MATH 1314 College Algebra
Section 192/Synonym 32589
Fall 2008
Instructor: Juan Molina
Course Policies and Syllabus
MATH
1314 COLLEGE ALGEBRA (3-3-0 ):
A course designed
for students majoring in business, mathematics, science, engineering, or certain
engineering-related technical fields. Content includes the rational, real, and
complex number systems; the study of functions including polynomial, rational,
exponential, and logarithmic functions and related equations; inequalities; and
systems of linear equations and determinants. Prerequisites: MATD 0390 or
satisfactory score on the ACC Assessment Test. (MTH 1743)
Course
Prerequisites:
"C" or
better in Intermediate Algebra (MATD 390) at ACC in the last two years or an
acceptable score on the ACC placement test in the last two years. Note: Satisfying TSI (formerly known
as TASP) does not by itself qualify you for this course. Even though you have the prerequisites,
you may still not be ready for this course. Try the prerequisite review. If it takes more than a few hours to
do it, including looking up things you are "rusty" on, you should
consider taking the prerequisite course, Intermediate Algebra, before
attempting this one. If it has been awhile since you had a math class, you will
probably have to spend more time reviewing throughout the course. Ask about
additional review materials.
Course
Rationale:
This course is
designed to teach students the functional approach to mathematical
relationships that they will need for a business calculus sequence. Other
courses, such as MATH 1332, or MATH 1342 are more appropriate to meet a general
mathematics requirement. Check with your degree plan as to what math course
your college requires. See Alternatives to College
Algebra.
Technology Requirements: You will need the following:
- Internet access and a working email
address ("Working" also means that your mailbox is not full.)
- Adobe Acrobat Reader which you can download for free
- Students need either a scientific or business
calculator. (Has log or ln key.) Graphing calculators will not be
allowed on exams.
Communication:
Check
announcements regularly.
You may contact me by phone, email, or drop by my office during posted hours.
Generally, I do not check email or voice mail on the weekends. Messages
received Friday-Sunday will get a response the following Monday; otherwise, I
usually can get back to you within 24 hours. Please read the notes on writing mathematics using a keyboard.
Course
Materials
REQUIRED:
Text: College Algebra, 8th
edition, by Michael Sullivan and MyMathLab,
an online course management system, which includes the textbook in electronic
format (online)
Purchasing
Options
Option 1: You
can go to the publishers website at http://vig.prenhall.com/catalog/academic/product/0,1144,0132402866-VP,00.html
and order any of the three
packages below
Package 1:
COLLEGE ALGEBRA & MY
MATHLAB&MML STICKER PKG
© 2008 | Prentice Hall | Kit/Package/ShrinkWrap | Instock
ISBN-10: 0131349562 | ISBN-13: 9780131349568
Our Price: $132.00 
Add to Cart
Package
consists of
MyMathLab/MyStatLab
Front Cover Sticker, 2/E
College Algebra, 8/E
MyMathLab/MyStatLab
Student Access Code Card (glue-in for national valuepacks)
Package
2:
COLLEGE ALGEBRA & MYMATHLAB
MSL&SSM PKG
© 2008 | Prentice Hall | Kit/Package/ShrinkWrap | Instock
*Note: (Additional assembly time required)
ISBN-10: 0132365669 | ISBN-13: 9780132365666
Our Price: $135.33 Add to Cart
|
Package consists of: |
|
Student
Solutions Manual, 8/E |
|
MyMathLab Campus Blackboard Edition
Student Access Kit (for valuepacks) |
|
MyMathLab/MyStatLab
Front Cover Sticker, 2/E |
College
Algebra, 8/3
Package 3:
COLL ALGEBRA& STUDENT STUDY
PK&MYMATHLAB PK
© 2008 | Prentice Hall | Kit/Package/ShrinkWrap | Instock
ISBN-10: 0136000029 | ISBN-13: 9780136000020
Our Price: $135.33 Add to Cart
|
Package
consists of: |
|
MyMathLab Campus Blackboard Edition
Student Access Kit (for valuepacks) |
|
MyMathLab/MyStatLab
Front Cover Sticker, 2/E |
|
Student
Study Pack -Valuepack, 8/E |
|
College
Algebra, 8/E |
Option 2: You
can purchase the packages from any of the following bookstores, if available:
Barnes & Noble
Direct from publisher
University CoOp
(447-4376 or 477-7181)may order this separately or bundled with a new text.
