PASADENA CITY COLLEGE
MATH 131
INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA
FALL 2015
SECTION: 70084
TIME/DAY: 9:45a.m. – 12:15p.m. T TH
LOCATION: R117
INSTRUCTOR: ALVARD TSVIKYAN
E-MAIL ADDRESS: axtsvikyan@pasadena.edu
OFFICE HOURS: 12:30 pm – 1:15 p.m. W - 101A
(on selected days)
nd
REQUIRED TEXT: Intermediate Algebra, 3 Ed. by Michael Sullivan, III & Katherine, Struve
Course Description: This course will cover fundamental algebraic operations: linear, quadratic, exponential
and logarithmic function; inequalities and systems of equations.
Prerequisite: Math 125 or Math 128B or Math 127B or Math 128B or placement based on the Math
assessment process.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLO): After finishing this course, students will be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Simplify nonlinear expressions.
Solve nonlinear equations and inequalities.
Evaluate, graph, and perform operations on functions.
Model and solve real word applications.
Student Performance Outcomes:
 Simplify rational expressions
 Simplify radical expressions
 Simplify expressions involving exponents, including variable and rational
 Simplify logarithmic expressions
 Solve quadratic equations and inequalities
 Solve absolute value equations and inequalities
 Solve rational equations
 Solve radical equations
 Solve exponential equations
 Solve logarithmic equations
 Solve equations quadratic in form
 Use function notation
 Graph functions and transformations
 Find domain and range
 Find and graph the inverse of a function
 Composite functions
 Solve applications involving parabolas and polynomials
 Solve applications involving rational equations
 Solve applications involving radical equations
 Solve applications involving exponential equations
 Solve applications involving logarithmic equations
Calculators: A scientific calculator may be used for some selected sections. Use of a graphing or cell
phone calculator will be considered cheating.
Attendance: Attendance is required for all class sessions. Attendance may be taken at any time
during class meeting. If you miss a lecture, it is your responsibility to contact a classmate for the
assignment. You should come to the next class with the assignment done. If you choose not to
continue a course, it is your responsibility to drop it. Failure to do so will result in a grade of “F” in
this class. Please check with the schedule of classes regarding withdrawal dates and policies.
Homework: Successful students should plan to spend at least two hours of study outside of class for each
hour of discussion. This translates into a minimum of ten additional hours per week to review the class notes,
read the pertinent sections in the textbook, solve the homework problems and pre-read and take notes for
the sections which will be covered in the next class session. Homework is an essential part of your learning.
Homework includes (a) On-Line MyMathLab Homework, (b) Textbook Homework.
(a) On-Line MyMathLab Homework: MyMathLab is on-line homework software for you to practice and
receive instant feedback on your work. It provides you 24/7 support. Statistics showed that many
students seem to enjoy using MyMathLab and their retention and success rates were improved in
various classes. Access codes for MyMathLab can be purchased from the PCC bookstore or directly
from the publisher on-line. Homework is done for your own benefit, and you are expected to do
homework every day after each section is completed in class. Each assignment has a deadline, so do
it before the due date. Use a paper or notebook to solve the homework problems before submitting
your answers, and keep them for your record. You will be able to see your mistakes and your score.
You are encouraged to ask questions regarding your homework. Homework is posted under the
“Homework and Tests” tab. To sign up for MyMathLab you need to use the following:
MyMathLab Course ID: tsvikyan38834
(b) Textbook Homework: For the most part, some odd numbered exercises will be assigned. You should
grade your own homework using the keys on the back of the textbook and give yourself a percentage
before coming into class. Homework problems should be written up neatly and solved completely
and with sufficient explanations and solutions. You will not earn any credit for solutions without
work. Only use a calculator to check your work, not to do your work. The textbook homework will be
collected on each exam day, before the exam. It must be submitted on stapled or bound sheets
arranged in the correct order. No late homework will be accepted.
You can also connect to a Tutor and chat with a live Math tutor without an appointment!
Use the Whiteboard to chat with the tutor, as well as share the problem you’re working on
so that the tutor can provide you with the best feedback possible!
Powered by Smarthinking, the industry leader in on-demand tutoring services that has
provided over 4.5 million one-on-one tutoring sessions for college students!
