PASADENA CITY COLLEGE
MATH 131
INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA
SPRING 2016
SECTION: 31299
TIME/DAY: 9:45a.m. – 12:15p.m. T Th
LOCATION: R209
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.
You will be required to use MYyMathLab for your 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: tsvikyan18126
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 6 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, May 3, 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 Tutoring Center (R-125) 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:
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January 18 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day, campus closed
January 24 - Last day to add a class
January 24 – Last day to drop without getting a “W”
February 15 – President’s Day, campus closed
March 7 – 13 – Spring Break , campus closed
March 31 – Cesar Chavez Day, campus closed
April 8 – Last day to drop and receive a “W”
May 3 - Comprehensive Final Exam, 10:15a.m. – 12:15p.m.
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:
01/21, 01/28, 02/04, 02/11, 02/18, 02/25, 03/03, 03/17, 03/24, 04/07, 04/14, 04/21
Tentative Lecture Schedule for Math 131
Spring 2016
Tuesday
January 12
WEEK 1
14
Review, Ch 1
19
2.1, 2.2 , 2.3
21
WEEK 2
2.4, 2.5, 2.6
26
2.5, 2.6
28
WEEK 3
Exam #1 (Ch 1 & 2)
February 2
WEEK 4
3.1, 3.2, 3.3
4
4.1, 4.2, 4.3
9
4.4, 4.5, 4.6
11
WEEK 5
4.6, 4.7, 4.8
16
Exam #2 (Ch 3 &4)
18
WEEK 6
5.1, 5.2
23
5.3, 5.4
25
WEEK 7
5.5, 5.6
March 1
WEEK 8
Exam #3 (Ch 5)
3
6.1, 6.2, 6.3
8
6.4, 6.5
10
WEEK 9
Spring Break
15
Spring Break
17
WEEK 10
6.6, 6.7
22
WEEK 11
6.8, 9.1
24
Exam #4 (Ch 6 and 9.1)
29
8.1, 8.2
31
WEEK 12
8.3, 8.4
April 5
WEEK 13
Cesar Chavez Day
7
8.5
12
WEEK 14
Exam #5 (Ch 8)
14
7.1, 7.2
19
WEEK 15
7.3, 7.4
21
7.5, 7.6
26
WEEK 16
Thursday
Exam #6 (Ch 7)
28
Review for Final Exam
Review for Final Exam
Note: The schedule/homework is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.
MyLab / Mastering
Student Registration Instructions
To register for MATH 131:
1. Go to pearsonmylabandmastering.com.
2. Under Register, click Student.
3. Enter your instructor’s course ID: tsvikyan18126, and click Continue.
4. Sign in with an existing Pearson account or create an account:

If you have used a Pearson website (for example, MyITLab, Mastering,
MyMathLab, or MyPsychLab), enter your Pearson username and password.
Click Sign In.

If you do not have a Pearson account, click Create. Write down your new
Pearson username and password to help you remember them.
5. Select an option to access your instructor’s online course:



Use the access code that came with your textbook or that you purchased
separately from the bookstore.
Buy access using a credit card or PayPal.
If available, get 17 days of temporary access.
6. Click Go To Your Course on the Confirmation page. Under MyLab / Mastering
New Design on the left, click MATH 131 to start your work.
Retaking or continuing a course?
If you are retaking this course or enrolling in another course with the same book, be
sure to use your existing Pearson username and password. You will not need to pay
again.
To sign in later:
1. Go to pearsonmylabandmastering.com.
2. Click Sign In.
3. Enter your Pearson account username and password. Click Sign In.
4. Under MyLab / Mastering New Design on the left, click MATH 131 to start your work.
Additional Information
See Students > Get Started on the website for detailed instructions on
registering with an access code, credit card, PayPal, or temporary access.