Online College Algebra

A. TEXTBOOK(S) AND REQUIRED TOOLS OR SUPPLIES

1. Optional: Hawkes Learning Systems College Algebra – ISBN: 0-918091-594
2. Required Hardware if installed on home computer:
400 MHz or faster processor
Windows 98SE or later
64 MB RAM (128 MB recommended)
150 MB hard drive space
256 color display (800 x 600, 16-bit color recommended)
Internet Explorer 6.0 or later
CD-ROM drive
3. Optional Textbook (see bookstore for details)
NOTE: During installation, you will be prompted to enter a Course ID. For College Algebra, enter FortScottCOL

B. COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course is an extension from intermediate algebra with an emphasis on solving and graphing : equations (quadratic,
polynomial, rational) and inequalities; functions (piecewise, composite, quadratic); zeros of polynomial functions;
exponential functions ; logarithmic functions; and systems of equations and inequalities.

C. METHOD OF INSTRUCTION

This will be a problem-solving oriented class. Problems will be assigned from the software and unit tests will be given
over the homework assignments. It is the responsibility of the student to complete all homework assignments in order to
be ready for unit tests. Due dates for the homework will be listed on your progress report when entering the software. If
you complete the homework after that date, you will only receive 80% credit. Optional practice tests will be available for
each unit test and the final.

D. COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. To help the student develop skills which will enable him or her to solve problems and communicate effectively using
the language and techniques of algebra.
2. To acquaint the student with some of the general concepts and principles of mathematics that will serve as a basis for
further studies in mathematics.
3. To help the student build confidence in his or her ability to solve problems in mathematics.
4. To encourage the student to develop and use a sound mathematical vocabulary.

E. COURSE TOPICS/UNITS

I. Number Systems & Fundamental Concepts of Algebra (Chapter 1) - OTPIONAL

II. Equations and Inequalities of One Variable (Chapter 2)
A. Linear Equations in One Variable
B. Linear Inequalities in One Variable
C. Quadratic Equations in One Variable
D. Higher Degree Polynomial Equations
E. Rational Expressions and Equations
F. Radical Equations

III. Linear Equations and Inequalities of Two Variables (Chapter 3)
A. The Cartesian Coordinate System
B. Linear Equations in Two Variables
C. Form of Linear Equations
D. Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
F. Linear Inequalities in Two Variables

IV. Relations, Functions, and Their Graphs (Chapter 4)
A. Relations and Functions
B. Linear and Quadratic Functions
C. Other Common Functions
D. Transformations of Functions
E. Combining Functions
F. Inverses of Functions

V. Polynomial Functions (Chapter 5)
A. Introduction to Polynomial Equations and Graphs
B. Polynomial Division and the Division Algorithm
C. Locating Real Zeros of Polynomials
D. The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

VI. Rational Functions and the Parabola (Chapter 6)
A. Rational Functions and Rational Inequalities
B. The Parabola

VII. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions (Chapter 7)
A. Exponential Functions and Their Graphs
B. Applications of Exponential Functions
C. Logarithmic Functions and Their Graphs
D. Properties and Applications of Logarithms
E. Exponential and Logarithmic Equations

VIII. Systems of Equations and Inequalities (Chapter 8)
A. Solving Systems by Substitution and Elimination
B. Matrix Notation and Gaussian Elimination
C. Determinants and Cramer’ s Rule (optional)
D. Non-linear Systems of Equations

F. COURSE COMPETENCIES

UNDERSTAND FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS OF ALGEBRA (CHAPTER 1) - OPTIONAL
UNDERSTAND EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES (CHAPTER 2)

1. Solve linear, quadratic, and radical equations and inequalities. *
2. Demonstrate understanding of quadratic equations through applications. *
3. Solve rational equations and inequalities. *
4. Solve equations and inequalities involving absolute value. *

UNDERSTAND GRAPHS (CHAPTER 3)

5. Demonstrate how to graph functions in two-dimensional coordinates. *
6. Graph and solve linear equations and inequalities. *
7. Demonstrate knowledge of parallel and perpendicular lines and circles. *

UNDERSTAND FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS (CHAPTER 4)

8. Define and show understanding of relations and functions. *
9. Determine the domain and range of functions. *
10. Show understanding of function notation and operations on functions. *
11. Demonstrate knowledge of variation. *
12. Graph and solve constant, linear, quadratic, cubic, square root , absolute value, and piecewise functions. *
13. Graph special functions (absolute value, square root, piecewise, rational, non-function) using the concept of
transformations. *
14. Analyze data from systems of equations and inequalities. *
15. Demonstrate understanding of composite functions. *

UNDERSTAND POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS (CHAPTERS 5)

16. Use concepts of symmetry, intercepts, left and right behavior. *
17. Solve using synthetic division .
18. Find the real zeros of a polynomial function.
19. Demonstrate knowledge of complex numbers and quadratic equations with a negative discriminant .

UNDERSTAND RATIONAL FUNCTIONS AND THE PARABOLA (CHAPTER 6)

20. Demonstrate knowledge of rational functions. *
21. Demonstrate knowledge of polynomial and rational inequalities. *
22. Graph quadratic functions. *

UNDERSTAND EXPONENTIAL AND LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS (CHAPTER 7)

23. Solve and graph exponential functions. *
24. Demonstrate knowledge of natural exponential functions through applications. *
25. Demonstrate knowledge of inverse functions. *
26. Demonstrate knowledge of the properties of logarithms.
27. Solve logarithmic and exponential equations. *

UNDERSTAND SYSTEMS OF EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES (CHAPTER 8)

28. Solve systems of equations in two variables using various methods including matrices. *
29. Solve systems of equations in three variables using various methods including matrices. *
30. Graph non-linear systems of equations. *
* Designates core outcomes and competencies for College Algebra from the Kansas Core Outcome Project (2001, 2004, 2005).

G. GRADING PLAN

Grades can be accessed at any time by logging into the courseware and selecting Progress Report.
The grade will be calculated as follows :
15% - Homework
65% - Unit tests
20% - Final exam
Homework will be completed online only. Before the homework can be submitted, 80% achievement level must be
reached. Once it is mastered, the student will receive 100% credit for the assignment if submitted on time. Late penalties
will apply if submitted late. All due dates are listed on the student’s Progress Report.

H. ATTENDANCE POLICY

Students are expected to login at least twice a week to both the courseware and into Blackboard. Periodically, there will
be requirements to post on the discussion board on Blackboard. Students should also login to the courseware for any
updates and/or changes in the schedule. Students must complete the homework and tests online to be considered as
attending class.