SOUTHWEST COLLEGE
Department of Mathematics
MATH 0312: Intermediate Algebra
Summer I, 2011
CRN Number: 77884
MoTuWeTh 5:30PM - 8:45PM
Scarcella Technology Center Rm W118
INSTRUCTOR:
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Kristine Nguyen
Kristine.nguyen1@hccs.edu
Textbook:
Intermediate Algebra, 10th Edition. Margaret Lial, John Hornsby, & Terry McGinnis.
Pearson / Addison Wesley: Boston, 2008. (The textbook is packaged together with the
solutions manual and the Mymathlab access code at the bookstores at SW College.)
Catalog Description:
Topics include factoring techniques, radicals, algebraic fractions, complex numbers,
graphing linear equations and inequalities, quadratic equations, systems of equations, an
introduction to functions, and graphing quadratic functions. Emphasis is placed on the
algebraic techniques needed in order to successfully complete Math 1314 College Algebra.
A departmental final examination must be passed with a score of 60% or higher in order
to pass the course.
Prerequisites: Math 0308 or Math 0108: Pass with "C" or better
Or
Suitable placement test score.
Credit: 3 hours credit
Course Intent & Audience:
This course is intended for students who require state mandated remediation. It is the
final course in the developmental mathematics sequence, and its purpose is to prepare
students for College Algebra.
Testing policy:
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The format of the test will be multiple choices.
Make-up policy:
There’s no make up test.
Grading policy:
Your final course grade is based on the following standard HCC scale.
FINAL AVERAGE
FINAL COURSE
GRADE
90 ≤ Average ≤ 100%
A
80 ≤ Average < 90%
B
70 ≤ Average < 80%
C
60 ≤ Average < 70%
D
Average < 60% or
F
Final Exam Grade < 60
A grade of “IP” (In Progress) will not be given. If your final grade is a “D”, then you may
be eligible to take the bridge course MATH 0112 instead of repeating the class. To
determine eligibility, please contact the math department. A grade of “F” is given if the
final average is below 60 or the final exam grade is below 60.
Grading formula: 25% T1 + 25% T2 + 25% T3 + 25% FINAL EXAM = 100%
Final Examination:
The final examination is departmental and consists of 33 multiple-choice problems. The
problems cover all the material required in the course. If you score lower than 60% on
the final exam, you automatically are given a course grade of F, as noted under the
grading policy. If your score on the final exam is 60% or higher, then your grades are
averaged using the formula specified under grading policy. You MUST pass the final
exam in order to pass the course.
Calculators:
NO GRAPHING CALCULATOR! You may use a scientific calculator at any time. You
cannot use your cell phone, Ipod, or any electronic devices during all tests.
Attendance policy:
Attendance is checked during every class. The instructor may drop you for excessive
absences.
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Tardiness policy:
Try to be on time to class. Make sure you sign in for attendance even though you are
late.
Withdrawal policy:
If you decide to drop the class, then IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO DROP
before the final drop date. If your name is on the roll at the end of the term, you
WILL receive a grade. Neither you nor your instructor will be able to perform the drop
after the final drop date. In order to withdraw from your class and receive a “W” on
your transcript, you MUST contact your professor or a counselor PRIOR to the
withdrawal deadline. The Final Withdrawal Deadline is FRIDAY, JUNE 24TH at 12:00
pm. After the withdrawal deadline has passed, you will receive a grade. Zeros averaged
in for required coursework that is not submitted will lower your semester average
significantly, most likely resulting in a failing grade of “F”. Please refer to the following
notice before dropping the class.
NOTICE: Students who take a course three or more times will face significant
tuition or fee increases at HCC and other Texas public colleges and universities. In
addition, state law allows students a maximum of 6 course withdrawals during their
entire college career. Students with more than 6 drops will be required to pay
additional fees. Prior to course withdrawal, you must confer with your professor
or counselor about your study habits, homework, test-taking skills, attendance,
course participation, and tutoring or other assistance that is available.
Student conduct:
Students should not engage in disruptive activities while in the classroom. Any conduct
that is deemed detrimental to the academic atmosphere, such as cell phone use or
consistently talking during instructional delivery, will not be tolerated. Any student found
guilty of such conduct will be asked to leave the classroom until further notice.
Academic dishonesty:
All students are required to exercise academic honesty in completion of all tests and
assignments. Cheating involves deception for the purpose of violating testing rules.
