Page 1 of 9 Math 131 Course Syllabus, Fall 2009 Instructor: Sally Demick Phone: E-mail: MyMathLab http://www.coursecompass.com It‟s important that you know how to contact not only me but also each other. Name: Phone # Name: Phone # Prerequisite: A 2.0 in MTH 120 or course placement by exam. Course Description: Emphasizes simplifying expressions, solving equations, and graphing functions, including linear, quadric, polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic. Problem solving and mathematical modeling are integrated throughout. Appropriate technology to include a graphing calculator. Math 131 Core Course Objectives Students completing Math 131-Intermediate Algebra should be able to: 1. Simplify Algebraic expressions involving polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions. 2. Solve equations, inequalities, and systems of equations and inequalities. 3. For functions described algebraically or graphically: a. evaluate, find domain and range, find inverse b. perform algebraic operations and graphical translations 4. Solve application problems, including the ability to: a. represent a situation using a graph, table or equation b. forecast outcomes from above representations c. solve optimization problems 5. Use appropriate technology as part of their completing the objectives above. 6. Demonstrate knowledge of current technology and/or scientific issues.Page 2 of 9 Math 131 Associate Degree Outcomes ADO 3 Demonstrate computational skills and mathematical reasoning Mathematical Concepts and Tools Demonstrates a basic knowledge of the structure of the real number system. Demonstrates computational skills using positive and negative numbers, fractions, and decimals, ratio and percents. Demonstrates an understanding of algebra (manipulating algebraic expressions, solving linear equations, applying the rules of exponents), geometry and measurement, data and descriptive statistics. Language of Mathematics Uses and understands basic mathematical terminology. Translates situations into mathematical symbols. Represents mathematical information symbolically, visually, numerically and/or verbally. Problem-Solving and Mathematical Modeling Expresses work in an organized manner in order to reach a conclusion. Understands that the process is as important as the conclusion. Understands that an answer needs to be reasonable within the context of a situation. Uses mathematical methods and concepts in a variety of situations to model and solve problems. Uses a scientific calculator to support mathematical reasoning and problem solving. ADO 7 Demonstrate Problem Solving Problem Solving Incorporates new knowledge with old. Converts complex concepts into useful personal language. Solves new problems in new contexts. Equipment: Text: Intermediate Algebra: Functions and Authentic Applications, 3rd edition, Author: Jay Lehmann, Publisher: Prentice Hall Calculator: Any one of the following: Ti-83, Ti-83 Plus, Ti-84, Ti-84 Plus Computer Access: There are roughly 51 Homework quizzes in the course that must be done online. You can take these on campus computers or at home on your own computer. Others: LARGE 3-ring binder, LARGE white eraser, pencils, paper, graph paper, ruler, small stapler, 3-hole punch, student solutions manual. Absence Policy: Students are expected to attend all class meetings, arriving on time, and staying until the end. We do a variety of in-class activities involving other students and group participation. Those assignments may not be made up for any reason, therefore attendance is vital. If absence is unavoidable the student is responsible for obtaining the missed lecture notes from another student. If you have a emergency on an exam day, you must notify me prior to the exam to make an arrangement for the make-up. Make-ups must be taken before the exam is passed out to the class (i.e. the next class period) or a zero will be given for that exam.Page 3 of 9 Grading Policy and Scale: A 2.0 or "C" is a passing grade. Only courses with passing grades count toward graduation. Other colleges transfer in only courses with passing grades. Many financial aid sources, including most employers, require passing grades. Additionally, earning less than a 2.0 in a class results in being unable to participate in the next level of courses in a discipline which requires this course as a pre-requisite. Registering for the next course sequence without passing the pre-requisite course may result in you being dropped from that class. Grading Scale: Grading Policy: 90 -100% 4.0 85 - 89% 3.5 Homework or homework quiz: 15% 80 - 84% 3.0 In-Class Work/Attendance: 15% 75 - 79% 2.5 2 Labs: 10% 70 - 75% 2.0 4 Exams: 40% 65 - 69% 1.5 Cumulative Final: 20% 60 - 64% 1.0 0 - 59% 0.0  Homework: There will be an assignment with each lesson for you to review and do practice problems in that section. A homework will be collected or a homework quiz will be given the following session on the sections covered the previous time. There will be 15 homework assignments or homework quizzes at 10 points each. The two lowest scores will be dropped, therefore a total of150 points or 15% of your grade. No extra points will be given for extra quizzes taken. If you are absent, you may turn in the assignment when you return. If you are late with the assignment, the highest score you can receive is an eight. o In-Class Work/Attendance. There will be some form of classwork every day such as note taking, problem solving, group problems and individual work. I will drop your 2 lowest classwork grades at the end of the semester. If you are absent, then a zero will be entered for that day. There are 32 sessions, therefore after dropping two, each day will be worth 5 points with a total of 150 points or 15% of your grade. o During classwork time, you are encouraged to work with other students, and to ask questions of your instructor. This is primarily a learning time and practicing in class will help your skills improve. The classwork grade will not be honored if you are working on other items, sleeping, texting, etc. Continued on the next page.Page 4 of 9 Labs: There are 2 labs in the course. They will involve collecting data in class from your calculators and also from outside resources (papers, internet, etc.) and writing up your findings. Each lab is 5% of your grade or 50 points each, totaling 100 points or