MATH 1314 COURSE SYLLABUS
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COURSE :
Name: College Algebra
Description: A coverage of equations, logarithms, matrices, and exponentials.
Goal: To build a solid mathematical foundation for any field using mathematics. See
page 3 for Student Learning Objectives.
INSTRUCTOR :
Name:
Michael Sawyer
Email: michael.sawyer@hccs.edu
TEXT :
College Algebra Alternate Edition by Larson, Cengage Learning, 2011
WEBASSIGN INFORMATION:
Class key: hccs 8689 2781
POLICY ON ATTENDANCE :
Regular attendance is highly recommended. Absences in excess of 12.5% of the total
number of classes may result in an administrative withdrawal. Tardiness should be kept
to a minimum.
POLICY ON INCOMPLETES :
The following are necessary but not sufficient conditions for a grade of I :
1) passing with at least a C2) regular attendance 3) documented excuse for missing the final exam.
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POLICY ON DROPS :
Any student wishing to drop the class must do so before the deadline stated in the Class
Schedule. Lack of attendance will usually result in a poor letter grade and not a W.
Note: Students who repeat a course for a third time or more may soon face significant tuition/fee increases at
HCC and other Texas public colleges and universities. Please ask your instructor/counselor about opportunities
for tutoring or other assistance prior to considering course withdrawal or if you are not receiving passing
grades.
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POLICY ON GRADING :
Four exams will be given, the lowest of which will be ignored. The final exam will be
comprehensive and departmental. The following percentages will apply:
Three exams ( 15% each)-----45% WebAssign Homework -----15% Final Exam-----40%
The course grade will usually be determined by:
90-100 A 80-89 B
70-79 C
60-69 D 0-59 F
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POLICY ON MAKE-UPS :
No make-up exams will be given for any reason.
POLICY ON CHEATING :
All students are required to exercise academic honesty in completion of all tests and assignments. Cheating on exams
will result in a grade of F and a transcript note and may result in total dismissal from the college. 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. The use of recording devices, including camera phones and tape recorders, is
prohibited in all locations where instruction, tutoring, or testing occurs. Note that talking or cell phone use or otherwise
communicating during exams will be construed as cheating. Students with disabilities who need to use a recording
device as a reasonable accommodation should contact the Disability Services Office for information.
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INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLEMENTS:
There are videos for check-out, math computer labs, tutoring centers, special arrangements for students
with disabilities, and review sessions. Houston Community College offers FREE online tutoring in a variety
of subjects, including mathematics, English and writing. To take advantage of these Online Tutoring
Services, go to www.hccs.askonline.net. Your questions will be answered by a qualified HCC tutor or
faculty member within 24 hours (usually under 6 hours). Please take advantage of all the services at HCC.
NOTE: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange
reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at the respective college at the beginning of each
semester. Faculty are authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.
If you have any questions, please contact the disability counselor at your college or Donna Price at 713-718-5165.
MATH 1314 COURSE OUTLINE
Lesson Number
Date
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Pre-test
1.1, 1.4
1.5-1.8
2.1-2.3
2.4-2.5
2.6-2.7
REVIEW
2/6
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
3/5
30
31
EXAM TWO
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
REVIEW
REVIEW
4/9
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
EXAM ONE
3.1
3.2-3.3
3.4
4.1
4.2
REVIEW
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Material Covered
EXAM THREE
6.1
6.2
7.2
7.4
REVIEW
REVIEW
4/30
5/9 10:00-12:00
EXAM FOUR
REVIEW
FINAL EXAM
College Algebra (Math 1314)
Student Learning Outcomes
1.
Solve algebraic equations and
inequalities involving linear and
nonlinear expressions.
Course Objectives
1.1 Solve Quadratic Equations in one variable by the method
of factoring, square root property, completing the square
and the quadratic formula.
1.2 Solve radical equations, fractional equations, and
equations of quadratic form.
1.3 Solve linear inequalities and linear equations involving
absolute value, state the solution in interval notation, and
graph the solution.
1.4 Solve non-linear (quadratic and rational) inequalities,
state the solution in interval notation, and graph the
solution.
1.5 Solve exponential and logarithmic equations.
1.6 Solve systems of linear and non linear in two variables.
2. Examine and interpret the graphs of
circles, polynomial functions, rational
functions, basic functions, and their
transformations.
2.1 Find the distance and midpoint between two points in the
Cartesian Plane.
2.2 Recognize the equation of a straight line, graph the
equation of a straight line, find the slope and intercepts of
a line, know the relationship between the slopes of
parallel and perpendicular lines, and be able to determine
the equation of a line from information such as two points
on the line, or one point on the line and the slope of the
line.
2.3 Graph linear functions, quadratic functions, piecewisedefined functions, absolute value functions, polynomial
functions, rational functions, exponential functions, and
logarithmic functions.
2.4 Understand vertical and horizontal shifts, stretching,
shrinking, and reflections of graphs of functions.
2.5 Recognize the equation of a circle, sketch the graph of a
circle, and find the equation of a circle.
2.6 Determine the rational zeros of a polynomial.
3. Apply the basic knowledge of a
function in order to simplify
functions, combine functions, and
solve application problems involving
linear and nonlinear functions.
3.1 Apply the definition of a function, determine the domain
and range of a function, evaluate expressions involving
functional notation, simplify expressions involving the
algebra of functions, graph functions by plotting points,
use the definition of inverse functions, and given a
function find its inverse.
3.2 Understand the inverse relationship between the
exponential and logarithmic functions.
4. Perform basic matrix operations.
4.1 Perform operations with matrices.
FINAL GRADE OF FX
Students who stop attending class and do not withdraw themselves prior to the withdrawal deadline may either be
dropped by their professor for excessive absences or be assigned the final grade of “FX” at the end of the semester.
Students who stop attending classes will receive a grade of “FX”, compared to an earned grade of “F” which is due to
poor performance. Logging into a DE course without active participation is seen as non-attending.
Please note that HCC will not disperse financial aid funding for students who have never attended class. Students
who receive financial aid but fail to attend class will be reported to the Department of Education and may have to
pay back their aid. A grade of “FX” is treated exactly the same as a grade of “F” in terms of GPA, probation,
suspension, and satisfactory academic progress
EGLS3 -- Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System
At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to improve
teaching and learning. During a designated time, you will be asked to answer a short online survey of research-based
questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be made available to your professors and
division chairs for continual improvement of instruction. Look for the survey as part of the Houston Community
College Student System online near the end of the term.