MATH 99-02&05 - Intermediate Algebra (Fall 2009)
Instructor: Mike Marzinske Office: L246 Phone: (651) 450-3384
E-mail: mmarzin@inverhills.edu Faculty website: http://faculty.inverhills.edu/mmarzin/
Prerequisites: Successful completion (C or better) of Math 94 OR recommendation of assessment test.
Room: LA129 9:00am - 9:50pm M – F (Section 02) Office Hours: 10-10:55 M-F
LA129 Noon-1:25pm MWF (Section 05)
Course Description: Is the second semester of a two-semester sequence intended for students preparing for course work in Math for Elementary Education, College Algebra, or Pre-Calculus. Course topics include applications of linear equations; linear inequalities in one variable; absolute value equations and inequalities; polynomial arithmetic and factoring; the arithmetic of rational expressions; complex fractions; polynomial and synthetic division; rational equations and applications; rational exponents and radicals; complex numbers; quadratic equations and applications; nonlinear inequalities in one variable; linear equations and their graphs; linear inequalities in two variables; functions; variation; linear systems of equations and applications; matrices; quadratic functions and parabolas; inverse functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; exponential and logarithmic equations and applications.
Learning Outcomes: The student will be able to:
1. solve certain types of linear and nonlinear equations and inequalities, and modeling applications based on these types of equations and inequalities.
2. demonstrate appropriate manipulation of polynomials.
3. demonstrate appropriate symbolic manipulation of rational expressions, solving certain types of rational equations, and modeling applications based on rational equations.
4. manipulate expressions involving rational exponents and radicals.
5 graph linear equations and model applications based on linear equations and their graphs.
6. solve systems of linear equations using matrices, and modeling applications based on linear systems.
7. graph quadratic functions, and model applications based on quadratic functions.
8. demonstrate proper symbolic manipulation of exponential and logarithmic expressions, solving of exponential and logarithmic equations, and modeling exponential and logarithmic applications.
Text: Intermediate Algebra by Martin-Gay 3rd ed. Content: Selected topics from Chapters 2 – 10
[Note: The answers for the odd-numbered exercises in the section exercise sets and all of the exercises in any review sets are given on pages A1 through A42 in the text. Worked out solutions for every other odd-numbered exercise are given on pages A43 through A120 in the text.]
Class procedures: Lecture & discussion with limited time for questions.
Equipment: A scientific calculator
Attendance: You are EXPECTED TO ATTEND ALL CLASSES! Attending class, coming well prepared and eager to learn with a good attitude are major characteristics of successful students.
Grading Policies: There will be four exams given during the term worth 100 points each. Short quizzes (many unannounced) will be given frequently and worth 10 points each with the best 75% counting toward your total. There will be a number of take-home assignments or group projects throughout the term that will be worth a total of between 50-100 points. A comprehensive final exam will be given on Thursday, December 17th from 7am – 10am and will account for 150 points. Your grade is based on a percentage of the approximate 700-800 total points:
90% - 100% A 80% - 89% B 70% - 79% C 60%- 69% D < 60% F
Cheating Policy: Cheating is covered by the Student Code of Conduct. In this course, students suspected of cheating will receive a zero on the graded work and will also result in the initiation of the Student Code of Conduct process.
Responsibilities: Students are expected to be in class every time we meet. Homework assignments will be given every day but usually not collected (don’t be surprised if variations appear on quizzes). It is essential that students keep current with homework assignments. I suggest you keep a spiral notebook containing all homework problems neatly completed. This notebook should be brought to class each day and a separate notebook should be kept for classroom notes. You should plan on spending 2 - 3 hours outside of class per class day completing homework and learning the required skills.
Make-up work: Lectures will be given only once. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to get notes from a classmate, and do the necessary reading and homework. There are NO make-up quizzes. Make-up exams will be given only in EXTREME circumstances when arrangements have been made with me prior to the exam and will receive no partial credit!
Other help:
1. If you purchased a new copy of the textbook, it should include the Chapter Test Prep Video CD that contains, among other things, step-by-step solutions for every problem in the Chapter Tests found at the end of each chapter.
2. Please make use of the Math Learning Center and Peer Tutoring services located on the second floor of the library building. These services are FREE and can also be enhanced if you form a study group with fellow classmates that meet in the Learning Center.
3. Also utilize my office hours as soon as you realize you are having trouble.
Withdrawals and Incompletes: Students must initiate requests for a withdrawal from this course by filing the appropriate form by November 25. I will consider individual requests for an incomplete only in extenuating circumstances and if satisfactory progress in the course has been made. (See college policy)
Classroom etiquette:
The following steps are necessary for the successful completion of this course:
1. Stay current on all material.
3. PARTICIPATE in class discussions.
3. Explore the possibility of getting involved in a study group.
4. Keep careful notes and complete all assignments (including online) on time.
5. Ask questions.
6. Have some FUN with math! It’s not just a course, it’s an adventure!
Any student with "special needs" that could affect their success in this course is encouraged to contact me or Tim Boyer (DSS office 450-3628) to discuss the situation.