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Intermediate Algebra
Description: Prepares students for MAC 1105. Topics include sets, properties of real numbers, linear equations, exponents and radicals, products and factoring, algebraic fractions and quadratic equations. This course does not satisfy Gordon Rule mathematics graduation requirements but is a necessary prerequisite for Gordon Rule math courses. This course counts as elective credit only.
Pre-requisite: MAT 0020, Basic Algebra II, or adequate score on placement test, and 1 year High School Algebra.
Course Policies:
•Attendance: Students are expected to attend all class sessions on time. Three tardies will count as one absence. Leaving early is the same as being tardy. In case of absence, students are responsible for the material covered in class. Group activities in class will count as attendance record. No group activity = absent.
•Testing: There will be 5 chapter tests and a final exam. NO make-up tests will be given. One test grade may be replaced by the score on the final exam. If you need to leave the classroom while testing, you may return to class to start a new test form.
•Class Work: Students are required to keep all notes, homework, group activities and tests in an organized notebook. The Notebook will count for 25 points. At least 7 homeworks (10 points each) will be collected and graded (only one randomly selected problem will be graded) during the semester; only 5 of these will count for a grade.
•Methods of Instruction: Lecture, group activities, and lab work.
•Computer Competency Component: Each student will, to the satisfaction of the instructor, demonstrate a fundamental understanding of basic computer operations through various instructor –determined exercises and assignments. Students may use MathXL on home computers and computers provided in the Math Lab (ETA 230) or Computer Lab (TC 204) to fulfill their homework and online requirements.
•Notebook: A notebook (1 ½” three ring binder with five sections) is required for this class. Sections to include are notes, homework, group activities and tests and their corrections. Notebooks will be turned in on quiz and/or test dates. One (1) point will be deducted for each missing or incomplete section whenever the notebook is collected.
•Online Assignments: Online practice tests (10 points each) will be available a week before the test and may be taken as many times as needed. Practice tests are due before the test in class. No practice test score will be dropped.
•Additional Assistance: A scientific calculator is required for this course. Cell phones cannot be used as calculators. The Student Learning Center (SLC Math Lab) is located in ETA 230 and has numerous resources available including private tutoring and review sessions. You may attend problem solving sessions for extra credit (up to 5 points per test if you turn in all problems worked during the session-signed and dated.) Study groups are encouraged! Other extra assignments may be announced in class. If you are absent please contact a classmate for any information you may have missed.
Grading Criteria:
| Notebook – 25 points | 25 pts | |
| Chapter tests – 5 @ 100 points ea | 500 pts | A: 90% - 100% (742-825 pts) |
| Homework – 5 @ 10 points ea | 50 pts | B: 80% - 89% (660-741 pts) |
| Practice tests – 5 @ 10 points ea | 50 pts | C: 70% - 79% (577-659 pts) |
| Final exam | 200 pts | D: 60% - 69% (495-576 pts) |
| Total possible points | 825 pts | F: 59% or below (Below 495 pts) |
P5: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance
College Policies
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Any student who commits academic
dishonesty will receive a grade of zero for the corresponding test or
assignment. Academic dishonesty includes the following actions, as well as other
similar conduct aimed at making false representation with respect to the
student’s academic performance:
(1) cheating on an exam,
(2) collaborating with others on work to be presented, if contrary to the stated
rules of the course,
(3) submitting, if contrary to the rules of the course, work previously
submitted in another course,
(4) knowingly and intentionally assisting another student in any of the above
actions, including assistance in an arrangement whereby work, classroom
performance, examination, or other activity is submitted or performed by a
person other than that the student under whose name the work is submitted or
performed,
(5) plagiarism.
Please refer to the Palm Beach Community College Student Handbook for further information
Classroom Etiquette and Student Behavior Guidelines
Behavior
Students will demonstrate respect for instructors and fellow students. Behavior
that is disruptive to a positive learning environment reported by the instructor
will result in a warning on the first instance; the second instance might result
in expulsion from the course or campus. No cell phones are allowed in class!
Disability Support Services
Students with disabilities are advised, in compliance with federal and state
laws, that accommodations and services are available through the office of
Disability Support Services (DSS). It is the student’s responsibility to contact
Disable Student Services Advisors at this location and to submit appropriate
documentation prior to receiving services.
Eating, Drinking and Smoking
Eating and drinking are confined to the cafeteria, the patio adjoining the
cafeteria or corridors immediately adjacent to food vending machines. Smoking is
not permitted in any college building.
Student Responsibility Policy
When students attend the college, they become subject to its jurisdiction.
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner, in all
areas of campus life. By enrolling, they pledge to obey the rules and
regulations of the College and are responsible for observing all College
policies and procedures as published in the student handbook, the College
catalog and other College publications. The students will be responsible for
being prepared for class, participating in class, and timely completion of
assignments.
