Math 098 - Intermediate Algebra

Text:

Intermediate Algebra with Early Functions. Second edition. James W. Hall. Copyright 1995, International Thomson Publishing. (Required)

Student's Solution Manual. (Optional)

Student Audience:

Most students going on to advanced courses in Mathematics and those wishing to study technical programs will take this course. This is the RCC entrance course for Math.

Prerequisite:

The prerequisite is successful completion of both Math 091 (Basic Algebra) and Math 095 (Geometry) or the successful completion of a placement test.

Course Description:

Mathematics 098, Intermediate Algebra, includes instruction in algebraic topics common to the standard college Intermediate Algebra course. General objectives in the course are to: identify, develop, and solve problems related to real world situations; identify and use various problem solving strategies; interpret tabular and graphical data to solve physical problems; manipulate mathematical sentences numerically, symbolically, and graphically; compute with radicals, exponents, and complex numbers; use technology appropriately in problem solving and in exploring and developing mathematical concepts; use the process of mathematical discovery (conjecture, testing, refinement, more testing, and final statement of results).

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion, the student will demonstrate proficiency and understanding in the following topics: Review of real number operations and properties; First degree equations and inequalities; absolute value equations and inequalities; Elementary operations with polynomials and factoring; Operations with algebraic fractions and solving fractional equations; Integer and Rational exponents; Simplification of radicals; Operations with complex numbers; Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and whole number powers of I; Second degree equations and inequalities; Graphing lines, other graphs, distance formula and circles; Functions - definition, linear functions, other functions; Systems of linear equations and inequalities (using elimination and substitution).

Attendance Policy:

Regular attendance is essential for satisfactory completion of this course. If you have excessive absences, you cannot develop to your fullest potential in the course. Students who, because of excessive absences, cannot complete the course successfully, will be administratively dropped from the class.

The student is responsible for all assignments, changes in assignments, or other verbal information given in the class, whether you are in attendance or not.

If a student must miss class, a call to the instructor (RCC's phone system has an answering system) is to be made. If an exam is to be missed, a phone call is to be made and a written notice given. If the instructor is not contacted, the grade will be zero. If a student misses an exam, and gives written notice, the percent score of the final exam will be used in its place. The student should be careful in exercising this policy, as it is very rare when a student gets a noticeably higher grade on the final exam. This substitution of the final exam percent will be done once, and only once. Any other examination missed will receive a grade of 0. If a student does not give written notice of missing the exam, the option of using the final exam score as a substitute grade will not be done, and the exam grade will be zero.

Grading Policy:

There will be several one hour examinations and a comprehensive final examination. Announced and unannounced quizzes may be given. Various homework exercises may be used in grading. Note: Homework is essential to the study of mathematics. Letter grades will be assigned to final adjusted scores as follows: A = 90 -100%; B = 80 - 89%; C = 70 - 79%; D = 60 - 69%; F = 0 - 59%.

Consideration will be given to such qualities as attendance, class participation, attentiveness, attitude in class, and cooperation to produce the maximum learning situation for everyone.

Any student who stops attending without dropping will receive a grade of F.

A notebook should be kept which contains every problem worked in class as well as any comments that are appropriate. In general, it should contain everything written on the chalkboard. Be sure to bring your notebook if you come to the instructor or a tutor for help.

Type of Instruction:

Lecture, discussion, problem solving, and group work will be used. Students should come to class with a prepared list of questions.

Topics to be covered:

1. Review of Beginning Algebra

2. Graphs, Relations, and Linear Functions

3. Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities

4. Integer Exponents and Polynomials

5. Factoring Polynomials

6. Rational Expressions

7. Exponents, Roots, and Radicals

8. Quadratic Equations and Inequalities

9. Introduction to Conic Sections

10. Inverse, Exponential, and Logarithmic Functions.

Calculators:

Calculators may be used to do homework. Calculators may be used on exams and/or quizzes in class unless otherwise announced. The calculator should be a scientific calculator capable of doing logarithms. A graphing calculator, such as the TI-82, is also a useful tool, but not required.

Additional Supplies:

The student should have a red pen, ruler, graph paper, stapler, and paper punch. The student is expected to bring calculators and supplies as needed to class. There will be a stapler and paper punch available in the classroom.

Additional Help:

Office hours will be announced. The student is encouraged to additional help when the material is not comprehended. Mathematics is a cumulative subject; therefore, getting behind is a very difficult situation for the student.

If your class(es) leave you puzzled, the Study Assistance Center is a service that Richland Community College offers you. It is available free of charge to all RCC students.

There are video tapes on reserve in the Learning Resources Center to accompany this course. These are suggested if you miss a lesson, or want additional explanation.

Be sure to get help before it is too late.