Austin Community College Department of Mathematics**

Alternatives to College Algebra

or

Hints to Help the Beginning Student Distinguish between

First-Level College-Credit Mathematics Courses

 

College Mathematics (ACC's MATH 1332) (UT’s M302) **

Goal:    To broaden the students' repertoire of mathematical problem-solving techniques past algebraic techniques.

        This course covers a variety of mathematical topics such as set theory, logic, and probability.  Students learn basic college-level techniques in a variety of mathematical areas and learn what types of problems can be solved with each technique.  The algebra prerequisite for the course reflects the need for the students to have an understanding of the conceptual aspects of mathematics rather than a need for them to remember the details of how to solve all the types of algebra problems encountered in high school algebra.  Students with weaker algebraic manipulative skills should still be able to complete this course successfully.

Elementary Statistics (ACC's MATH 1342) (UT's M316 or UT's STA309) **

Goal:  To teach the student to do basic statistical analyses and to enable the student to be an "intelligent user" of standard statistical arguments.

        The focus of this course is on using conceptual mathematical skills to solve a particular type of applications problems.  Algebraic manipulation is not a major part of this course; however, students will be required to use formulas extensively.  (A "pretest" indicating the level of skill expected is available from the mathematics department.)  Enough explanation will be given that students who once learned algebra, but have forgotten many of the de­tails, will be able to handle the algebraic aspects of the course easily.

 

Math for Business & Economics (ACC's MATH 1324) (UT's M303D,Texas State’s M 1319) **

Goal:  To teach the student some applications of algebra to business and economics problems and to provide a minimal level of algebraic foundation for the first semester of business calculus.

        The focus of this course is on the applications problems, with algebra skills from the first two years of high school algebra used as necessary. Students who are not able to demonstrate all the skills from high school Algebra II just before beginning the course will probably find this course very difficult.

 

College Algebra (ACC's MATH 1314) (UT's  M301, Texas State's  M 1315) **

Goal:  To provide the student with the algebraic foundation for calculus.

        The student is expected to be currently confident and skilled in all topics from the first two years of high school algebra or from MATD 0390, Intermediate Algebra, and the new material will build on that foundation with little or no review.  Students who are not able to demonstrate all the skills from high school Algebra II just before the beginning of the course will probably find this course very difficult.

 

UT = University of Texas at Austin        

*Additional information about ACC's mathematics curriculum and faculty is available on the Internet at http://www.austincc.edu/math/

 

** It is the student's responsibility to determine if these courses are applicable to a specific degree plan at ACC or at another institution.

Prerequisites for Calculus

 

There are two calculus sequences at ACC (and at most colleges) -- Business Calculus and Calculus.  The prerequisite sequence is different for these.  Depending on background, students may start the prerequisite sequence at different places

 

Intermediate Algebra (MATD 0390)

Intermediate Algebra (MATD 0390)

i

 

i

i

College Algebra**(MATH 1314)

i

 

Math for Bus & Eco

(MATH 1324)

College Algebra

(MATH 1314)

*Trigonometry (MATH 1316)

 

i i

i

Business Calculus I (MATH 1425)

 

Precalculus (MATH 2412)

i

 

i

Business Calculus II (MATH 1426)

Calculus I (MATH 2413)

 

i

 

Calculus II (MATH 2414)

 

i

 

Calculus III (MATH 2415)

 

 

Where to start:  The only way that students may skip courses in a sequence is to begin higher in the sequence, based on current knowledge of material from high school courses. 

A student who needs a review of high school Algebra II will start in Intermediate Algebra (or below.) 

A student who completed high school Algebra II, but no higher, and whose assessment test score indicates that he/she remembers that algebra, will start in College Algebra or Math for Business & Economics.  A substantially higher assessment test score enables the student to start in Trigonometry.

A student who completed some precalculus, elementary analysis, or trigonometry in high school, and whose assessment test score indicates that he/she remembers algebra, is eligible to start higher in the sequence than College Algebra.  Check the catalog or the math web page.***

 

* The material in the Trigonometry course requires that students are quite adept with the skills from high school Algebra II (Intermediate Algebra).  Some students will achieve that level of skill in the College Algebra course if their placement score is high enough, while others need an additional semester of work on algebra that is done in two courses, Intermediate Algebra and College Algebra. 

 

** Some students who are very successful in College Algebra are tempted to skip either Trigonometry or Precalculus and enroll in Calculus I. That is not acceptable.  Trigonometry topics are essential to success in Calculus, and while it is true that the topic list for Precalculus has only a few additions from the topic list for College Algebra, the level of sophistication of the presentation and the problems on all topics is greater in Precalculus. That increased sophistication is necessary for an adequate background for the Calculus sequence. ***

 

Notes about the Business sequence: Texas State University requires Math for Business and Economics and Business Calculus I. Students who will attend the UT College of Business must complete the entire Business Calculus sequence before transferring.

