solve; 3) Recognize a function given any form (ordered pairs, equation, or graph); 4) Determine domain and range of a given function; 5) Identify basic characteristics of the graph of a polynomial function and sketch the graph; 6) Solve systems of equations and/or inequalities using the following solution techniques. a) elimination; b) substitution; c) graphing; d) Cramer’s Rule; e) matrices;f) Gauss-Jordan elimination; 7) Expand a binomial raised to an integral power; 8) Conic sections (ellipse, hyperbola, parabola) a) write an equation given a graph; b) graph when given an equation; 9) Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences 10) Mathematical Induction 11) Binomial Theorem 12) Probability, and a) the counting principle; b) permutations and combinations EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: South Plains College strives to accommodate the individual needs of all students in order to enhance their opportunities for success in the context of a comprehensive community college setting. It is the policy of South Plains College to offer all educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability or age. DISABILITIES: Students with disabilities, including but not limited to physical, psychiatric, or learning disabilities, who wish to request accommodations in this class should notify the Special Services Office early in the semester so that the appropriate arrangements may be made. In accordance with federal law, a student requesting accommodations must provide acceptable documentation of his/her disability to the Coordinator of Special Services. For more information, call or visit the South Plains College Special Services Office in the Student Services Building, 894-9611, extensions 2529 or 2530. Suggested supplies for this class: Notebook paper A spiral for notes Pencils with erasers Graph paper 1 box of