South Plains College MATH 1314 – College Algebra Spring 2012 Course Syllabus Instructor: Kathy Holster Office: M113 (math building) Phone: (806) 716-2664 E-Mail: [email protected] Blackboard: http://spc.blackboard.com Office Hours: MW 1:30 – 2:30 TR 10:00 – 11:00 & 1:30 – 2:30 F 9:00 – 12:00 And other times by appointment Course Description: MATH 1314. COLLEGE ALGEBRA. (3:3:1) Prerequisite: Two units of high school algebra or MATH 0320. A standard course in college algebra. Quadratic equations; ratio and proportion; variation, binomial theorem; progressions; inequalities; complex numbers; theory of equations; determinants and matrices; linear programming; mathematical induction; permutations and combinations. (copied from the current SPC catalog) Course Objectives: Successful completion of this course should reflect mastery of the following objectives: (Chapter and section numbers are indicated in parentheses.) 1. Solve and graph problems involving linear, quadratic, exponential and logarithmic functions. (1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) 2. Solve and graph linear, quadratic, and rational inequalities. (1.7, 3.6, 5.5) 3. Identify and simplify complex numbers. (1.4) 4. Apply midpoint, distance, and circle formulas. (3.2, 3.3, 3.4) 5. Analyze and graph polynomial functions. (3.2, 3.3, 3.4) 6. Analyze and graph rational functions. (3.5) 7. Create and solve systems of equations with algebraic techniques, with matrix techniques, and with determinants. (5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 6.1, 6.5) 8. Apply the Binomial Theorem to expand binomials of higher degree. (8.5) Expectations: • Read the syllabus. • Attend class, arrive on time, turn off and put away all electronic devices before entering the classroom. • Come to class prepared to take notes and participate. Do the assigned homework. Good study habits are essential for success. • Maintain a classroom environment that is conducive to learning. This includes, but is not limited to, respect of others taking this course, turn off and put away all electronic devices before entering the classroom. The instructor reserves the right to ask a student to leave if his/her cell phone disrupts the class. Food and/or drinks are NOT allowed in the classroom with the exception of bottled water. For more detail, see page 23 of the South Plains College General Catalog. • Foster a spirit of complete honesty and a high standard of integrity. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on exams, collaborating with another student during an exam, and copying another student’s work. For more detail, see page 23 of the South Plains College General Catalog. Attendance: Attendance and effort are the most important activities for success in this course. Record of your attendance will be maintained throughout the semester. You may be dropped from this course with a grade of X or F if you exceed four absences throughout the semester. Therefore, if you stop attending class, you should go through the procedure for dropping a course to obtain a grade of W. Please do not arrive late or leave early. Please be mindful of the new state law that allows a student who began college after Fall 2007 a maximum of 6 withdrawals for his/her entire undergraduate career. Absences are not classified as ‘excused’ or ‘unexcused’. Textbook: College Algebra; Blitzer, Robert; Fifth Edition; Prentice Hall/Pearson Education. Supplies: You will need pencils, notebook paper, graph paper, a 3-ring binder, a 3-hole punch and scientific or graphing calculator. Calculators on cell phones or other electronic devices, TI-89, TI-92 or TI-Nspire calculators will not be allowed during exams. Please make certain all materials accompany you to each class meeting.Grading: Organization & Participation 5% Grading Scale: A 90-100 Homework/Labs 15% B 80-89 Unit Exams 60% C 70-79 Final Exam 20% D 60-69 F 59 or below Organization & Neatness and organization of a 3-ring binder are important. The binder should be arranged in Participation: the following manner: 1st Calendar 2nd Syllabus 3rd • Notes for each section covered—Handouts to use to take notes are posted on Blackboard. http://spc.blackboard.com User name: first initial, last name, and last 4 digits of your Student ID Password: Original CampusConnect Pin No. (found on SPC acceptance letter) If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get notes from a classmate or come to me during my office hours. • Labs • Homework for each section covered. • Binder Contents Grade • Unit Exams These pages will be kept in chronological order. Homework: • Homework assignments from the textbook are given on the calendar; changes will be announced in class. Homework problems should be worked early enough to seek help if needed. Work extra problems, as required, to understand each topic. • Written assignments must be done in pencil and on paper without frayed edges. Writing on both sides of the paper is permitted. Exams: There will be 5 unit exams (12% each) and a comprehensive final exam (20%). Dates for the exams are given on the calendar. If for any reason you are unable to take an exam at the designated time you must contact me prior to class time. Make-up exams will be given at the discretion of the instructor. Tutoring and Free tutoring is available in room M116 in the mathematics building. Tutoring schedules Video Tapes: will be posted. Video tapes are also available in M116. Digital versions of these tutorial videos can be viewed in the lab, checked out and taken home for viewing or viewed online on a computer. Go to http://spc.blackboard.com and login using “mvideos” and password “mvideos.” Click on Math – Math Videos and locate the appropriate course and the topic in which you are interested. Equal South Plains College strives to accommodate the individual needs of all students in order to Opportunity: 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