Course Syllabus - Fort Scott Community College

A. Course Information
Course Syllabus
Spring 2012
COURSE TITLE: Intermediate Algebra
COURSE NUMBER: MAT1073
CREDIT HOURS: 3
INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Elie Riachi
OFFICE LOCATION: Academic Building, A-150/153
OFFICE HOURS: As posted.
OFFICE PHONE: (620) 223-2700 x3250
ALTERNATE PHONE: (620) 223-2700 x3410 (Instruction Office)
E-MAIL ADDRESS: elier@fortscott.edu
DISCUSSION BOARD: NA
BLACKBOARD ADDRESS: NA
CLASS HOURS: Refer to published FSCC class schedule
PREREQUISITES: C or above in Elementary Algebra or appropriate COMPASS score.
TEXTBOOK: Hawkes Learning Systems Intermediate Algebra – ISBN: 0-918091-40-3
REQUIRED TOOLS OR SUPPLIES:
Computer with the following specifications:
400 MHz or faster processor
Windows 98SE or later
64 MB RAM (128 MB recommended)
150 MB hard drive space
256 color display (800 x 600, 16-bit color recommended)
Internet Explorer 6.0 or later
CD-ROM drive
Optional Textbook: (see bookstore for details)
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Covers algebra at the intermediate level. Will prepare the student for MAT 1083
College Algebra. Factoring polynomials, rational expressions, graphing linear equations, intro to functions,
systems of equations, rational exponents, radicals and complex numbers.
Page 1 of 10

B. METHOD OF INSTRUCTION:
Lectures, discussions, problem solving demonstrations, computer simulations, homework assignments and tests.
C. COURSE COMPETENCIES/OBJECTIVES:
The following standard outcomes are expected:
1. To help the student develop skills which will enable him or her to solve problems and communicate
effectively using the language and techniques of algebra.
2. To acquaint the student with some of the general concepts and principles of mathematics that will
serve as a basis for further studies in mathematics.
3. To help the student build confidence in his or her ability to solve problems in mathematics.
4. To encourage the student to develop and use a sound mathematical vocabulary.
D. COURSE TOPICS/UNITS:
Formulae, Applications and Solving Linear Inequalities with Absolute Values (Unit 1: 1.3a, 1.5a, 1.6, 1.7a,
1.7b):
1. Absolute values
2. Evaluating formulae
3. Applications of algebra
4. Solving linear inequalities
5. Solving absolute value inequalities
Linear Equations and Functions (Unit 2: 2.2, 2.3a, 2.3b, 2.4, 2.5):
6. Graphing linear equations in slope-intercept form
7. Finding the equation of a line
8. Graphing linear equations in point-slope form
9. Introduction to functions and function notation
10. Graphing linear inequalities
Systems of linear equations (Unit 3: 3.1b, 3.1c, 3.2):
11. Solving systems of linear equations by substitution
12. Solving systems of linear equations by addition
13. Applications of systems of linear equations
Exponents and polynomials (Unit 4: 4.5b, 4.6b, 4.7a, 4.7b, 4.8):
14. Factoring by grouping
15. Factoring trinomials by the ac-method
16. Special factorizations – squares
17. Special factorizations – cubes
18. Solving quadratic equations by factoring
Rational expressions and rational equations (Unit 5: 5.1b, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.6)
19. Multiplication and division with rational expressions
20. Addition and subtraction with rational expressions
21. Complex fractions
22. Solving equations with rational expressions
23. Applications: variation
Roots, radicals and complex numbers (Unit 6: 6.1b, 6.2, 6.3a, 6.3b, 6.3c, 6.4, 6.6, 6.7):
24. Simplifying radicals
25. Rational exponents
26. Addition and subtraction with radicals
27. Multiplication with radicals
28. Rationalizing denominators
Page 2 of 10