Students Recommend Smarthinking! Over 90% of the tens of thousands of students
surveyed would recommend Smarthinking online tutoring to a friend!
Tutoring is also available in other subjects! For more information, go to
www.pasadena.edu/smarthinking.
Quizzes: There will be short in-class quizzes based on homework problems and in-class lectures. Their dates
might not be announced beforehand, so get ready daily. Quizzes are extra points and may be added to your
exams scores. Quizzes cannot be made up. If you miss a quiz you will receive a zero for that assignment.
Extra Credit: All students are encouraged to volunteer to solve problems on the board. These problems will
come from the homework or exam problems. They will count as an extra credit.
Exams: There will be given five chapter tests on assigned dates. They will be similar to the assigned
homework problems. The review exercises at the end of each chapter may be used as additional
preparation for exams. Each exam is worth 100 points. There will be no make-up exams for any
reason. However, your lowest exam score may be replaced by the average of your final exam score
to improve your grade. If you miss an exam, you will receive a zero for that assignment.
Final Exam: A comprehensive final exam will be given in class on Tuesday, December 15, 10:15
am – 12:15pm. Final exam is a course requirement, and all students must take it to pass the
course.
Grading: Your final course grade will be determined by calculating the percentage of all points
earned from chapter tests, quizzes and the final exam.
Exams:
Final Exam:
Homework:
Quizzes & group work
60%
30%
10%
Extra Credit
For example, suppose your exams score average is 95%, your homework average is 85% and your
final exam is 75%. Your grade for the semester is computed as follows:
6  95  185   3  75 
 88%
10
Letter grade on tests, quizzes, and the final exam will be assigned according to the following scale:
A = 90 - 100%
B = 80 - 89%
C = 70 - 79%
D = 60 - 69%
F = 59% and below
Class participation and attendance will affect the decision on borderline grade.
Note that borderline is defined to be 1.0% or less below the desired grade; i.e., 89%, 79%, etc.
Academic Dishonesty: Any student caught cheating on an exam will receive no points for that exam.
Cheating includes using a calculator, notes, and book, copying homework from each other, or speaking to
anyone in the class during an exam. Any form of academic dishonesty can be grounds for receiving a grade
of F and possibly dismissal from the college.
Classroom Conduct: There should be no use of electronic devices such as cell phones or mp3 players during
class time. Those using electronic devices or disrupting the class will receive zero points for that day’s work
and / or may be asked to leave the classroom. If your cell phone “rings” during an exam, 5 points will be
deducted from your test score. If you are found using a phone during a test you may be asked to leave the
classroom and receive zero for that test. Text messaging is not allowed during class time.
Tutoring: Free tutoring is available at the Math resource center (R-407) and the Learning Assistance
Center (D-300), as well as the TLC (V-102) and the Zone for athletes (GM 112-A).
Accommodation: If you are a student with special needs and require accommodations for this
course, please let me know and be sure to contact the department of Disabled Student Program and
Services, in D-209, or by calling (626) 585-7127.
Helpful Suggestions
 Read the relevant sections before coming to class.

DO your homework daily. (You should allow 2 hours for every hour in class.)

Take advantage of the Math Lab (R407) or The Learning Assistance Center (D-300)

Ask questions if you don’t understand.

Come to class/ Form study groups.
Please Note:
 Punctuality is expected. Arriving late and leaving early is distracting to other students. If
you have an emergency and need to leave the class early, make prior arrangements with
me at the beginning of class.
 You may not leave the classroom until the exam (quiz) is completed and turned in. You
will not be allowed to take an exam (quiz) if other students have completed and left the
classroom before you arrive.
 Do not schedule appointments with your chancellor, doctor, prospective employer, etc.,
during class hours.
 Cell phones must be set on silent or turned off during class time. If you use a cell phone
for any reason, or your cell phone rings during a class time, your grade will be relatively
affected, and you may be asked to leave the classroom. . Text messaging is not allowed
during class time.
 No eating / drinking in the classroom.
The instructor has the right to make changes as necessary to this syllabus.
