Syllabus For MAT 032 - Chesapeake College

Chesapeake College
Syllabus
MAT 032 – Intermediate Algebra (silcox07205)
John H. Silcox
Phone 410-778-4540 (W)
Phone 410-348-5370 (H)
john.silcox@1972.usna.com
johnsilcox@skipjack.chesapeake.edu

Syllabus For MAT 032
I. OFFICE HOURS: One hour before each scheduled class start time.
II.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course is designed as a continuation of beginning algebra. Topics included are systems of
equations and graphs, polynomials in several variables, fractional expressions and equations,
radical expressions and equations, quadratic equations and inequalities.
Three hours per week, three load hours, and 0 credits.
PREREQUISITE: MAT 031 or appropriate score on the placement test.
III.
TEXTBOOK:
Foundations of Mathematics by Marvin L. Bittinger and Judith A. Penna. Addison Wesley. 2004
ISBN # 0-321-16856-9
IV.
INTRODUCTION:
Intermediate Algebra is approximately equivalent to the second year of high-school algebra, and
is the final course in developmental algebra offered at Chesapeake College in preparation for
college level mathematics courses. It serves as the final prerequisite for the entry level General
Education credit mathematics courses. The topics covered are included in the Course
Description. Graphing calculators may also be used to further illustrate specific concepts and
while not required, would enhance your learning.
In addition to the lectures, the average student should plan to spend six hours outside of
class each week (2 hours for every hour spent in class).
Students whose background in mathematics is not strong or those who normally work at a
slower than average pace, should schedule more time in order to keep up with the course
material.
NOTE: College policy prohibits young children from accompanying parents to class.
V. GRADES:
This course consists of all or parts of chapters #10, #11, #12, #15, #16 and #17 in the assigned
textbook. The following syllabus outlines in detail the material that will be presented from each
of the chapters, and the intended order of presentation. The numerical final course grade will be
computed as indicated in the following distribution, and letter grades will be assigned as
follows:
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Components of Final Grade
Letter Grade
In-Class Activities 5% A : 90% - 100%
Homework 5% B : 80% - 89 %
Quiz/Test Average 65% C : 70% - 79%
Final Examination 25% F : less than 70%
VI.
ATTENDANCE:
Students whose attendance is sporadic do not do well because of the nature of the course,
especially in the accelerated format. In addition, since in-class activities constitute 5% of the
student's final grade, (one-half of a letter grade); it is to the benefit of each student to be
present at every class session. Most students need guidance in understanding procedures
involved in developing a new mathematical process. If you find yourself unable to keep up
with the class, make an appointment immediately to see the instructor outside of class time.
It is the student's responsibility to make up any work missed due to an absence for any
reason.
VII.
TESTING:
Dates for tests are indicated on the last page of this syllabus. Students should make every
effort to be present for class on those days, but should it be absolutely necessary to miss a
scheduled test, the student should contact the instructor as early as possible to make other
arrangements for testing. A separate make-up test will be given only for an extreme
emergency, and will be scheduled at the instructor's convenience.
If you are absent prior to a scheduled test, you will still be expected to take the test at the
scheduled time and are expected to contact a fellow student or the instructor in advance to
obtain the information required to prepare for the test.
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COURSE OUTLINE
CHAPTER TOPIC COVERED PAGES
1 – 9 Moving to Intermediate Algebra 3 – 779
(Discussion of basic prerequisite material)
Ten Factoring Polynomials 749 – 827
Eleven Rational Expressions & Equations 833 – 915
Fifteen Radical Expressions & Functions 1119 – 1191
16.1 – 16.6 Quadratic Expressions & Functions 1197 – 1257
12.1 – 12.3+ .5 Graphs, Functions & Applications 929 – 978
17.1 – 17.3 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 1289 – 1336
Final Examination: Review Sheet Included
Although you will be tested on the subject matter of each chapter, tests for specific sections may be
combined so as to maximize course effectiveness. The above outline may be modified slightly as
necessary to accommodate student needs. A brief description of the Objectives for each chapter and the
Homework Assignments are detailed on the following pages.
Homework Assignments will be due on the day scheduled for the chapter test and will include
those sections covered in the previous class lectures. Late homework will be accepted only for halfcredit
and may be returned ungraded. It is expected that each student will be able to solve ALL of the
exercise problems in each section covered, even though only about 33% of the exercise problems are
specifically assigned. The answers to the odd numbered problems are given in the back of the textbook.
