First Day Handout for Students

MATH 1314,  College Algebra  Fall Semester 2007/16 Week Session

028 & 08137       NRG Campus, Room 2240 10:35am-11:50am Tues & Thurs

 

Dr. Nancy C. Miller, your professor                                

Phone:  223-4670,       Nancy’s office           2141                       

nmiller@austincc.edu

www.austincc.edu/nmiller

Office Hours : Aug 27-Dec 15   Tues & Thurs  9:30am-10:25am & 1:30-2:30pm  

Also Tuesdays 4:35-5:45pm

And Wednesdays 10:10 am-11:30am  and   1:30-3:30pm and 4-5:00pm

Some later hours on Tuesdays or Wednesdays and some Fridays. Call or e-mail for appt. or conference at those times.

Additional office Hours Aug 27-Oct 21   Mon   10:10am-11:30am

 

TEXT: College Algebra through Modeling and Visualization by Gary Rockswold, 3rd  ed.    ISBN # 0-321-27908-5

Text bundled with MyMathLab, ISBN #  0-321-37145-3

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

 

MyMathLab is an optional interactive online course that accompanies the text. You may purchase access to MyMathLab online from AddisonWesley for $52.50 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*: ID acc71782

     Student access number: provided with purchase of MyMathLab access.

 

Videotapes: There is a set of videotapes 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 (Compass 69+ in algebra required, talk to Nancy if your TCOMP score was just barely under 69).  Students who have difficulty with the Pretest and have not had Intermediate Algebra recently should withdraw and take Intermediate Algebra, MATD 0390.

 

Calculator: You need either a scientific or business calculator or graphing calculator. (Has log or ln key.) If you cannot purchase one, calculators are available from the LRS.  Graphing calculators are not required, but you will use graphing technology in many 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 recommended for student use.  Other calculator brands can also be use.

 

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

This course is taught in the classroom as a lecture/discussion/active learning course.

 

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

Common course objectives are attached.  They can also be found at:

http://www.austincc.edu/mthdept2/tfcourses/objectives.htm    

 

COURSE EVALUATION/GRADING SCHEME

HOMEWORK & WEEKLY QUIZZES: Turn in your homework each week with reasonable work shown to support your answers. Check with other students, the free tutoring labs, and Nancy to discuss.  Late homework, even after tests, is accepted for up to 80% credit. Weekly quizzes will be given frequently over recent homework concepts and skills. Your pre-test counts as one of these weekly quizzes.  No make-up weekly quizzes are given but an extra one is offered to everyone. ……………….…….100pts.

GROUP WORK: During the semester you will be working on learning activities with 3 or 4 other students during class frequently. These will be turned in for a grade during the class session. There are no make-ups, but an extra one will be offered. …………………………………………………… 100pts.

Each test and the comprehensive final exam count 100 points each.  Each test and the final exam will be given in class.

Missed exams:  The final exam replaces one low or missing test grade if the final exam is a higher grade.  If you miss a second exam or the final exam, you will be required to provide formal written documentation of an emergency for a make-up test. 

100 points homework & quizzes + 100 points group work + 500 points tests = 700 points

Grading scale……………………………………………………………………………………………..

Course grade……… Total points     

A …………………630-700 points with a minimum of 80 on the final exam                                                                

B………………….560-629 points with a minimum of 70 on the final exam                                                                 

C …………………490-559 points with a minimum of 60 on the final exam                                                                 

D …………………420-489 points with a minimum of 50 on the final exam                                                                

F ………………….below 420 points

I will be your encourager and supporter in learning mathematics.  I want you to succeed in learning algebra, reaching your goals, and preparing for your future opportunities.

Please show respect for your classmates by turning off phones and pagers before each class.

Ask questions, do your homework after every class, take some notes, do your best, and participate in class.

 

Attendance Policy Attendance is required in this course.  Students who miss more than 4 classes may be withdrawn. 

 

Withdrawal Policy It is the student's responsibility to initiate all withdrawals in this course.  Nancy is likely to withdraw students for excessive absences (4) but makes no commitment to do this for you. After the withdrawal date November  26, neither the student nor the instructor may initiate a withdrawal.

 

Incomplete Grade Policy

Incomplete grades (I) will be given only in very rare circumstances.  Generally, to receive a grade of "I", a student must have taken all examinations, be passing with a grade average of C, and after the last date to withdraw, have a documented personal tragedy occur which prevents course completion.                                

 

Course-Specific Support Services

Sections of MATH 0153(1-0-2) are sometimes offered.  This lab class is designed for students currently registered in COLLEGE Algebra, MATH 1314.  It offers individualized and group setting to provide additional practice and explanation. This course is not for college-level credit. Repeatable up to two credit hours. Students should check the course schedule for possible offerings of the lab class.

ACC main campuses have Learning Labs, which offer free first-come, first-serve tutoring in mathematics courses. The locations, contact information and hours of availability of the Learning Labs are posted at: http://www.austincc.edu/tutor

 

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

 

Calendar for 16 week session:

Week 1:  1.1, 1.2, R.2

Week 2:  1.3, 1.4

Week 3:  2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4

Week 4:  2.5  Test 1 (Ch 1, 2.1-2.4)

Week 5:  3.1, 3.2

Week 6:  3.3, 3.4

Week 7:  4.1, 4.2

Week 8:  4.3, 4.4   Test 2 (2.5, Ch 3, 4.1, 4.2)

Week  9:   4.5, 4.6, 4.7

Week 10:  5.1, 5.2

Week 11:  5.3, 5.4, 5.5

Week 12:   5.6 Test 3 (Ch 1-5.4)

Week 13:  6.1, 6.2

Week 14:  6.3, 6.4, 6.5

Week 15: 6.7, Test 4 (5.5-6.7)

Week 16:  Review, comprehensive Final Exam

 

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

 

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.

