COLLEGE ALGEBRA I

Course Description:

“College Algebra I ” is the first part of a three-course sequence designed to prepare students with
the mathematical background necessary for pre-calculus and/or calculus. It is intended to
establish a foundation in algebraic concepts and problem solving. Among the topics included in
“College Algebra I” are an introduction to functions and graphs, linear functions and their
applications, linear inequalities , algebra of functions, composition of functions, function
transformations, quadratic functions and their applications, systems of equations in two
variables, and systems of equations in three variables. Pre-requisite: C in Math 134 (Intermediate
Algebra) or equivalent .

Performance Objectives:

As a result of successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. Distinguish between functions and relations

2. Use (read and write) function notation correctly

3. Determine the domain and range of functions

4. Perform the basic operations with functions : Addition, subtraction , multiplication,
division , and composition

5. Sketch the graphs of a variety of basic functions

6. Sketch the graphs of functions by using transformation techniques

7. Formulate mathematical models with functions to solve real -life problems

8. Write the equation of a linear function, determine its slope and intercepts , and sketch its
graph

9. Model real-world phenomena with linear functions

10. Solve linear equations, absolute- value equations , and inequalities

11. Solve application problems involving linear equations and inequalities

12. Model real-world phenomena with quadratic functions

13. Solve systems of equations in two and three variables by graphing, substitution , and
elimination methods

14. Formulate mathematical models involving systems of equations to solve application
problems

Text:

Algebra and Trigonometry : Graphs and Models, by Bittinger et al., 4^th Edition, 2009. Chapters 1,

2, and 3, and sections 9.1 and 9.2 of the text will be covered

Course Content Outline:

Course Evaluation and Grading Method:

Your final grade will be determined by the following weighting:

Online Quizzes:
In-Class Test #1:
In-Class Test #2:
In-Class Final Examination:

Students will complete an online quiz per each section of the chapters included in this course. To
get access to the online quizzes, you need to register and log in into CourseCompass, which is an
online learning environment powered by Blackboard. In CourseCompass, you will find
announcements, syllabus, assignments, readings, video clips, simulations, animations, and
PowerPoint slides for the course. All of the students taking this class are required to register in
CourseCompass and enroll into my CourseCompass class. To do that,
 (b) click Register in the Students area, (c) review the list of
required items for enrolling in the course, and (d) click Next. Follow the instructions. At some
point, you will be asked to enter a Course ID. The Course ID for this class will be given to you in
a separate piece of paper or sent to you via email.

Two in-class tests will be given during the quarter (Test #1 and Test #2). Each test will include
material covered in class up to that point, with emphasis on material covered since the last test.
In addition, you will take an in-class comprehensive final examination. If a student misses one
test, then the final exam will count for a larger percentage of his/her grade. If a student misses
more than one test, then he/she will receive a grade of F in the course. Students may make up
the grade of either Test #1 or Test #2 by taking a make-up test the same day of the final exam.
Please be sure to bring your calculator to all tests. Calculators cannot be shared.

Students’ final numerical grades will be converted to letter grades according to the following
scale:

NUMERICAL GRADE	LETTER GRADE	NUMERICAL GRADE	LETTER GRADE

Class Attendance Policy:

Students are expected to attend all class meetings. If a student misses more than three days of
class or is consistently late, then he/she may be withdrawn from the class.
Students are responsible for all information, material, and assignments covered in class
regardless of class attendance. In addition, students are required to read (from the textbook) the
sections indicated in the course-content outline table presented above.

Tutoring:

The Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science provides tutoring and
assistance in the Mathematics Laboratory (Muntz 112G) for students enrolled in this class. Just
walk in and ask for help.

Students with Disabilities:

Raymond Walters College is committed to providing all students equal access to learning
opportunities. Disability Services is the official campus office that works with students who
have disabilities to arrange reasonable accommodations. Students who have or think they have a
disability are invited to contact Disability Services for a confidential discussion. It is
recommended that students initiate contact early in the quarter to allow adequate time for
services to be arranged. Location: Muntz Hall; room 112E. Telephone: (513)792-8625.