Intermediate Algebra Syllabus, spring, 2013
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INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA SYLLABUS
Tulsa Community College
Spring, 2013
Course: Intermediate Algebra, MTH 0123
Section #:
326
Call #: 22700
Day(s) and Time(s): Friday, 6:00 pm – 8:50 pm; Saturday, noon – 2:50 pm
Start and end dates: Jan 18 – Mar 9, 2013
Course Delivery Method:
LectureCourse format: In class, chapter test, RM 8154
computer Final Exam
Instructor:
Office Hrs: None
Brian Booth
Office Email: brian.booth@tulsacc.edu
brian.booth@tulsatech.edu
cabboothc@cox.net
Office Phone: 918-828-3088 Tulsa Tech, 918-250-1263 home, 918-810-9785 cell
TO CONTACT THE DIVISION OFFICE:
Division: Math and Science
TO CONTACT ACADEMIC & CAMPUS SERVICES:
Associate Dean: Lyn Kent
Director: Susan Burlew
Office:
SE 2202
Office: SE 8125
Phone:
918-595 - 7673
Phone Number: 918-595-7742
COURSE PREREQUISITES: One year of high school algebra and appropriate placement
score or a grade of ‘C’ in either Math 0013 or MTH 0055 or their equivalent. Recent
successful completion of the prerequisites is assumed.
Course Description:
A course in which students can build upon their previous experience in the study of
algebra so that they gain confidence in their ability to use algebra concepts and techniques to solve problems,
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including “Absolute value equations and inequalities, algebraic fractions, irrational numbers, scientific notation,
negative and fractional exponents, roots and radicals, complex numbers, domain and range, quadratic equations,
variation, parallel and perpendicular lines, graphing, systems of equations and applications.
NEXT COURSE(S) IN SEQUENCE: College Algebra, MTH 1513
TEXTBOOKS, SUPPLIES, & OTHER RESOURCES:
Title: Algebra Foundations
Author: Elayn Martin-Gay Publisher: Prentice Hall,
Pearson
2nd Custom Edition for Tulsa Community College Green Book
*Textbooks supplements are available through MyMathLab. All are available through the campus
bookstore. A graphing calculator, preferably TI 83+ or higher, is required in this course.
MyMathLab/coursecompass generic code:
campus90132
This was prepared by Linda Houston and it will show her as the teacher. Do not be concerned
when you see this statement.
To enroll in CourseCompass:
You need the enrollment code from your textbook to validate that you have paid for
access to coursecompass/mymathlab.
Go to www.coursecompass.com
Then click on “register”  now create your name, password
Then click on “Continue a course, re-take a course, or switch to a different
course section”
Click “Next”
Now enter your user name and password
Click “Enroll”
Enter “campus90132”
the generic course ID
Click “Next”
Click “Enter Course Now”
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Choose your user name________________________
Choose your password ________________________
Keep this so that you can take your final exam!
You will take the final exam as a new course on CourseCompass. You must be enrolled in
CourseCompass this semester for Intermediate Algebra and for my class. Transferring from
another class will not work. If you cannot enter CourseCompass on the night of the final
exam, you will not be able to take the final exam.
Scope of the Course: Chapter by chapter – minimal (core) sections required
Ch 15 Sections 1, 2
Graphs and Functions
Ch 16 Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Equations and Inequalities
Ch 17 Sections 1, 2, 3
Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities
Ch 18 Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Rational Expressions
Ch 19 Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Rational Exponents, Radicals, and Complex Numbers
Ch 20 Sections 1, 2, 3
Quadratic Functions and Equations
UNIVERSAL HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS
Each homework assignment will consist of all problems presented in the Section Exercise Set that end in the
numbers “3” and “7”; you should omit any problems found the sections entitled: Collaborative Discussion and
Writing, Skill Maintenance and Synthesis. This will be approximately 20% of the problems presented in each
Exercise Set. (It is my hope that this number of problems will be adequate for you to master the concepts of the
course. Do not be hesitant to work additional problems in order master the concepts of the course.) In the back
of the book you will find the answers to the odd numbered problems. Your MyMathLab supplement contains
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guides for using graphing calculators, a solutions manual for odd numbered problems, tutorials for the concepts
presented in the text, and more. These supplements can be a very valuable study aide. Such a tool will be very
helpful concerning your homework but they would be a disadvantage on your tests and on the final if you only
copy answers but do not gain understanding of the concepts used. We will spend much class time explaining
the homework problems from beginning to end including the terminology and exploring the quirks of the
number crunching parts of the individual problems. On any homework problems where there is any
computation to be done, you must “show your work”. Partial credit will be allowed; please show me your
thought process. Please put your name and chapter number on every page of your homework.