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

Classroom behavior should support and enhance learning. Behavior that disrupts the learning process will be dealt with appropriately, which may include having the student leave class for the rest of that day. In serious cases, disruptive behavior may lead to a student being withdrawn from the class. 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

 

MATH 1314 College Algebra -- 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, x2, x3, x1/3, x1/2, 1/x, 1/x2, |x|, semi-circles, circles, factored polynomials of degree 3 or more, ax, 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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, SWTSU’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, SWTSU'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         SWTSU = Southwest Texas State University at San Marcos

 

** 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. 

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

2.      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.

3.      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 more information, including requirements for UT economics students, see http://www.austincc.edu/mthdept2/notes/1425.html 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum Homework Assignment: College Algebra through Modeling and Visualization

 

Section - Problems

1.1:  9, 19, 25, 39, 51, 53, 55, 57, 61, 79, 81, 85, 95

1.2:  1, 5, 9, 17, 21, 25, 39, 41, 43, 49, 55, 61, 73, 77, 85, 87, 91

R.2:  1, 5, 7, 15, 17, 19, 23, 31, 33, 37

1.3:  1, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 15, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32, 35, 37, 39, 43, 45, 47, 50, 53, 57, 63, 67, 75, 77, 79, 81, 83, 87, 89, 91, 95,

1.4:  1, 9, 17, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 35, 37, 43, 53, 61, 63, 65, 69, 73, 75, 77, 81, 87, 95

 

 

2.1:  3, 5, 9, 11, 25, 27, 30, 33, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 49, 53

2.2:  5, 7, 9, 11, 15, 19, 31, 39, 41, 43, 47, 49, 51, 65, 71, 81, 87, 101, 103

2.3:  5, 13, 19, 21, 35, 47, 57, 61, 75, 79, 86, 87, 93, 101, 103, 105, 107

2.4:  1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 17, 23, 27, 37, 43, 59, 63, 85, 87, 89, 93, 103,

Test 1 Ch. 1-2.4

 

2.5:  1, 3, 7, 9, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 28, 35, 53, 61, 65, 71, 73, 83, 85 

 

 

3.1:  1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 17, 19, 25, 35, 39, 47, 51, 55, 59, 61, 63, 79, 81, 83, 85, 86, 87, 88, 93

3.2:  1, 9, 15, 19, 25, 33, 39, 41, 45, 49, 53, 61, 63, 65, 68, 71, 83, 105, 109

3.3:  1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 23, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47, 49, 51, 61, 62, 63, 66

3.4:  1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13,21, 29, 31, 33, 43, 45, 47, 49, 51, 53, 55, 77, 83, 85, 87, 89, 93

 

 

4.1:  1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 15, 23, 25, 39, 43, 47, 53, 65, 69, 77, 81, 88, 91, 107, 116, 117

4.2:  1, 3, 5, 8, 9, 15, 16, 25, 31, 35, 41, 45, 55, 67, 75, 77, 83,

Test 2 Ch. 2.5- Ch. 4.2

 

4.3:  7, 9, 13, 15, 21, 29, 32, 37, 39, 41, 43, 47, 49, 57, 59, 63, 69, 70, 73, 75, 77, 79, 89, 91, 95, 103, 107,

4.4:  1, 3, 7, 11, 13, 27, 29, 32, 47, 51, 65, 67, 71, 75, 77, 95, 101, 111

4.5:  1, 7, 10, 15, 21, 24, 31, 33, 35, 37, 51, 57, 61, 71, 79, 85, 87, 101, 104, 116, 117, 119, 123, 129, 133

4.6:  3, 9, 11, 13, 17, 23, 25, 29, 37, 43, 47, 49  

4.7:  1, 5, 9, 18, 23, 27, 31, 33, 35, 43, 45, 53, 65, 67, 77, 83, 89

 

5.1:  1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 17, 23, 37, 41, 53, 57, 61, 65, 72, 73, 85, 99, 101, 129

5.2:  1, 3, 5, 7, 13, 15, 19, 23, 24, 29, 39, 41, 45, 56, 63, 71, 77, 81, 93, 95, 101, 105, 107, 121, 123, 129

5.3:  1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 25, 27, 29, 37, 39, 41, 45, 47, 53, 55, 59, 61, 65, 69, 71, 72, 87, 94, 99

5.4:  1, 3, 5, 7,  11, 17, 19, 21, 23, 31, 33, 35, 37, 45, 49, 53, 57, 61, 69, 73, 75, 79, 83, 83, 99, 101, 103, 105, 107, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125,

Test 3 Ch. 1-5.4

 

5.5:  1, 5, 7, 11 13, 15, 23, 25, 26, 31, 32, 43, 45, 47, 52, 53, 65, 67, 75, 83, 90

5.6:  1, 3, 5, 9, 14, 17, 21, 27, 33, 37, 45, 49, 53, 55, 61, 69, 72, 73, 75, 79, 82, 86, 93, 95, 99

 

6.1:  1, 3, 11, 21, 25, 28, 31, 38, 49, 51, 53, 58, 67, 79, 84, 85, 103

6.2:  1, 3, 5, 9, 16, 17, 26, 29, 31, 71, 75, 79

6.3:  1, 9, 15, 17, 31, 34, 37

6.4:  1, 5, 10, 11, 17, 25, 27, 33, 39, 51, 57, 60, 67, 73, 75, 83

6.5:  1, 5, 10, 16, [25,31opt], 37, 39, 41, 44, 55, 57, 59

6.7:  Determinants

Test 4 Ch. 5.5-6.7

 

Comprehensive Final Exam