Students who improperly assist other students are just as guilty as students who receive
assistance. A student guilty of a first offense will receive a grade of “F” on the quiz or
test involved. For a second offense, the student will receive a grade of “F” for the
course. The use of recording devices, including camera phones and tape recorders, is
prohibited in all locations where instruction, tutoring, or testing occurs. Students with
disabilities who need to use a recording device as a reasonable accommodation should
contact the Disability Services Office for information.
Resources and supplemental instruction:
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Any student enrolled in Math 0312 at HCC has access to the math tutoring labs which are
staffed with student assistants who can aid students with math problems and offer help
with MyMathLab. In addition, free online tutoring is provided using Ask Online. With
MyMathLab, the free Math Tutoring Center is also provided. For more information and
for tutoring hours and locations, go to the math department web page at
http://swc2.hccs.edu/math/, and select the tutoring link. Another helpful resource is
the student solutions manual that may be obtained from the bookstore.
Students with Disabilities:
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision,
hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the
Disability Support Services Office at this college at the beginning of the
semester. To make an appointment, please call 713-718-7910. Professors are
authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability
Support Office.
Course Schedule:
Chapters and Sections
Approximate Time
Chapter 2 Linear Equations, Inequalities, and Applications
June 6
2.5 Linear Inequalities in One Variable
Chapter 3 Graphs, Linear Equations, and Functions
3.1 The Rectangular Coordinate System
June 6 ~ June 8
3.2 The Slope of a Line
3.3 Linear Equations in Two Variables
3.4 Linear Inequalities in Two Variables (Omit compound inequalities.)
3.5 Introduction to Functions
Chapter 4 Systems of Linear Equations
June 9
4.1 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables
Chapter 5 Exponents, Polynomials, and Polynomial Functions
June 9 ~ June 13
5.4 Multiplying Polynomials
5.5 Dividing Polynomials
Chapter 6
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
Factoring
June 14 ~ June 16
Greatest Common Factors; Factoring by Grouping
Factoring Trinomials
Special Factoring
A General Approach to Factoring
Solving Equations by Factoring
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Chapter 7 Rational Expressions and Functions
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
June 20 ~ June 22
Rational Expressions and Functions; Multiplying and Dividing
Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions
Complex Fractions
Equations with Rational Expressions and Graphs (Omit graphs.)
Applications of Rational Expressions
Chapter 8 Roots, Radicals, and Root Functions
June 23 ~ June 29
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
Radical Expressions and Graphs (Omit graphs and resonant frequency.)
Rational Exponents (Include a review of exponents.)
Simplifying Radical Expressions
Adding and Subtracting Radical Expressions
Multiplying & Dividing Radical Expressions (Omit rationalizing cube & 4th
roots.)
8.7 Complex Numbers
Chapter 9 Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, and Functions
June 29 ~ July 5
9.1 The Square Root Property and Completing the Square
9.2 The Quadratic Formula
Test Schedule:
Test
Chapters Covered on Test
Date
Test #1
Chapter 2, 3, 4, & 5
Tuesday, June 14th
Test #2
Chapter 6 & 7
Thursday, June 23th
Test #3
Chapter 8 & 9
Tuesday, July. 5th
Final Exam
Chapters 2 – 9
Thursday, July 7th
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Important Dates:
Last Day to Drop: FRIDAY, JUNE 24TH at 12:00 pm
Holiday:
(Independence Day) Monday, July 4th
Course Objectives:
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Upon completion of this course, a student should be able to perform the following
mathematical skills:
1. multiply and divide polynomials.
2. factor polynomials.
3. add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational expressions.
4. simplify complex fractions.
5. solve equations involving rational expressions.
6. graph linear equations & linear inequalities in two variables.
7. find the slope of a line & its equation.
8. simplify rational exponents and radicals.
9. add, subtract, multiply, and divide expressions involving radicals.
10. add, subtract, multiply, and divide complex numbers.
11. solve quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square, using
the quadratic formula, and using the square root property.
12. solve systems of linear equations in two variables.
13. solve word problems.
14. recognize functional notation and evaluate functions.
15. graph quadratic functions.
THE SECTIONS LISTED ABOVE UNDER COURSE SCHEDULE MUST BE COVERED.
The content of the following sections include material that is embedded in other
sections of the course or that was covered in the previous math course or that will be
studied in the next course MATH 1314. Based on this, the instructor may discuss the
sections listed below if time permits:
2.1 Linear Equations in One Variable
2.2 Formulas
2.3 Applications of Linear Equations
2.7 Absolute Value Equations
5.1 Integer Exponents and Scientific Notation
7.6 Variation
9.6 More about Parabolas (omit horizontal parabolas and applications)
11.5 Second-Degree Inequalities (Example 1 only; omit systems of inequalities)
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