Course Syllabus for Intermediate Algebra

Method of Presentation :
The material will be covered using the lecture format. Problems will be assigned each class meeting for
discussion and review during the following class period.

Method of Evaluation:
Four Tests:15% each
Homework and Quizzes 15%
Final Exam 25%

Grading Scale:
92 -100 A
84 - 91 B
75 - 83 C
Below 75 **E or F

**NOTE: A letter grade of E (for Extended Time and signifying that you must repeat this course to strengthen
your math skills ) may be given in lieu of an F for those students who attend regularly, do all of the work and try
to actively learn the material.

Course Objectives:
At the completion of this course, the students will be able to:

I. Given a graph, identify it as a function and detennine the Domain and Range; analyze graphs of linear
functions to identify the x-intercept, y-intercept and slope

2. Graph linear equations in two variables using ordered pairs, the intercepts, and the slope and y-intercept

3. Graph linear inequalities in two variables

4. Determine whether two linear graphs are coinciding, parallel, or perpendicular by inspecting their
corresponding equations and write linear equations in two variables when given infonnation about their
graphs

5. Solve systems oflinear equations graphically and algebraically

6. Solve systems of two linear inequalities graphically

7. Simplify radical expressions with integer (positive and negative)radicands

8. Solve quadratic functions using multiple approaches to include factoring and the quadratic fonnula

9. Graph and analyze quadratic functions to identify vertex , x and y-intercepts, maxima and minima, and
domain and range

10. Add and subtract rational expressions and solve Rational equations

11. Solve real -world applications and problems involving the distance between two points and the
Pythagorean Theorem

Attendance: ATIENDANCE IS EXPECTED (See catalog)

Policy Regarding Make-Up Work:
There will be NO MAKE-UP TESTS given. If, due to some emergency situation, a student must miss a
scheduled test, he or she is responsible for contacting the instructor AS SOON AS POSSmLE. In those
cases, the instructor has the prerogative of replacing that ONE missing test grade with that of the Final
Exam. All other missed tests will receive a grade of zero .

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS COURSE, A GRADE OF "C" OR BETTER MUST BE EARNED
FOR THE COURSE AND A GRADE OF 65% OR HIGHER MUST BE EARNED ON THE FINAL
EXAM. Students who fail to earn a C or better for the course OR who fail to earn a 65% on the final
exam must re-take the course.

WEEKLY GUIDE

Week:
Material Covered:

1.Review of Syllabus, Review of Basic Algebra Skills (Supplement), Introduction to Functions
Textbook: 3.2

2.Graphing Linear Functions (table and x and y-intercepts), Slope
Textbook: 3.3.1,3.3.2,3.4.1

3.Graphing a line using the slope and y -intercept, Finding Equations of lines given a point and
the slope, Finding Equations of Lines given two points
Textbook: 3.4.2, 3.5.1, 3.5.2

4.Parallel and Perpendicular Lines, Review for Test I, Test I,
Textbook: 3.6

5.Finding the length and midpoint of a line segment, graphing Inequalities, solving systems of
equations by graphing
Textbook: 3.1.2,3.7,4.1.1

6.Solving systems of equations by substitution, Solving systems of equations by the Addition
Method, Application Problems(rate of wind and water current),
Textbook: 4.1.2,4.2.1,4.4.1

7.Application Problems (cost), Solving Systems of Linear Inequalities
Textbook: 4.4.2, 4.5

8.Review for Test II, Test II, Factoring Review Worksheet
Textbook: Supplement

9.Review Factoring, Factoring the sum or difference of two cubes , Review solving Quadratic
Equations by factoring
Textbook: Supplement, 6.4.2, 6.5.1, (9.1.1)

10.Simplifying Radical Expressions, Solving quadratic equations by taking the Square Roots
Textbool{: 8.2.1,9.1.3

11.Use the Quadratic Formula to solve Quadratic Equations, Graphing Quadratic Functions,
Finding the x-intercepts of quadratic functions
Textbook: 9.2.2, 9.6.1, 9.6.2

12.Finding maximum and minimum values, Applications (maximum and minimum) of
Quadratic Functions, Review for Test III
Textbook: 9.7

13.Test III, Review Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions
Textbook: 7.2.1

14.Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions with like and unlike denominators, Solving
Rational Equations
Textbook: 7.2.2, 7.4.1

15.Work problems, Review for Test IV, Test IV
Textbook: 7.4.2
Final Review, Final Exam (Comprehensive)

ADA Statement:
DSCC is committed to providing a discrimination free environment for its students with disabilities. Students with
disabilities are encouraged to inform the college of any assistance they may need. Please contact Pam Dahl, ADA
Coordinator, at 286-3242.