Homework: 20%MTH 131-82: Intermediate AlgebraCourse SyllabusWinter 2008Instructor: Edwin C. Fogarty Email: [email protected]: MW 6:00-8:00 Location: LeTarte Center Course Description: This course is a continuation of Math 120 and is a necessity for futher study in mathematics and the sciences. In Intermediate Algebra we emphasize the function concept and solving problems through math modeling. You will hone the algebraic skills learned in Math 120 as well as learn new skills through the study and application of linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmicfunctions to real-world problems. Prerequisite: Mathematics 120 (Beginning Algebra) or equivalent.Course Goals: The purpose of this course is to increase your algebraic and problem-solving skills through the mathematical description and solution of real-life applications. It is further desired that your appreciation of the power of algebra and your ability to apply mathematical techniques to your life and career increase as well. Emphasis will be placed on understanding terms, concepts, principles and theories rather than cramming and memorization.Core Course Objectives: Upon completion of MTH 131 students will 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 the inverseb. Perform algebraic operations and graphical translations4. Solve application problems, including the ability to:a. Represent a situation using a graph, table, or equationb. Forecast outcomes from above representationsc. Solve optimization problems5. Use appropriate technology as part of their completing the objectives above.6. Demonstrate knowledge of current technology and/or scientific issues.Page 1 of 4Associate Degree Outcomes: All courses at JCC address one or more institutionally defined Associate Degree Outcomes (ADOs). Math 131 contributes to the following outcomes:1. Computational Skills and understanding appropriate to the program of study.2. The ability to comprehend and use information including written and oral forms.3. Critical thinking and problem solving.4. Facility in the use of computers and other technologies appropriate to the program of study.5. A knowledge of science and technology.Materials:1. Textbook (Required): Intermediate Algebra, 3 rd ed. by Jay Lehmann.2. A TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator is required.3. A three ring binder with loose-leaf paper is recommended for rewriting notes and homework problems. 4. Graph paper and a straightedge or ruler is recommended.Grading: Your grade will be determined as follows: Grading Scale: Graded Assignments:90 -100% 4.0 85 - 89% 3.580 - 84% 3.0 4 Exams: 50 %75 - 79% 2.5 Homework: 20%70 - 75% 2.0 Labs (ADO Requirement): 10%65 - 69% 1.5 Cumulative Final Exam : 20%60 - 64% 1.055 - 59% 0.5 0-54% 0.0Homework: Homework assignments will be completed in MyMathLab. You will need to register with CourseCompass before you can use MyMathLab. Use the MyMathLab handout to guide you through this process. Register with MyMathLab today! Do not delay!On the CourseCompass site you will find daily homework assignments which you will complete online. There will be a time limit of one week for each assignment. MyMathLab will allot points for each correct problems in an assignment; I will then collect this information and assign a grade (using a straight scale).Page 2 of 4I advise you to keep a binder with loose-leaf paper and copy each problem and your solution into it before selecting your answers in MyMathLab. This will be an invaluable study aid for exams. I will also email a supplementary list of textbook problems for each section where I feel more practice is needed. These problems will not be graded but I highly recommend you do them!You will find that many helpful tools on the site including tutorials and solution videos. Ifyou are stuck on a problem or submit the wrong answer there will be a tutorial available for you to view that will show you how to do the problem. PLEASE MAKE USE OF THESE TOOLS! If you are still having difficulty with a problem, whether on a MyMathLab or a supplementary text problem, make a note of the problem number and bring it into class for discussion.If you need to see me for help do not hesitate to ask before or after class! If more time is needed to settle your questions I am available by appointment for your convenience. More help is available below:1. Tutors are available at the Center for Student Success, Bert Walker Hall room 123. The phone number is (517) 796-8415.2. Math tutors are available Mondy-Friday in the MeTec Center, located in the lobby of McDivitt Hall. Also in MeTec, there are video tapes available to be viewed in the center that correspond to a given course. There are also computer tutorial programs available for some of the courses as well.3. February 5th is Project Success Day for the Winter 2008 term. Project SuccessDay offers students the opportunity to enhance their learning skills in workshops that range from test taking to stress management.Exams: You will have 4 regular in-class exams each worth 100 points. One week before every exam you will receive a review study guide. This guide will contain examples and solutions of every problem type that you will encounter on the exam. Do not ignore this invaluable resource! The study guide and your homework are your best tools for exam preparation. Keep all the reviews; do not throw them away! They will be very helpful for the review sections of the exams.Final Exam: The final exam is cumulative and is worth 100 points. As before, you will receive a review study guide one week before the exam. It is very beneficial if you also study your previous exam reviews to prepare for the final exam.Labs: There will be two lab activities that will count for 10% of your grade. The first is a CBR (Calculator Based Ranger) activity where you will model a constant velocity walkwith a linear function using data collected from the CBR and your TI-83/84 calculators. The second lab is an application of modeling activity where you will actively seek out data to model with either a linear, exponential, or quadratic function. Page 3 of 4Study Groups: I strongly encourage you to