 

*** For additional information, including prerequisite review sheets for most courses, see http://www.austincc.edu/math/   

 

 

 

First Day Handout for Students

MATH 1314, College Algebra DIL

Spring 2012

12-week session

Section 051 – Synonym 48838

Section 076 – Synonym 45689

 

NRG Campus Map

Office Hours – Spring 2012

TuTh

7:05 am – 8:50 am

10:55pm – 12:40pm

By appointment call 223-4825; Office NRG 2150

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                     

TEXT: College Algebra through Modeling and Visualization by Gary Rockswold, 4th ed.

             ISBN# 0-32154230-4

Text bundled with MyMathLab, 0-32-157704-3 Hard copy ISBN  0-32-166511-2 Loose Leaf

You can access the material from the first two weeks online at http://www.austincc.edu/mthdept2/text/  password acc1314

 

MyMathLab is a required interactive online course that accompanies the text. You may purchase access to MyMathLab online from AddisonWesley for $70.00 at: www.mymathlab.com/buying.html

MyMathLab includes:

Online access to all pages of the textbook

Multimedia learning aids (videos & animations) for select examples and exercises in the text

Practice tests and quizzes linked to sections of the textbook

Personalized study guide based on performance on practice tests and quizzes

Visit www.mymathlab.com for more information. To use MyMathLab, you'll need:

Course ID:

for students in section 051/ sysnonym 48838 the course id is molina85314

for students in section 076/ sysnonym 45689 the course id is molina85314

 

Student access number: provided with purchase of MyMathLab access.

 

Videotapes: There is a set of video DVDs keyed to the text by section in the Learning Resource Center of each campus.  Students who miss class or who need extra review may find these useful.  Also, with the bundled text with MyMathLab is a set of video tutorials.

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

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 Prerequisite: Intermediate Algebra (MATD 0390) or current knowledge of high school algebra as measured by the Assessment Test.  Students who have a great deal of difficulty with the Pretest and/or review and have not had Intermediate Algebra or its equivalent recently should consider withdrawing and taking Intermediate Algebra.

 

Calculator: Students need either a scientific or business calculator. (Has log or ln key.) If a student cannot purchase one, calculators are available from the LRS.  Graphing calculators are not required, but you will use graphing technology in most sections of the book.  Graphing calculators are also available in the LRS.  Most ACC faculty are familiar with the TI family of graphing calculators. Hence, TI calculators are highly recommended for student use.  Other calculator brands can also be used.  Your instructor will determine the extent of calculator use in your class section.

Technology Requirements: You will need the following:

 

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.

 

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

This course is taught using online delivery.

 

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.

 

COMMON COURSE OBJECTIVES

MATH 1314 College Algebra -- Objectives

Functions:

Use and interpret functional notation.

Find the domain of polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions.

Find a symbolic representation of the sum, difference, product, quotient, and composition of two functions.

Evaluate the sum, difference, product, quotient, and composition of two functions at a given value of the respective domain for functions represented symbolically, graphically, and numerically.

Find the inverse of a function represented symbolically, graphically, or numerically.

Interpret the graphs of functions.

Graphing functions:

Sketch the graphs of the following functions: Lines, x2, x3, x1/2, 1/x, 1/x2, |x|, factored polynomials of degree 3 or more, ax, logax, and rigid transformations of these functions.

Describe the end behavior of polynomial functions.

Approximate the zeros of a function from its graph.

Solve an inequality involving a function from its graph.

Graph a piece-wise defined function.

Symbolic Adeptness:

Solve polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic equations symbolically.

Solve equations involving radicals symbolically.

Solve equations with rational exponents symbolically.

Solve equations with negative exponents symbolically.

Solve polynomial and rational inequalities symbolically.

Use the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra and the Conjugate Zeros Theorem to find zeros of polynomials of degree three or greater.

Find the vertex of a parabola and the center and radius of a circle by completing the square.

Find the vertex of a parabola written in standard form by using the formula          h = -b/2a.

Convert an exponential equation to logarithmic form, and a logarithmic equation to exponential form.

Evaluate exponential and logarithmic functions using the change of base formula and a calculator.

Use the properties of logarithms to expand a logarithmic expression, and to write an expanded logarithmic expression as a single logarithm.

Solve a system of linear equations using Gaussian elimination.

Solve a system of linear equations using matrix inversion or Cramer’s Rule.

Applications

Recognize and use applications of linear functions.

Recognize and use applications of quadratic functions, including falling object problems and extremum problems.

Recognize and use applications of exponential and logarithmic functions, including exponential growth and decay, doubling time, and half-life problems.

Recognize and use applications of systems of linear equations.

 

COURSE EVALUATION/GRADING SCHEME

 

Homework:  

Part One:  This part is done using MyMathLab software and submitted online.  The course id number is molina – this will enable you to start your online homework.

How to get started using MML.

