Intermediate Algebra

Description: This course is designed to prepare the student for college algebra. It covers first-degree equations and inequalities,
linear functions , systems of linear equations, polynomials, exponents and radicals , rational expressions, quadratic equations,
graphing functions, and logarithms.

Pre-requisites: Grade of C or better in 010 or placement recommendation from COMPASS test (Algebra ≥ 46)

Course Delivery/Philosophy: This course uses multimedia instruction extensively. One of the main advantages
is that the student can move faster than the minimum pace. Each section begins with a pre-test (Overview). If
you get a perfect score on the pre-test, you can move on to the next section. If you don’t get a perfect score,
the program will give you a prescription of study for the section so that you can focus on the material you
don’t know. If you do get a perfect score, you can still look over the material if you think you need a
refresher. Each section will take you through a lecture (Explain) and some interactive problems (Apply and
Explore). Each section ends with a post-test (Evaluate). After you’ve completed a section, you move on to the
next section. Students near CSI will be able to work in the computer lab in GRM 201 or Canyon 101 (I.m
currently working on setting up a lab at Micron), and if you have a computer that meets some minimum
specifications and can access the internet, you’ll be able to work from home. I will be available by email,
telephone, or in my office. After every ten sections ± , you’ll take a paper/pencil test.

Required Materials: Mediated Learning Student Guide, notebook, and calculator.
There are two ways to obtain the materials: Method 1 is to go to the CSI bookstore in person and tell the
cashier that you are in Math 010 Internet course and you need the Academic Systems book with software. The
cashier will sell you the shrink wrapped materials. . Method 2 is to order the materials from the bookstore
online or over the phone (208-733-9554 ext. 2800) The bookstore will send will send
you the Personal Academic Notebook. All of the instructional material is on the CD.s that are inside the back
cover of the textbook. The validation of the software will only lasts one semester and can.t be transferred from
student to student. You must buy the materials brand new from CSI.s bookstore and you will not be able to sell
it back at the end of the semester. If you.re going to work in a campus lab (CSI library, Canyon 103, the dorms,
or the Mini-Cassia Center) you should also obtain a set of stereo headphones from the bookstore or otherwise
(the ones from your walkman will work fine.) The headphones in the labs can be gross (if you can find them).

Minimum Computer Specifications: To work from home, you must have a Pentium-class computer w/ at least
32 MB of Ram, 100 MB of free disk space, a CD-ROM drive, a sound card, a video card that can handle 16
bit high-color, and access to the internet.. Inside the back cover of your PAN, there are 3 disks. The first
disk you will only need to use once, just to install the program (client) on your computer. The other two
(Intermediate Algebra Part One and Intermediate Algebra Part Two) contain lessons. You will need the
appropriate lesson disk every time you want to work on a section.

Course Objectives. The student will be able to do the following: Work with real numbers. Add, subtract,
multiply , and divide polynomials . Factor polynomials. Solve linear equations and inequalities . Solve linear
absolute value equations and inequalities. Graph a linear equation and find its slope and intercepts . Graph
and/or find the equation of a line given its slope and a point or two points. Find parallel and perpendicular
lines. Graph and/or find the equation of a horizontal or vertical line. Graph and interpret a linear inequality.
Solve a system of two linear equations using graphing, substitution, and/or elimination. Use linear equations
to solve number, interest, coin, and mixture problems. Simplify, multiply, divide, add , and subtract rational
expressions. Simplify complex fractions. Solve equations with rational expressions. Solve for an unknown in
a rational expression. Solve distance and work problems involving rational expressions. Work with rational
exponents simplify, multiply, divide, add, and subtract radical expressions. Solve quadratic equations by
completing the square and/or using the quadratic formula . Work with complex numbers. Understand
functions, functional notation and the vertical line test. Find the sum , difference , product, quotient and
composition of two functions. Find and graph the inverse of a function. Apply knowledge of functions and
graphs to exponential and logarithmic functions. Understand natural and common logs and be able to apply
the change of base formula. Solve nonlinear equations that can be reduced to solving polynomial equations.
Solve nonlinear equations by graphing, adding, and/ or substitution . Solve quadratic inequalities. Understand
matrices. Solve systems of equations using Cramer’s rule and/or Gaussian elimination.

Policies and Procedures:

Consistent Effort is important for success. You should plan to spend 12 hours per week on this course. If you already have a full
load or are working full-time with other course, this course may not be for you. Sit down now and block out 12 hours to work on
Math every week.

