Math 1111 Course Syllabus
COURSE TITLE: College Algebra
PARTICULARS: Fall, 2006 12:30 P.M. to 1:45 P.M. MW Room SB-1230
INSTRUCTOR: Chris Smith CRN# 20947
OFFICE HOURS: Mon 8-10A,2-5P (2-5P in LTC); Tue 9:30-11A; Wed 8-10A; Thur 9:30-11A
(other times by appointment Mon-Thur) Room SC 1125
TELEPHONE: (678) 891-2803 to leave a message (GPC Math/CompSci) csmit4@gpc.edu
TEXT: A Graphical Approach to College Algebra, 4th Edition, Hornsby, Lial,
Rockswold, Addison Wesley, 2007. A TI-83 graphing calculator is
required. A TI-83 PLUS should work OK.
PREREQUISITE: Placement into college-level mathematics
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is a functional approach to algebra that incorporates
the use of appropriate technology. Emphasis will be placed on the study of functions
and their graphs, inequalities, and linear, quadratic, piece-wise defined, rational,
polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Appropriate applications will be
included.
TUTORING AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Tutorial assistance in mathematics
is provided via one-on-one instruction, computer-assisted instruction,
video and audio instruction. For more information please visit the
LTC lab. The web page for the Decatur Campus Learning and Tutoring Center
is here.
NOTE: The course calendar/schedule is here.
NOTE: The homework assignments are here.
NOTE: Other interesting things (including reviews for tests) are here.
NOTE: The main page for the Decatur Math/Computer Science Dept. is here.
NOTE: If you are a student who is disabled as defined under the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and require assistance or support
services, please seek assistance through the Center for Disability
Services (CDS). A CDS Counselor will coordinate those services.
NOTE: This course syllabus provides a general plan for the semester; deviations may become
necessary.
WITHDRAWAL POLICY (STUDENT INITIATED): If it becomes necessary for a student to withdraw
from this course, she or he should consult the instructor first. If a student withdraws
themself by the mid-point of the semester, she or he will receive a grade of "W." A student
who withdraws themself after the mid-point of the semester will receive a grade of "WF."
CLASSROOM COURTESY: GPC instructors expect professional and courteous behavior from all
students. Please take appropriate measures to minimize the disruptions that you may
cause in class by arriving to class on time and NOT participating in side discussions
during lecture portions of the class period.
CHEATING: Cheating includes any attempt to defraud, deceive, or mislead the instructor as
she or he assesses the student's academic achievement during the semester. Any student
found by their instructor to have engaged in cheating (which includes helping another student)
on a graded test, quiz, project, assignment, or examination will be assigned a grade of "F"
for the course. Of course students should work together on assigned homework exercises from
the textbook.
COURSE CONTENT STANDARDS; COURSE OBJECTIVES; LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students are held accountable for the following
Expected Educational Outcomes:
As a result of completing this course, the student will be able to do the following:
1. Understand the definition of a function.
2. Determine the domain, range, and where a function is increasing, decreasing or constant for each type
of function studied in the course.
3. Students will be able to interpret the slope and y-intercept of a line as an average rate of change
and an initial amount, respectively. Students will be able to interpret and apply these ideas in
applied settings.
4. Model linear and non-linear functions from data.
5. Graph transformations (vertical and horizontal shifts, vertical stretching and compressions, and
reflections) of basic functions.
6. Graph quadratic functions of the form y = a x^2 + b x + c by determining the vertex and intercepts.
Students will be able to interpret and apply these ideas in applied settings.
7. Identify and graph power functions, transformations of power functions, and polynomial functions where
the polynomial is factorable. Students will be able to describe the end behavior of polynomials and the
relationship between end behavior and the degree of the polynomial. Students will be able to determine
intercepts of factorable polynomials exactly. Students will be able to use technology to approximate
x-intercepts and turning points of polynomials.
8. Identify and graph transformations of y = 1/x and y = 1/x^2. Students will be able to recognize and
determine vertical and horizontal asymptotes, end behavior, and behavior near vertical asymptotes.
9. Relate algebraic solutions to the following types of equations to the graphs of corresponding functions
and applications:
a. Linear
b. Quadratic
c. Factorable polynomial
d. Rational
e. Radical (involving only one radical)
f. Equations of the form x^n = k
10. Graph piece-wise defined functions.
11. Students will be able to determine the symmetry of functions algebraically and graphically
12. Compose two functions and determine the domain of the composite function.
13. Define an inverse function, get a rule for an inverse function, and graph an inverse function.
14. Graph exponential functions of the form y = a^x and their transformations. Students should also be able
to graph the inverse function of y = a ^ x.
15. Solve simple exponential equations both graphically and using logarithms.
16. Apply exponential functions to problems involving exponential growth or decay.
17. Define a logarithm, convert between logarithmic and exponential form, and understand the inverse relationship
between logarithmic and exponential functions.
18. Use properties of logarithms to solve logarithmic equations and use logarithms in application problems.
19. Use function graphs to determine solutions to the following types of inequalities and apply these solutions
to concepts related to functions and other applications:
a. Linear
b. Quadratic
c. Factorable Polynomial
d. Rational
e. Exponential
20. Solve non-linear systems of equations analytically and graphically.
21. Solve linear systems of equations using Gaussian elimination and matrices.
22. Graph parabolas and circles whose equations are given in general form by completing the square.
ATTENDANCE: Attendance is required. If a sign-in sheet is ever used,
it is the student's responsibility to sign the sign-in sheet as
appropriate. You are allowed three absences without prescribed
penalties. The instructor reserves the right to lower the student's
final course average by 2% each for a fourth and fifth absence and by
5% each for a sixth and any subsequent absences. If a student has more
than five absences prior to mid-term, I reserve the right to withdraw
the student from the course. If attendance or tardies become a problem
this semester, a full blown attendance policy will be implemented
under which three tardies (or leaving early) will count exactly as one
absence. Please take good attendance seriously.
TEST MAKE UPS: When a student is not present for a scheduled test
or final, the student must telephone (678) 891-2617 and leave a
detailed message for the instructor on the day of the absence. There
will be no make up tests this semester regardless of how valid the
reason is for missing a scheduled test. A score of "zero" will be
recorded for a missed test. A low test score will be dropped this
semester. This will benefit all students, but will obviously aid
students who miss one scheduled test greatly.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: To complete the course you must fulfill the
following requirements:
(1) Complete the three scheduled tests (see also "Test Make Ups"
above).
(2) Take a scheduled, comprehensive final examination.
(3) Follow the attendance policy.
(4) This list is not necessarily exhaustive. For example, please
see "Course Evaluation Methods and Procedures" below for more
information.
COURSE EVALUATION METHODS AND PROCEDURES: The following apply to
the student's final course grade:
(1) 70% -- best two scores from three equally weighted, scheduled tests
30% -- scheduled, comprehensive, final examination
(2) Course grades will be assigned in accordance with the following
grading scale:
Final average between 90 and 100 (inclusively) A
Final average greater than or equal to 80 but less than 90 B
Final average greater than or equal to 70 but less than 80 C
Final average greater than or equal to 60 but less than 70 D
Final average less than 60 F
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