SYLLABUS FOR INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA
Text: Text: : Introductory and Intermediate Algebra for College Students; Robert Blitzer; 3rd edition, Pearson Prentice Hall, 2009
Office Hours: I have no office on Campus but will meet with any Student who needs help. Contact me in or after class (I will remain until all students have left), by phone or by email. I will attempt to answer email every day but do not assume an appointment has been made if I have not sent a verification by return email.
Course Description: This course is a continuation of Math 021. Subjects include linear and quadratic equations and inequalities; graphs; algebraic fractions; 2x2 and 3x3 systems of linear equations; and complex numbers. Course Assignments are in the attached matrix course topics are:
| Chapter | Section | Topic |
| 4 | 1 | Solving systems of linear equations by graphing |
| 2 | Solving systems of linear equations by substitution | |
| 3 | Solving systems of linear equations by addition | |
| 4 | Problem solving using systems of equations | |
| 5 | Solving systems of linear equations in three variables | |
| 6 | 1 | The greatest common factor and factoring by grouping |
| 2 | Factoring trinomials whose leading coefficient is 1 | |
| 3 | Factoring trinomials whose leading coefficient is not 1 | |
| 4 | Factoring special forms | |
| 5 | A general factoring strategy | |
| 6 | Solving quadratic equations by factoring | |
| 7 | 1 | Rational expressions and their simplification |
| 2 | Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions | |
| 3 | Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions same denom | |
| 4 | Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions different denominator | |
| 5 | Complex Rational Expressions | |
| 6 | Solving rational Expressions | |
| 7 | Applications using Rational Equations and Proportions | |
| 8 | Modeling Using Variation | |
| 8 | 1 | Introduction to Functions |
| 2 | Graphs of Functions | |
| 3 | The Algebra of Functions | |
| 4 | Composite and Inverse Functions | |
| 9 | 1 | Linear Inequalities |
| 2 | Compound Inequalities | |
| 3 | Equations and inequalities involving absolute value | |
| 4 | Linear inequalities in 2 variables | |
| 10 | 1 | Radical expressions and functions |
| 2 | Rational exponents | |
| 3 | Multiplying and simplifying radical expressions | |
| 4 | Adding, subtracting, and dividing radical expressions | |
| 5 | Multiplying with more than one term and rationalizing denominators | |
| 6 | Radical equations | |
| 7 | Complex numbers | |
| 11 | 1 | The square root property ; completing the square; distance formula; midpoint formula |
| 2 | The quadratic formula | |
| 3 | Quadratic functions and their graphs | |
| 4 | Equation quadratic in form | |
| 5 | Polynomial and rational inequalities |
Homework: I will check homework every class and I will give a quiz each class period based on the homework assigned for that class period. You should plan on at least 2.5 hours of outside study for every class period. Homework is assigned in the attached matrix. Two copies are provided, detach one and put in a safe place if you loose the original. Section titles and numbers are shown in the table at the end of this syllabus. You are assigned to read the chapters that will be covered in class. You should come to class ready to ask questions on any homework problem you were unable to solve. An opportunity to ask questions on the homework will be provided before each quiz.
Grades: I will base grades on a combination of quizzes, homework, tests, and the comprehensive final. I will use class participation to decide whether to upgrade an average that is less than one percentage point from the next break point. Class participation includes answering questions and doing board problems. I will attempt to give you a few minutes to do board problems at your desk before asking you to come to the board. Usually I will ask you to do board problems in groups of 2. I will help you if you have a problem. Articulating your answer to your peers is an important part of your math education and is a course requirement. There will be 22 quizzes worth 6 points each and I will drop the three lowest quiz scores for a total of 114 points. I will not issue a makeup quiz. If you miss a class the missed quiz will be one of your low grades. I give partial credit for work shown, be sure to take the time to show all steps in your thought process. If it is a word problem a sketch is required and will be part of the grade. I do not give partial credit if work is not shown. I will ask you to display your homework at the beginning of each class. If you have attempted each problem you will receive 6 points. If not no points will be awarded. If you miss class I will accept the homework at and only at the first class you are present at. I will not review your homework for credit after the due date.
There will be three tests worth 100 points each and the final will combine a test of chapter 11 with a comprehensive final is worth 300 pts.
| Event | Points |
| quizzes | 114 |
| homework | 132 |
| Test I | 100 |
| Test II | 100 |
| Test III | 100 |
| Final | 300 |
| Total | 846 |
Grades will be based on total points. Letter grades will be awarded on the following basis
| A | 90-100% of total points | 822-740 |
| B | 80-89% of total points | 739-658 |
| C | 70-79% of total points | 657-575 |
| D | 60-69% of total points | 574-493 |
| F | 0-59% of total points | 492-0 |
Students may bring one handwritten (no mechanically produced, printed, or photocopied sheets allowed) notes sheet to all tests and quizzes. The notes sheet can be written on one side only, the other side must be blank. Sheet can be no larger than 8.5x11inches. Sheet must be the student’s own work. Two 8.5x11 inch note pages front and back are allowed for the final.
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