Northwest College
Department of Mathematics
COURSE SYLLABUS
MATH 0312: Intermediate Algebra
Fall 2011/ T-Th 5:30pm – 7:00pm / Spring Branch Campus Rm. 217
INSTRUCTOR:
CONFERENCE TIMES:
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Michelle Watts
4:30pm – 5:30pm (math lab)
michelle.watts@hccs.edu
713-718-5511 (department office)
832-876-5401 (emergency)
MYMATHLAB COURSE ID: watts39965
(The mymathlab access code is included in the book package at the bookstores. It can also be
purchased separately online or at the bookstore.)
Textbook:
Intermediate Algebra, 11th Edition. Margaret Lial, John Hornsby, & Terry McGinnis.
Pearson / Addison Wesley: Boston, 2012. (The textbook is packaged together with the solutions
manual and the Mymathlab access code at the bookstores at NW 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 (3 hours lecture and 1 hour lab).
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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.
Course Objectives:
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.
Instructional Method:
You will learn the material through active involvement with the subject matter. Active involvement will
include verbal response as well as coming to the chalkboard. In-class activities involve both individual
work and small-group work. You are expected to use the mathematics laboratory resources, including
the videos and the computer software that accompanies the textbook. My goal is to help you succeed in
learning the introductory and intermediate algebra topics that will help you be successful in algebra.
Testing and Make-up policy:
No make-ups or late submissions are allowed except by advance arrangement with me. Major exams
are scheduled in advance to ensure that you will be able to attend exam day. Therefore, NO Make-up
Exams will be given!! Your lowest exam grade will be dropped.
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Grading policy:
The Value of the Evaluation instruments and the Letter Grade Distribution is given below.
Requirement
MAJOR EXAMS (4 @ 100
PTS . EACH)
HOMEWORK
FINAL EXAM
TOTAL
Points Available
400
100
Letter Grade
Point Range
A
630 –700
560 – 629
490 – 559
420 – 489
< 420
B
C
D
F
200
700
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.
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.
Homework policy:
All homework must be completed online using MYMATHLAB. The MyMathLab
grade will be the equivalent of one test grade. The MyMathLab Course ID to be used for registration
purposes is watts39965, and the school zip code is 77084. To register for MyMathLab and to access the
homework, go to www.coursecompass.com or www.mymathlab.com.
Attendance policy:
You are in charge of your own success! Regular attendance and participation are extremely important
and an essential part of your success. Should you anticipate an absence, please notify me in advance. If
you happen to miss a class, it is your responsibility to obtain lecture notes and assignments from a
classmate. You are responsible for all work and assignments covered during class, including
assignments made when you are absent. I will not track you down to tell you what you’ve missed or
condense a full lecture into five minutes before or after class. If you are more than 30 minutes late for
class, you will be considered absent for that class period. An excessive number of absences will prohibit
the successful completion of this course. Students with three consecutive or a total of five classes,
including both lab and lecture, missed will be dropped. Attendance to all classes is expected. I will take
roll each class period. In order to get credit for attending class, the student must be present the entire
class period. Communication with me is critical!
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
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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 November 3,
2011, at 4:30 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:
If you need help, ask questions in class or come and talk with me. I will be in the Math Lab on Tuesday
and Thursday from 4:30 – 5:30 pm. I will do everything I can to help you succeed in this course. You
may also get help in the library in the Learning Resource Center (LRC). The LRC is staffed with
mathematics faculty and student assistants that offer tutoring. There are videotapes and computer
assisted drills to help you better understand the material. Please take advantage of this resource. In
addition, free online tutoring is provided using AskOnline. With Mymathlab, the free Math Tutoring
Center is also provided. Another helpful resource is the student solutions manual that may be obtained
from the bookstore.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES (ADA):
If you require reasonable accommodates because of physical, mental, or learning disability, please notify
me as soon as possible, preferably before the end of the first two weeks. I will need documentation from
the ADA counselor to ensure the required accommodates are met.
Resources and supplemental instruction:
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Course Schedule:
Chapters and Sections
Chapter 2 Linear Equations, Inequalities, and Applications
2.1 Linear Equations in One Variable
2.2 Formulas
2.3 Applications of Linear Equations
2.5 Linear Inequalities in One Variable
2.7 Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities
Chapter 3
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
Graphs, Linear Equations, and Functions
The Rectangular Coordinate System
The Slope of a Line
Linear Equations in Two Variables
Linear Inequalities in Two Variables (Omit compound inequalities.)
Introduction to Functions
Chapter 4 Systems of Linear Equations
4.1 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables
Chapter 5 Exponents, Polynomials, and Polynomial Functions
5.1 Integer Exponents and Scientific Notation
5.3 Polynomial Functions
5.4 Multiplying Polynomials
5.5 Dividing Polynomials
Chapter 6 Factoring
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
Greatest Common Factors; Factoring by Grouping
Factoring Trinomials
Special Factoring
A General Approach to Factoring
Solving Equations by Factoring
Chapter 7 Rational Expressions and Functions
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
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
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8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.7
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.)
Solving Equations with Radicals
Complex Numbers
Chapter 9 Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, and Functions
9.1
9.2
9.6
9.7
The Square Root Property and Completing the Square
The Quadratic Formula
More about Parabolas (omit horizontal parabolas)
Quadratic and Rational Inequalities
Chapter 11 Nonlinear Functions, Conic Sects, & Nonlinear Sys
11.5 Second-Degree Inequalities (Example 1 only; omit systems of inequalities)
Test Schedule:
Test
Chapters Covered on Test
Date
Test #1
Chapter 2 and 3
September 13, 2011
Test #2
Chapter 4.1 and 5
September 29, 2011
Test #3
Chapter 6
October 18, 2011
Test #4
Chapter 7 and 8
November 15, 2011
Test #5
Chapter 9
November 29, 2011
Final Exam
Chapters 2 - 9
Important Dates:
Drop Deadline: November 3, 2011
Holidays: November 24, 2011
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