FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Course Syllabus, Fall 2002
e-mail memailto:gkerbaugh@nc.rr.com
| I. | LOCATOR INFORMATION: | |
| Course Offered: | Fall and Spring Semesters Yearly | |
| Year: | 2002 | |
| Course Number and Name | MATH 121 | Introduction to College Algebra |
| Semester Hours of Credit: | 3 | |
| Time Class Meets: | 3:00 - 3:50 p.m. | |
| Days Class Meets: | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | |
| Lab Meets: | Thursday | |
| Where Class Meets: | SBE / 114 | ( Bldg. / Room ) |
| Where Lab Meets: | SBE / 114 | ( Bldg. / Room ) |
| Instructor's Name: | Dr. Gary Kerbaugh | |
| Office Location: | SBE 313 | |
| Office Telephone: | 486-1666 | |
| Office Hours: |
MWF 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. |
|
| MWF 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | ||
| TTh 5:20 - 5:50 p.m. | ||
| Other Office Hours by Appointment | ||
| Final Exam: | December , | |
| from |
II. COURSE DESCRIPTION
Mathematics 121, Introduction to College Algebra, provides an introduction to college-level algebra. Topics include : Equations, inequalities, functions, graphs, and matrices.
| Placement: | Based on Profile Scores |
III. TEXTBOOK
Martin-Gay, Elayn K., Introductory Algebra, Philadelphia: Prentice Hall, 1999.
IV.
BEHAVIORAL OBJECTIVES (AND COMPETENCIES)
The proposed objectives and competencies are realized as students:
Demonstrate the ability to solve linear equations and inequalities and to use the knowledge for solving verbal problems.
Develop or reinforce skills for working with polynomials and to use the skills in problem solving.
Demonstrate the ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide rational expressions.
Demonstrate knowledge of the algebra of rational expressions.
Demonstrate techniques for solving the general quadratic equation
V. EVALUATION CRITERIA/GRADING SCALE
There will be five tests and a comprehensive final exam. The grading scale for determining the course grade and the weights assigned to tests, final examination, and homework are given below. The in class tests and final exam will be graded on a 100 point scale. Partial credit for problems is awarded on the basis of work shown. Homework will be collected randomly at a rate averaging about once a week and given a grade of either pass or fail. Only a few homework problems will be graded but all problems must be attempted and all work must be shown. The homework score will depend on the percentage of passing grades assigned for collected assignments. Late homeworks will not be accepted and the final exam grade will be used as the grade for all tests that are missed. Make up tests will not be given. The lowest score for an in class test can be replaced with the Final Exam grade (if it helps) and the class test average will be computed as in the example below. The percentage of passing homework grades will be multiplied by four, rounded, and the result added to the final average.
Example:
To see how your grade will be calculated, suppose your test scores are 85, 81, 84, 75, and 90, your final exam score is 88 and you received a passing grade on 50% of the homework collected. Since the lowest test grade is dropped (see item 1 under COURSE REQUIREMENTS), your grade would be calculated as follows:
0.20 * [ (81 + 85 + 84 + 90) ] + 0.20 * 88 = 85.6
85.6 + .50*4 = 85.6 + 2 = 87.6 = 88
Since 88 is between 80 and 89 you would receive a grade of B.
Weights Assigned to graded materials:
| In Class Tests | 20% Each |
| Comprehensive Final Examination | 20% |
| Homework | 4% Extra Credit |
Grading Scale:
| A | 90 - 100% | Tests 80% |
| B | 80 - 89% | Final Exam 20% |
| C | 70 - 79% | |
| D | 60 - 69% | |
| F | Below 60% |
VI. COURSE OUTLINE
See attached calendar.
* Subject to change by myself for the optimization of instructional assistance.
VII. SUPPORT SECTIONS
Students enrolled in support sections of Math121, An Introduction to College Algebra ( sections 20 and above ) are required to attend the Math Lab in the Helen Chick Building for an hour per week for further assistance with course materials. The students must contact the director of the Math Lab in room 216B in the Helen Chick building no later than August 28, 1998 to arrange a schedule of attendance.
