MAT 1033: Intermediate Algebra
MW 3:30 – 4:45 in SA 118
Fall 2014
Instructor:
Office Phone:
Email:
Instructor Webpage:
Course Webpage:
Daniel J Bueller
(727) 341-4221
Bueller.Daniel@spcollege.edu
http://www.spcollege.edu/instructors/id/2208
http://angel.spcollege.edu
Technology:
An ALEKS Access Code can be purchased from the bookstore or online at
http://www.aleks.com
Text:
None! Your ALEKS Access Code gives you online access to the textbook
for the course as well as instructional videos, math exercises, and
solutions. The textbook is Intermediate Algebra, 2nd edition, ALEKS 360
version by Miller/O’Neill/Hyde, McGraw-Hill 2010. ISBN: 9780077409746.
Prerequisite:
An understanding of high school level Algebra I or equivalent.
Course Description:
Major topics include: factoring, algebraic fractions, radicals and rational
exponents, complex numbers, quadratic equations, rational equations,
linear equations and inequalities, systems of linear equations and
inequalities, introduction to functions, and applications.
Course Goals:
1. To help the student to demonstrate an understanding of properties
and terminology when working with mathematical expressions.
2. To help the student demonstrate an understanding of algorithmic
processes and concepts when performing algebraic manipulations,
interpretations and computations on mathematical expressions,
equations and inequalities.
Course Objectives:
The first goal will be achieved by:
a.
b.
c.
d.
using precise mathematical language.
applying the order of operations agreement to simplify expressions involving integers, exponents and radicals.
simplifying and performing operations with radical expressions.
using functional notation to evaluate a function.
a.
b.
c.
d.
solving literal equations which involve factoring a common factor.
multiplying and dividing exponential expressions with rational exponents.
factoring polynomials including the sum and difference of cubes.
adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing algebraic fractions including monomial, binomial, and trinomial
denominators expressing the result in simplified form.
solving radical equations involving one radical expression (square root).
writing an equation in slope-intercept, standard and general form for a line which passes through two given points.
writing an equation in slope-intercept, standard and general form for a line when the slope and a point on the line.
solving systems of linear equations in two variables graphically and algebraically.
solving systems of linear equations in two variables by graphing.
The second goal will be achieved by:
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
m.
n.
o.
solving real world problems using one or two variables.
solving quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square and using the quadratic formula.
solving real world problems which require the use of quadratic equations.
graphing quadratic functions including finding the vertex, axis of symmetry and x- and y- intercepts.
solving rational equations.
performing operations on complex numbers and write the answer in standard form (a + bi).
ALEKS Pie (20%):
The topics for Intermediate Algebra are divided into eight chapters as
well as a preliminary fundamentals chapter. The student should complete
all the topics in the chapter by the associated due dates. The pie grade
will be calculated as the percentage of topics completed for each
chapter. If chapter topics are not completed by the due date, then the
topics that will be pertinent later on will show up as prerequisites in a
future chapter. It is; therefore, important to complete the entire
chapter’s topics on time so that topics do not build up towards the
backend of the semester.
ALEKS Tests (30%):
There are four tests in ALEKS that will cover topics from the chapters.
Tests will be given during class time the period following the due
date of the last chapter that will be covered on the particular test.
Students who complete the chapters that will be covered on the test at
least a week before the due date may take the test early and move on
into the next chapter. Students may finish this class early if desired!
In class activities (10%): For each chapter there will be short lectures and class activities on the
material. If you miss class when an activity is assigned, then you will
receive a zero on that assignment.
Midterm Exam (15%): Tuesday October 14th. Students will take a midterm exam halfway
through the semester. The exam is comprehensive to that point in the
semester.
Final Exam (20%):
Tuesday December 9th. Students will take a comprehensive final exam at
the end of the course. The exam will replace the student’s lowest test
score unless the final exam score is lower than the lowest test score.
Practice Tests (5%):
A practice test will be available prior to each test and exam.
Grading Scale:
A: 90-100%
B: 80-89%
C: 70-79%
ALEKS Pie
ALEKS Tests
In-Class Activities
Midterm Exam
Final Exam
Practice Tests
D: 60-69%
Weights
20%
30%
10%
15%
20%
5%
F: 0-59%
Calculators:
Calculator use is recommended for this course. There is a built in
calculator in ALEKS, but the student may also obtain for themselves a
scientific or graphing calculator for basic operations. For those continuing
on to College Algebra or Statistics it will be a better investment to obtain
the TI-83 Plus or TI-84 Plus. Symbolic calculators, like the TI-89, as well as
cell phone calculators, are prohibited during all tests.
Important Dates:
August 22th – Last day to drop course and receive a refund
October 23th – Withdrawal deadline to receive a grade of “W”
November 11th – Veterans Day: no class
November 27th – Thanksgiving: no class
Attendance Policy:
The college-wide attendance policy is included in the Syllabus Addendum
www.spcollege.edu/central/asa/addendum.htm. The policy notes that
each instructor is to exercise professional judgment and define “active
participation” in class (and therefore “attendance”), and publish that
definition in each syllabus. For this class, attendance is defined as the
student attending every class and arriving/leaving on time. A student
will be deemed “not participating” and subject to withdrawal from the
course if they have completed less than 30 hours in ALEKS before the
drop deadline. Such a student will receive a grade of WF.