29. Solving radical equations
30. Complex numbers
31. Multiplication and division with complex numbers
Quadratic equations and quadratic functions (Unit 7: 7.2, 7.5, 9.3 distance formula only):
32. The quadratic formula
33. Graphing parabolas
34. Distance formula
E. UNIT COMPETENCIES/OBJECTIVES:
This section is from Kansas Core Outcomes Project 2010-2011. It is assumed that students entering an
Intermediate Algebra course will have competencies from prerequisite courses. Students will be expected to use
appropriate technology as one tool to achieve the following outcomes:
Arithmetic and Algebraic Manipulation
Factor quadratic expressions, expressions of quadratic form, special forms, and factor by grouping.
Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division on rational expressions.
Simplify complex fractions.
Apply the laws of exponents to simplify expressions containing rational exponents.
Apply the laws of radicals to perform addition, subtraction, and multiplication on expressions involving
radicals. Rationalize denominators containing radicals.
Simplify radicals containing negative radicands. Perform arithmetic operations on complex numbers.
Evaluate functions using function notation.
Equations and Inequalities
Solve linear inequalities in one variable showing solutions both on the real number line and in interval
notation.
Solve literal equations, including those that require factoring.
Solve systems of linear equations in two variables.
Solve equations by factoring and quadratic formula.
Solve equations containing rational expressions.
Solve equations involving radicals.
Solve linear absolute value equations and inequalities in one variable.
Develop and solve mathematical models including variation, mixture, motion, work, and geometrical
applications.
Graphs on a Coordinate Plane
Graph linear inequalities.
Graph quadratic functions.
Analysis of Equations and Graphs
Determine an equation of a line given either sufficient information (two points) or a particular condition
(perpendicular to a given line, parallel to a given line through a specific point, through a specific point
with a given slope, etc.).
Calculate the distance between two points.
Distinguish between functions and relations using the Vertical Line Test.
Identify the domain and range of a function given its graph.
F. GRADING PLAN:
Grading will be based on percentage system. All components within a category will have the same
weight. A Student’s grade will have the following categories and weight for each category:
Page 3 of 10

o Five unit tests and a comprehensive final test. These are in class pencil and paper tests. 80%
o Homework assignments/in-class homework-based quizzes/in-class lecture-based quizzes 20%
The lowest test score shall be dropped.
A final percentage grade for the course is computed by adding the products of averages of earned
percentages from each assessment category and its weight. The earned letter grade for the course will be
the letter which corresponds to the range which the computed percentage belongs to according to the
following scale: A: 100% - 90%; B: 89% - 80%; C: 79% - 69%; D: 68% - 50%; F: below 50%.
In order to receive full credit for tests/assignments, the test/assignment must be completed by the date
designated by the instructor.
The students may check on their progress in the course by personally meeting with the instructor after
class and during office hours.
High test scores may increase the weight of the tests category and result in a higher letter grade for the
course. The student is advised to do well on all tests to improve his or her grade in the course.
A student could earn up to two percentage points, as bonus which is added to final grade for
participation. These points will be tracked based on having perfect attendance and good classroom
conduct. If you are not in class, then you are missing the opportunity to participate.
Assignments must be turned in on time. Grade for late assignments will be reduced by a graduated
penalty a maximum of twenty percentage points as setup in the Hawkes’ Learning System grade
book.
All paperwork (test, quiz, scratch paper and index card) used during a test or a quiz must be turned into
the instructor at the end of the test or quiz and becomes the property of the instructor.
Homework:
The student will do the homework assignment on the computer. The student will only need to score 80% on the
assignment and will receive 100%. The student will have the chance to redo problems similar to the ones
missed so that the student can complete the assignment. The assignment maybe repeated as many times as you
wish within the given time frame of the course (with penalty applied to late work as set by instructor). The
student must have a computer. The student must also have access to the Internet to submit the certification.
The student is able to do the assignment on the computer regardless whether or not the computer is connected to
the Internet and save the certification to a flash drive and then transfer to computer with an Internet connection
to submit the certificates for a grade.
The student’s grade will be reduced 5% for each day the assignment is submitted late. The late penalty shall not
exceed 20% no matter how late the assignment is. Assignments will not be accepted past the course end date as
set by the instructor.
In-class lecture-based quizzes:
Pay attention during the lecture. There may be short quizzes given at any time during the lecture. These
quizzes will be based on the contents covered in the lecture for that day. The student’s own notes and
homework problems may be used as an aid during these quizzes.
MAKE-UP:
The instructor may consider giving a student a make-up for no more than one test or one quiz, during
this course, provided that:
o The student talked to the instructor about missing the quiz or test at least 30 minutes prior to
the scheduled time of the assessment for which the make-up is being requested (or as soon as
possible in the case of extenuating circumstances such as a car wreck. If you have a cell phone
this would be an appropriate time to use it!) And;
Page 4 of 10

