MATH 101 INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA

3. COURSE DESCRIPTION

Intermediate Algebra is a one-semester course. Topics include graphing, equations and inequalities in
two variables, rational exponents and roots, quadratic equations , systems of linear equations, relations
and functions, and exponential and logarithmic functions.

4. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

A. General
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able:
 To read the math textbook
 To perform the mathematical objectives stated in each lesson
 To work cooperatively in small groups
 To be attentive and follow directions
 To give clear and logical explanations

B. Content
Content objectives are listed in this syllabus after the assignment sheet

C. Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes listed in this syllabus after the assignment sheet and content objectives.

5. GRADING SCALE

6. GRADING CRITERIA AND REQUIREMENTS

Class Participation: (15%) Students must take advantage of opportunities to share problem solutions at
the board, correct any test mistakes, possibly do computer labs, journals, and visit the LRC tutoring
center. Classroom participation is mandatory. Attendance will be factored into your grade here.

Homework: (15%) At the beginning of each class period you will turn in your homework. To earn full
credit, you must write down the problem, show any necessary work, arrive at the correct solution, and
circle or highlight your solution please. Indicate your name, homework number and Math 101- 1 in the
top right hand margin of your homework paper(s).

Quizzes: (10%) Quizzes may or may not be announced but will only cover the most recent material.
Always be prepared! Some quiz scores may be dropped at semester’s end.

Tests: (40%) Think of our 7 chapter tests as opportunities to excel. Please complete the tests in pencil,
and of course, you must show all scrap work neatly numbered. Your lowest test score will be dropped if
you miss three (3) or fewer classes.

Exam: (20%) The final examination will be taken on Tuesday, December 16 from 10:15 - 12:15.
PLAN AHEAD: Do NOT ask to take the exam at any other time because of travel commitments.

7. MAKE UP POLICY

Homework will be handed in daily. Late homework (even due to absence) may be given reduced credit
and will not be accepted for full credit after the assignments have been returned to the class. Random
homework problems will be checked daily. Credit will be granted only if you show your work and it is
correct. Quizzes may be planned or unannounced. Missed quizzes and tests may NOT be made up.

8. ATTENDANCE POLICY/ WITHDRAWAL POLICY

Punctual class attendance is required and will be factored into your class participation grade. 100 %
attendance is expected. Try not to miss any class. Your attendance grade will drop by 10% for each
absence. Three tardies count as an absence. Perfect attendance will be rewarded by dropping a second
low quiz score at the end of the semester. September 1 is the last day to drop a class. October 31 is the
last day to withdraw from a class with a grade of W. December 11 is the last day for class withdrawal with
a WP or WF.

9. OTHER INFORMATION

• Reminder:
In order to be successful, you need to be a participant, not a spectator. YOU are responsible for your
own education. I will facilitate, encourage, counsel, guide, and support your learning. Merely being
present expecting someone to feed you information does not mean you are learning. People become
educated because of the work they themselves do. You must be actively engaged. In our class,
checking the answers in the back of the book is essential. You are expected to preview the section that
will be covered in class the following day. As you read the text, work the margin problems as directed.

• Special Needs/ Learning Disabilities:
You are encouraged to make known to us any problems that may make it difficult for you to learn math.
We will do our best to work with you to help you succeed. Any special accommodations must be
requested in advance, and only after appropriate paperwork has been received by me from Brother Chris
Dreyer, Director of Student Counseling Services. For more info, consult your Student Handbook.

• Good Advice:
If you are ever discouraged or have concerns or questions, do not hesitate to talk with me. Please call or
make an appointment, or just drop by during office hours, or visit me at the Learning Resource Center
during my scheduled hours.

• Tutoring:
You are encouraged to make use of the Learning Resource Center. Hours are posted on the
bulletin board in the Max and on the internet. ( www.hcc-nd.edu/tutoring ) Peer tutors, adult
tutors, and teachers are available to help you FREE OF CHARGE. If your grades falter, you may
be required to visit the tutoring center as part of your class participation grade. Videotapes of all
lectures are also available at the library for viewing in the LRC or your dorm. A CD is included
with your text that has a video lesson for each section from the text, as well as practice problems.
You have 24/7 web access to text-specific tutorials, and live, one-on-one help from a qualified
instructor on the web during specific hours.

