Course Outline.docx

Syllabus .docx

Instructor: Jorge Guerra

Department: Mathematics

Office:          Math & Science Office

e-mail:          Guerra_Jorge@sac.edu

MyMathLab Course: guerra40239

 

Office Hours:  By appointment only

 

Text:  College Algebra 7^th Edition by Sullivan and Sullivan

 

Course Outline: This is a College Level course in Algebra. The course consists of a detailed look at the two fundamental ideas of Algebra: Equations and Functions 

 

Prerequisite:  This is not a first course on the subject.  It is assumed that you have either successfully completed Math 084 or passed the necessary entrance exam.  If this is not the case, see me, as you may be in the wrong class.  This class will be taught as if you have a fairly good understanding of basic algebra and graphs.

 

Student Learning Outcomes: This semester we will be assessing

1. Analyze and investigate properties of functions;
2. Synthesize results from the graphs and/or equations of functions;
3. Apply transformations to the graphs of functions;
4. Recognize the relationship between functions and their inverses graphically and algebraically;
5. Solve and apply rational, linear, polynomial, radical, absolute value, exponential, and logarithmic equations and solve linear, nonlinear, and absolute value inequalities;
6. Solve systems of equations and inequalities;
7. Apply techniques for finding zeros of polynomials and roots of equations;
8. Apply functions and other algebraic techniques to model real world STEM and Business applications;
9. Analyze conics algebraically and graphically; and
10. Use formulas to find sums of finite and infinite series.
11. Utilize proper mathematical notation, including function notation.

 

Attendance:  State law requires that we keep attendance records.  It will be your responsibility to sign in at the beginning of each class.  It is to your benefit academically to attend all class lectures.  If you have unexcused absences or leave early, I will assume that you know the material well enough so that partial credit is not needed.  I will reward perfect attendance and punctuality with a borderline-bump at final grade time if you are within 1 % of a higher grade.  If you miss 4 consecutive classes, or a total of 6 classes this semester, you may be dropped from the class.

 

Homework:  You will be doing your homework online using MyMathLab. In MyMathLab you have access to the multimedia textbook, worked examples, guided examples, and videos. You will find due dates for each assignment listed in MyMathLab. Assignments completed with at least 80% correct by the due date will receive full credit (1 point per section). To access your MyMathLab account see instructions on Canvas or go to http://www.pearson.com/mylab.  Select: ”Student”; enter course number: guerra40239; use your existing Pearson account, or create a new account; enter your password.  

 

Quizzes:  There will be 11 (10 to 15 minute) quizzes given on alternate days (see the Syllabus) , each worth 10 points.  The lowest score will be dropped.  These will consist of questions regarding the most recent topics. They are a measure for both of us on how well you are grasping the material.

 

Exams:  There will be 3 exams given on the dates indicated on the Syllabus and a comprehensive Final exam.  Each exam counts 100 points and the final exam counts 150 points.  Make-up exams will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

 

Extra Credit: On occasions, extra credit work will be assigned.  These activities are voluntary, and will not negatively affect your final grade; but will most likely improve it.

 

Calculators:  You will need a calculator for this course that includes Logarithmic and Exponential functions like a TI-36X Pro, or a simple TI-30 (more advanced graphing calculator like TI-83, TI-84 are not needed).  Calculators may be used on exams and will be necessary to solve certain problems. 

 

Grading:

 

                                              Homework                                 =   50 points

                                              Quizzes                                     =  100 points

                                              Exams                                       = 300 points

                                              Final Exam                                 =  150 points

                                              Total Points                                  600 points

 

          Grading scale is the standard 90/80/70/60% or 540/480/420/360 points.

 

Help:  If you need help, get it right away!  Don't wait until it is too late!  The professor is available by appointment.  The Math Center provides a free service to you through student tutors who can answer your math questions.  In addition, the Learning Center provides you with a tutor who will work with you one hour per week at no charge.

Academic Honesty Policy: Students at Santa Ana College are ex­pected to be honest and forthright in their academic endeavors. To falsify the results of one’s research, to steal the words or ideas of another, or to cheat on an examination, corrupts the essential process by which knowledge is advanced. Academic dishon­esty is seen as an intentional act of fraud, in which a student seeks to claim credit for the work or efforts of another without autho­rization, or uses unauthorized materials or fabricated information in any academic exercise. As institutions, we also consider academic dishonesty to include forgery of academic documents, intentionally imped­ing or damaging the academic work of others, assisting other students in acts of dishonesty or coercing students into acts of dishonesty.

Procedures – In cases where a violation of academic honesty is discovered, the faculty member is encouraged to file an “Academic Miscon­duct Incident Report” form and distribute the form to the appropriate offices listed.

