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Math 110 - Syllabus

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Mathematics 110  print version

 

INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA FOR BUSINESS, MATH, SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING MAJORS

Cuyamaca Community College

Fall Semester, 2016

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Section 1826

Mon & Wed 8 am - 10:15 am H-134

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Mary Touchet

mary.touchet@gcccd.edu

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Office Hours

Tues & Thurs 11:15 am - 12:15 pm,

or by appointment H-135

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5 hours lecture, 5 units

Total contact hours: 80-87.5 lecture

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Course Description

The second of a two-course sequence in algebra. This course completes some topics from the first course, such as factoring and operations on rational and radical expressions, and includes the addition of new topics such as absolute value equations and inequalities, exponential and logarithmic expressions and equations, conic sections, and an introduction to matrices and sequences and series. The concept of functions is developed including composition and inverses. Quadratic functions are covered in depth. Computational techniques developed in beginning algebra are prerequisite skills for this course. This course is appropriate for students with knowledge of beginning algebra or who have had at least two years of high school algebra but have not used it for several years. Graphing calculators are required for this course. Maximum of 5 units can be earned for taking MATH 103 and 110.

 

Prerequisite

Grade of “Pass” in MATH 090 or equivalent

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Required Materials

Text:  Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, Bittinger, Ellenbogen, Johnson, Custom Edition for Grossmont and Cuyamaca College

(Note- If you took Math 90 here at Cuyamaca College last semester you will not need to buy a new book or a new My Math Lab Code as your book and code for Math 90 will be used for Math 110 this semester.)

Graphing Calculator: Our Department highly recommends and supports the use of TI Graphing Calculators in our Math Classes.  For this class in particular, I would recommend that you use a TI-84 Calculator for your required graphing calculator.

 

Important Dates (Academic Calendar)

August 22...First day of regular semester classes

September 2...Last day to add, or drop classes (without a "W" on transcripts)

September 5...Holiday - Labor Day (No Classes)

September 23...Last day to apply for P/NP (CR/NCR)

October 14...Last day to apply for fall 2016 Degree/Certificate

November 10...Last day to drop semester length classes (with a "W")

November 11 - 12...Holiday - Veterans' Day (No Classes)

November 24 - 26...Holiday - Thanksgiving (No Classes)

December 12 - 17...Final Exam Schedule: No regular classes

December 14...Final Exam 8 - 10 am

December 23 - January 2...College & District offices closed

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Course Schedule (Subject to Change)

Aug 22 & 24          Intro to the Course, 9.6, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 

Aug 29 & 31          7.4, 7.5, 7.6, and Review

Sept 5                  No Class, campus is closed

Sept 7                   9.1 and 9.2   

Sept 12 & 14          9.3, 9.4, and Exam #1 (Chap 7)

Sept 19 & 21          11.1, 11.2, 11.3, and 11.5 

Sept 26 & 28         10.1, 10.2, 9.5, and Review

Oct 3 & 5               14.1, 14.2, 14.3, and 14.4

Oct 10 & 12            14.5, 14.6, and Exam #2 (Chap 9, 10, 11)

Oct 17 & 19            14.7, 13.1, 13.2, and 13.3

Oct 24 & 26           13.4, 13.5, 13.6, and Review

Oct 31 & Nov 2      13.7, 12.1, 12.2, and 12.3

Nov 7 & 9              12.4, 12.5, and Exam #3 (Chap 13 & 14)

Nov 14 & 16           12.6, 12.7, 12.8, and Review

Nov 21 & 23           15.1, 15.2, 15.3, and 15.4

Nov 28 & 30          16.1, 16.2, and Exam #4 ( Chap 12)

Dec 5 & 7               16.3, 16.4, and Final Review

Dec 12                  Final Exam Schedule - No Class

Dec 14, Wed        Final Exam 8 AM - 10 AM

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Course Requirements

  1. Track your grade on the Learning Management System (plan on using Canvas not Blackboard)​​

  2. Homework:  Homework problems will be assigned from each section of the text covered in class.  The homework problems are to be kept together and will be collected on the day of each test.  Each assignment should be neat with the first page labeled by the text section number and the problems assigned from that section.  Failure to meet these requirements or to submit work late will result in points deducted from those designated for the assignment.  Homework from previous chapters may not be submitted late once the test on that chapter has been returned to the student.