Academic Integrity: Please read the behavioral policy on Honesty starting on page 15 of the current CSI
Catalog. Any violation of the policy will be dealt with severely, including but not limited to, being dismissed
from the class and/or given a grade of F for the course.

Logging In for the 1^st time Your logon name is your first initial and your last name, without any spaces.
For example, my name is Kevin Jones, so my logon is kjones. There are a couple of exceptions that come
up when there are two people with the same first initial and same last name. I’ll try to tell you if this is the
case. Your initial password is your student ID number. You can change your password as soon as you
login for the first time.

Library Use and other assistance outside of class.
Campus Computer Labs that have the Academic Systems software installed:
ADC 201, Mon. Fri. 8am to 4:30pm and Tues. Thurs. 6:30pm to 9:30pm.
Canyon 103 , open M Th 8 am 9 pm, F 8 am 6 pm, Sat. 9am 12 pm
Library, open M-Th 7:30am - 9pm , F 7:30am - 6pm , Sat.-Sun. 1pm - 5pm

Free Peer Tutoring is available on campus through the Academic Development Center. If you are struggling and/or need extra
help see Nate Kelsey (Peer Tutoring Coordinator, 9am 4pm, GRM 202, phone number 732 6548) to apply. Help is also
available in the Math Lab, Shields 207.

Office Hours: Don’t wait for things to get out of control, contact me the first time you don’t understand something. I have NO
desire to see you fail or do poorly. You should plan on spending at least 12 hours working on this course. Some of your time
should be spent getting help from me. As an instructor, I am required to hold office hours so that there is a set time for you to visit
with me. Take advantage of it. Feel free to come to my office in person, or e-mail or voice mail me your questions and I will
answer them as soon as I can. (It helps if you give the page and problem number of a problem from the text that illustrates your
difficulty. )

Academic Systems Technical Support: If you have problems with the software, you can call 1-800-681-HELP 24 hours a day
for assistance. Be sure you write down exactly what is happening and when, and any error messages you have received before you
call.

Outcomes Assessment: For this class, we will take a final that shares questions with the final of a traditional
Math 108 class. The results will be compared, but the comparison will not effect your grade.

Provisions for Testing
If you can come to campus you will take tests in the Campus Testing Center (GRM 230). The Testing
Center hours are Mon. Thurs. 8:00 am 9:30 pm. You cannot start a test after 8:30 pm. On Friday, the
hours are 8:00 am 4:30 pm. You cannot start a test after 3:30 pm. Photo ID is Required every time No
Exceptions!!

Tests at Micron. Students who work at Micron will take tests at the Training and Education Office.
If you cant come to campus and dont work at Micron, let me know and well make other arrangements.

Grading: The quiz (evaluate) scores will be averaged and assigned a percentage between 0 and 100. Tests 1, 2,
and 3 will be worth 100 points. The final will be worth 200 points. I’ll calculate your grade as follows:
(2·quiz average + 1^st test + 2^nd test + 3^rd test + final)/7. 90100 is an A, 8089 is a B, 7079 is a C, 60
69 is a D, and below 60 is an F. The grade of NC will only be given by request to students who work
diligently and stay in contact with me for the entire semester. I can drop students up until the start of finals
week and will do so if requested by the student. If you just disappear without dropping, Ill give you your
F.

Schedule You are encouraged to work as fast as you can. As soon as you are ready for a test (or pretty close),
let me know 48 hours in advance of when you would like to take it. Ill write a test for you and send it to the
appropriate testing facility. Test 1 covers EII A, EII C, EII E, 5.1 and 5.2 Suggested time frame to complete
sections and take test 1: Sept. 18. Test 2 covers 16.1, EII F, EII B, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, EII D Suggested time
frame to complete sections and take test 2: Oct. 16. Test 3 covers 8.4, 9.1, 9.2, 13.1. Suggested time frame
to complete sections and take Test 3:Nov. 15. The final covers everything from Tests 1, 2, and 3 as well as
13.3, 11.1, 11.2, 12.1, 12.2, and 12.3. On-time deadline to complete sections and take final: Dec. 18.

You will not be penalized if you take a test after suggested deadline. Taking the final by Dec. 18 is a
hard and fast deadline to be sure you get a grade in the class. On-line quizzes must be completed
before you take a written exam on the material. Any uncompleted quizzes will receive a score of 0.
I will grant you an incomplete if you finish at least 70% of course. An incomplete allows you more
time to complete the course. The time allotted will be agreed upon between you and myself.