 

Part Two:  This is a collection of reviews from the text to be turned in at the time of the test. These can be found on BB. This part is done by hand and turned in via U.S. mail, email (as an attachment in pdf or word format) or turned in at any of the ACC’s campus mailrooms: 

Via US Mail: 

Send it to         Juan Molina

Mathematics Professor

Austin Community College

Northridge Campus

11928 Stonehollow Drive

Austin, Texas 78758

Via email:  Attach it to an email as a pdf or word file.  My address is jcmolina@austincc.edu

(Easiest) Via ACC’s campus mailrooms:  As you go to take the test at the testing center, stop by the mailroom and ask the clerk there to help you send it to my campus, Northridge.

Homework assignments follow the same deadlines as tests.  No late reviews allowed.

 

FORMAT: Reviews that not follow this format will get no credit

List the class, section, semester and instructor’s name at the top of the first page.  Staple each section separately.

Label each exercise clearly.  Answers and no work get no credit.  Work and no conclusion gets no credit.

Disorganized or work that is sloppy will not be accepted – staple your work

Testing:           There will be 4 tests and an (optional) comprehensive final exam, all given at the testing centers. No re-tests or make up exams.

           

You should take each exam and have finished the homework on the material for that exam before or on the due date given in the syllabus. In addition, an optional comprehensive final exam will be available to replace any one (only one) of your previous lowest test scores.   Make sure you know the hours and policies of your testing center.

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

Option 1

Online Homework (through MML)

10%

 

Reviews (average of all of them)

10%

 

4 Tests (no final)

20% each

OR should you decide to take the final:

 

 

Option 2

Online Homework (through MML

10%

 

Reviews (average of all of them)

10%

 

Tests 1, 2, 3,  and Comprehensive Final

20% each

 

(final replaces the lowest of the first three test scores)

 

Grades

A: 90 – 100; B:80 – 89; C:70-79; D:60-69; F:0-59

 

 

Suggested Course Schedule

 

Dates

Material Covered

2/13 – 2/19

1.1 – 1.4

2/20 – 2/26

1.5, 2.1 – 2.3

2/27 – 3/04

2.4 – 2.5   

 

Test 1 (Chapter 1 – 2.5);

Last day to take it: Tuesday 3/06.  Same deadline for homework  assignments (both online and the review by hand)  up and through section 2.5

3/05 – 3/11

3.1 – 3.4

3/12 – 3/18

Spring Break

3/19 – 3/25

3.5, 4.1 – 4.2

 

Test 2 (Chapter  3– 4.2);

Last day to take it: Tuesday 3/27.  Same deadline for homework assignments (both online and the review by hand)  up and through section 4.2.

3/26 – 4/1

4.3 – 4.4

4/2 – 4/8

4.5 – 4.8, 5.1

4/9 – 4/15

5.2 – 5.5

 

Test 3 (Chapter  4.3– 5.2);

Last day to take it: Tuesday 4/17.  Same deadline for homework assignments (both online and the review by hand) up and through section 5.2.

4/16 – 4/22

5.6, Last withdrawal date: Thursday, November 17

4/23 – 4/29

6.1 - 6.3

4/30 – 5/06

6.4 – 6.6

5/7 – 5/13

Test 4 (Chapter  5.3 – 6.6);

Last day to take it: Tuesday 5/8.  Same deadline for homework assignments (both online and by hand)  up and through section 6.6.

OR

(optional) Final Exam (Chapter  1 – 6.6);

Last day to take it: Tuesday 5/8.  Same deadline for homework assignments (both online and by hand) up and through section 6.6.

 

 

 

 

Withdrawal Policy:  It is the student's responsibility to initiate all withdrawals in this course. I may withdraw students,  but I make no commitment to do this for the student. After the withdrawal date, neither the student nor I may initiate a withdrawal. The withdrawal deadline is Monday, April 23.

Reinstatement Policy:  Students who withdrew or were withdrawn generally will not be reinstated unless they have completed all course work, projects, and tests necessary to place them at the same level of course completion as the rest of the class.

Incomplete grades (I) are given only in very rare circumstances. To qualify for an "I", a student must have completed almost all exams and assignments, have a passing grade, and have a serious situation occur that prevents course completion after the withdrawal deadline.

Statement on Students with Disabilties

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.

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 under Policies and Procedures 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.

 

 

 

Statement on Student Discipline

ACC's policy on student discipline can be found in the Student Handbook under Policies and Procedures or on the web at: http://www.austincc.edu/handbook

 

Course-Specific Support Services:  ACC main campuses have Learning Labs which offer free first-come first-serve help with math from tutors and computer tutorials for math courses. Learning Lab information is posted at http://www.austincc.edu/tutor  .  Videotapes that cover all topics can be checked out in the Learning Resource Centers (libraries).  

 

TESTING CENTER POLICY: ACC Testing Center policies can be found at:http

://www.austincc.edu/testctr/

  

STUDENT SERVICES:  The web address for student services is: http://www.austincc.edu/support

The ACC student handbook can be found at:  http://www.austincc.edu/handbook