o An emergency or an extenuating circumstance prevents the student from taking the test or quiz
as scheduled. And;
o The student provides the instructor with a valid proof of the emergency/ extenuating
circumstance which prevented the student from taking the test/quiz as scheduled.
The make-up shall assess the student over the same range of contents as the original assessment but not
necessarily the same questions/problems.
No outside material shall be used on a make-up other than the student’s calculator, writing and erasing
implements and material provided by the instructor (INDEX CARDS MAY NOT BE ALLOWED ON
MAKE UPS, CHECK WITH THE INSTRUCTOR IN ADVANCE).
Partial credit and bonus points may not be available on a make up test
It is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor to make an appointment to take the make-up.
The make-up must be taken within two days from the missed day.
In the case of a prolonged illness with a doctor’s note or a student athlete excused by the Dean of
Students, the student must take the make-up as soon as possible.
All make-ups must be taken during the instructor’s office hours and will be proctored by the instructor.
If the student fails to take the make-up as arranged, the student will earn a zero for the original
assessment and no other make-up shall be given.
The final test must be taken as scheduled and cannot be made up.
G. ATTENDANCE POLICY: Attendance is required and will be recorded. Statistics show that students,
who miss class frequently, are also likely to fail the course. A student will be counted absent for each time
the student is not present for the whole class period. A whole class period begins with roll call and ends
when the instructor dismisses the whole class.
Being late:
By being late the student misses important information which may also impede the student’s learning of
consequent contents of the subject matter. It is also a distraction for the whole class and impacts it negatively
when the student walks in late into the classroom. The instructor shall not waste class time to catch up late
students on what they missed. A student missing role call will be counted absent.
(Exceptions may be allowed for officially documented extenuating circumstances as deemed applicable by the
instructor.)
If the student wishes to withdraw from the course, it is recommended that the student discusses his or her
options with the instructor before the last day to withdraw from the course (traditionally, this day has
been the last weekday before the first day of finals.) It is the student’s responsibility to contact the
counseling office weeks before the end of the semester to find out the date of the last day to withdraw
from the course.
H. COURSE COMPONENT SPECIFICS:
Purchase the software required by your instructor. Please note that once you open the package, the materials are
NOT refundable.
TO INSTALL THE SOFTWARE AT HOME:
1. Place CD #1 in the CD-ROM drive. (CD#1 is the only CD needed for the installation.)
2. The installation will begin automatically. Follow the on-screen instructions.
3. You will be prompted for a Course ID.
-If you have internet access, select “Yes, the HLS Course ID is:” and enter FortScottIMA
-If you do not have internet access, select “No, I will not be accessing an online grade book from this computer”.
Page 5 of 10