NOTE: In order to receive full credit for your homework, the assigned problems
must be written out and all work must be shown.
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Moving to the Intermediate Algebra Level:
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES
In order to comfortably succeed in MAT 032 you will need to be proficient in the following skills. If
you need to brush up on any of these skills please ask for help immediately!
Basic equation solving
Solving application problems
Adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing polynomials
Evaluating exponential expressions
Factoring Trinomials, factoring by grouping
After completing each chapter the student should be able to accomplish the following:
OBJECTIVES:
Chapter Ten – Polynomials: Factoring
1. Factor monomials, binomials & trinomials using the GCF.
2. Factor sums and differences of cubes.
3. Solve quadratic equations by factoring.
4. Apply quadratic equations and solve.
NOTE: In order to receive full credit for your homework, the assigned problems
must be written out and all work must be shown.
Homework: (Read 10.1 - 10.9; pp. 749 – 824)
Work the following assigned exercises at the end of each section.
Sec. 10.1 pp. 749 - 784 9 – 27 by 3's, 32 - 44 by 4's
Sec. 10.2 pp. 755 - 764 5 – 60 by 5's
Sec. 10.3 pp. 765 - 773 5 – 75 by 5's
Sec. 10.4 pp. 774 - 779 5 – 85 by 5's
Sec. 10.5 pp. 780 – 789 10 – 80 by 5’s, 99 – 126 by 9’s
Sec. 10.6 pp. 790 – 794 4 – 32 by 4’s, 49, 53, 56
Sec. 10.7 pp. 795 – 803 7 – 77 by 7’s, 92 – 104 by 4’s
Sec. 10.8 pp. 804 – 812 4 – 56 by 4’s, 58, 60, 83, 84
Sec. 10.9 pp. 813 – 824 5 – 35 by 5’s, 49, 52, 56
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Chapter Eleven – Rational Expressions & Equations
OBJECTIVES:
1. Know that rational expressions are ratios or quotients of polynomials.
2. Add, subtract, multiply and divide rational expressions.
3. Solve rational equations.
4. Solve applications involving work and motion.
5. Solve applications involving ration and proportion.
NOTE: In order to receive full credit for your homework, the assigned problems
must be written out and all work must be shown
Homework: (Read 11.1 – 11.9; pp. 833 – 912)
Work the following assigned exercises at the end of each section.
Sec. 11.1 pp. 833 – 843 4 – 72 by 4’s and 88 – 92 even
Sec. 11.2 pp. 844 – 848 4 – 36 by 4’s 42 – 48 even
Sec. 11.3 pp. 849 – 852 1 – 47 odd
Sec. 11.4 pp. 853 – 860 4 – 60 by 4’s, 78, 80
Sec. 11.5 pp. 861 – 868 4 – 52 by 4’s, 65, 68
Sec. 11.6 pp. 869 – 874 4 – 32 by 4’s, 43 – 45
Sec. 11.7 pp. 875 – 884 4 – 44 by 4’s, 57 – 63 odd
Sec. 11.8 pp. 885 – 899 4 – 48 by 4’s, 69, 72
Sec. 11.9 pp. 900 – 912 2 – 6 even, 8 – 48 by 8’s
Chapter Fifteen – Radical Expressions & Functions
OBJECTIVES:
1. Evaluate square roots and the graph of y x .
2. Examine cube roots, fourth roots, n th roots.
3. Use rational exponents to evaluate and simplify expressions.
4. Add, subtract, multiply and divide radical expressions.
5. Solve radical equations.
6. Examine the 1 .
NOTE: In order to receive full credit for your homework, the assigned problems
must be written out and all work must be shown.
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Homework: (Read 15.1 – 15.8; pp. 1119 – 1187)
Work the following assigned exercises at the end of each section.
