Mathematics
Spring Campus
Math 1314-0081: College Algebra
CRN 28537 – Fall/2014
Rm 311| 5:30 – 7 pm | Tue/Thu
3 hour lecture course / 48 hours per semester/ 16 Weeks
Textbook: College Algebra Alternate Edition by Larson, (8th ed)
ISBN-13: 9780495970651
Instructor: Oscar Castro
Instructor Contact Information: Email: oscar.castro@hccs.edu
Dept. Chair: 713-718-5511
Office location and hours: By appointment only
Course Description
Topics include quadratics, polynomial, rational, logarithmic and exponential functions, system of equations, and matrices and
determinants.
A departmental final examination will be given in this course.
Prerequisites
Math 0312 or its equivalent or an acceptable placement test score.
Course Goal
This course is designed as a review of advanced topics in algebra for science and engineering students who plan to take the
calculus sequence in preparation for their various degree programs. It is also intended for non-technical students who need
college mathematics credits to fulfill requirements for graduation and prerequisites for other courses. It is generally
transferable as math credit for non-science majors to other disciplines.
Course Student Learning Outcomes (SLO):
1. Solve algebraic equations and inequalities involving linear and nonlinear expressions.
2. Examine and interpret the graphs of circles, polynomial functions, rational functions, basic functions, and their
transformations.
3. Apply the basic knowledge of a function in order to simplify functions, combine functions, and solve application
problems involving
linear and nonlinear functions.
4. Perform basic matrix operations.
Learning outcomes
Students will:
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 nonlinear in two variables.
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.
2.3 Graph linear functions, quadratic functions, piecewise-defined functions, absolute value functions, polynomial functions,
rational functions, exponential functions, and logarithmic functions.
2.4
2.5
2.6
3.1
Understand vertical and horizontal shifts, stretching, shrinking, and reflections of graphs of functions.
Recognize the equation of a circle, sketch the graph of a circle, and find the equation of a circle.
Determine the rational zeros of a polynomial.
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
3.2 Understand the inverse relationship between the exponential and logarithmic functions.
4.1 Perform operations with matrices
Textbook: College Algebra Alternate Edition by Larson, Cengage Learning, 2011.
Course Outline: The lecture/examination schedule given below is suggested for usage; the
instructor is free to modify the schedule to meet his/her own needs.
Pre-test: A pre-test may be given during the first class period. This test is to measure the student
readiness for the course. The tests should be retained for informational purposes and the grade may
not be used to counsel a student into taking another course. Grade on pre-test should be recorded on
HCCS Attendance/Grade Sheet. This grade must not be used to calculate the grades of students in
the course.
APPROXIMATE TIME
TEXT REFERENCE
Unit I - Equations and Inequalities
Sections: P.6, 1.1, 1.4*, 1.5*, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8
(7 hours)
This unit includes graphs of equations, quadratic equations and applications, complex numbers, other
types of equations, linear inequalities in one variable, and other types of inequalities.
Notes: 1. Section P.6: The Cartesian Plane, Distance Formula, and Midpoint Formula.
2. Section 1.4: This section includes only quadratic equations with real solutions.
3. Section 1.5: Operations with complex numbers (Optional).
This section introduces complex solutions (non-real) to quadratic
equations.
Unit II - Functions and Their Graphs
Sections: 2.1  2.7
(10 hours)
This unit includes linear equations in two variables, functions, analyzing graphs of functions, a library
of Parent functions, transformations of functions, combinations of functions, composite functions and
inverse functions.
Unit III - Polynomial Functions
Sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4
(6 hours)
This chapter includes quadratic functions and models, polynomial functions of higher degree, synthetic
division, and zeros of polynomial functions.
________________________________________________________________________
Unit IV – Rational Functions and Conics
Sections 4.1, 4.2
(3 hours)
This unit includes rational functions and asymptotes and graphs of rational functions.
________________________________________________________________________
Unit V - Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Sections: 5.1,  5.4,
(5.5 Optional).
