Intermediate Algebra and Geometry Refresher Syllabus

LAB COURSE REQUIREMENTS

This is a partially online lab course that will utilize the computers in the ILC, room I-130 and computers from
remote locations. Students are responsible for establishing access to the Internet from all remote locations
outside the ILC. With an Internet connection, students can log into this lab course and participate anytime,
anywhere. This lab course is always in session from the first day of the semester to the last day. To successfully
complete this lab course, students should have skills and feel comfortable in the following areas – Blackboard and
CENGAGENOW!, handling e-mail, including sending e-mail attachments, basic file management, downloading and
uploading files, finding information on the Internet, and completing online forms.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Math 15C – Intermediate Algebra and Geometry Refresher is intended for those students who have completed
the math assessment with a level of M40 (intermediate algebra) and wish to improve their placement level;
students who have successfully completed Math15B; students who have successfully completed Math 96 but need
more review; or students who unsuccessfully attempted Math 104, 116, 141 or 210A and need review of
intermediate algebra skills. The course will consist of online independent study using a web-based tutorial program
to refresh those concepts identified as needed for each student. This course will not replace a failing grade in
Math 96.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:
1. demonstrate understanding of the mathematical concepts required for the intermediate algebra level as
defined in the district course outline;
2. perform the basic arithmetic operations required for the intermediate algebra level as defined in the
district course outline;
3. translate verbal expressions into algebraic expressions and simplify them as needed for the intermediate
algebra level as defined in the district course outline;
4. apply mathematical properties required for the intermediate algebra level as defined in the district course
outline;
5. apply the appropriate skills in application problems required for the intermediate algebra level as defined in
the district course outline.

OPTIONAL COURSE MATERIALS

STUDENT WORKBOOK
The Learning EQUATION Intermediate Algebra
Version 3.5
Brooks/Cole Publishing
Thomson Learning
Copyright 2004
ISBN: 0-534-42034-6
CALCULATOR
A scientific or graphing calculator is highly recommended.

WORKBOOK COVERAGE

To complete the course by the end of the semester all assessments in Blackboard must be passed with a score of
seventy (70). Students will be responsible for all topics covered in the Student Workbook lessons listed below.
You are advised to utilized all resources if you plan to successfully complete this course by the end of the 16-week

1.1 – 1.5 Assessment
REAL NUMBERS
1.1 Data in Tables 1
1.2 Data in Tables 2
1.3 The Real Number System
1.4 Solving Problems
1.5 Operations with Real Numbers

2.1 – 2.3 Assessment
RADICALS
2.1 Rational Exponents
2.2 Simplifying Radical Expressions
2.3 Multiplying and Dividing Radical Expressions

3.1 – 3.4 Assessment
LINEAR EQUATIONS
3.1 Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
3.2 Solving Linear Equations and Formulas
3.3 Applications of Equations
3.4 The Rectangular Coordinate System

4.1 – 4.5 Assessment
POLYNOMIALS AND FACTORING
4.1 Multiplying Polynomials
4.2 The Greatest Common Factor and Factoring by Grouping
4.3 Factoring Trinomials and Difference of Squares
4.4 Sum and Difference of Two Cubes
4.5 Dividing Polynomials by Binomials

5.1 – 5.5 Assessment
RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS
5.1 Rational Expressions: Finding Equivalent Forms
5.2 Non-permissible Values
5.3 Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions
5.4 Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions
5.5 Solving Rational Equations

6.1 – 6. 4 Assessment
RELATIONS AND FUNCTIONS
6.1 Differences Between Relations and Functions
6.2 Describing Functions
6.3 Function Notation
6.4 Domain and Range of Relations

7.1 – 7.4 Assessment
LINEAR FUNCTIONS
7.1 Linear Functions
7.2 Direct and Partial Variations
7.3 Rate of Change and Slope of a Line
7.4 Determining the Equation of a Line

8.1 – 8.7 Assessment
LINEAR SYSTEMS
8.1 Solving Linear Systems by Graphing
8.2 Solving Linear Systems by Elimination
8.3 Solving Three Equations in Three Variables
8.4 Solving Linear Systems by Matrices
8.5 Solving Linear Systems by Determinants
8.6 Solving Systems of Linear Inequalities
8.7 Linear Programming

9.1 – 9.5 Assessment
FUNCTIONS
9.1 Functions and Operations
9.2 Inverse Functions
9.3 Graphs of Quadratic Functions
9.4 Completing the Square
9.5 Translations of Quadratic Functions