  3. Quizzes:  Quizzes will be given throughout the semester to determine students' learning.  Minimal or no notification may be given before a quiz. Always be ready to take a quiz at any time.  There are no makeups on quizzes, but I will drop the lowest 2 quizzes at the end of the semester.  Each quiz will count 10 points.

  4. Projects:  This may include writing, research, and in-class group work with more complex mathematical investigations.  Points will be deducted for incomplete work or late work.

  5. Tests:  There will be 4 in-class tests given throughout the semester, each worth 100 points.  The comprehensive final exam is also worth 100 points.  (Note you must earn at least a "D" on the final to earn a passing grade in this course.)

  6. Grading Scale (using a + and - scale):

A​      90% and above

B      80-89%

C      70-79%

D      60-69%

F      below 60%​

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Class Policies​

  • Attend every class, arrive on time and remain for the entire class.  Please notify me before class begins if you need to leave early or if you are expecting to be late (email is appropriate).  Remember that quizzes may be given at random and cannot be made up.

  • You may be dropped from the class for missing twice the number of hours the class meets per week. (more than 10 hours)

  • Please see the class schedule or connect with another student if you happen to miss a portion or all of class to be informed of changes to the schedule.

  • Cheating and other inappropriate behavior is not tolerated and could lead toward being dropped from the class. (Read #4 a-g on the link to understand what Academic Dishonesty is.)

  • Be courteous and discrete in drinking and snacking in class (if we hear or smell what you are consuming, you should plan on sharing it!)

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Course Prerequisite Skills

Without the following skills, competencies, and/or knowledge, students entering this course will be highly unlikely to succeed:

  1. Operations, simplification and manipulation

    1. Real numbers

    2. Polynomials

    3. Variables with integer exponents

    4. Square roots of variables

    5. Factoring (greatest common factor, difference of squares, trinomials)

  2. Solving mathematical statements

    1. Linear equations in one or two variables

    2. Linear inequalities

    3. System of linear equations in two variables

    4. Quadratic equations (real solutions)

  3. Graphing

    1. Points

    2. Lines (slope-intercept form)

    3. Linear inequalities

  4. Modeling and applications

    1. Interpreting numeric, analytic and graphical data

    2. Associated with linear relationships

 

Course Content

  1. Graphing of linear, absolute value, quadratic and radical functions

  2. Writing equations from the graphs of linear and quadratic functions

  3. Using graphic, numeric and analytic methods to solve linear and quadratic equations and inequalities

  4. Using linear regression and linear interpolation and extrapolation to model, interpret and solve application problems

  5. Fundamental operations with exponents and radicals and solving equations with same

  6. Applications involving rational expressions and solving equations with same

  7. Linear and non-linear systems of equations and inequalities

  8. Elementary matrices and their application to solving systems

  9. Graphing elementary conic sections

  10. Exponential and logarithmic functions, their graphs, their inverse relationship and applications

  11. Sequences and series

  12. Historical contributions of number and mathematical concepts from diverse cultures

 

Course Objectives

Students will be able to:

