Course Syllabus for Math 107: Intermediate Algebra, Spring 2005
Mathematics Department – Arts and Sciences Division -
“I took the
road less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost
Office: ST – 118
Phone: 545-3360 EXT 3360 email:
jpalm@kaskaskia.edu
Appointments for extra help with math may be made by
contacting the instructor.
Text: Elementary and Intermediate Algebra (A Combined Approach), 3rd Edition, by
Jerome Kaufmann, Brooks/Cole Publishing Company, and Copyright 2002
Course Description for Math
107 Credit Hours: 4.0
This
course considers an introduction to the real number system, linear equations, and
equalities, systems of equations, polynomials, fractional equations and
expressions, exponents, roots and powers, quadratic equations, and functions
Materials Required:
Textbook, loose-leaf paper, pencils
Suggested: Scientific calculator,
notebook/folder
Grading Policy:
Grades will be based on participation, quizzes, tests, and a comprehensive final exam
Participation = 10 points per
chapter (about 6% final grade)
Quizzes = 20 points per chapter
(about 13% final grade)
Tests = 100 points per chapter
(about 63% final grade)
Final Exam = Comprehensive Final Exam (200 pts)
(about 18% of final course grade)
Grading Scale
A = 90%- 100%
B = 80% - 89%
C = 70% - 79%
D = 60% - 69%
F = Below 60%
Note: When there is a question concerning the point
value given on a graded quiz or exam, please write a response to the instructor
and submit this within a week of receiving the paper. Class time is not the
appropriate place to discuss this issue.
Attendance:
Attendance is expected and is beneficial for successful completion of this course. Students are expected to attend ALL scheduled class periods. If more than two weeks of classes are missed without a valid excuse, a student may be withdrawn from the class with an F. Each student may work at his or her own pace. If quizzes and tests are not completed by the scheduled date, the quiz or test will be issued on the next attended class. Arrive on time and sign the attendance sheet for each class to receive full credit for course work that day. If you plan to withdraw from the course, it is your responsibility to make these arrangements!
Tardiness:
It is disrespectful to others to interrupt a scheduled class. Arriving late for class will affect your grade. Participation scores will be lowered and extra time will not be given to complete quizzes or tests.
Make-Up Policy:
There are no make-up quizzes or tests.
Students will work on an individual basis. Students
may work ahead of schedule, but they may not fall behind. If a class is missed,
more is required of the student for the following session. Participation points
will be lowered for missed classes regardless of the reason. Students may
complete the course early and thus will not need to attend any additional
classes following completion of the comprehensive final exam.
Chapters to Be Covered:
Chapter 7: Factoring, Solving Equations, and Problem Solving
Chapter 8: Transition from
Elementary to Intermediate Algebra
Chapter 9: Rational Expressions
Chapter 10: Exponents and Radicals
Chapter 11: Quadratic Equations and
Inequalities
Chapter 12: Coordinate Geometry:
Lines, Conic Sections
Chapter 13: Functions
If Time Permits:
Chapter 14: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Math 107 Elementary Algebra
Outcomes:
After successful completion of Math 107 a student should be able to perform the following at a 70% success rate. (C or better)
Student Support Services:
Student
Success Center 545-3155
Campus Library 545-3130
Counseling Center 545-3060
Helpful
Web Sites:
Coolmath.com (www.coolmath.com/lessons/index.html)
This site will be useful when you get to fractions. This
site would also be useful for review before the midterm exam.
Purplemath.com
(http://www.purplemath.com/modules/index.htm)
Scroll down to preliminary topics to find help with
decimals, finding the LCM and GCF, factoring numbers, and fractions.
Expage.com (http://expage.com/teachermathpage)
Scroll
down to the all about decimals link for help with decimals.
Amby.com (http://amby.com/educate/math/)
This site provides explanations and practice problems on
order of operation, fractions, finding area and perimeter, and setting up and
solving word problems.
Sosmath.com (http://www.sosmath.com/algebra/algebra.html)
This site provides explanations on quadratic functions
(completing the square, quadratic formula, etc), composite functions, etc. Scroll down to see the index of lessons. You can also get some good explanations on
factoring.
Geocities.com (http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Launchpad/2426/index1.html)
You need to
scroll down and select pop up menu to see index to lessons and practice quizzes
on a wide variety of algebra concepts.
A note of encouragement:
I look forward to working with you during this course.
As with any math course, a dedication is needed toward both the completion of
assignments and preparation for quizzes and exams. All odd-numbered problems
have the answers in the back of the textbook. This is designed to give you a
guide to understanding the concepts presented in each section. We will work
several examples together during class; in addition, the text provides sample
problems for you to study.
You need to know that this course will not be easy. If
you have difficulty understanding a concept, please do not hesitate to ask
questions during class; your questions will help the other students! You may
also stop by my office, and I will be happy to answer your questions. There are
videos and websites to assist your learning. Be sure to take advantage of the
CEC lab where math tutoring is available. Please make an appointment in
advance. Evening hours by appointment will be offered in addition to the
regular hours Monday through Friday, 8-4.
It is my goal that you will have a good experience with
mathematics and leave this class with the confidence to pursue future
mathematics courses. We are a team working together to bring you success.
“There are no shortcuts!” – Rafe Esquith
“The game’s on the schedule, we have to play it, we
might as well win it.” – Bill Russell