(6 hours)
This unit includes exponential functions and their graphs, logarithmic functions and their graphs,
properties of logarithm and exponential and logarithmic equations.
Unit VI – Systems and Matrices
Sections: 6.1, 6.2, 7.2, 7.4
(4 hours)
This unit includes linear and nonlinear systems of equations, two variable linear systems,
operations with matrices and the determinant of a square matrix.
Departmental Policies:
1. Each instructor must cover all course topics by the end of the semester. The final exam is
comprehensive and questions on it can deal with any of the course objectives.
2. Each student should receive a copy of the instructor's student syllabus for the course during the first
week of class.
3. A minimum of three in-class tests and a comprehensive final departmental examination must be
given. The final examination must be taken by all students.
4. All major tests should be announced at least one week or the equivalent in advance.
5. The final exam should count between 25 to 40 percent.
6. The final course average will be used in the usual manner (90-100 "A"; 80-89 "B"; 70-79 "C"; 6069 "D"; Below 60 "F").
7. Neither an open book nor a take home major test may be given at the discretion of the instructor.
8. Calculators may NOT be used on any examinations, including the final exam.
Resource Materials: Any student enrolled in MATH 1314 at HCCS has access to the various MATH labs in
the system. The labs are staffed with MATHEMATICS faculty and student assistants, and offers tutorial help,
video tapes and computer aided tutorial. Tutoring is also available online at http://hccs.askonline.net/ Students
will also be provided with a Web Assign access code should they decide to use this resource.
Final Examination: The final exam is departmental, consisting of 33 multiple choice problems. The
problems cover only the required material as listed above.
Instructional Method: The class will be taught with a combination of lecture and power point presentations.
Students will be asked to respond to questions posed. You should also use the facility located on campus for
other aid.
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA): Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning,
psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange accommodations must contact the Disability Services
Office at their respective college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty are authorized to provide only the
accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.
Student Conduct: Students will be expected to treat each other and the instructor courteously and with respect.
In class, please greet each other pleasantly, refrain from activities which may be distracting to others, and
participate honestly in group work and exams. If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of the instructor or with
other students, please discuss your concerns with the instructor. If such discussion does not produce a resolution
to your concern, feel free to contact the department chair. Any student who proves to be disruptive to the
learning process of others will be removed from class and dealt with by the administration. If you are not
attending class, you are not learning the information. As the information that is discussed in class is important
for your career, students may be dropped from a course after accumulating absences in excess of six (6)
hours of instruction. The six hours of class time would include any total classes missed or for excessive
tardiness or leaving class early.
Student Responsibilities: Consider being a student as a part-time or full-time job. It is each student’s job to
learn. With this job, the student has the responsibility to participate in class, ask relevant questions, seek help
when needed, and submit assignments when they are due. Treat each deadline as you would an interview: do not
miss a deadline. Expect to spend a minimum of 2-6 hours per week, in addition to class time, studying
mathematics. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to make up any work assigned, get notes or
handouts, and determine if any pertinent announcement were made during your absence.
Academic Honor: Every student in the class is expected to exhibit a high degree of ethical standards as
concerns the work in this class. Every graded assignment in this course(homework/quiz, library assignment, or
test) is to be entirely your own work unless otherwise stated. Any violation of this policy will result in a
minimum penalty of failure of the assignment and a maximum penalty of expulsion from the college. If you are
uncertain as to whether you may work with another person on an assignment, ask the instructor. It is also
expected that if you see another person cheating in any way, you will report it to the instructor.
Makeup Exams/Quizzes: Make-ups are given at the discretion of the instructor and only in the case of verified
medical or other documented emergencies. Notify your instructor, if possible, before the test is given. If the
event is not an emergency, you must notify the instructor in advance to request a makeup. This make-up policy
is only for major exams. NO make-ups for quizzes. REMEMBER: The instructor is not required to
accommodate you.
Final Grade: The final grade will be based on the following method:
E = Exam Average
Q = Daily Average(includes quizzes, daily work, etc.)
