SYLLABUS

 

I.                    MATH 100, Introduction to Algebra I, II

 

II.                 FALL 2001                INSTRUCTOR: Joyce Mears

Office:  206 Farr-Chinnock, Ext. 6238

e-mail: jmears@inetlmu.lmunet.edu

 

Office hours are posted on the door of my office, together with my complete schedule.

 

III.               COURSE PREREQUISITES: None

 

IV.              COURSE DESCRIPTIONS/COURSE GOALS:

This course is remedial in nature and will not satisfy the General Studies requirements for mathematical credits.  Topics: basic material on sets, the real numbers, linear equations, absolute value equations, integral exponents, operations on polynomials, factoring, fractions and rational expressions, rational exponents and radicals, quadratic equations, introduction to functions and graphs, and appropriate applications.

 

V.                 RELATIONSHIP OF THIS COURSE TO CONTENT AREA KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: This course is unrelated to the Tennessee Matrix with regard to mathematics majors.

 

VI.       TEXT: Dugopolski, Mark, Intermediate Algebra, 3rd edition

                        Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Reading, MA, 2000.

 

VI.              COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1.      To improve basic problem-solving skills.

2.      To improve algebraic and geometric skills.

3.      To increase ability to solve "real-life" problems in various areas.

4.      To increase ability to construct graphs and to interpret them.

5.      To increase ability to use calculators and computers efficiently as tools for solving certain types of problems.

6.      To increase ability to identify, illustrate, analyze, and use and communicate to others a wide variety of applications in mathematics.

7.      To increase awareness of the mathematical needs of people in other disciplines.

 

VII.            OUTLINE OF COURSE CONTENT/UNITS OF INSTRUCTION:

1.      Basic ideas about sets and terminology; the real numbers and a review of operations; evaluation of expressions; formal properties of real numbers and their use; rationals and irrationals; use of the number line.

2.      Linear equations and inequalities: simple linear equations; formulas; applications involving change form words into algebra; practical (word) problems; inequalities; and absolute value inequalities.

3.      Exponents and polynomials: integral exponents and their rules; polynomials and operations; special products and factorization; division of polynomials; and solving equations by factoring.

4.      Rational expressions: properties, domain, and reduction to lowest terms; multiplication and division of rationals; addition and subtraction with the use of LCD; complex fractions; solving equations with rational expressions; and applications to word problems.

5.      Rational exponents and radicals: roots and relation to exponents; rules of exponents; properties and operations on radicals; equations with radicals and exponents; and scientific notation.

6.      Introduction to quadratic equations: factoring methods; completing the square; quadratic formula; and applications.

7.      Functions: relations and functions as sets of ordered pairs; domain and range; linear functions and absolute value functions; graphs; applications; fundamental operations and composition.

8.      Topics as time permits: linear equations in two variables;

 

Check the order in 6-8: the text has linear equations first, then linear functions.

 

IX.              REQUIRED READING: Textbook

 

X.                 SUGGESTED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY: None

 

XI.              METHODS OF INSTRUCTION AND LEARNING:  Lecture, small group, and individual board work.

 

XII.            COURSE REQUIREMENTS/METHODS OF ASSESSMENT/EVALUATION/

DOCUMENTATION:

            All students are expected to attend classes regularly and to keep up their homework.  Two major tests and a final exam will be the main evaluation tools, with periodic homework or quizzes given at the option of the instructor.  Absence on test days will be viewed as a serious matter and make-up tests will be more difficult, if allowed.  Grading will be scaled to the following scheme so students can determine average grades more easily:

 

A         90.0  and above

B          80.0 - 89.9

C         70.0 - 79.9                 Plus/minus grades will be assigned in borderline cases.

NC      60.0 - 69.9     (no credit)

F          below 60.0

 

            The final exam will be given only on the official date designated by the University, excepting the requirements of early grades for seniors or emergency cases.  Students who for some valid reason must take an incomplete must contract for this grade and complete the work within a designated time frame.  See the Catalog for more information regarding the incomplete grade.

 

XIII.         CLINICAL/LABORATORY/FIELD EXPERIENCES: None required.

 

XIV.         DATE OF REVISION: August 2001

 

ADDITIONAL NOTES:  This course  is preparation for MATH 111-112 or MATH 121-122 which is the minimum requirement in mathematics for graduation.  Students making grades of "NC" or "F" will not be permitted to enroll in higher level mathematics courses until the sequence has been passed with a grade of "C-" or higher.  The reason is simple: if you are unable to pass this course, you certainly will not be able to pass more difficult courses.