QUEENSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE
MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
COURSE OUTLINE
MA-119 F24D COLLEGE ALGEBRA
Welcome to College Algebra, MA 119. I look forward to working with you!
Instructor: Dr. Kostas Stroumbakis
Office Hours: Room S-241; Tues. – Thurs. 9:10-10:00 or by appointment
Email: kstroumbakis@qcc.cuny.edu Phone: 718-281-5153 (email works best!)
Text: College Algebra by OpenStax College https://openstaxcollege.org/textbooks/college-algebra
This is a free e-textbook. A print version is available at a low cost from www.openstaxcollege.org
I recommend that you download the entire .pdf so that you always have access to your book.
Graphing Calculator: https://www.desmos.com/calculator
Graded Work
Four 50-minute exams
Assignments
Final (To pass the course, the
Mathematics Department
requires 55% or more on the
final)
50%
10%
30%
Attendance will be recorded daily. Any student exceeding the maximum absences allowed by QCC
(excused or otherwise) will be withdrawn. Missing a double period counts as two absences.
The college offers free tutoring.
Best regards,
Kostas Stroumbakis
Topics we’ll cover
Graphing Linear Functions, Slope, Equations of Lines, Introduction to Graphing
Calculator
Solving Systems of Equations: Graphically and Algebraically
Linear & Compound Inequalities
Absolute Value Equations
Methods of Factoring; by Grouping; by Sum and Difference of Cubes
Solving Polynomial Equations by Factoring and Applications
Rational Expressions: Multiplying, Dividing, Adding, Subtracting
Complex Rational Expressions
Solving Rational Equations & Applications
Radicals, Rational Exponents & Radical Equations
Complex Numbers
Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square, Formula and Applications
Graphing Quadratic Functions using Axis of Symmetry, Vertex and Intercepts
Exponential Functions and Applications
Logarithmic Functions and Applications
Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
Course Information
Pre-requisite: MA-10 or exempt from remedial mathematics, or by permission of the Department
Course Description: Students are guided to recognize and learn algebraic reasoning, concepts and skills
that will solve real life problems in their professions, and in their personal and social lives. To do this,
the following types of algebraic objects will be used: algebraic expressions including polynomial
expressions, algebraic equations and their solutions, mathematical functions in general, the
characteristics of special types of functions (linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, and rational). A
graphing calculator is required. (See previous page for DESMOS)
Curricula for which the course is required/recommended:
A.A. Degree Programs in Liberal Arts and Sciences, A.S. degree in Visual and Performing Arts, A.S. Degree
Programs in Liberal Arts and Sciences (Science and Mathematics), Engineering Science, Health Sciences,
Environmental Health, Criminal Justice.
General Education Objectives: The effective use of analytical reasoning skills to identify issues or
problems and evaluate evidence in order to make informed decisions; the ability to reason
quantitatively and mathematically as required in fields of interest and in everyday life; successful
integration of knowledge and skills in programs of study; the effective use of information management
and technology skills for research and lifelong learning.
Course Objectives/ Expected Student Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to solve problems
using algebraic concepts and strategic skills learned from a numerical, symbolic, and graphical point of
view that centers on the concept of function and that are applied to the specific mathematical topics
listed in the Course Description given above.
Academic Integrity: Academic honesty is taken extremely seriously and is expected of all students. All
assignments must be the original work of the student (and partners or group, if applicable). All questions
or concerns regarding ethical conduct should be brought to the course instructor. “It is the official policy
of the College that all acts or attempted acts that are violations of academic integrity be reported to the
Office of Student Affairs (OSA). At the faculty member’s discretion and with the concurrence of the
student or students involved, some cases, though reported to the OSA, may be resolved within the
confines of the course and department. The instructor has the authority to adjust the offender’s grades
as deemed appropriate, including assigning an F to the assignment or exercise or, in more serious cases,
an F to the student for the entire course.” (Taken from the QCC Academic Integrity Policy, 2/14/2005)
NOTE: Any student who feels that he/she may need an accommodation based upon the impact of a
disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss his/her specific needs. Please contact the
office of Services for Students with Disabilities in Science Building, room 132 (718 631 6257) to
coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities.
FALL 2015
KS