TO GET YOUR ACCESS CODE:
1. Go to www.hawkeslearning.com and click on “get your access code” or click on the “I need an access code..." link from the
software.
2. Fill out the form (including your 15-digit license number on the yellow sticker on the CD sleeve). Click on the submit button
and your personalized Access Code will appear on the screen. You will also receive an e-mail with the Access Code as an
attachment called “access.cod” which you should save to a floppy disk or another device.
TO ENTER THE SOFTWARE AND SAVE YOUR ACCESS CODE:
1. Double-click on the purple diamond icon on the Desktop (or go to Start, Programs, Hawkes Learning Systems).
2. Enter your Access Code when prompted. You may type it, paste it, or load it from disk (if you saved it) by clicking the “F1-
Load From Disk” option and browsing to the path where you saved it. If you type or paste your Access Code, you will be
prompted to save it. We recommend you save your Access Code to a floppy disk or another option to avoid typing it each
time you enter the software.
TO ENROLL IN YOUR INSTRUCTOR’S GRADE BOOK:
1. If you have internet access and have entered your HLS Course ID (which is FortScottIMA), you will be asked to enroll in
your instructor’s grade book. Choose your instructor’s name and the correct section.
2. If you do not have internet access, you will need to enroll in your instructor’s grade book by going to any computer that has
an internet connection and go to www.hawkeslearning.com/FortScottIMA. After entering your Access Code, you will be
prompted to choose our instructor’s name and the correct section.
TO CERTIFY (DO YOUR ASSIGNMENT IN THE SOFTWARE):
1. The Certify option is where you will complete your assignment.
2. After certifying, you will be given a certification code (this verifies that you completed your assignment). It is recommended
that you print and/or save your certification code.
3. a. If you have internet access, you should receive a message that says your certificate has been submitted in your
instructor’s gradebook. You are now done with that assignment! If you do not receive this message, follow the directions
under “b.”.
b. If you do not have internet access, you will need to manually submit your certification code on the internet to get credit
for your assignment in your instructor’s gradebook. To do this,
- go to www.hawkeslearning.com/fortscottima and log in using your Access Code
- click the Register Certificate(s) link
- select the Lesson Name from the drop down list. Load from disk or type in your certification code and click OK. Your
certification code is now submitted!
- you need to perform these steps after you Certify to get credit for each of your assignments
* Be sure you register your Certification Code ON or BEFORE the due date to get credit for the assignment.
Student Directions for taking a Practice WebTest:
1. Log into the Hawkes Learning Systems courseware using your access code.
2. Click the button titled WebTest found on the bottom right-hand corner of the Table of Contents screen.
3. Click on the Take Test button on the left hand side of the screen
4. Select the Practice Test option and click OK.
5. Choose the number of questions and click on No Time Limit.
6. Choose the sections covered for the appropriate test by holding down the CTRL key.
7. Take the test.
8. When finished with the test, click End Test to submit your test results.
9. You will be notified of your score immediately.
10. Review your test (you can click on MISSED PROBLEMS ONLY at the bottom).
11. Click on Data button on the left to see which sections you need more practice.
12. When taking a practice test, you may only review the test immediately after taking it.
13. Repeat as many times as you wish.
Assignments due dates are accessed by clicking the progress report button in the Hawke’s
computer program.
Unit tests will be announced at least one week in advance.
I. SERVICE LEARNING:
Live tutoring is also available at www.kslc.org. You will need to obtain a library card which is available
at the FSCC library.
Page 6 of 10

J. CLASSROOM RULES OF CONDUCT:
It is my goal to ensure that while you are in my classroom, you are in a safe, non-hostile and free
of distractions environment that is conducive to learning:
When the Instructor is talking, you are not;
Raise your hand for your turn to speak;
Be polite and be a friend;
Be safe.
Each student in this classroom shall exhibit mutual respect towards others in this classroom.
Take care of your business before coming to class. If a student leaves the classroom when class is in session,
that student is not to reenter the classroom until the class period has ended and the student will be counted
absent for that class period. (Exceptions may be made in the cases of documented medical emergencies or
conditions. But such exceptions must be approved by the instructor in advance before the class and during the
instructor’s office hours.)
Misconduct includes but not limited to: operation of a cell phone in class, chatting in class and cross talk
without the instructor’s permission, foul language, singing, whistling, misuse of laboratory tools and equipment,
horseplay and other behaviors and actions which are unrelated to course contents or are intended to disrupt
class. No eating, drinking or tobacco use shall be permitted in the classroom. The consequences for
misconduct, as deemed by the instructor, will vary from a verbal or written warning to the complete
expulsion of the culprit student from the course with a grade of W or an F, regardless of what the
student’s grade might have been up to the expulsion time.
When a student is dismissed from class as a result of the student’s involvement in misconduct, then the student
shall be counted absent for that class period.
K. CELL PHONE USE:
Cell phones must be TURNED OFF before entering the classroom. Cell phones must be stowed away and out
of sight when in the classroom. The use of cell phones in class is not allowed, and is considered rude and
disruptive. You will absolutely NOT be allowed to use the cell phone as a calculator under any circumstances
in the classroom; BRING a REGULAR CALCULATOR to class.
L. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
The students and the instructor shall adhere to the highest moral and ethical academic standards. Honesty and
integrity are at the core values of any educational establishment; deviation from such values destroys the
foundation of such an institution.
Dishonesty will not be tolerated. PDAs, MP3 players and cell phones must be stored out of view and must not
be accessed at all times during a test. Use of any material other than that allowed by the instructor on a test will
be considered an attempt to cheat. Do not talk to anyone other than the instructor during a test or a quiz even if
you were done. Do not pass any kind of objects to another student during the test even if you were done. Do
not talk out loud or whisper during the test even if you were done. If you need help raise your hand and the
instructor will come to you. Failing to comply with the above will constitute cheating or attempting to cheat.
Copying the reports of others and their assignments and turning them in as your own for credit is also
considered cheating.
Page 7 of 10

