SHAW UNIVERSITY

COURSE OUTLINE

MAT 113 – Intermediate Algebra

Fall 2007

 

 

Instructor: Dr. K.P Satagopan                                           Office Location: Graphics Bldg. #6

 

Email: sat@shawu.edu                                                        Phone: (919) 546 – 8379

 

Office Hours:        M – F      11A.M – 12 Noon                M - F   2 – 3  pm                                                                  

 

Text:       John W. Coburn – Precalculus- McGraw Hill – 2006

 

Graphing Calculators Required :   TI-83 or higher Calculators are recommended

 

General Description

 

This is an intermediate level algebra course intended for science and education students.  For science and mathematics students it serves to prepare them for the required course Math 115 (Precalculus).

 

This is a core requirement for students majoring in Biology, Computer Science, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics, Mathematics, Mathematics Education, and students in the Dual Degree Engineering Program. This course is a study of different types of functions, their graphs, and their properties. Students will be exposed to symbolic manipulations, critical thinking and problem solving techniques by applying the concepts to solve application problems. Graphing calculators will be used to augment learning and solve numerical problems.

 

Conceptual Framework Theme

 

To produce graduates who are critical-thinking problem solvers with the knowledge, pedagogical and technological skills, and professional dispositions needed to function as effective teachers in a diverse world.

 

Important Dates

 

·          Last Day to Add/Drop Course                         August 27, 2007

 

·          Last Day to Withdraw from a Course              October 18, 2007

 

·         Last Day of Classes                                             November 30, 2007

 

·         Final Exam                                                             December 3-6, 2007

 

Course Objectives

 

After completing this course successfully, the students should be able to do the following:

 

·         Use set notation.

·         Recognize basic subsets of the set of real numbers.

·         Do the algebra on integers and algebraic expressions.

·         Use exponents of numbers and variables.

·         Solve linear equations

·         Solve linear inequalities.

·         Solve application problems using linear equations and inequalities.

·         Do the algebra of addition, multiplication, subtraction, and division with polynomials.

·         Factor polynomials.

·         Solve quadratic equations in one variable.

·         Solve application problems(word problems).

·         Identify rational expressions.

·         Add, subtract, and multiply rational expressions.

·         Solve equations involving rational expressions.

·         Solve application problems.

·         Evaluate expressions involving radicals.

·         Complete squares.

·         Use the quadratic formula

·         Solve quadratic inequalities.

·         Find the equations of straight lines.

·         Graph straight lines

·         Graph parabolas.

·         Solve application problems using algebraic techniques (NCATE 1.1),

(NCDPI Core 2.2, 2.8), (NCDPI Div 2.2)

·         Solve geometrical problems like finding the midpoint of a line segment, finding if 

       three points form a triangle and what kind of triangle etc. (NCATE 7.4)

·         Find the domain, range, and inverse (if it exists) of a function. (NCATE 9.4)

·         Graph elementary functions, polynomial functions, find the extreme values,

       find if it is increasing or decreasing etc. (NCATE 3.7), (NCDPI Tech 2.1, 3.3)

·         Use transformations like shift, stretch, reflection etc and graph more functions.

·         Solve algebraic inequalities.

 

Chapters and Topics

 

Chapter  R – Review of Basic Concepts and Skills :  Algebraic Expressions – Exponents, Polynomials and polynomial operations – Factoring polynomials – Rational Expressions – Radicals and rational exponents.

 

Chapter 1 – Equations and Inequalities : Linear equations and problem solving – Linear inequalities in one variable with applications – Solving polynomial and other equations – Complex numbers – Solving non factorable quadratic equations.

 

Chapter 2 – Functions and Graphs :  Rectangular coordinates and Graph of a line – Relations, functions, and Graphs – Linear functions and rates of change – Quadratic and other functions – Functions and inequalities – Regression and data analysis .

 

Chapter 3 – Operations on Functions and analyzing graphs : Algebra and Composition of functions –

One-One and inverse functions – Functions and Transformations – Graphing quadratic functions – Asymptotes and simple rational functions – Direct and inverse variations – Piece-wise defined functions – Analyzing graphs.

 

Chapter 4: Polynomial and Rational functions : Polynomial long and Synthetic division – Remainder and Factor Theorems – Zeroes of Polynomial functions – Graphing Polynomial functions – Graphing rational functions – Polynomial and rational inequalities – Summary Review.

 

 

 

 

 

Suggested Schedule (includes tests and quizzes)

 

Chapter

# of periods

Chapter R

6

Chapter 1

8

Chapter 2

10

Chapter 3

10

Chapter 4

10

 

 

 

 

 

Grading

 

Quiz/Homework ( Best 3 )                                   30% of Final Grade

Tests      ( Best 3 )                                                40% of Final Grade

Comprehensive final                                            30% of Final Grade

 

No make ups will be given for missed quizzes, tests or Final Exam.

 

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

 

Students who miss classes are responsible for subject matter covered, any announcements made regarding quiz, test or any other relevant matter, during their absence.

 

More than 3 (if class meets 3 times a week) unexcused absences may result in failure in the course.  You are responsible to find out or know about any announcements or the subject matter covered, during your absence.

 

Student Classroom Decorum Expectations

 

To enhance the learning atmosphere of the classroom, students are expected to dress and behave in a fashion conducive to learning in the classroom. More specifically, students will refrain from disruptive classroom behavior i. e., talking to classmates, disrespectful responses to teacher instructions; swearing; wearing clothes that impede academic learning such as but not limited to, wearing body-revealing clothing and excessively baggy pants; hats/caps, and/or headdress. Students will turn off telephones prior to entering the classroom. Students who exhibit the behaviors described above, or similar behaviors will be immediately dismissed from class at the third documented offense. The student will be readmitted to class only following a decision by the department chair. The student may appeal the decision of the department chair to the Dean of the College offering the course, and, subsequently, to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and then to the President of Shaw University. The decision of the President will be final. Failure to follow the procedures herein outlined will result in termination of the appeal, and revert to the decision of the department chair.

 

Each behavior construed by the teacher/professor as noncontributive to learning will be recorded, properly documented, and appropriately reported to the student and to the chair of the academic department offering the course. The report will be in written form with a copy provided to both the student and the department chair. The faculty member should retain a copy for his/her own records.

 

Additional student behavior codes may be found in Student Affairs.