10.1 – 10.7 Assessment
QUADRATICS EQUATIONS
10.1 Solving Quadratics by Graphing
10.2 Solving Quadratics by Factoring
10.3 Complex Numbers
10.4 The Quadratic Formula
10.5 Using Discriminants and Graphs
10.6 Graphing Polynomial Functions
10.7 Graphing Rational Functions

11.1 – 11.6 Assessment
SOLVING EQUATIONS
11.1 Absolute Value Equations
11.2 Radical Equations
11.3 Rational Equations
11.4 Rational Inequalities 1
11.5 Rational Inequalities 2
11.6 Complex Fractions

12.1 – 12.9 Assessment
EXPONENTIAL AND LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS
12.1 Exponential Equations
12.2 Graphing Exponential Functions
12.3 Exponential Functions
12.4 Properties of Logarithms
12.5 Logarithmic Equations
12.6 Graphing Logarithmic Functions
12.7 Applications of Logarithms
12.8 Base-e Exponential Functions
12.9 Base-e Logarithms

DROP POLICY

Students are responsible for dropping the class if they are no longer participating. The instructor has the
discretion to withdraw a student after the add/drop deadline due to non-participation.

GRADING POLICY

This course is a 1-unit lab with a Credit/No Credit grade.

Students who remain enrolled in a class beyond the withdrawal deadline of November 11, 2008, will receive a Credit
or No Credit grade based on class participation and achievement.
· Students with a less than a 70 score on the 1.1 – 12.9 Assessment by Wednesday, December 17, will earn a
grade of No Credit.
· Students with a 70 score or higher on the 1.1 – 12.9 Assessment by Wednesday, December 17, will receive a
grade of Credit.
TO EARN A CREDIT GRADE YOU MUST SCORE AT LEAST 70 ON THE 1.1 – 12.9 ASSESSMENT

ACADEMIC HONESTY

Honesty and integrity are integral components of the academic process. Students are expected to be honest and
ethical at all time in their pursuit of academic goals in accordance with San Diego Community College District Policy
3100, Student Code of Conduct and Procedure 3100.3, Honest Academic Conduct. Any student found in violation of
the policy will receive an “F” in the course.

Blackboard ONLINE ACTIVITIES

Chapter Assessments
All chapter assessments can be found in the Blackboard Course Menu link of your Blackboard Homepage. The
chapter assessments will be available until Wednesday, December 17, 2008. Each chapter assessment is worth one
hundred (100) points, contains fifty (50) problems, unlimited time limit, and unlimited attempts. To advance to the
next chapter assessment, a score of seventy (70) must be attained on the previous chapter assessment. Chapter
assessments can be retaken until Wednesday, December 17, 2008. The problems in all chapter assessments come
from various sources. Do not expect all problems to be identical to the problems found in the student workbook or
in the CENGAGENOW! tutorials.

1.1 – 12.9 Assessment
To qualify to take the 1.1 – 12.9 Assessment, you must score 70 or higher on the Vocabulary and Concepts
Assessment. The 1.1 – 12.9 Assessment will contain 50 problems, unlimited time, unlimited attempts, and be worth
100 points. The 1.1 – 12.9 Assessment will be comprehensive covering all workbook chapter lessons. The problems
in all assessments come from various sources. Do not expect all problems to be identical to the problems found in
the student workbook or in the CENGAGENOW! tutorials. The 1.1 – 12.9 Assessment will be available throughout
the semester after a score of 70 or greater is achieved on the Vocabulary and Concepts Assessment. The last day
to take the 1.1 – 12.9 Assessment will be Wednesday, December 17, 2008. Not taking the 1.1 – 12.9 Assessment will
result in a grade of No Credit for the course. An Incomplete Grade will not be issued for a missed 1.1 – 12.9
Assessment.

CAMPUS RESOURCES

Independent Learning Center
Students can access the online activities using computers in the Independent Learning Center (ILC), room I-130.
The ILC is open on Monday – Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m to 3:30 p.m.

The PLACe/Tutoring Center
Students can request free tutoring in The PLACe/Tutoring Center, room D-106. The free tutoring service is
available Monday - Thursday from 8:30 noon to 6:30 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and on some selected
Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

Disabled Student Programs & Services
Students with disabilities who may need academic accommodations should contact me by e-mail or telephone as
soon as possible. Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) department can assist you in identifying
appropriate accommodation to meet your needs.

ATTENTION: I have made every effort to ensure that this course is accessible
to all students, including students with disabilities. If you encounter a problem
accessing any portion of this course, please contact me immediately.