VIII. COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Conduct of Course/Classroom Decorum
| 1. | Students are responsible for availing themselves of all class meetings, Tutorial sessions, computer lab sessions, and individual help from the instructor. There are computer software tutorials available for your use in the Helen Chick Building, second floor and SBE 216A. (See the Lab Assistants) |
| 2. | Students are responsible for maintaining a notebook of problems selected by the instructor. Students are encouraged to include as many additional problems as is possible |
| 3. | All tests will be announced prior to their administration. Since the lowest test will be dropped no make-up test will be given. There will be a test given at the end of each chapter and there will be a comprehensive final examination given. The students are also required to take the algebra profile posttest. |
| 4. | Students are expected to enter the classroom on time and remain until the class ends. Late arrivals and early departures will be noted in the record book. The class attendance policy set forth in the 1996-1998 FSU Catalogue will be strictly adhered to. |
| 5. | Students must refrain from smoking, eating, and drinking in the classroom. The rights of others must be respected at all times. |
| 6. | Students are encouraged to ask questions of the instructor in class and to respond to those posed by the instructor. They should not discourage others from asking or answering questions. Other students often have the same questions on their minds, but are hesitant to ask. |
| 7. | Students are expected to complete all class assignments and to spend adequate time on their class work and to read each topic prior to class discussion to insure that the course objectives are met. Two hours of home study is expected for each hour of class. |
| 8. | Talking in class between students is strictly unacceptable. Discussions should be directed to the instructor. |
| 9. | Extra recitation periods and/or computer lab attendance are mandatory for students whose grades fall below C. They must meet the instructor to arrange for extra activities. |
| 10. | Dishonesty on graded assignments will not be tolerated. Students must neither give nor receive help on any work to be graded. The University policy on cheating will be applied to any violations. The minimum penalty will be a grade of zero on the assignment. |
IX. REFERENCES
Mudridge, Larry R., Algebra for College Students. Philadelphia: Saunders College Publishing, 1994.
Angel, Allen R., Elementary Algebra for College Students. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1992.
Lial, Margaret and Charles Miller., Beginning Algebra. Glenview, IL: Scott, Foresman and Co., 1992.
Wise, Alan., Beginning Algebra and Problem Solving. San Diego, CA: Harcourt,
Brace, Jovanovich, Publishers, 1989.
Angel, Allen R., Intermediate Algebra for College Students. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1992.
Lial, Margaret and Charles Miller., Intermediate Algebra. Glenview, IL: Scott, Foresman and Co., 1988.
Kaufmann, Jerome E., Intermediate Algebra for College Students. Boston: PWS-Kent Publishing Co., 1989.
Drooyan, Irving and Katherine Franklin., Intermediate Algebra. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Co., 1991.
VI. COURSE OUTLINE WITH ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE*
| DATES | LECTURE | HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT | |
| WED: | 8/21 | Introduction to Algebra | p. 7 #1, 5, 12, 13, 16, 19, 23, 30, 37, 40, 41, 43-51odd |
| THU: | 8/22 | Introduction to Algebra | p. 7 #14, 17, 29, 42, 44, 53, 54, 58, 59, 61, 64, 67, 73, 76 |
| FRI: | 8/23 | The Commutative, Associative, and Distributive laws | p. 16 #3, 8, 13, 16, 21, 23, 27, 33-37, 52, 55, 61, 63, 71, 73, 75, 79, 83 |
| MON: | 8/26 | The Commutative, Associative, and Distributive laws | Exercise Set 1.2 |
| WED: | 8/28 | Fraction Notation | Exercise Set 1.3 |
| THU: | 8/29 | Positive and Negative Real Numbers | Exercise Set 1.4 |
| FRI: | 8/30 | Adding Real Numbers | Exercise Set 1.5 |
| MON: | 9/2 | LABOR DAY (HOLIDAY) | |
| WED: | 9/4 | Subtracting Real Numbers | Exercise Set 1.6 |
| THU: | 9/5 | Multiplying and Dividing Real Numbers | Exercise Set 1.7 |
| FRI: | 9/6 | Exponential Notation & Order of Operation | Exercise Set 1.8 |
| MON: | 9/9 | Exponential Notation & Order of Operation | Exercise Set 1.8 |
| WED: | 9/11 | Review Chapter One | |
| THU: | 9/12 | TEST # 1 | Read 2.1-2.2 |
