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MAT 103A College Algebra Part I Winter
2004 Instructor:
Bruce Armbrust, phone: 541-4660 ext. 314, email: armbrust@ltcc.edu Office Hours:
Room A210,
Mon.
10:00 – 11:00 AM Wed.
2:45 - 3:45 PM Thurs.
12:30 - 1:30 PM GMC G4,
Tues. & Thurs.
10:00 – 11:00 AM And as always, by appointment. Class Time and Location:
Mon. & Wed. 4:00 PM -5:50 PM, E106 Textbook: Precalculus, Michael Sullivan and Michael Sullivan, III Course Description:
The course provides an in-depth coverage of functions: polynomial and rational
functions, their graphs, and finding solutions and zeros of polynomial
functions. Special emphasis will be placed on applications problems and the use
of calculators. Prerequisite:
Math 154 with a grade of "C" or better or equivalent or appropriate
skills demonstrated through the math assessment process. Calculators:
A graphing calculator is required for this class. I will be demonstrating with the Texas Instruments-89.
I will do my best to assist with other models, but I promise nothing. Successful Students Will: 1.
Exhibit a proficiency in the topics covered in this
course; 2.
Engage in logical and critical thinking; 3.
Read technical information; and 4.
Demonstrate the solution to problems by translating
written language into mathematical statements, interpreting information,
sketching relevant diagrams, analyzing given information, formulating
appropriate math statements, and checking and verifying results. Course Grade:
Your final letter grade will be based on the usual grading scale: A 90-100%, B
80-89%, C 70-79%, D 60-69%, F 0-59% The
following items will make up the course grade: Homework:
150 points Average
of HW Scores X 15 Quizzes:
150 points Average
of Quiz Scores X 7.5 Exam1
(January 26) Exam2
(February 11):
450 points
Average of Exam Scores X 4.5 Exam3 (March
3) Final Exam
(March 22):
250 points Homework:
Homework will be due the class period after it is assigned.
Homework assignments not turned in at this time will be considered late.
You may turn in homework up to one week after it is assigned for half credit.
If all homework is turned in, and no more than two are late, the lowest
regular exam score will be dropped. Your
homework score will be determined in the following way: up to 5 points for
completion and one point each for 5 problems chosen at random to be graded. Quizzes:
There will be 5 quizzes given over the quarter.
These quizzes will be designed to help prepare you for the exams, and
quiz problems will be taken directly from the homework assignments. A quiz may
be made up late with a penalty of 10% per day. Exams: All
exams will be given in two sections: one portion will allow calculators while
the other will not. If you cannot
make it to an exam (final not included), you may take it up to 2 school days
prior to the scheduled date with proper arrangements.
Otherwise, the exam may be made up after the scheduled date with a
penalty of 10% per day. Registration Information: You
must register for this class at the Office of Admissions and Records.
You may drop the class with no penalty or mark on your record on or
before January 30. After January
30, you may drop the class and receive a grade of W until March 5.
After March 5, if you are still enrolled, you will receive a grade of A,
B, C, D, F or I. How
to Succeed in a Math Class: I am often asked how to
successfully pass a math class, and here is my advice: I) Come to
every class session. Be prepared,
and plan on participating. II) Do your
homework. Remember that what I
assign is what I consider a bare minimum. If
you need more practice, do it. Don’t
make me be a homework enforcer. III) Read
the book. You paid good money for
it, so you might as well use it. IV) Make use
of available tutors and my office hours. You
will find tutors who know the subject matter in this course at the GMC. V) Do math
every day. Math is just like
everything else: if you don’t practice, you become rusty. Learning
Disabled Students: It is important that students
who are identified as being learning disabled speak to me about their special
needs. I am more than willing to
grant you reasonable accommodations. Academic
Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty of any form will not be tolerated.
Students caught cheating on exams or quizzes will receive a score of zero
on the assignment for the first offense and a course grade of F for the second
offense. Students my work together
on homework assignments (and, in fact, are encouraged to) as long as all
students understand the material covered. Course Schedule: The
following is a tentative schedule. If
things change (and I have money that says they will), I will let you know. January
5
1.1,1.2
Rectangular Coordinates, Graphing Equations 7
1.3,1.4
Symmetry, Solving Equations 12
1.5,1.6
Solving Inequalities, Lines 14
2.1,2.2, Quiz I
Functions and Linear Models 19
NO SCHOOL
MLK Day 21
2.3, Review
Properties of Functions 26
Exam I
28
2.4,2.5
Piecewise Functions, Transformations February 2
2.6
Operations on Functions 4
2.7, Quiz II
Modeling using Functions 9
3.1, Review
Quadratic Functions 11
Exam II
16
NO SCHOOL
President’s Day 18
3.2
Power Functions 23
3.3
Polynomial Functions 25
A5, Quiz III
Polynomial and Synthetic Division March 1
3.4, Review
Rational Functions 3
Exam III
8
3.5
More Rational Functions 10
3.6, Quiz IV
Polynomial and Rational Inequalities 15
3.7
Real Zeros of Polynomials 17
3.8, Quiz V
Complex Zeros of Polynomials 22
Final Exam
The
following is a list of all homework assignments for this course. The due dates for the various sections will be given in
class.
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