Or
Available
at the ACC Bookstore at RGC.
You can ask the bookstore to send materials to another ACC bookstore for
purchase and pickup. The phone numbers are to the right. Or try
|
|
474-2607 |
|
Pinnacle |
288-2303 |
|
Northridge |
834-9366 |
|
East
View |
927-1619 |
|
|
335-8363 |
|
|
385-5727 |
Other
available optional materials:
Lectures
on CD and videotape
Available in
the NRG library for 3-day checkout or can be purchased through publisher for
private use.
Homework:
All required homework is online, submitted
using MyMathLab. Homework sections are listed in the
syllabus (below). The homework for the entire course is equivalent to one exam
grade. You should do your homework on a
regular basis. You have to finish the
homework assignments related to the test material before or on the due date of
the corresponding test.
Exams
A total of 7 exams, one from each chapter, together with the online homework on MML, will constitute the bulk of your final grade. You should take each exam and finished the homework on the material for that exam before or on the due date given in the syllabus. Make sure you know the hours and policies of your testing center and read the General Exam Notes.
If you have not completed the
first exam by the due date for the second exam, I may withdraw you from the
course.
If you live in the ACC service
area, you will take your exams at the testing center at the campus you request
in the Online Orientation. Visit the Testing Center website
to check on policies, locations, and hours. If you live outside the Austin
area, you may be able to take tests at an appropriate facility in your area.
See the Open
Campus Testing Procedure for more information.
Grading:
I
will not return exams. Feel free to contact me if you want details about how
you did on an exam You are also welcome to visit me to look at your exams. Grades are determined by the percentage of
points earned/points possible, where 90% and above is an A, 80-89% is a B, and
so forth (decimals are rounded to the nearest integer; for example, 89.5 rounds
to 90, but 89.4 rounds to 89). Points are earned from
|
Exams |
100 pts each |
700 points |
|
Homework |
|
100 points |
|
|
Total |
800 |
Grade:
Your
grade score is determined by taking the number of points you achieved for exams
and homework divided by 800 and that result multiply it by 100. I will round following the general rules for
rounding numbers.
A: 90
100 points, B: 80 89 points, C: 70 79 points, D: 60 69 points; F: 0
59 points
Withdrawals
and Incompletes
After
the withdrawal date (Monday 11/24), neither the student nor the instructor
may initiate a withdrawal. It is your responsibility to initiate a withdrawal
from this course. The instructor reserves the right to withdraw anyone for the
reasons stated above. An incomplete grade (I) will be given only in rare
circumstances. Generally, to receive a grade of "I", you must have
taken all examinations, be passing, and have a documented personal tragedy
occur after the last date to withdraw which prevents course completion. To
withdraw from the course, follow the procedures at Admissions and Records.
Where
to get additional help
While
you should consider the course materials and your instructor as your first
resources, there may be instances when you want more assistance. If you live in
or near Austin, one of ACC's free tutoring labs may be a good resource
for you. There are also lectures on videotape and CD for the text. I know these
are available in the NRG library for 3-day checkout. They are also available for
purchase through the publisher.
Syllabus:
|
Week |
Recommended Pace |
Deadlines for Exams |
|
9/22
9/28 |
1.1, 1.2, 1.3,1.4, 1.5 |
|
|
9/29 10/5 |
1.6,1.7, 2.1, 2.2 |
Exam
1 (Chapter 1) Last
day to take it: Tuesday 10/7
|
|
10/6 10/12 |
2.3, 2.4, 2.5 |
Exam
2 (Chapter 2) Last
day to take it: Tuesday 10/14. |
|
10/13 10/19 |
3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 |
|
|
10/20 10/26 |
3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.2 |
Exam
3 (Chapter 3) Last
day to take it: Tuesday 10/28 |
|
10/27 11/2 |
4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 5.1 |
Exam
4 (Chapter 4) Last
day to take it: Tuesday 11/4 |
|
11/3 11/9 |
5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6 |
Exam
5 (Chapter 5) Last
day to take it: Tuesday 11/11 |
|
11/10 11/16 |
6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 |
|
|
11/17 11/23 |
6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8 |
Exam
6 (Chapter 6) Last
day to take it: Tuesday 11/25 |
|
11/24 11/30 |
8.1, 8.2, 8.3 |
Final Withdrawal date: Monday, November 24 |
|
12/1 12/7 |
8.4, 8.6, 8.7 |
Exam
7 (Chapter 8) Last
day to take it: Tuesday 12/9 |
|
12/8 12/14 |
|
Absolute deadline for all
work Tuesday 12/9 |
Instructional Methodology
This
course is taught primarily as a distance learning course.