• Academic honesty policy/classroom conduct policy/student athlete policies:
The student should consult the student handbook if he has questions about appropriate
classroom conduct or attire, students’ rights, academic honesty policy, or student athlete policies.
Cell phones should not be used or in sight during class times. Student athletes are responsible
for any missed work

• Important Dates:

PLAN AHEAD: Do NOT ask to take the exam at any other time because of travel commitments.

10. ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE

PLAN AHEAD: Do NOT ask to take the exam at any other time because of travel commitments.

4. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

B. Content
Upon successful completion of the Math 101 class, the student should be able to:
 • Graph ordered pairs on a rectangular coordinate system
 • Graph linear equations by finding intercepts or by making a table
 • Graph horizontal and vertical lines
 • Find the slope of a line from its graph
 • Find the slope of a line given two points on the line
 • Find the equation of a line given its slope and y-intercept
 • Find the slope and y-intercept from the equation of a line
 • Find the equation of a line given the slope and a point on the line
 • Find the equation of a line given two points on the line
 • Graph linear inequalities in two variables
 • Construct a table or graph from a function rule
 • Identify the domain and range of a function or relation
 • See the difference between a relation and a function
 • Use function notation to find the value of a function for a given value of the variable
 • Simplify radical expressions using the definition for roots
 • Simplify expressions with rational exponents
 • Multiply expressions with rational exponents
 • Divide expressions with rational exponents
 • Factor expressions with rational exponents
 • Add and subtract expressions with rational exponents
 • Write radical expressions in simplified form
 • Rationalize a denominator that contains only one term
 • Add and subtract radicals
 • Multiply expressions containing radicals
 • Rationalize a denominator containing two terms
 • Solve equations containing radicals by raising both sides to the appropriate power
 • Graph simple square root and cube root equations in two variables
 • Simplify square roots of negative numbers
 • Simplify powers of i
 • Solve for unknown variables by equating real parts and equating imaginary parts of two complex numbers
 • Add and subtract complex numbers
 • Multiply complex numbers
 • Divide complex numbers
 • Solve quadratic equations by taking the square root of both sides
 • Solve quadratic equations by completing the square
 • Use quadratic equations to solve for missing parts of right triangles
 • Solve quadratic equations by the quadratic formula
 • Find the number and kind of solutions to a quadratic equation by using the discriminant
 • Find an unknown constant in a quadratic equation so that there is exactly one solution
 • Find an equation from its solutions
 • Graph a parabola
 • Solve quadratic inequalities and graph the solution set
 • Solve systems of linear equations in two variables by graphing
 • Solve systems of linear equations in two variables by the addition method
 • Solve systems of linear equations in two variables by the substitution method
 • Solve systems of linear equations in three variables
 • Find function values for exponential functions
 • Graph exponential functions
 • Find the equation of the inverse of a function
 • Sketch a graph of a function and its inverse
 • Use the definition of logarithms to convert between logarithmic form and exponential form
 • Use the definition of logarithms to solve simple logarithmic equations
 • Sketch the graph of a logarithmic function
 • Simplify expressions involving logarithms
 • Use the properties of logarithms to convert between expanded form and single logarithms
 • Use the properties of logarithms to solve equations that contain logarithms
 • Solve exponential equations

4. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES (cont.)

C. Learning Outcomes*
At Holy Cross College, we have identified a number of Core Competencies which we hope that all
of our students will exhibit by the time they graduate. The five core competencies are:
Critical and Creative Thinking
Written and Oral Communication
Personal, Moral, and Social and Cultural Development
Technology and Information Management
Quantitative Reasoning

In our Intermediate Algebra class, the successful student will achieve the following specific
learning outcomes. The student will be able to:

 • Read critically
 • Ask relevant, detailed, and probing questions
 • Solicit feedback, evaluate, and revise creative products
 • Understand and employ the basics of grammar, syntax, and usage
 • Listen to and give effective feedback to speakers
 • Prepare and deliver well-organized and coherent oral presentations, with a clear main point and supporting details
 • Defend a point of view with clear, logical, convincing arguments
 • Respect self and others and apply the basic principles of effective social interaction
 • Know, accept, and fulfill mature responsibilities, and stand accountable for their decisions and actions
 • Demonstrate operational abilities in information and communication technologies
 • Demonstrate higher-order thinking skills, such as reasoning from evidence
 • Use mathematical principles and skills to help recognize, evaluate, and solve problems in everyday life