Please do not work any word problems for your homework. We will give consideration to word problems at the
end of the course.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to—
o Perform the basic stills of algebra and develop and maintain proficiency and confidence in algebraic
skills to prepare the student for higher mathematics courses. Specifically, the course skills include
analytical reasoning, problem solving techniques, graphs, polynomial, rational, exponential and
logarithmic functions, systems and matrices, conic sections, sequences, series and combinations.
TEACHING METHODS: Lecture, class discussion, and overhead demonstrations will
be used. Questions are encouraged.
EVALUATION TECHNIQUES: Class participation, homework, tests, and a final exam
will be the components of the class grade. Each chapter will be graded regarding
classroom participation (10%), homework (40%), and test grade (50%). The
average of the chapter grades will represent 80% of the total class grade. The
remaining 20% of the total class grade will come from the Final Exam.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS AND MAKE-UP WORK: With advance permission, late
assignments will be accepted without penalty. Without advance permission, a 10%
penalty on the earned grade for the assignments/work that is late will be applied.
10. Course Withdrawal: The deadline to withdraw from a course shall not exceed 3/4 the
duration of any class. Contact the Counseling Office at any TCC campus to initiate
withdrawal from a course ('W' grade) or to change from Credit to Audit. Check the TCC
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Academic Calendar for deadlines. Students who stop participating in the course and fail to
withdraw may receive a course grade of “F,” which may have financial aid consequences
for the student.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Email: All TCC students receive a designated “MyTCC” email address (ex:
jane_doe@mail.tulsacc.edu). All communications to you about TCC and course
assignments will be sent to your MyTCC email address; and you must use MyTCC email
to send email to, and receive email from, the instructor regarding this course.
Inclement Weather: TCC rarely closes. If extreme weather conditions or emergency
situations arise, TCC always gives cancellation notices to radio and television stations.
This information is also posted on the TCC website (www.tulsacc.edu).
GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS: General Education courses at TCC ensure that our graduates
gain skills, knowledge, and abilities that comprise a common foundation for their higher education
and a backdrop for their work and personal lives. TCC’s General Education goals are: Critical
Thinking, Effective Communication, Engaged Learning, and Technological Proficiency.
CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE: Open and mutually respectful communication of varied opinions,
beliefs, and perspectives during classroom or online discussion encourages the free exchange of
ideas that is essential to higher learning and to the ability to learn from each other. Use of any
electronic device is at the discretion of the instructor.
Tobacco Free College
Tulsa Community College is a Tobacco Free college in accordance with the Governor’s
Executive Order 2012-01 and Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes, Section 1-1523 which
prohibits smoking or the use of any tobacco products in all public places, in any indoor
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workplace, and all vehicles owned by the State of Oklahoma and all of its agencies and
instrumentalities. This Order includes property leased, rented, or owned by TCC including,
but not limited to, all grounds, buildings, facilities, and parking lots. Tulsa Community
College’s policy includes a tobacco free environment on all campus and off-campus
locations conducting TCC credit or non-credit classes. The TCC Campus Police is
responsible for ensuring compliance with the Tobacco-Free Environment Policy. Violations
of the policy may be addressed through issuance of campus or state citations.
SYLLABUS CHANGES: Occasionally, changes to the syllabus may be necessary. Students
will be notified of any changes to the syllabus in writing.
DISABILITY RESOURCES: It is the policy and practice of Tulsa Community College to create
inclusive learning environments. Accommodations for qualifying students in compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are available. To
request accommodations, contact the Education Access Center (EAC) at eac@tulsacc.edu or call
(918) 595-7115 (Voice). Deaf and hard of hearing students may text (918) 809-1864.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Academic dishonesty (cheating) is defined as the deception of
others about one’s own work or about the work of another. Academic dishonesty or misconduct is
not condoned or tolerated at campuses within the Tulsa Community College system. Tulsa
Community College adopts a policy delegating certain forms of authority for disciplinary action to
the faculty. Such disciplinary actions delegated to the faculty include, but are not limited to, the
dismissal of disrespectful or disorderly students from classes. In the case of academic dishonesty a
faculty member may:




Require the student to redo an assignment or test, or require the student to complete a
substitute assignment or test;
Record a "zero" for the assignment or test in question;
Recommend to the student that the student withdraw from the class, or administratively
withdraw the student from the class;
Record a grade of "F" for the student at the end of the semester. Faculty may request
that disciplinary action be taken against a student at the administrative level by
submitting such a request to the Dean of Student Services.
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Course Drop or Withdrawal: A student who has been found responsible for academic
dishonesty in a course may not drop or withdraw from the course. If the student processes
a drop or withdrawal from the course, the action will be reversed and the appropriate grade
will be recorded on the student's transcript.
