FOSSIL RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL – COLLEGE ALGEBRA
COURSE SYLLABUS
COURSE:
MATH 1110 – College Algebra (3 semester hours)
START/END DATES:
Monday August 20, 2013 to Thursday May 29, 2014
MEETING DAYS/TIMES:
LOCATION:
Monday from 7:30 – 8:22 AM; Tues/Thurs from 7:30 – 9:04 AM
Fossil Ridge High School (Room E108)
INSTRUCTOR: Catherine A. Shaw
OFFICE HOURS:
I am available for extra help during lunch, and after school from 2:50 PM to 4:00 PM. Other special
arrangements can be made on an individual basis.
PHONE:
Voice Mail: 970-488-6425
Please allow at least 24 hour for a response.
E-MAIL:
cshaw@psdschools.org
Please allow at least 24 hours for a response.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK:
Title: Precalculus – Enhanced with Graphing Utilities
Author: Michael Sullivan and Michael Sullivan, III
Copyright: 2006 (4th Edition)
Publisher: Prentice Hall
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Topics in algebra designed for students who intend to take the calculus sequence. Functions, domains, ranges, graphs, data scatter
plots and curve fitting, solving equations and systems of equations, polynomial functions, rational functions, and selected other
topics. Graphic calculators and/or computer algebra systems are used extensively. Applications are emphasized.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Poudre School District and Colorado State Content Standards for Mathematics are reflected in the essential learnings for this class:




Students will understand the characteristics and behaviors of polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, logarithmic, and
trigonometric functions and how they are used to model real-life applications.
Students will be able to solve algebraic and transcendental equations using algebraic, numeric, and graphic methods.
Students will extend knowledge of trigonometric and polynomial functions to include solutions over the complex numbers and
make connections to the use of polar equations and vectors in problem solving.
Students will be able to use technology – graphing calculators and computers – to support their understanding of the algebra of
functions, including parametric equations to model motion problems, and to investigate concepts that cannot be modeled
algebraically.
EVALUATION/GRADING PROCEDURES:
GRADING SCALE:
All work in class will be evaluated on the following scale:
90% or above = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
Below 60% = F
EXAMS (APPROXIMATELY 55% OF FINAL GRADE):
 An exam will be given at the end of every unit of study and will be worth 100 points.
 Any exams must be completed on the day it was started. Make arrangements to stay after school on test days, if necessary, to
finish.
ASSIGNMENTS (APPROXIMATELY 10% OF FINAL GRADE):
 All assignments must be completed on loose-leaf paper or engineering graph paper.
 Solutions to homework assignments are posted in class. Students should grade their own work and ask questions as needed.
 Homework assignments will be collected and checked daily for completion and presentation. Each assignment will be worth 5
points. 2 – 4 extra points will be awarded based on correctness of daily homework quiz.
 Late papers are accepted only if you have an excused absence.
 All work should be completed in pencil, clearly labeled, vertical format, and neatly done.
FINAL EXAM (25% OF FINAL GRADE):
 A final exam covering all topics covered during the course will be given at the end of the semester.
PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES (APPROXIMATELY 10% OF FINAL GRADE):
 At least one major project will be assigned each term. A rubric will accompany each project. Projects are an area where you can
show your creative talents so be creative and have fun!
 Every unit of study will have at least one activity (group and/or individual) for you to extend your understanding of the material.
SCHEDULE OF TOPICS:
Chapter 1
Graphs
Essential Skills Review (A.1 (pg 951-959, A.2 (pg 961-964), A.5 (pg 986-995))
1.1 Rectangular Coordinates; Graphing Utilities
1.2 Graphs of Equations
1.3 Solving Equations Using a Graphing Utility
1.4 Lines
1.5 Circles
Chapter 2
Functions and Their Graphs
Essential Skills Review (A.1 (pg 953-954), A.5 (pg 986-987), A.8 (pg 1020-1025))
2.1 Functions
2.2 The Graph of a Function
2.3 Properties of Functions
2.4 Linear Functions and Models
2.5 Library of Functions; Piecewise-Defined Functions
2.6 Graphing Techniques: Transformations
2.7 Mathematical Models: Constructing Functions
Chapter 3
Polynomial and Rational Functions
Essential Skills Review (A.3 (pg 966-975), A.4 (pg 977-982), A.5 (pg 988-995), A.6 (pg 1000-1007), A.8 (pg 1024-1025))
3.1 Quadratic Functions and Models
3.2 Polynomial Functions and Models
3.3 Properties of Rational Functions
3.4 The Graph of a Rational Function; Inverse and Joint Variation
3.5 Polynomial and Rational Inequalities
3.6 The Real Zeros of a Polynomial Function
3.7 Complex Zeros: Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
Chapter 4
Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Essential Skills Review (A.1 (pg 956-958), A.5 (pg 984-997), A.7 (pg 1010-1011), A.8 (pg 1024-1025), A.9 (pg 1032-1036))
4.1 Composite Functions
4.2 One-to-One Functions; Inverse Functions
4.3 Exponential Functions
4.4 Logarithmic Functions
4.5 Properties of Logarithms
4.6 Logarithmic and Exponential Equations
4.7 Compound Interest
4.8 Exponential Growth and Decay; Newton’s Law; Logistic Growth and Decay
4.9 Building Exponential, Logarithmic, and Logistic Models from Data
Chapter 10
Systems of Equations and Inequalities
10.1 Systems of Linear Equations
10.2 Systems of Linear Equations: Matrices
10.3 Systems of Linear Equations: Determinants
10.4 Matrix Algebra
10.5 Partial Fraction Decomposition
10.6 Systems of Nonlinear Equations
10.7 Systems of Inequalities
10.8 Linear Programming
FOUR MAJOR CLASSROOM RULES:
 Respect the life space and diversity of others.
 No food or candy is to be eaten in the classroom. You may drink water, but no other beverage.
 The use of pagers, cellular phones, or any type of electronic device is prohibited.
 You are expected to remain in your seat until the bell rings and I dismiss you.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE ABSENT:
 It is your responsibility to obtain assignments if you are absent. Assignments are posted on Blackboard.
 For every one day of absence, you have two days to make up missed work. Credit will be awarded only if the work is turned in
on time.
 Only 60% of the original score earned will be awarded for any type of work, including tests and quizzes, missed due to an
unexcused absence.
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
 A 3-ring notebook to be used only for this class.
 A graphing calculator. The TI-84+ is highly recommended.
 Pencils and erasers.
 Graph paper.
 Textbook. A textbook cover is essential. It should be in good condition at all times and should never be attached to the book with
tape.
CU-DENVER/HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC HONOR CODE:
 Students are to submit only their own work for evaluation, to acknowledge the work and conclusions of others, and to do nothing
that would provide an unfair advantage in their academic efforts. Students who fail to comply with the CU-Denver Academic
Honor Code are subject to disciplinary action.
SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESS:
 Attend class regularly, and arrive on time. Attendance and tardy policies of Fossil Ridge High School will be strictly enforced.
 Bring all materials to class everyday and have them ready to use when class begins.
 Take notes and copy examples done in class. This will help you in completing your homework and in studying for quizzes and
tests.
 In order to learn mathematics you must first do mathematics. Math is not a spectator sport! Your active participation in this
class will be vital to your success. Enjoy a challenging and successful school year.