Cuyamaca College, Spring 2015
College Algebra
Math 175, Section 1157
Instructor: Shannon Condon
Email: shannon.condon@gcccd.edu
Office Hours: By appointment only
Class Meeting Times and Place: T & TH 6:00 – 7:50 PM in H-113. Commencing Tuesday, January 27th
and concluding with a final exam on Thursday, May 28th at 6:00 PM.
Required Textbook: College Algebra (Fourth Edition) by Beecher, Penna, & Bittinger. It also includes
the code necessary for MyMathLab.
MyMathLab Course ID: condon04762
Required Calculator: A scientific calculator is required, but a graphing calculator is encouraged (a TI 82,
TI 83, or TI 84 is sufficient; but a TI 89 would be better if going on to higher math classes). Please bring a
calculator to every class meeting. You may be able to check out a calculator from the library or STEM
center.
Prerequisite: “C” grade and higher or “Pass” in MATH 110 or equivalent (MATH 103 does not meet the
prerequisite).
Course Description: Graphic, numeric and analytic approaches to the study of precalculus concepts
from college algebra. Application of appropriate technology including but not limited to graphing
utilities to model, analyze and interpret a collection of data or to solve real-world application problems
from a variety of disciplines. Topics include: the real number system; algebraic, exponential and
logarithmic functions and their inverses; graphing techniques for polynomial and rational functions;
complex numbers; theory of equations; partial fractions; mathematical induction; sequences and series;
matrices; and the binomial theorem. Maximum of 7 units can be earned for successfully completing any
combination of MATH 170, 175, 176.
AA/AS GE, CSU, CSU GE, IGETC, UC credit limit
Student Learning Outcomes: Upon completing the course, students will be able to:
1. Analyze linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, absolute value, exponential, logarithmic and
piecewise-defined functions as well as inverse functions from a graphic, numeric and analytic
perspective.
2. Analyze and solve applied problems from various disciplines and involving a variety of
equations including but not limited to: linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, radical, absolute value,
exponential and logarithmic equations as well as systems of equations.
3. Apply critical thinking and mathematical reasoning skills necessary in collegiate-level
algebraic problem solving in related disciplines such as science, business and engineering.
4. Classify conic equations and construct graphs of conic sections.
5. Observe, interpret and analyze the behavior of graphs of a wide variety of functions and
statistical plots.
6. Utilize sequences and series equations to solve theoretical and applied problems from
various disciplines such as science, business and engineering.
7. Select and apply appropriate technology including but not limited to computer programs and
graphing utilities to model, analyze and interpret a collection of data or to solve real-world application
problems requiring the use of collegiate-level mathematics.
Attendance: Regular class attendance is required.
* You can be dropped from the class for having more than 3 absences. Please discuss any
anticipated absences with me as soon as possible.
* Late arrival and early departure from class may be counted as an absence.
* In the event of an absence, you are responsible to learn of any class announcements and all of
the material covered.
* The last day to drop this class with a “W” recorded is April 24th. It is YOUR responsibility to
drop the class by this date if you choose to do so. After this date, anyone still enrolled in the class will
receive a passing or failing grade at the end of the semester.
Make-ups: Make-up exams or quizzes will be allowed in the case of an unexpected, documented
emergency only. The student is responsible for providing documentation and scheduling the date for a
make-up in a timely manner. If you know that you will have a conflict beforehand, notify me
immediately to see if we may be able to work something out in advance of your conflict. There should
be no non-emergency make-ups since all dates are communicated well in advance.
Additional Assistance: To support your efforts to succeed in this class, it is highly recommended that
you utilize the free math tutoring services available in the STEM Center or the Tutoring Center. If you
are in need of additional help to achieve the learning outcomes for this class, you are encouraged to
enroll in Math 198, Supervised Tutoring. The H-building STEM center tutor station will provide students
with an add code to enroll in this free non-credit class. There students have access to instructors, tutors,
and other resources including instructional videos, calculators, and solution manuals.
DSPS Accommodations: Academic accommodations are available for students with disabilities. If you
suspect that you have a learning disability, or require services for any other type of disability, please
contact Disabled Student Programs and Services.