INSTITUTIONAL STATEMENT: Each student is responsible for being aware of the
information contained in the TCC Catalog, the TCC Student Policies & Resources Handbook,
and semester information listed in the class schedule. All information may be viewed on the
TCC website: www.tulsacc.edu
TENTATIVE COURSE CALENDAR:
Week 1: Jan 18, 19
Friday - Overview of Course, Review of Algebra Concepts
Saturday - Lecture Ch 15, 16
Week 2: Jan 25, 26
Friday - Lecture Ch 16, 17
Homework Ch 15
Saturday - Homework/Review Ch15, 16
Week 3: Feb 1, 2
Friday - Homework Ch 16, 17, Lecture Ch 16, 17
Saturday - Review ** Ch 15, 16, 17 Test **
Sample Final - Booth
Week 4: Feb 8, 9
Friday - Lecture Ch 18, 19, 20 (handout – pretest for Ch18, 19, 20)
Chapter 15, 16, 17 Homework Due
Saturday – Lecture Ch 18, 19, 20 Sample Final handout – clean
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Week 5: Feb 15, 16
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Friday - Homework Ch 18, 19
Saturday - Homework Ch 19, 20
Week 6: Feb 22, 23
Friday - Homework Ch 18, 19, 20
Saturday - Review Ch 18, 19, 20
Week 7: Mar 1, 2
** Ch 18, 19, 20 Test **
Friday - Word Problems, Review Ch 15, 16, 17
Chapter 18, 19, 20 Homework Due
Saturday - Review Ch 18, 19, 20
Week 8: Mar 8, 9
Friday - Review for Final
Saturday - ** Final Exam ** 32 problems, 1:50 time limit Computer Final
You must be enrolled in CourseCompass for this course in this semester
in order to take the final exam. The exam will be a new course offered
to you.
The MathLab is open 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturdays, but the Testing Center is closed on Friday and Saturday.
The MathLab is staffed with math tutors to aid students, but they are not to tutor students one-on-one, but
rather to assist students. The MathLab does have textbooks, solutions manuals, graphing calculators, and
personnel to guide you in solving 1 or 2 questions at a time. Please note that MyMathLab has tutorials,
solutions manuals for odd numbered problems, etc.
Chapter Tests
Chapter tests will occur beginning the last 45 minutes of class on the day scheduled. Students may take time
beyond the end of class to finish a test or quiz. I will wait on students to complete their tests. Each chapter test
will normally consist of five problems. Partial credit will be given. I will be pleased to award any and every
student in the class an “A” based upon the quality of his or her work; giving such grades is my goal. Each student
will receive his/her graded chapter test back the following week. Individual conferences can be scheduled
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before or after class on Fridays or Saturdays. Please give me a little notice if you need to meet about your grade
or your progress in the course.
Final Exam Required Text:
COINTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA
There will be a comprehensive computerized final exam, utilizing the CourseCompass software. You may not use
your own books, notes, or scratch paper during this exam. Calculators may not be shared during the exam. Common
finals are given to all Beginning &Intermediate Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, and College Algebra Classes. To
assist students in preparing for these exams, the following policies have been established.
1. The common final will be the only exam for this class given during finals week.
2. Each student should receive instructions for accessing a sample final.
3. Students may use a calculator.
4. A list of standard formulas will be supplied with the exam (College Algebra only).
To earn a grade of A, B, or C in this course, the department requires that you must also score at least
50% on the common final exam.
Any exceptions to this must be appealed by your instructor to the division chair.
From Mr. Booth: The final exam is mandated to be a departmental exam. I will not write this exam, nor will I
know exactly what the individual questions are on the exam. The rules do not allow the use of your textbook,
notes, or personal scratch paper. A calculator can be used, but they cannot be shared during the exam. You will
receive instructions about how to access a sample final exam that will be similar to the actual final exam.
Students must score a minimum of 50% on this final exam in order to be awarded a grade of A, B, or C for the
course. Any exceptions to this standard must be appealed by your instructor to the Division Chair.
This semester the final exam is a computer exam. The test will be multiple choice and there will be no partial
credit. Each student must be enrolled in Course Compass in order to take the Final Exam. We will spend time in
class reviewing the ways that questions are posed, the use of terminology, and the concepts tested on this final
exam. Our preparation is intended to enable students to clearly understand each question that is asked without
confusion created by the terminology or created by the style of the question.
Let’s have fun with math in this course, and pass it. This course is the prerequisite course for College Algebra.
This might be your last class in mathematics or just the beginning of your exposure to some great ideas from
statistics and/or calculus.
Brian Booth
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