There are two categories of sanctions: Lim­ited and College-wide. Limited sanctions include an academic action such as assign­ing a lower grade or a grade of “F” for the assignment, project, or test. College-wide sanctions include any sanction that will affect a student’s standing with the college-at-large, up to and including suspension or expulsion from the College.

In matters relating to academic honesty violations, the primary responsibility for disciplinary proceedings rests with the in­structor and the academic division where the violation allegedly occurred. The Dean of Student Affairs will assist in all College-wide sanctions.

Academic Accommodations Statement:  A student with a disability, who would like to request an academic accommodation, is responsible for identifying herself/himself to the instructor and to the Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) in a timely manner.  To make arrangements for academic accommodations, contact the Learning Disabilities Office in The Village, VL-203, phone (714) 564-6264, or visit their website http://sac.edu/StudentServices/DSPS

 

Aug 27      M	-	Introduction to the Course	Self-Review R.1
M	R.2	Algebra Essentials	Self-Review R.3
M	R.4	Polynomials
Tu	R.5	Factoring Polynomials	Self-Review R.6
Tu	R.7	Rational Expressions
Tu	R.8	nth Roots; Rational Exponents
Aug 29       W	1.1	Distance and Mid-Point Formulas
W	1.2	Graphical Solution Linear/Rational Equations
Th	1.3	Quadratic Equations	H/W Ch R
Th	1.4	Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations	Quiz 1 (Ch R)
			Last Day no W
Sep 3         M	-	Holiday
Tu	1.5	Radical, Quadratic, Absolute value Equations
Tu	1.6	Problem Solving (Applications)
Tu	1.7	Solving Inequalities	Quiz 2 (1.2 – 1.4)
Sep 5         W	2.1	Intercepts: Symmetry	H/W Ch 1
W	2.2	Lines (Straight)
Th	2.3	Circles
Th	2.4	Variation	Quiz 3 (1.5 – 1.7)
Sep 10       M	3.1	Functions	H/W Ch 2
M	3.2	Graph of Functions
Tu	3.3	Properties of Functions
Tu	3.4	Library of Functions	Quiz 4 (2.1 – 2.4)
Tu	3.5	Transformations	Self-Review 3.6*
Sep 12       W	4.1	Properties of Linear Functions and Models
W	4.2	Building Linear Models
Th	4.3	Properties of Quadratic Functions	H/W Ch 3
Th	4.4	Building Quadratic Models	Quiz 5 (Ch3)
Th	4.5	Quadratic Function Inequalities
Sep 17       M	5.1	Polynomial Functions	Extra Credit 1
M	-	(Chapters 1, 2, and 3)	Exam 1
Tu	5.2	Real Zeros of Polynomial Functions
Tu	5.3	Complex Zeros of Polynomial Functions	H/W Ch 4
Sep 19       W	5.4	Properties of Rational Functions	Quiz 6 (4.1 – 5.1)
W	5.5	Graphing Rational Functions
Th	5.6	Polynomial and Rational Inequalities
Th	6.1	Composite Functions
Sep 24       M	6.2	Inverse Functions	Quiz 7 (5.2 – 5.5)
M	6.3	Exponential Functions
Tu	6.4	Logarithmic Functions	H/W Ch 5
Tu	6.5	Properties of Logarithms
Sep 26       W	6.6	Logarithmic and Exponential Equations
W	6.7	Financial Models	Quiz 8 (5.6 – 6.3)
W	6.8	Exponential Growth and Decay
Th	8.1	Linear Equations: Substitution and Elimination
Th	8.2	Linear Equations: Matrices	H/W Ch 6
Oct 1          M	8.3	Linear Equations: Determinants	Extra Credit 2
M	-	(Chapters 4, 5, and 6)	Exam 2
Tu	8.4	Matrix Algebra
Tu	8.5*	Partial Fractions*
Oct 3          W	8.6	System of Non-Linear Equations
W	8.7	Systems of Inequalities	Quiz 9 (8.1 – 8.3)
Th	7.2	Conic Sections: Parabolas
Th	7.3	Conic Sections: Ellipses	Self-Review 7.1
Oct 8          M	7.4	Conic Sections: Hyperbolas	H/W Ch 8
M	9.1	Sequences	Quiz 10 (8.4 –8.7)
Tu	9.2	Arithmetic Sequences and Series
Tu	9.3	Geometric Sequences and Series	H/W Ch 7
			No more W
Oct 10        W	9.5	The Binomial Theorem
W	10.1	Counting
Th	10.2	Permutations and Combinations	Quiz 11 (7.2– 9.3)
Th	10.3	Probability	H/W Ch 9
Oct 15        M	-	(Chapters 7, 8, and 9)	Exam 3
Tu	-	Review for Finals	Extra Credit 3
Tu	-	Review
Oct 17        W	-	Review for Finals	H/W Ch 10
Th	-
Th	-	(Chapter 1 to 10)	Final Exam
		* Means if time permits