Course Plan
Date: August 1, 2012 - 2013
Math 161, College Algebra
3 lecture hours for 3 semester hours credit
Course Description: This course is intended to provide problem-solving concepts and
techniques as applied to algebraic and transcendental relations. Emphasis is placed on
solving linear and nonlinear equalities and inequalities; graphs, symmetry, transformations,
and operations of functions; theory of equations; and approaches to solving exponential and
logarithmic equations. This course has been approved as satisfying the Comprehensive
Articulation Agreement general education core requirement in natural sciences/mathematics.
Course Objectives:
:
 Students will be able to apply techniques for solving linear and non-linear equalities and
inequalities.
 Students will be able to sketch graphs of basic functions and create new functions using
transformations, symmetry, and/or adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, or
composing functions.
 Students will be able to graph polynomial and rational functions by finding the zeros
understanding the behavior of such functions between the zeros.
 Students will be able to solve applied problems using polynomial or rational functions or
functions created using direct or inverse variation.
 Students will be able to apply techniques for solving exponential and logarithmic
equations.
Student Learning Outcomes:


Model and solve real-world applications mathematically
Perform mathematical calculations appropriate for the discipline of study
Prerequisites: MAT 080, or a passing score on the placement test or Math SAT of at least 500 or
ACT  21 .
Corequisites: MAT 161A Lab
Textbook and Required Materials:
Essentials of College Algebra,10th ed., by Lial, published by Pearson Publishers, 2011. Graphing
Calculator
Course Outline:
 Equations and Inequalities
 Linear equations
 Applications and modeling with linear equations
 Complex numbers
 Quadratic equations
 Applications and modeling with quadratic equations
 Quadratic, radical, and rational equations
 Linear, quadratic, and rational inequalities
 Absolute value equations and inequalities

Graphs and Functions
 Graphs and equations
 Functions
 Linear functions
 Equations of lines; curve fitting
 Graphs of basic functions
 Graphing techniques
 Function operations and compositions

Polynomial and Rational Functions
 Quadratic functions and models
 Synthetic division
 Zeros of polynomial functions
 Polynomial functions: Graphs, applications, and models
 Rational functions: graphs, applications and models
 Variation

Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
 Inverse functions
 Exponential functions
 Logarithmic functions
 Evaluating logarithms and the change-of-base theorem
 Exponential and logarithmic equations
 Applications and models of exponential growth and decay
Grading Policy: Grading policies will be included in the syllabus and distributed to all students at the
beginning of each semester. In all curriculum math courses the grading scale is the same: A = 100-90, B =
89-80, C = 79-70, D = 69-60, F = 59-0.
Disability Services: Alamance Community College is committed to providing equal educational
opportunities for students with documented disabilities. Students who require disability services
or reasonable accommodations must identify themselves as having a disability and provide
current diagnostic documentation to the Disability Services Office located in the Gee Building,
Room 128. All information is confidential. Please contact Monica Isbell, Coordinator of Special
Needs & Counseling Services for more information at 336-506-4130 or email at
isbellm@alamancecc.edu.
Student Access to Faculty: Instructors will provide students with a written syllabus that
includes their name, office number, telephone number, e-mail address and office hours.
Attendance Policy: The standard ACC attendance policy will be followed (see the ACC
Student Handbook for details.) The attendance policy may be modified by departments as
approved by the Associate Dean. The specific attendance policy for this course will be provided
in the syllabus.
Academic Integrity: Students should review the Student Code of Conduct section of the Student
Handbook.
Course Evaluation: This course will be regularly evaluated in accordance with college policy.
Endorsement of the Department Head and Associate Dean
Department Head: Sonya McCook
Date: August 1, 2012
Associate Dean: Cathy Johnson
Date: August 1, 2012