F = Final Exam Score
Grade = 0.25Q + 0.50E + 0.25F
By the second week of school, each student will have a calendar to cover all quizzes, exams, and the final exam.
Grades of A, B, C, D, or F will be assigned according to departmental policy. The grade of ‘I’ is given only in
exceptional circumstances. When a student for good reason misses too much work or the final exam and notifies
the instructor promptly, the instructor may give the grade ‘I’(incomplete) and specify what work should be
completed to remove the ‘I’ grade. The ‘I’ will become an ‘F’ if not replaced after one full semester.(Refer to
the student handbook.)
Personal Communication Device Policy:
All personal communication devices (any device with communication capabilities including but not limited to cell
phones, blackberries, pagers, cameras, palmtop computers, lap tops, PDA's, radios, headsets, portable fax machines,
recorders, organizers, databanks, and electronic dictionaries or translators) must be muted or turned off during class.
Such activity during class time is deemed to be disruptive to the academic process. Personal communication devices
are to not be on the student desk during examinations. Usage of such devices during exams is expressly prohibited
during examinations and will be considered cheating (see academic honesty section above).
INFORMATION CONCERNING STUDENT DISCIPLINE AND CONDUCT
NOT COVERED CAN BE LOCATED IN THE STUDENT HANDBOOK. ALL
MATERIAL CONTAINED THEREIN WILL APPLY TO THIS CLASS.
WEB ASSIGN: For those wishing to enroll in web assign for resource materials, the following
information will be required. Log in to www.webassign.net. Read all instructions shown on the
site. If you wish to enroll, the following will be required.
INSTRUCTOR
Oscar Castro
SECTION
Math 1314-0081, Section 28537
CLASS KEY
hccs 2579 8202
Tentative Instructional Outline: College Algebra
SPRING, 2014 TT CLASS
Week
No.
Oscar J. Castro
Objective
Special Notes
1
8/26
Diagnostic Exam
To assess readiness for course. Not for course grade.
Read and try all odd problems.
Secs P.6 & 1.1
Practice without a calculator where practical.
9/2
Secs 1.6 & 1.7
Memorize all formulas as they are shown.
No calculators on quizzes and test(including final)
9/4
Sec 1.8
8/28
2
Quiz 1
Quiz on P.6, 1.1, 1.6
3
9/9
Secs 2.1 & 2.2
9/11
Test #1
Test on P.6, 1.1, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8
4
9/16
Secs 2.3 & 2.4
9/18
Sec 2.5
Quiz 2
Quiz on 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
5
9/23
Secs 2.6 & 2.7
9/25
Test #2
Test on Chap 2
6
9/30
Secs 3.1 & 3.2
10/2
Secs 3.3 & 3.4
7
10/7
Quiz #3
10/9
Secs 4.1 & 4.2
Quiz on 3.1, 3.2, 3.3
8
10/14
Test #3
10/16
Sec 5.1
Test on 3.1-3.4, 4.1, 4.2
9
10/21
Sec 5.2
10/23
Sec 5.3
10
10/28
Quiz #4
10/30
Sec 5.4
Quiz on 5.1, 5.2, 5.3
11
11/4
Sec 5
11/6
Test #4
Test on Chap 5
12
11/11
Sec 6.1
11/13
Sec 6.2
13
11/18
Sec 7.1
11/20
Sec 7.2
Quiz #5
14
11/25
Test #5
Test on 6.1, 6.2, 7.1, 7.2
11/27
NO CLASS
Thanksgiving
15
12/2
Final Exam Review
12/4
Special Problems
Problems and makeups
12/7
Instruction Ends
No Class
12/8
FINAL EXAM
Comprensive; Scantron Req; 5:30 pm
16
12/15
GRADES AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS
IMPORTANT DATES: 8/24 LAST DAY FOR DROP/ADD/SWAP
10/31 LAST DAY FOR ADMIN/STUDENT WITHDRAWAL 4:30 PM