BASIC COURSE INFORMATION FOR INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA

Number of Credits: 3

I. Course Objectives
This course provides a preparation for more advanced study in mathematics. Topics include
simplifying and factoring polynomial , fractional, and radical expressions ; solving linear and quadratic
functions; introduction to logarithms.
Prerequisite: MATH095 Basic Algebra (C or better) or Math Placement of 5.

II. Course Content and Direction

A. Textbook to be used
Intermediate Algebra, 10th Edition by Lial, Hornsby, McGinnis
(ISBN 0-321-44362-4) published by Pearson Education, Addison-Wesley.

B. Learning Goals
1. To develop an understanding of the concepts and procedures for solving equations and
inequalities and sampling expressions.
2. To provide a variety of applications of equation solving.
3. To develop the understanding of function and relation.
4. To utilize a scientific calculator for exponential and logarithmic computations .
5. To develop the habit of completing assignments on time.
6. To develop the skill of graphing a variety of linear and non -linear functions and relations.
7. To understand the concept of slope in working with linear relationships.

C. Course Topics
1. Linear Equations and Inequalities
a. Linear Equations
b. Word Problems and Formulas
c. Applications of Algebra
d. Linear Inequalities
e. Equations and Inequalities with Absolute Value
f. Linear Functions
g. Slope-Intercept Form
h. Point-Slope Form
i. Applications of Graphing Functions
2. Exponents and Factoring Polynomials
a. Exponent Rules
b. Operations with Polynomials
c. Factoring Polynomials
d. Second Degree Equations
e. Applications of Second Degree Equations
3. Rational Expressions and Equations
a. Operations with Rational Expressions
b. Complex Fractions
c. Rational Equations
d. Applications of Rational Equations
e. Systems of Linear Equations
4. Radical Expressions , Radical Equations, Quadratic Formula
a. Simplifying Radical Expressions
b. Rational Exponents
c. Operations with Radical Expressions
d. Complex Number Expressions
e. Quadratic Formula
f. Radical Equations
g. Applications of Quadratic Equations
5. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
a. Exponential Functions
b. Exponential to Logarithmic Form
c. Logarithmic Functions

III. Teaching Methods to be used

A. I will use lecture, recitation, problem solving, and class discussion as appropriate.

B. I make extensive use of email and my web site to keep you aware of class business. I
frequently send important information regarding homework, tests, and grades, so you should
check your email regularly. I also add important information, including this document and the
assignment sheet, to the class web site and will notify you of updates to it by email and in class.
The college assigns you a unique student email address when you register for the first time.
You can access that mailbox from anywhere using a web browser and you should check your
email regularly. If you will not be using your college address, please make sure that you give
me an accurate email address and keep me informed if it changes . If you don’t have ready
access to a computer at home, utilize a computer in the library or elsewhere on campus.

C. An assignment sheet will list all homework problems from the text. Please attempt all assigned
problems and bring your questions to class. Homework will be collected with each test and
selected problems will be graded and used as a portion of that test grade.

D. Calculators or graphing calculators may be used during class and during any test and the final
exam. You are not required to have one, but you may find it useful here and in other classes.
Many types are available but examples in the book and by me are geared towards Texas
Instruments (TI) models 83, 83+, 84, 84+, etc. that are readily available at retail stores and
online.

E. Study Requirements: It is important to study two hours for each class hour. In Algebra you
learn by doing:
1. Read the assigned section of the textbook and go over all example problems.
2. Do assigned homework problems. Check your answers in the back of the book, in the
solutions manual if you have it, or in the next class.
3. Do not hesitate to get extra help from me, a friend, or the Tutoring Center.

IV. Withdrawal

A. Withdrawal is allowed up to Tuesday, November 6, 2007, and can be accomplished by filling
out the appropriate form which you may obtain at the reception desk, from the UBC
administrative suite, or in the Admissions Office.

B. After that date, you may not withdraw from the course.

V. Extra Help

A. My office hours are listed at the top of this sheet. If you cannot be available during scheduled
hours, we can select a time which is mutually convenient.

B. Tutoring help is available, free of charge, in the Tutoring Center in Upper Bucks County room
126, across from the Library.

C. See my web site for links to several online help locations.

D. A Student Solutions Manual (ISBN 0-321-44115-X), with answers to all odd-numbered
problems, and other student aids are available. See the publisher link at my web site.

E. If you have a disability and wish to discuss academic accommodations, please see me as soon
as possible. Bring your documentation from Disability Services with you.

F. Student Services has counseling available if you have a personal, family, work or similar
problem that you would like to discuss. They also publish short TIPS for common student
problems. A link to these is shown at my web site.

VI. Please read the statement on cheating and plagiarism on page 159 of the current college
catalog (2006-2008). College policies will be strongly enforced! Penalties for cheating are
severe and range from a requirement to redo the work, an automatic failing grade for the work,
automatic withdrawal or failure of the course, up to a three year suspension from the college.

VII. Miscellaneous

A. I expect you to attend every class unless it is unavoidable. Excessive absence may result in my
filing an instructor-initiated Withdrawal. I follow the syllabus rigorously, so if you do need to
miss a class because of illness or an emergency, you will know exactly what was discussed and
what homework is assigned.

B. You should plan your day such that you can arrive to class on time and stay until the end. If
you know that you be delayed or must leave early, it would be considerate of you to let me
know ahead of time.

C. Please show respect during class for me and your fellow students by not having side
conversations, keeping your cell phone off or its ringer set to quiet, staying awake, not eating in
class, etc.