Common
Course Objectives
Functions: Use and interpret function
notation. Find the domain of polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, and
logarithmic functions. Use composition of functions. Find inverses of functions
algebraically (where possible), graphically, and numerically. Interpret the
graphs of functions.
Graphing functions: Recognize the equations and sketch the graphs of the
following: Lines, x^2, x^3, x^(1/3), x^(1/2), 1/x, 1/x^2, |x|, semi-circles,
circles, factored polynomials of degree 3 or more, a^x,
logax, and their linear transformations. Find
inverses of functions graphically. Find and sketch asymptotes of rational,
exponential, and logarithmic functions. Describe the end behavior of all the
above functions. Determine when it is appropriate to use a calculator or
graphing technology. Approximate zeros of a function.
Symbolic Adeptness: Solve equations including quadratic, rational, literal,
quadratic types, exponential, logarithmic, and equations with radicals. Solve
polynomial and rational inequalities. Solve non-linear systems of equations.
Use long division and the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra to find zeros of
polynomials of degree three or more. Simplify fractions with terms having
negative exponents. Rationalize numerators as well as denominators. Simplify
complex fractions. Use completing the square to find the vertices of parabolas
and centers and radii of circles. Evaluate exponential and logarithmic
expressions with calculators. Use the rules for logarithms. Solve systems of
linear equations using Gauss-Jordan Elimination and Cramer's Rule.
Applications: Recognize and use applications of linear functions including
linear models. Recognize and use quadratic applications, including falling
object, maximum, and minimum problems. Recognize and use rational expression
applications such as animal populations in parks. Recognize and use exponential
and logarithmic applications, including exponential growth and decay, doubling
time, and half-life. Recognize and use applications of systems of linear
equations.
Statement on Students with Disabilities
Each ACC campus offers support services
for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities. Students
with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office of
Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority
of their classes. Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the
start of the semester. It is also recommended that instructors add the
following: Students who are requesting accommodation must provide the
instructor with a letter of accommodation from the Office of Students with
Disabilities (OSD) at the beginning of the semester. Accommodations can only be
made after the instructor receives the letter of accommodation from OSD.
Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty
Acts prohibited by the college for which
discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not
limited to, cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized
collaboration with another in preparing outside work. Academic work submitted
by students shall be the result of their thought, work, research or
self-expression. Academic work is defined as, but not limited to, tests,
quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual
or group; classroom presentations; and homework.
Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty Penalty
Students who violate the rules
concerning scholastic dishonesty will be assessed an academic penalty that the
instructor determines is in keeping with the seriousness of the offense. This
academic penalty may range from a grade penalty on the particular assignment to
an overall grade penalty in the course, including possibly an F in the course.
ACC's policy can be found in the Student Handbook page 33 or on the web at: http://www.austincc.edu/handbook/
Statement on Academic Freedom
Institutions of higher education are conducted for the common good. The common
good depends upon a search for truth and upon free expression. In this course
the professor and students shall strive to protect free inquiry and the open
exchange of facts, ideas, and opinions. Students are free to take exception to
views offered in this course and to reserve judgment about debatable issues.
Grades will not be affected by personal views. With this freedom comes the
responsibility of civility and a respect for a diversity of ideas and opinions.
This means that students must take turns speaking, listen to others speak
without interruption, and refrain from name-calling or other personal attacks.
Student Services
The web address for student services
is: http://www.austincc.edu/rss/index.htm.
The ACC student handbook can be found at:
http://www3.austincc.edu/evpcss/handbook/
Instructional Services
The web address is: http://www.austincc.edu/faculty/newsemester/.
then click on "Campus Based Student Support Overview".
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Molina's Home Page
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Open Campus Home Page, or Math Dept Home Page
02/12/06
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Molina