MATH 116: COLLEGE ALGEBRA: Summer 2009

INSTRUCTOR: Jill Kitzmiller, Math Department

Office: H-208 Office Hours:  after class or by appointment.

Phone: (619) 594 -5711 (SDSU)

E-mail: jkitzmil@sdccd.edu

Web site: http://faculty.palomar.edu/jkitzmiller/

 

TEXT & MATERIALS

College Algebra Concepts and Models:Larson/Hostetler/Hodgkins, 5th edition.  A scientific graphing calculator is required   (TI -83 or 84 series recommended).  You may purchase the student solutions manual, but it is not required. 

 

PREREQUISITE

Minimum grade of “C” in Math 96 or equivalent.

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to strengthen the algebra skills of students seeking Business or Natural Science degrees who are required to take an applied calculus course. Topics in the course include the theory of functions; graphing functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; solving equations involving algebraic, exponential and logarithmic functions; solving systems of linear equations; matrix algebra; linear programming; modeling; and applications problems. Analytical reading and problem solving skills are required for success in this course.

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

 

1. Analyze, graph, and evaluate linear functions related to application problems in business and the natural sciences.

2. Perform algebraic operations on functions and determine function inverses.

3. Analyze and interpret the relationship between the properties and graphs of polynomial functions.

4. Determine all the exact zeros of a polynomial by applying root-finding techniques and theorems.

5. Analyze and interpret the graphs of algebraic functions including square root, cube root, absolute value, piece-wise defined functions and rational functions.

6. Solve and graph non-linear inequalities.

7. Analyze and apply rigid and non-rigid transformations to algebraic, exponential and logarithmic functions.

8. Solve equations involving logarithmic and exponential functions, including application problems.

9. Perform algebraic operations with matrices.

10. Construct systems of equations from application problems and solve them using various techniques.

11. Solve linear programming problems to find optimum points of operations.

 

PACE OF COURSE

This course moves rapidly, especially meeting only twice per week.  You should plan on spending 6 or more hours each week outside of class reading the book, doing homework, and studying the material.  It is critical that you read ahead and ask questions.  If you fall behind it will be difficult to catch up.  You are responsible for all material in assigned chapters and all material covered in lecture, even if you are absent.  Students are encouraged to take advantage of the Math study center located in K-211 for assistance with homework questions.

 

EVALUATION 

There will be three in class exams (100 points each) and one comprehensive final examination (100 points). (See attached tentative schedule)  Exams cover one or two chapters and are closed book/closed note where each student must work independently.  Plan now to be in class on the date of the Exams.  There are no make-ups on exams unless arranged with instructor in advance.   Any missing exam grade will be recorded as a “0”.  There will also be five take home quizzes, one for each chapter.  They will be handed out in class on the last day lecture for each chapter, and due the next class meeting.  These are worth 25 points each.  Your lowest quiz score will be dropped, so no quizzes are accepted after the due date.  I will also be assigning group worksheets several times during the semester. These worksheets will be collected and point values noted at that time (worksheets can be turned in in groups or individually).

 

HOMEWORK

I have assigned suggested problems for homework from each section of the text. See the class schedule for details.  I will not collect or grade these homework problems.   I will answer questions on some homework problems in class as time allows, but it is recommended that you find a study partner to work with and complete all problems assigned in class activities and the text book.  The tutoring center is available for help on specific problems.  You may also come to office hours after class.

 

ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATION

Any student who may need academic accommodation should discuss the situation with me during the first week of class.

 

ATTENDANCE                                                                                                                   

It is the student’s responsibility to add, drop, or withdraw from this class before the appropriate deadlines.  You may (or may not) be dropped by the instructor for non-attendance.  If you decide to withdraw from this class, please let me know as a courtesy.  If you fail to withdraw from this course before the deadline, you will be assigned a final grade in the course (even if you stop coming).  Check the course catalogue for information on drop dates.

Regular class attendance is necessary for success in this course.  You are responsible for all material covered in class during your absence.

 

WEBSITE                                                                                                                                                  

The website contains copies of any handouts.  If you are absent for any reason, please print your own copies of any handouts missed.  Exam keys will be posted after each exam is graded.  The main page for the website also contains an article on how the brain learns mathematics and how to reduce math anxiety, which you may find informative/helpful.

 

CONTACTING INSTRUCTOR 

I will be available during office hours for personal discussion.  I endeavor to listen to voice-mail and look at email once a day when I am on campus.  I DO NOT look at email on the weekends (Friday- Sunday) or on holidays.  I do not respond to email regarding absences, unless it is long term.  I do not discuss grades over email, this must be done in person.

 

BEHAVIOR

You will be asked to leave the class for one or two class meetings if you exhibit behavior that prohibits or impedes any member of this class from pursuing any class assignment objective or learning opportunity within the classroom.  Please be courteous of others, try to be on time, turn off your cell phone,  ipod, computer, or other electronic devices (no headphones in class), and avoid talking during lectures.  It is assumed that each student will do his/her own work.  If a student is caught cheating on a test, that student will receive a “0” grade on that exam and that score will not be dropped. 

 

GRADING

Grades are assigned as follows:  90% and up = A, 80% - 89.9% = B, 70% - 79.9% = C, 60% - 69.9% = D, and below 60% = F

Attendance, class participation and a subjective instructor’s interpretation of work may be used in assigning a final grade to borderline cases.

 

INCOMPLETE

To receive a final grade of incomplete, you must be passing the class and be unable to take the final exam.