Withdrawal Policy for Individual Courses
The last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” grade is February 13, 2009.
It is the responsibility of the student to complete and submit the necessary
forms to the Registrar’s Office. An official withdrawal would entitle the
student to a grade of “W” in the course. In addition, we strongly urge that
students see an advisor before attempting to withdraw from any college
preparatory course.
Homework Assignments
Homework assignments will be collected randomly. Please show all work and check your answers. Answers are in the back of the book. No credit will be given for just writing the answers. “Eoo” means every other odd. Homework for material covered in class (see lecture schedule on the back of this page) is due at the beginning of the next class meeting.
| Test 1 – Chapters 4 & 5 | ||
| 4.1 | p. 173 | 1-41 eoo |
| 4.2 | p. 185 | 1-53 eoo |
| 4.3 | p. 199 | 1-69 eoo |
| 4.4 | p. 209 | 1-33 odds |
| 4.5 | p. 223 | 1-77 eoo |
| 5.1 | p. 261 | 1-45 eoo, 55-61 odds |
| 5.3 | p. 285 | 1-35 odds |
| Online Practice Test | ||
| Test 2 – Chapter 6 | ||
| 6.1 | p. 323 | 1-25 odds, 27-123 eoo |
| 6.2 | p. 333 | 1-53 eoo |
| 6.3 | p. 341 | 1-33 odds |
| 6.4 | p. 349 | 1-69 eoo |
| 6.5 | p. 357 | 1-45 eoo |
| Online Practice Test | ||
| Test 3 – Chapter 7 | ||
| 7.1 | p. 377 | 3, 5, 9-57 eoo |
| 7.2 | p. 385 | 1-49 odds |
| 7.3 | p. 391 | 1-47 odds |
| 7.4 | p. 401 | 1-45 odds eoo |
| Online Practice Test | ||
| Test 4 – Chapter 8 | ||
| Review Appendix B | ||
| 8.1 | p. 421 | 1-77 eoo |
| 8.2 | p. 431 | 1-65 eoo |
| 8.4 | p. 445 | 1-37 eoo |
| 8.5 | p. 459 | 1.25 odds |
| Online Practice Test | ||
| Test 5 – Chapter 9 | ||
| 9.1 | p. 485 | 1-35 odds |
| 9.2 | p. 495 | 1-81 eoo |
| 9.3 | p. 505 | 1-101 eoo |
| 9.4 | p. 513 | 1-49 odds |
| 9.5 | p. 521 | 1-73 eoo |
| 9.6 | p. 531 | 1-49 eoo |
| 9.7 | p. 541 | 1-73 eoo |
| Online Practice Test | ||
| Final Exam – All chapters including Ch 10 | ||
| 10.1 | p. 565 | 1-45 eoo, 55-65 odds |
| 10.2 | p. 575 | 1-27 odds |
| 10.3 | p. 585 | 1-17 odds |
| Online Practice Test | ||
Course Core Outline – Suggested Lecture Schedule
| Class | Date | Section | Topic |
| Week 1 | Chapter 2 & 3 Review | ||
| 4.1 | Rectangular Coordinate System; Graphing Linear Equations | ||
| 4.2, 4.3 | Slope of a Line; linear Equations in Two Variables | ||
| 4.4 | Linear Inequalities in Two Variables | ||
| Week 2 | 4.5 | Functions | |
| 5.1, 5.3 | Systems of Linear Equations – 2 variables, Applications | ||
| Review | |||
| TEST 1 | |||
| Week 3 | 6.2, 6.3 | Adding and Subtracting Polynomials, Polynomial Functions | |
| 6.4 | Multiplying Polynomials | ||
| 6.5 | Dividing Polynomials | ||
| TEST 2 | |||
| Week 4 | 7.1, 7.2 | GCF/Factoring by Grouping/ Factoring Trinomials | |
| 7.3, 7.4 | Special Factoring/ Solving Equations by Factoring | ||
| Review | |||
| TEST 3 | |||
| Week 5 | 8.1 | Rational Expressions and Functions Multiplying and Dividing | |
| 8.2 | Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions | ||
| 8.4, 8.5 | Equations with Rational Expressions/ Applications | ||
| TEST 4 | |||
| Week 6 | 9.1, 9.2 | Radical Expressions, Rational Exponents | |
| 9.3 | Simplifying Radical Expressions | ||
| 9.4, 9.5 | Adding & Subtracting, Multiplying & Dividing Radical Expressions | ||
| 9.6 | Equations with Radicals | ||
| Week 7 | 9.7 | Complex Numbers /Review | |
| TEST 5 | |||
| 10.1 | The Square Root Property & Completing the Square | ||
| 10.2 | Quadratic Formula | ||
| Week 8 | 10.3 | Equations Quadratic in Form | |
| Review for Final Exam | |||
| FINAL EXAM |