MATH 0320 (All) Intermediate Algebra (3:3:1) Spring 2011 Syllabus Page 1 of 14 Instructor: Mr. Mark Lira Office: Math-107, Levelland Campus Phone: 806-716-2739 (Direct Number) E-Mail: [email protected] Office Hours: MW (9am-11am; 3pm-4pm); TTh (Before and after Class Time); Friday (9am – noon) Class Time: Section 211 TTh 5:20pm – 6:55pm RC254 – Reese Welcome to Intermediate Algebra – MATH 0320! This syllabus is intended to provide for you the plan for this course, and to be the source of information for this class. If you have any questions regarding any aspect of our class, please consult this document. If there are further questions, please don’t hesitate to enquire of me. An acknowledgement form is included and must be signed and turned in by each student. Course Description MATH 0320 – INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA (3:3:1) This course is designed for the student who needs MATH 1314 or 1324. It includes factoring, fractions, linear equations in one unknown, graphs, systems of linear equations, exponents, radicals, and quadratic equations. Time in a math lab is required. This course will not satisfy graduation requirements. Prerequisites MATH 0315 or one year of high school algebra. Textbook “Elementary & Intermediate Algebra”, 2nd Edition, © 2010, Prentice Hall / Pearson Education: Michael Sullivan, III, Katherine Struve, and Janet Mazzarella. Texas Success Initiative (TSI) The TSI is a state program designed to ensure that all Texas institutions provide placement testing, personal advisement and appropriate instruction to students to enhance their opportunities for success in their college studies. All new students entering Texas colleges and universities are required to take a placement test prior to enrolling in college-level courses, unless exempt from testing under specified state standards (i.e., scores on ACT, SAT or TAKS). Testing will indicate whether a student possess adequate basic college-level skills in reading, writing and mathematics necessary to begin an undergraduate program of study. (From SPC Catalog) Supplies You will need pencils, notebook paper, 3-ring binder (≥ 2in), 5-tab dividers, graphing paper and a straight-edge (i.e., ruler). Please make certain all materials accompany you to each class meeting. Calculators will be allowed mid-way through the course, but not cell-phone calculators. Course Purpose/Goal The purpose of this course is to provide a background algebraic concepts necessary for MATH 1314 or 1324.MATH 0320 (All) Intermediate Algebra (3:3:1) Spring 2011 Syllabus Page 2 of 14 Student Learning Outcomes / Competencies Upon completion of this course and receiving a passing grade, the student will be able to: 1. Graph and write linear equations 2. Solve systems of equations by graphing, addition (elimination) and substitution 3. Graph systems of inequalities 4. Translate and solve word problems 5. Factor polynomials (review material) 6. Solve quadratic equations by factoring (review material) 7. Simplify / Solve rational expressions by adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing 8. Simplify / Solve radical expressions by adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing 9. Simplify / Solve complex numbers 10. Solve Quadratic equations by completing the square, square root property and the Quadratic Formula 11. Solve Variation Problems Opening Remarks Your success will be greatly based upon your effort to understand and learn the material presented. Most of our class time will be spent working out problems, with supporting explanations and instruction. It is expected that you work outside of class on the assigned homework (see related pages at end of syllabus). To be successful in this course, plan to spend minimum of four (4) to six (6) hours outside class every week maintaining or increasing your math skills – practice, practice, practice. All of the assignments are included in this syllabus to help you budget and plan your time accordingly; thus it behooves you to begin work as soon as possible, don’t procrastinate in doing the work and studying. Homework problems should be attempted early enough to seek help if needed. If you have any questions regarding the material, I’ll be happy to help during office hours, or some other previously agreed to time. Expectations -- Read the syllabus -- Attend class, arrive on time, do your homework, and be prepared to participate. -- Keep all cell phones and pagers turned off and put away for the duration of the class. Do NOT send or receive text messages during class. -- Maintain a classroom environment that is conducive to learning. 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. For more detail, see page 23 of the South Plains College General Catalog. Binder Neatness and organization of a 3-ring binder are important. 1. Divider for Syllabus/Handouts 2. Divider for Notes: If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get the notes from a classmate 3. Divider for Homework: These pages will be kept in ascending chronological order 4. Divider for Quizzes 5. Divider for ExamsMATH 0320 (All) Intermediate Algebra (3:3:1) Spring 2011 Syllabus Page 3 of 14 Grading and Grading Scale Grading Grading Scale Homework submittals 20 @ 1% 20% A (100 – 90) Quizzes (variable) 20% B (89 – 80) Exams 4 @ 10% 40% C (79 – 70) Final Exam 1 @ 20% 20% D (69 – 60) F (59 – 0) A grade of C or better is required in order to advance to the next course. Although your grade in this course will not be used in calculating your GPA, your grade in this course is used to determine academic status for financial aid. This course and its grade will be recorded on your official transcript. If you plan to transfer to another college or university, be advised that the grade you make in this course may reflect on your ability to transfer. Extra Credit At this level, Extra Credit work is not allotted – all points earned will be from homework, quizzes and exams.MATH 0320 (All) Intermediate Algebra (3:3:1) Spring 2011 Syllabus Page 4 of 14 Homework Homework will be assigned for all sections. Homework will be collected every week, with additional mid-week collections (as specified in class). A pre-arranged sampling of the problems will be graded out of the homework