COLLEGE ALGEBRA

Course Designation

MAT 104. College Algebra. Review of the fundamentals of algebra; linear and quadratic equations and
inequalities ; functions and graphs; systems of equations and inequalities; exponential and logarithmic functions,
and the theory of equations. A student who has earned credit in MAT 106 cannot receive credit for this course.
Prerequisite: 2 years of high school algebra or equivalent . (3 hours credit.)

Text

Michael Sullivan. College Algebra. Eighth Edition. Prentice Hall, 2008.

General Course Objectives

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. Simplify algebraic expressions.
2. Solve linear equations .
3. Solve quadratic equations .
4. Solve inequalities .
5. Solve applied problems.
6. Describe and define a function.
7. Find the equation for a linear function satisfying given conditions.
8. Identify the domain and range.
9. Find the intercepts of an equation or graph.
10. Sketch the graph of a function .
11. Verify that a function has an inverse and compute the inverse of a function.
12. Simplify exponential and logarithmic expressions and solve equations.
13. Solve systems of equations.

Subject Matter or Content to be Studied

1. Review of Fundamental Concepts of Algebra
2. Algebraic Equations and Inequalities
3. The Cartesian Plane and Graphs of Equations
4. Functions and Graphs
5. Zeros of Polynomial Functions
6. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
7. Systems of Equations and Inequalities

Methods of Instruction

1. Lecture with demonstration to include work with graphing calculators and computer software.
2. Cooperative learning through group work.
3. Computer assisted problem solving.

Requirements

1. Regular and punctual attendance as stated in this syllabus.
2. Student preparation of homework assignments.
3. Student participation in class discussions and group work.
4. A hand-held calculator for computation.

Tutoring Service

Free tutoring will be available in the Mathematics Department for students who need help outside of class.
Hours when tutors are available will be given to the students and posted on the door of Department of
Mathematics, Walters 270.

Evaluation and Grading

1. Homework assignments to be completed on the computer using the MyMathLab software will be due
at the end of each week. Each student will be required to spend at least one hour (60 minutes) in the
computer lab in Walters 260 each week. Because communication is an essential part of everyday
life, assignments involving writing will be made and graded.

2. Computerized daily quizzes will be given throughout the semester.

3. Four scheduled tests will be given during the semester. Your homework/daily quiz/lab grade average
will count as a fifth test. These scores will comprise five sevenths of your final grade. A
comprehensive final examination will comprise the other two sevenths .

Homework

Homework assignments will be made for each section of the textbook covered. Problems listed in this syllabus
refer to homework sections and may be used for extra practice. Problems sets assigned to be completed on the
computer must be completed and submitted by the due dates in order to receive credit for these problems.

Grading Scale

Grades will be assigned according to the following scale:

A (90% - 100%)
B (80% - 89%)
C (70% - 79%)
D(60% - 69%)
F (below 60%)

Cheating and plagiarism are not tolerated. If it is established that a violation has occurred, the instructor may
determine the penalty, or he may report the offense to the department chair and dean of the school. The usual
penalty involves a grade of zero on the test, examination, or paper in question.

Class Attendance

1. Prompt and regular attendance is necessary for success in this course. In order to receive credit in this
course, the student must attend a minimum of 75% of the class meetings. Classes meeting two times
per week will be allowed a total of 7 absences, excused and unexcused. If you exceed the allowable
number of absences , a grade of "F" will be assigned as the final grade in the course.

2. When a student is tardy for class, it is the student's responsibility to request that the faculty member
change the recorded absence to a tardy. This must be done on the day the tardy occurred. A maximum
of 3 tardies will be allowed. Any additional tardies will be recorded as unexcused absences.

Classroom Policies and Make-Up Tests

1. Do not use tobacco or eat in the classroom.
2. Do not bring guests, including children, to class.
3. Do come to class on time and be prepared to begin class at the scheduled time.
4. Do not ask to leave class early. Schedule all appointments at times that do not conflict with class time.
5. If you know that you are going to miss a class, but particularly a class with a scheduled test, notify
your instructor as soon as possible before the absence and arrange a time to make up the work. If you
miss any assigned work, you have 3 class days to make up this work. Any absence from scheduled
work must be covered by a written excuse from the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Student
Health Service, or a doctor before the student is allowed to make up that work. Any exception to this
rule must be arranged before the missed work!
6. It is the responsibility of the individual student to inform the faculty member of any clinically
diagnosed learning disability or other limiting disability that might in some way hinder the student's
progress in this class. On request of the faculty member, evidence of such disability must be provided.
7. Calculator use is permitted on all homework assignments and tests.
8. Be sure to show all work on homework assignments and tests. No partial credit can be given if no
work is shown.
9. Homework must be turned in when it is due. No late homework will be accepted.
10. Cheating and plagiarism are not tolerated. If it is established that a violation has occurred, the penalty
will be a zero on the test, examination, or paper in question.
11. Pagers and cellular phones must be turned off during class and stored out of sight. A violation of this
will result in the user’s loss of the cell phone for an indefinite period of time.

Important Dates

Students who remain in the course after January 28, 2009, and who then elect to drop the course will receive a
grade of W if passing or a grade of F if failing the course at the time of the drop. A drop is not effective and
complete until the drop slip has been signed by all parties designated and turned in to the Registrar's office. No
course may be dropped after May 1. The final examination for this course is scheduled for Monday, May 4,
8:00 am. That is when it must be taken. If you plan to audit this course, you must notify the instructor by
January 27. You will not be allowed to change your status in this class from credit to audit after this date.

If a student has a disability that qualifies under the American with Disabilities Act and requires accommodation,
he should contact the Academic Support Lab (Union 311; phone 846-4654) for information on Appropriate
policies and procedures.

Instructor's Office Hours:

MAT 104

ASSIGNMENT SHEET