  1. Simplify or reorganize expressions by:

    1. Performing operations on rational expressions

    2. Performing operations on radical expressions

    3. Applying properties of rational exponents

    4. Applying properties of logarithms and/or

    5. Performing operations on complex numbers

  2. Solve each of the following:

    1. Absolute value equations

    2. Quadratic equations

      1. By extracting roots

      2. By completing the square

      3. Using the quadratic formula

    3. Rational equations

    4. Radical equations

    5. Exponential equations

    6. Logarithmic equations and/or

    7. Absolute value inequalities

  3. Solve system of two or three equations

    1. Algebraically and/or

    2. Using a graphing calculator

  4. Recognize and graph elementary conics

    1. Circle

    2. Ellipse and/or

    3. Parabola

  5. Use the graphing calculator to solve equations graphically

  6. Apply critical thinking and mathematical reasoning to analyze, translate and solve applied problems involving:

    1. Quadratic

    2. Rational

    3. Radical

    4. Exponential and/or

    5. Logarithmic equations

  7. Simplify or reorganize functions given a

    1. Sum

    2. Difference

    3. Product

    4. Quotient and/or

    5. Composition of two functions

  8. Inspect and analyze a graph in order to

    1. If the graph represents a function or is a 1-to-1 function

    2. Evaluate the function

    3. Determined the domain and range of a function

    4. Determine the max or min of a quadratic function

  9. Find the domain and range of the following functions:

    1. Rational functions

    2. Polynomial functions

    3. Functions involving radicals

  10. Apply coursework management skills to succeed in this class.

  11. Make consistent and regular preparations to maximize learning inside and outside the classroom.

 

Method of Evaluation

A grading system will be established by the instructor and implemented uniformly. Grades will be based on demonstrated proficiency in subject matter determined by multiple measurements for evaluation, one of which will be an essay exams, skills demonstration or, where appropriate, the symbol system.

  1. Independent exploration activities which measure students’ ability to analyze the connections between the numeric, algebraic, and verbal representations of various types of algebraic expressions, equations, inequalities, functions, and systems of equations and/or inequalities when applied to real-world problems and data analysis.

  2. Quizzes and exams (including a comprehensive in-class final exam) which measure students’ ability to work independently using graphic, numeric, and algebraic techniques to simplify algebraic expressions; formulate, analyze and solve algebraic equations, inequalities, and systems of equations and inequalities; identify and analyze algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic functions; use all of the above in solving real-world application problems; and recognize and graph elementary conics.

  3. Homework and computer assignments in which students apply graphic, numeric and algebraic principles discussed in class to a series of practice problems to help them formulate questions and receive feedback from the instructor, tutors, or classmates.

  4. Computer laboratory assignments in which students apply algebraic principles and problem-solving techniques discussed in class to help students identify gaps in their skill attainment and concept mastery and to improve their symbolic manipulation abilities and problem-solving skills.

 

Method of Instruction

  1. Lecture and discussion

  2. Teamwork

  3. Computer-facilitated instruction

 

Out-of-Class Assignments

  1. Problem sets

  2. Exploratory activities and/or projects

  3. Reading and/or writing assignments

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Exit Skills

Students having successfully completed this course exit with the following skills, competencies and/or knowledge:

  1. Operations, simplification and manipulation

    1. Polynomials

    2. Factoring

    3. Rational expressions

    4. Complex numbers

    5. Logarithms

    6. Variables with rational exponents

    7. Algebraic expressions involving radicals

    8. Matrices

  2. Solving mathematical statements

    1. Linear equations

    2. Quadratic equations

    3. Polynomial equations (factorable)

    4. Rational equations

    5. Logarithmic equations

    6. Exponential equations

    7. Radical equations

    8. Absolute value equations

    9. Linear and non-linear systems of equations

    10. Linear inequalities

    11. Absolute value inequalities

  3. Graphing

    1. Relations

    2. Functions and their inverses

    3. Conic sections

  4. Modeling and applications

    1. Functions

    2. Problem-solving strategies and techniques

    3. Sequence and series

 

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Simplify or reorganize expressions.

  2. Solve equations and inequalities.

  3. Solve systems of two or three equations.

  4. Recognize and graph elementary conics.

  5. Use the graphing calculator to solve equations graphically.

  6. Solve application problems.

  7. Simplify or reorganize functions by operations.

  8. Graph a function and identify its defining elements.

  9. Find the domain and range of a given function.

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STEM Achievement Center

To support your efforts to succeed in this class, it is highly recommended that you utilize the free tutoring services available in the STEM Achievement Center or Academic Resource Center (ARC).  The hours of both centers are Monday through Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm and Friday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm.  Please understand these hours are subject to budget restrictions and may change.

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Academic Accommodations

Academic accommodations are available for students with disabilities.  Please identify yourself to Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSP&S) staff so that the appropriate accommodations can be ensured.   Please show me your Authorized Academic Adjustment form to identify your accommodations.  If you suspect that you have a disability, or require services for any other type of disability please contact Disabled Student Programs & Services in the One Stop Center (A-113) or call at 619-660-4239.

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