Sec.15.1 pp. 1119 – 1130 1 – 27 odd, 42 – 78 by 6’s, 91
Sec.15.2 pp. 1131 – 1137 4 – 84 by 4’s
Sec.15.3 pp. 1138 – 1146 4 – 88 by 4’s, 97 – 99
Sec.15.4 pp. 1147 – 1152 5 – 70 by 5’s, 83 – 84
Sec.15.5 pp. 1153 – 1158 4 – 32 by 4’s, 41
Sec.15.6 pp. 1159 – 1170 5 – 55 by 5’s, 72 – 81 by 3’s
Sec.15.7 pp. 1171 – 1176 1 – 11 odd, 15 – 30 by 5’s
Sec.15.8 pp. 1177 – 1187 5 – 95 by 5’s
OBJECTIVES:
Chapter Sixteen – Quadratic Equations & Functions
1. Solve quadratic equations by completing the square.
2. Solve quadratic equations using the Quadratic Formula.
3. Solve applications involving quadratic equations.
4. Graph quadratic equations
5. Solve polynomial and rational inequalities.
NOTE: In order to receive full credit for your homework, the assigned problems
must be written out and all work must be shown.
Homework: (Read 16.1 – 16.8; pp. 1197 – 1280)
Work the following assigned exercises at the end of each section.
Sec. 16.1 pp. 1197 – 1209 4 – 52 by 4’s
Sec. 16.2 pp. 1210 – 1217 4 – 44 by 4’s, 48, 50, 51
Sec. 16.3 pp. 1218 – 1228 5 – 45 by 5’s
Sec. 16.4 pp. 1229 – 1237 4 – 28 by 4’s, 30 – 50 by 5’s
Sec. 16.5 pp. 1238 – 1248 2 – 18 even
Sec. 16.6 pp. 1249 – 1257 3 – 18 by 3’s, 35 (Solve using y ax
h k
2
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Chapter Twelve – Graphs, Functions & Applications
OBJECTIVES:
1. Use the vertical line test to determine if a graph is a function.
2. Find the domain and the range of a function.
3. Given an equation, derive the slope-intercept form and determine the slope and y-
intercept.
4. Graph two equations, to determine whether they are parallel or perpendicular.
5. Given sufficient information, write the equation of a line.
NOTE: In order to receive full credit for your homework, the assigned problems
must be written out and all work must be shown.
Homework: (Read 12.1 – 12.3 + 12.5)
Work the following assigned exercises at the end of each section.
Sec. 12.1 pp. 929 – 935 3, 7, 16, 22, 31, 36, 41, 47, 48, 55, 61, 73
Sec. 12.2 pp. 939 – 940 4, 8, 13, 27, 30, 37, 38, 51
Sec. 12.3 pp. 950 – 951 4, 11, 16, 20, 23, 29, 30, 43, 47
Sec. 12.5 pp. 975 – 978 3, 6, 20, 26, 31, 36, 41, 45, 52
OBJECTIVES:
Chapter Seventeen – Polynomials: Factoring
1. Examine exponential functions and their graphs.
2. Determine inverses of functions.
3. Find the composition of functions.
4. Examine logarithmic functions and their graphs.
NOTE: In order to receive full credit for your homework, the assigned problems
must be written out and all work must be shown.
Homework: (Read 17.1 – 17.3; pp. 1289 – 1336)
Work the following assigned exercises at the end of each section.
Sec. 17.1 pp. 1289 – 1303 1, 3, 10, 16, 29
Sec. 17.2 pp. 1304 – 1321 3 – 27 by 3’s, 35 – 49 odd, 63
Sec. 17.3 pp. 1322 – 1332 1, 5, 8 – 32 by 4’s, 36 – 66 by 6’s, 72, 77
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REVIEW FOR FINAL EXAMINATION
The Final Examination for this course consists of approximately fifty computational problems. The
problems are similar to those that you have worked to complete each chapter. One way to review all of the
material from this course is to work the Summary and Review Exercises located at the end of each chapter.
These highlights review the major definitions and concepts of the chapter, and an example of each concept
is presented. If you have any difficulties you should review that section of the chapter more thoroughly. If
you have any questions please get them answered before the scheduled final exam date.
The following is a partial list of the tasks that may be included on the Final Examination.
1. Reduce algebraic fractions.
2. Add, subtract, multiple, and divide rational expressions.
3. Solve fractional equations.
4. Solve systems of linear equations by various methods.
5. Solve applications problems that involve systems of linear equations.
6. Simplify radicals.
7. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide radicals.
8. Simplify expressions containing fractional exponents.
9. Solve radical equations.
10. Solve quadratic equations by various methods.
11. Solve application problems that contain quadratic equations.
12. Find the inverse of a function.
13. Solve an elementary exponential equation.
14. Solve an elementary logarithmic equation.
15. Apply the properties of logarithms.
16. Solve an application involving logarithms.
G O O D L UC K ! ! - S T UD Y H A R D ! !
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