Important Dates:
 September 7 – Labor Day - campus closed
 September 13- Last day to add a class.
 September 15 - Last day to drop classes without receiving a “W
 October 1- Faculty Professional Development Day – no classes
 November 11 – Veteran’s Day - campus closed.
 November 20 - Last day to drop a class with a “W”.
 November 26-29 – thanksgiving Holiday- campus closed
 December 15 - Comprehensive Final Exam, 10:15 am - 12:15pm.
REMINDER: Office hours will be held in Adjunct Faculty Room, W- 101 A, on Thursdays,
from 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM on the following days:
09/10, 09/17, 09/24, 10/08, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/05, 11/12, 11/19, 12/03, 12/10
Tentative Lecture Schedule for Math 131
Spring 2013
WEEK 1
Tuesday
Thursday
September 1
Review, Ch 1
3
8
10
WEEK 2
Review, 1.5,1.6, 1.7, 1.8
2.1, 2.2 , 2.3
15
WEEK 3
2.4, 2.5, 2.6
17
Exam #1(Ch 1 & 2)
22
WEEK 4
3.1, 3.2, 3.3
24
4.1, 4.2, 4.3
29
WEEK 5
4.4, 4.5
October 1
4.6, 4.7, 4.8
6
WEEK 6
Flex Day
8
Exam #2(Ch 3 &4)
13
5.1, 5.2
15
WEEK 7
5.3, 5.4
20
WEEK 8
5.5, 5.6
22
Exam #3(Ch 5)
27
6.1, 6.2, 6.3
29
WEEK 9
6.4, 6.5
November 3
WEEK 10
6.6, 6.7
5
6.8, 9.1
10
Exam #4(Ch 6 and 9.1)
12
WEEK 11
8.1, 8.2
17
8.3, 8.4
19
WEEK 12
8.5
24
Exam #5(Ch 8)
26
WEEK 13
7.1, 7.2
December 1
WEEK 14
7.3, 7.4
3
7.5, 7.6
8
WEEK 15
Exam #6 (Ch 7)
10
Final Exam
Review
Final Exam
Review
15
WEEK 16
Final Exam
10:15am – 12:15pm
Note: The schedule/homework is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.
MyMathLab
Welcome Students!
MyMathLab is an interactive website where you can:
 Self-test & work through practice exercises with step-by-step help to improve your math skills.
 Study more efficiently with a personalized study plan and exercises that match your book.
 Get help when YOU need it. MyMathLab includes multimedia learning aids, videos, animations, and live tutorial help.
Before You Begin:
To register for MyMathLab, you need:
 A MyMathLab student access code (packaged with your new text, standalone at your bookstore, or available
for purchase with a major credit card at www.pearsonmylab.com)
 Your instructors’ Course ID:_tsvikyan38834_________________________
 A valid email address
Student Registration:
 Enter www.pearsonmylab.com in your web browser.
 Under Register, click Student.
 Enter your Course ID exactly as provided by your instructor and click Continue. Your course information appears
on the next page. If it does not look correct, contact your instructor to verify the Course ID.
 Sign in or follow the instructions to create an account. Use an email address that you check and, if possible,
use that same email address for your username. Read and accept the License Agreement and Privacy Policy.
 Click Access Code. Enter your Access Code in the boxes and click Next. If you do not have an access code and want to
pay by credit card or PayPal, select the access level you want and follow the instructions. You can also get temporary
access without payment for 17 days.
Once your registration is complete, a Confirmation page appears. You will also receive this information by email. Make
sure you print the Confirmation page as your receipt. Remember to write down your username and password. You are
now ready to access your resources!
Signing In:
 Go to www.pearsonmylab.com and click Sign in.
 Enter your username and password and click Sign In.
 On the left, click on the name of your course.
The first time you enter your course from your own computer and anytime you use a new computer, click the Installation
Wizard or Browser Check on the Announcements page. After completing the installation process and closing the
wizard, you will be on your course home page and ready to explore your MyMathLab resources!
Need help?
Contact Product Support at http://www.mymathlab.com/student-support for live CHAT, email, or phone support.
For a video demo from your
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For additional support go to:
http://www.mymathlab.com/contactus_stu.html
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