Math 116 - College Algebra

Text:

College Algebra, 3rd ed. Larson, Hostetler, Edwards. Copyright 1993, D.C. Heath and Company. (Required)

Study and Solutions Guide. Dianna L. Zook. Copyright 1993, D.C. Heath and Company (Optional)

Prerequisite:

The prerequisite is successful completion of Math 098, Intermediate Algebra, sufficient score on a placement exam, or permission of the Associate Dean of the Industrial Technology and Mathematics Division.

Course Description:

Mathematics 116, College Algebra, is a concentrated study of the topics traditionally found in College Algebra. The topics include a quick and intense review of the topics from Intermediate Algebra, including real numbers, algebraic expressions, polynomials, equations, problem solving, complex numbers, and graphing. Major topics include functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, matrices, polynomial equations, inequalities, introduction to analytic geometry, conic sections, systems of equations, mathematical induction, and the binomial expansion theorem.

General Course Objectives:

To increase the student's mastery of the deductive nature of reasoning. To understand the nature of critical thinking. To increase the student's ability in problem solving. To increase the student's ability to work with others towards a common goal. The student is expected to:

1) demonstrate an understanding of the concepts related to functions and their inverses.

2) identify and graph quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions as well as the conic sections; also, demonstrate knowledge of the properties of these functions and relations and apply this knowledge to real world situations.

3) demonstrate proficiency in solving linear and non-linear systems using various algebraic, matrix, and graphical methods.

4) graphically represent the solutions to inequalities and system of inequalities that involve two variables.

5) use appropriate theorems and techniques to locate the roots of second and higher degree polynomial equations.

6) use the notation and formulae associated with arithmetic and geometric sequences and series.

7) demonstrate knowledge of binomial expansion, Pascal's triangle, and combinatorial formulae.

8) use technology appropriately in problem solving and in exploring and developing mathematical concepts.

Type of Instruction:

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

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.

Do NOT assume all that will be done on review days is review for the exam. New material may be covered the day before the exam.

Test Policy:

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. Laboratory and homework exercises (to be announced) may be used in grading. Collected assignments will lose 10% of the grade for each class period late. A grade may be taken on your notebook. 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.

Notebooks:

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.I strongly urge you to get a three-ring binder to keep your papers in.

Topics to be covered:

Review of Fundamental Concepts of Algebra; Algebraic Equations and Inequalities; Functions and Graphs; Polynomial Functions: Graphs and Zeros; Rational Functions and Conic Sections; Exponential and Logarithmic Functions; Systems of Equations and Inequalities; Matrices and Determinants; Sequences and Counting Principles.

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 trigonometric work. A graphing calculator, such as the TI-82 or TI-85, is also a useful tool and highly recommended, 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 paper punch and stapler available in the classroom.

Additional Help:

Office hours will be announced. Anytime I am in my office, feel free to stop and get help. The student is encouraged to seek additional help when the material is not comprehended. Mathematics is a cumulative subject; therefore, getting behind is a very difficult situation for the student.

There are video tapes for this course on reserve in the Learning Resources Center. If your class(es) leave you puzzled, the Study Assistance Center is a service that Richland Community College offers you free of charge.