Survey of Instruction: The student survey of instruction is administered in courses each
semester. It is designed to improve the quality of instruction at St.
Petersburg College. All student responses are confidential and
anonymous and will be used solely for the purpose of performance
improvement.
Additional Resources: Learning Support Commons – Tutoring:
 Location: TE 200
 Phone:
(727) 341-3512
 Web site: http://www.spcollege.edu/SPG/LSC/
Khan Academy – Mini video lectures:
 Web site: KhanAcademy.org
Title
Name
Office
Phone
Dean of Mathematics
Jimmy Chang
SP/G SA 215
(727) 341-4305
Academic Chair of Mathematics
David Kolonoski
SP/G SA 215
(727) 341-4757
Other Policies and Miscellanea:
 It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of anything announced in class or sent via









ANGEL email whether or not they attended class or checked their email.
Should there be a scheduling conflict on a test day, the student may take the test early
or late only if the make-up test is arranged before the original test is given. To ensure a
make-up test the student must at least contact the instructor in some way prior to the
administration of the normally scheduled test. There will be no exceptions to this rule
(car troubles, sickness, etc.). Should a test be missed the student will receive a zero.
In class assignments may not be made up unless absence is documented.
No extra credit will be given.
Chapter due dates in ALEKS cannot be extended or reopened.
The instructor will use discretion in rounding up or down fridge final grades (59.9%,
69.9%, 79.9%, and 89.9%) based on the student’s overall participation: attendance,
contribution to the class atmosphere, doing homework problems on the board, visiting
the instructor during office hours if needed, etc.
Grades will be earned based on the grading scale and grading outline listed above. There
will be no deviations from this. It is; therefore, inappropriate for students to ask for a
grade at the end of the semester in which they do not have enough points for. Amount
of time spent studying, needing to pass the class to graduate, needing a certain GPA for
a scholarship, etc. will not be factored into actual point totals which determine grades.
Semester points may not be obtained after the Final Exam is given.
The instructor reserves the right to make any changes to the syllabus or course schedule
if absolutely necessary and in the best mutual interest of the students and instructor.
All college policies regarding student conduct, academic honesty, students with
disabilities, withdrawals, etc. apply in this course. Please refer to the student handbook
for more details.
What do I expect from you?
Arrive to class on time with a good attitude, be
prepared to learn, participate, and work!
Positively contribute to the classroom setting.
Spend 2 hours in homework per 1 hour in class.
Give yourself a chance to succeed.
Check ANGEL/ALEKS for emails on a regularly.
Respect all policies outlined in the syllabus
What can you expect from me?
Arrive to class on time with a good attitude
and be prepared to assist/teach as needed.
Create an environment conducive to learning.
Grade and return assignments promptly.
Invest in your success.
Reply to emails in a timely manner.
Remain within the parameters of the syllabus
Course Schedule
Monday
A
U
G
U
S
T
Tuesday
18
AUG
Wednesday
19
Thursday
20
Syllabus
Pre-Assessment
25
26
1
Fundamentals due
S
E
P
T
E
M
B
E
R
27
9
10
16
17
23
24
Ch 2 due
30
7
13
Midterm Practice due
Ch 3 due
Test 2 Practice due
14
15
21
22
28
29
4
5
10
Ch 5 due
Test 3 Practice due
Ch 6 due
25
D
E
C
Ch 7 due
Final Exam Practice due
24
30
Last day to
drop
w/refund for
8W2 classes
31
6
7
13
14
20
21
27
28
4
5
11
12
Test 3
26
Thanksgiving, No Class
2
Class
8
17
Class
Class
1
16
23
19
18
Class
DEC
10
Class
Veterans Day, No Class
24
9
Test 2
12
11
17
26
Last day to
drop
w/refund for
Express 3
classes
Class
Class
N
O
V
E
M
B
E
R
2
Class
Last day to withdraw with a “W”
Class
NOV
19
Class
Ch 4 due
3
18
25
8
Class
27
12
Last day to drop with a "W" for
8W1Class
classes
1
Midterm
20
11
Class
Class
O
C
T
O
B
E
R
OCT
Class
6
5
Class
Class
29
4
Class
Test 1
22
29
Class
Class
Ch 1 due, Test 1 Practice due
28
3
Class
15
22
Last day to
drop with
refund
Class
2
8
21
Class
Class
SEPT
Friday
3
Ch 8 due
Test 4 Practice due
9
Final Exam (3:00–4:50)
10
Test 4
Directions for Accessing ALEKS




Go to www.ALEKS.com click on Sign Up Now
Click on the box labeled using ALEKS with a Class?
Enter the course code:
GYF33-VUHV6 and click "Continue."
Enter your purchased code to complete the transaction OR the financial Aid
code
9D9A1-38378-BB012-4B3A7
and click "Continue."
 The temporary code expires in 2 weeks. Purchase a code before your
temporary code expires and extend your account.
 Enter your personal information. Write down your userid and password.
USERID:
PASSWORD:
EXPIRATION DATE:
Begin using ALEKS. Go through the tutorial and begin the initial assessment.
Work carefully.
Click “Continue” when you are through with the assessment and move into
learning mode. Raise your hand to let me know you are finished. I will check
on you.
You must log on and work in ALEKS again before the next class period. Try
accessing the program from the Learning Support Center, the library or
home. You may need to download an ALEKS player (like Java).
Office Hours: