MATH 103A Section 1

College Algebra (Part 1)

Tuesday and Thursday  10:00 to 11:50 AM    Room E106           4 UNITS

Instructor Larry Green

Office Phone Number  541-4660 Extension 341

Internet

 

 

(Optional) Text:  Precalculus 5th edition by Sullivan and Sullivan

Required Software License :  It is required to have a software license to use the software MyMathLab in this class.  Students have two choices.  The first choice is to purchase the textbook new from the bookstore.  The textbook comes with the software license for an additional cost of approximately $5.  The second choice is to purchase the license alone either from the bookstore or online at coursecompass.com.  The license gives you access to the textbook online.  This is a more economical choice, but is only recommended to students who have online access and feel comfortable reading a computer screen instead of a traditional book.  If you purchase a used textbook, you will also need to purchase the software license.  This software license will also be good for Math 103BB, and MAT104 (If your instructor uses it) at no extra cost. The software license is valid as long as the student uses the same textbook; the student may need to call the tech support to obtain another access code if the student takes the same class again later.

Course Description This course is an in-depth study of functions.  We will study linear, quadratic and higher order polynomials, rational functions, zeros of polynomial functions and their theorems.  We will analyze functions’ algebraic and geometric properties.  Special emphasis will be placed on application problems and the use of graphing calculators.

Student Learning Outcomes       

  1. Produce and interpret graphs of functions and relations.
  2. Apply techniques to solve polynomial and rational equations and inequalities.
  3. Model real life situations using algebraic methods.
  4. Simplify algebraic expressions using skills obtained in the course.
Prerequisite MAT 154 or an equivalent class, or assessment.
Corequisite MAT 153 or an equivalent class, or assessement

Grading Policy Your letter grade will be based on your percentage of possible points.

A 90 -- 100%         C 70 -- 79%

B 80 -- 89%            D 60 -- 69%

Homework and Computer Quizzes  ..................................................150 points

In Class Quizzes ............. ................................................................150 Points

Exam 1: January 21      ....................................................................125 points

Exam II: February 23      .................................................................125 points

Exam III: March 18        ................................................................ 125 points 

Final Exam: March 23   ...............................................................   325 points

 

Exam Policy Students are to bring pencils or pens, and paper, and the TI89 calculator to each exam. Grading will based on the progress towards the final answer, and the demonstration of understanding of the concept that is being tested, therefore, work must be shown in detail. Any student who cannot make it to an exam may elect to take the exam up to two days before the exam is scheduled.  Without a proven medical excuse, a 10% per day penalty will be given for each day the exam is taken late.  If all homework assignments are turned in for the quarter, and no more than three assignments are late, then the regular exam with the lowest score will be dropped.

 

Computer Homework and Quiz Policy  Homework is due at midnight each Wednesday and online quizzes are do each Thursday at midnight.  These are all done using the MyMathLab computer assisted learning tool.  It is recommended that you work on the homework on Tuesdays and the quizzes on Wednesdays so that you have time to respond to unforeseen emergencies or confusions.  Feel free to consult a fellow classmate, a tutor, your instructor, or anyone else for assistance on the homework.   Homework that is submitted within one week of the due date will be counted as half credit. Homework may be submitted later than one week after the due date, but points will not be awarded.  Quizzes cannot be submitted late.

 

Tuesday Quizzes  The first five minutes of each class on Tuesdays when there is not an exam, there will be a quiz that covers the main points from the previous  week.  Quizzes cannot be made up.

Office Hours:

Monday  ............................  1:00 to 2:00           MSC

Tuesday..........................      12:00 to 1:00         MSC

Wednesday ....................      1:00 to 2:00           A210

Thursday........................       12:00 to 1:00         A210

Friday........................            1:30 to 2:00            A210

Calcululators: The TI89 is required for this course.  You can either purchase one or rent one from the library.

Learning Disabilities: If you have a learning disability, be sure to discuss your special needs with Larry.  Learning disabilities will be accommodated.

Tutoring:  Tutors are available at no cost in A201 (The Math Success Center).  

Student Responsibility for Email Communication:  As a student using email communication with LTCC, you are expected to white-list all ltcc.edu addresses in your spam filter to ensure that vital communications are received without delay.

A WORD ON HONESTY:

Cheating or copying will not be tolerated. People who cheat dilute the honest effort of the rest of us.  If you cheat on a quiz or exam you will receive an F  for the course, not merely for the test.  Other college disciplinary action including expulsion might occur. Please don’t cheat in this class.  If you are having difficulty with the course, please see me.

Lecture Schedule

 

Date    Section  Topics                                                        

1-5   

1.1     Rectangular Coordinates, Graphing Utilities, Introduction to Graphing Equations    
1.2     Intercepts, Symmetry, Graphing Key Equations

1-7

1.3     Solving Equations Using a Graphing Utility
1.4      Lines

 

1-12   

1.5     Circles
2.1     Functions
In class Quiz :  1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4

1-14

2.2     The Graph of a function
2.3     Properties of Functions
                       
         

1-19   
           2.4     Library of Functions    
           2.5     Graphing Techniques:  Transformation
            In class Quiz 2: 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3

 

 

1-21    Review for Exam I  

  

1-26    Exam I

         

1-28

2.6     Mathematical Models:  Building Functions
3.1     Linear Functions, Their Properties, and Linear Models       

2-2      

3.2     Building Linear Models from Data, Direct Variation
Quiz:  2.6, 3.1

2-4

3.3     Quadratic Functions and Their Properties

2-9

3.4     Building Quadratic Models from Verbal Descriptions and Data
Quiz:  3.2, 3.3

2-11

3.5     Inequalities Involving Quadratic Functions

2-16    

4.1    Polynomial Functions and Models
Quiz:  3.4, 3.5

2-18    Review for Exam II

2-23   Exam II

2-25  

4.2     Properties of Rational Functions
 

3-2     

4.3     The Graph of a Rational Function
Quiz:  4.2

3-4   

4.4     Polynomial and Rational Inequalities
                     

3-9     

4.5     The Real Zeros of a Polynomial Function
 Quiz:  4.3, 4.4
           

3-11    

4.6     Complex Zeros, Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

3-16     Review for Exam III and for the Final
            Quiz:  4.5, 4.6

3-18    Exam III

3-23     Comprehensive Final Exam  11:00 - 12:50 (Note Time)
 

HOW TO SUCCEED IN A MATH CLASS

  •  Come to every class meeting.
  •  Arrive early, get yourself settled, spend a few minutes looking at your notes from the previous class meeting, and have your materials ready when class starts.
  •  Read each section before it is discussed in class.
  •  Do some math every day.
  •  Start preparing for the tests at least a week in advance.
  •  Spend about half of your study time working with your classmates.
  •  Take advantage of tutors and office hours, extra help can make a big difference.