Classroom Behavior: I expect every person in my class to respect ever other person in my class. I do
not tolerate noise-makers (i.e. cells phones, pagers, playing video games in class, music playing devices,
etc.). All students in this class must adhere to the policies outlined in the Cuyamaca College catalog.
Homework Assignments: Homework is due upon completion of the corresponding unit as indicated on
MyMathLab. However, you should make every effort to complete each assignment as soon as possible
after the lesson on that section. This is a 4-unit course. Therefore, you should plan on studying and
working on assignments at least 8 hours per week outside of the classroom. With the exception of
worksheets given in class, all homework assignments will be posted on MyMathLab.
Homework assignments will be graded upon the following basis:
75 -100% complete receives 10 points
50 - 74.9% complete receives 8 points
25 - 49.9% complete receives 6 points
less than 25% complete receives no credit
Methods of Evaluation/Grading Policy: A student's grade will be based on multiple measures of
student’s performance, including: homework assignments, 7 quizzes, 4 tests, and a comprehensive final
exam.
The following is an approximation of the grade breakdown with the exception that you must receive
higher than 59.9% on the final to receive a passing grade in the course:
15% - Comprehensive Final Exam
30% - 4 In-class Tests
20% - 7 Quizzes
35% - Homework Assignments
Extra Credit Opportunities: It is to your benefit to take advantage of the following opportunities for
extra credit. Participating in class (coming to board, correcting my mistakes, etc.) – limit 2 per class per
person. Going to campus tutoring through the STEM Center (4 HOURS = 1 EC POINT) – printout required
for points (limited to 4 hours a day). Completing various challenge problems that may be assigned out
of the text randomly throughout the semester. Note: Extra Credit maximum per semester = 3% of total
course points.
Cheating: While I encourage students to work together on their homework and to study for exams, I do
NOT tolerate cheating and will report any one that is caught cheating in my class. The penalty for
cheating can range anywhere from a zero on the assignment or test to being removed from class or the
college. There is no shame in failing a class, only in failing to try. Things that I consider cheating are
using books or notes on a test, claiming someone else’s work as your own, subscribing to homework
cheating websites, hacking computers, stealing exams, etc. If you are in doubt whether the activity is
cheating or not, you should ask me.
Helpful Hints: -
Read ahead the sections that will be covered in the next class meeting.
Take good notes and keep them to use for study preparation before exams.
Complete the assigned homework BEFORE the next class meeting.
Regularly review previous concepts.
Work with other classmates.
Use the tutoring services when you start having difficulties with your assignments.
Math 175, Fall 2015, Class Schedule
Subject to Change Due to Unforeseen Circumstances
Guideline to follow so that you can stay on-track.
Corresponding assignments will be posted on MyMathLab.
Week of
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
1/26
Review Chapter
1.1 - 1.2
2/2
1.3 - 1.4
1.5 - 1.6
2/9
Quiz 1
2.1 - 2.2
2.3 - 2.4
Quiz 2
2.5
3.1 – 3.2
2/23
TEST on
CH 1 - 2
3.3
3/2
3.4 - 3.5
Quiz 3
4.1 - 4.2
3/9
4.3 - 4.4
Quiz 4
4.5 – 4.6
3/16
Review
TEST on CH 3 - 4
2/16
3/23
HOLIDAY
HOLIDAY
HOLIDAY
HOLIDAY
HOLIDAY
3/30
5.1 - 5.2
5.3 - 5.4
4/6
5.5 - 5.6
Quiz 5
6.1 - 6.2
4/13
6.3 - 6.4
6.5 - 6.6
4/20
Quiz 6
6.7 - 6.8
Review
4/27
TEST on
CH 5 - 6
7.1 - 7.2
5/4
7.3 - 7.4
Quiz 7
8.1 - 8.2
5/11
8.3 - 8.7
Review
5/18
TEST on
CH 7 - 8
Review for Final
Exam
5/25
No Class
FINAL EXAM
Fri
HOLIDAY
HOLIDAY