“Any student dishonesty detected in a course (including during examinations or in submitting plagiarized
materials) may result in the student receiving no credit for the examination, written work or quiz, and
may result in an F grade, suspension and/or dismissal from the course.”
M. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:
a. Evacuation procedures: Exit the classroom quickly in an orderly and calm manner. Students
in the front row exit first followed by the second row and so on until the last row of students
have exited the classroom. Students are to assemble in the designated area as follows so that
the instructor can get a headcount making certain that no student left behind:
i. Tornado: each classroom should have a sign informing you of which room number has
been designated as tornado shelter for your class room. Seek shelter in the designated
room. Rooms that are designated tornado shelters should have a sign posted on the
outside indicating their designation as a tornado shelter.
ii. Fire: follow the evacuation procedures in “a”. Feel your way to find the safest route to
the nearest exit. Assemble in the parking with your instructor for a headcount. DO NOT
GO Back into the building.
b. Lockdown: Stay in the classroom away from the field of view of windows. The classroom door
is to be locked.
c. Location of first aid kit: Faculty lounge.
d. Universal Precaution Kit: Faculty lounge.
e. Always follow the orders from official first responders.
Information regarding Textcaster for alerts can be found at www.fortscott.edu
Emergency contact phone numbers seem to change regularly. For updated numbers, please check
www.fortscott.edu under About tab also under the Staff tab.
Campus security: Emergency only – Phone: 1-620-224-7207
Emergency 911
Maintenance: Emergency only – Phone: 620-223-2700 ext. 471
N. MISCELLANEOUS:
The instructor will hold class as scheduled to present the contents of the course to the student in an instructional
and professional manner. It is the student’s responsibility to learn the material being presented in this course
by:
Attending class regularly and on time;
Paying attention to the lecture and asking the instructor questions during class and during instructor’s posted
office hours to clarify the concepts which the student might be having difficulties understanding;
Spending adequate time learning the material presented to you by reading the reference material required for
this course and doing your homework and submitting it by the due date (it is recommended that the student
spends 2 hours per week, on average, studying and doing homework for each 1 hour of class time.)
Behave in a professional manner and make use of your college years to acquire knowledge and culture to help
you achieve your career goals in life after college. Make your stay pleasant and respect others as you would
expect them to respect you. Study hard and be proud of your achievements.
Be a friend and be safe.
O. TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
Assignment due dates will be announced in class.
Page 8 of 10

A test may be expected every 3 to 4 weeks if not sooner. Test dates will be announced in class at least a week
in advance. One good reason to never miss class!
Note: This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor. The material included is meant to
provide an outline of the course and rules that the instructor will adhere to in evaluating the student. However,
this syllabus is not intended to be a binding legal contract.
Page 9 of 10

Sign this page, detach from syllabus, and return to instructor.
COURSE TITLE: Intermediate Algebra
Spring 2012
COURSE NUMBER: MAT1073
CREDIT HOURS: 3
INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Elie Riachi
OFFICE LOCATION: Academic Building, A-150/153
OFFICE HOURS: As posted.
OFFICE PHONE: (620) 223-2700 x3250
E-MAIL ADDRESS: elier@fortscott.edu
Affidavit:
My signature below indicates that I have read and understand this syllabus, and/or it has been
made available either in hard copy or in an electronic format through the website and/or
Blackboard.
[Instructor may add specific statements related to his/her course.]
______________________________________
Student Signature
_______________
Date
______________________________________
Print Name
______________________________________
Print e-mail address*
_________________________________
Cell phone number*
*Students must provide the Registrar’s Office with updated contact information.
Page 10 of 10