| FRI: | 9/13 | Solving Equations | Exercise Set 2.1 |
| MON: | 9/16 | Solving Equations | Exercise Set 2.1 |
| WED: | 9/18 | Using the Principles Together | Exercise Set 2.2 |
| THU: | 9/19 | Using the Principles Together | Exercise Set 2.2 |
| FRI: | 9/20 | Formulas | Exercise Set 2.3 |
| MON: | 9/23 | Applications with Percent | Exercise Set 2.4 |
| WED: | 9/25 | Applications with Percent | Exercise Set 2.4 |
| THU: | 9/26 | Problem Solving | Exercise Set 2.5 |
| FRI: | 9/27 | Problem Solving | Exercise Set 2.5 |
| MON: | 9/30 | Solving Inequalities | Exercise Set 2.6 |
| WED: | 10/2 | Solving Applications with Inequalities | Exercise Set 2.7 |
| THU: | 10/3 | Solving Applications with Inequalities | Exercise Set 2.7 |
| FRI: | 10/4 | Review Chapter Two | |
| MON: | 10/7 | TEST # 2 | Read 4.1 |
| WED: | 10/9 | Exponents and Their Properties | Exercise Set 4.1 |
| THU: | 10/10 | Polynomials | Exercise Set 4.2 |
| FRI: | 10/11 | Addition & Subtraction of Polynomials | Exercise Set 4.3 |
| THU: | 10/10 | FALL BREAK | |
| FRI: | 10/11 | FALL BREAK | |
| MON: | 10/14 | Multiplication of Polynomials | Exercise Set 4.4 |
| WED | 10/16 | Special Products | Exercise Set 4.5 |
| THU: | 10/17 | Polynomials in Several Variables | Exercise Set 4.6 |
| FRI: | 10/18 | Division of Polynomials | Exercise Set 4.7 |
| MON: | 10/21 | Division of Polynomials | Exercise Set 4.7 |
| WED: | 10/23 | Negative Exponents & Scientific Notation | Exercise Set 4.8 |
| THU: | 10/24 | Negative Exponents & Scientific Notation | Exercise Set 4.8 |
| FRI: | 10/25 | Review Chapter Four | Review |
| MON: | 10/28 | TEST # 3 | READ 5.1 |
| WED: | 10/30 | Introduction to Factoring | Exercise Set 5.1 |
| THU: | 10/31 | Factoring Trinomials; x2 + bx +c | Exercise Set 5.2 |
| FRI: | 11/1 | Factoring Trinomials; x2 + bx +c | Exercise Set 5.2 |
| MON: | 11/4 | Factoring Trinomials; ax2 + bx +c | Exercise Set 5.3 |
| WED: | 11/6 | Factoring Trinomials; ax2 + bx +c | Exercise Set 5.3 |
| THU: | 11/7 | Factoring Perfect-Square Trinomials And Difference of Squares | Exercise Set 5.4 |
| FRI: | 11/8 | Factoring Perfect-Square Trinomials And Difference of Squares | Exercise Set 5.4 |
| MON: | 11/11 | Factoring: A General Strategy | Exercise Set 5.5 |
| WED: | 11/13 | Solving Quadratic Equations By Factoring | Exercise Set 5.6 |
| THU: | 11/14 | Solving Quadratic Equations By Factoring | Exercise Set 5.6 |
| FRI: | 11/15 | Solving Applications | Exercise Set 5.7 |
| MON: | 11/18 | Solving Applications | Exercise Set 5.7 |
| WED: | 11/20 | Review Chapter 5 | |
| THU: | 11/21 | TEST # 4 | Read 6.1 |
| FRI: | 11/22 | Rational Expressions | Exercise Set 6.1 |
| MON: | 11/25 | Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions | Exercise Set 6.2 |
| WED: | 11/27 | Addition, Subtraction, and LCD | Exercise Set 6.3 |
| THU: | 11/28 | Addition, Subtraction, and LCD | Exercise Set 6.3 |
| FRI: | 11/29 | Addition & Subtraction with Unlike Denominators | Exercise Set 6.4 |
| MON: | 12/2 | Complex Rational Expression | Exercise Set 6.5 |
| WED: | 11/4 | Solving Rational Equation | Exercise Set 6.6 |
| THU: | 11/5 | Solving Rational Equation | Exercise Set 6.6 |
| FRI: | 11/6 | Applications with Proportions | Exercise Set 6.7 |
| MON: | 11/9 | Applications with Proportions | Exercise Set 6.7 |
| WED: | 11/10 | Review Chapter 6 | |
| THU | 11/11 | THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY | |
| FRI: | 11/12 | THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY | |
| MON: | 11/15 | TEST # 5 | Read 8.1 & 8.2 |
| WED: | 11/17 | Introduction to Square Roots | Exercise Set 8.1 |
| THU: | 11/27 | Multiplying & Simplifying Radicals | Exercise Set 8.2 |
| FRI: | 11/28 | Multiplying & Simplifying Radicals | Exercise Set 8.2 |
| MON: | 11/29 | Quotient Involving Square Roots | Exercise Set 8.3 |
| WED: | 11/30 | More Operations with Radicals | Exercise Set 8.4 |
| THU: | 12/03 | Radical Equations | Exercise Set 8.5 |
| FRI: | 12/04 | Higher Roots & Rational Exponents | Exercise Set 8.7 |
| MON: | 12/05 | Review For Test 6 | |
| WED: | 12/06 | TEST # 6 | |
| THU: | 12/07 | Review for Final Examination | |
| FRI: | 12/10 | Review for Final Examination | |
| WED: | 12/11 | Review for Final Examination | |
| WED: | 12/12 | Reading Day |
THURSDAY, DEC. 12 — TUESDAY, DEC. 17, 2002 FINAL EXAMINATIONS
* This schedule is subject to change for the optimum benefit of the class as a whole. Therefore, it is important to stay alert and attend class regularly.