Math 97 Syllabus
Intermediate Algebra
Fall 2007
Section: 5775, 97 A
Time: Daily 8:30am – 9:20am
Location: 8-3
Instructor: Meredith LaFlesh (Please call me Meredith.)
E-mail: mlaflesh@tacomacc.edu
Office Hours: MWF 10:30am – 11:15am and by appointment
MTWTh 12:30 – 1:20 in the MARC
Section: 5776, 97 B
Time: Daily 11:30am – 12:20pm
Location: 28-221
Phone: (253) 460-4337
Office: 9–55
Course Overview: Welcome to Intermediate Algebra! This course will give you a chance to see how algebra can be
used to describe the world around you. You will see that equations are not just things to be solved. They also describe
relationships between quantities that change. You will develop your ability to think logically, an ability that will help you
solve problems in situations where math is not even used! There is a lot of material, and we will move quickly through it.
Remember that I am always happy to meet with you in my office if you need extra time to understand a concept.
Course Description: An alternative to MATH 99 for students going on to MATH 106, MATH 107, MATH 108 or MATH
170. Topics include linear, quadratic, exponential and logarithmic functions; equations and their applications; systems of
linear equations; radical expressions; and scientific notation. A scientific calculator is required.
Instructional Methods Used: In class, we will use a combination of lecture and small group work. Outside of class,
projects may require the use of some web research.
Learning Objectives: The abbreviation following each objective refers to the College-Wide Learning Outcomes:
COM=Communication; CRT=Critical Thinking; IIT=Information and Information Technology; RSP=Responsibility; LWC=
Living and Working Cooperatively; COK=Core of Knowledge
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to do the following:
1. Use function notation. (CRT, COM)
2. Understand linear functions from an algebraic, graphical, and numerical perspective. (CRT)
3. Understand, solve, graph, and apply systems of linear equations in two unknowns, including systems of
inequalities. (CRT)
4. Use the algebra of radical expressions. (CRT)
5. Solve and apply quadratic equations, including use of the quadratic formula. (CRT)
6. Understand graphical applications of quadratic functions. (CRT, COK)
7. Use negative exponents and scientific notation. (CRT, COK)
8. Understand exponential functions from the numerical, graphical, and algebraic perspectives. (CRT, COK)
9. Understand, graph, and solve simple logarithmic equations. (CRT)
10. Use the above concepts in applications from the real world. (CRT, COK)
11. Use correct English to write clear explanations of mathematical reasoning. (COM)
12. Use a scientific calculator appropriately. (IIT, COK)
13. Work cooperatively in groups to solve and present solutions to problems. (LWC, RSP)
Required Text: Elementary and Intermediate Algebra 3rd Edition by Alan S. Tussy and R. David Gustafson.
Calculator: A scientific calculator is required for this course. The TI-30X IIS is strongly recommended. If you choose to
use a different calculator, you need to know how to use it. Graphing calculators will not be allowed on group solves or
exams, although students are welcome to bring graphing calculators to class. Only a calculator distributed by a
recognized calculator manufacturer will be allowed in this class. Specifically, no calculator on a cell phone or a PDA will
be allowed, especially on exams. If you have a question about the appropriateness of your calculator, please see me.
Additional Supplies: Graph paper (¼ inch squares), 6-inch plastic ruler, and colored pencils or pens for graphing.
1
Class Rules
Each person in this class is entitled to respect. It is important to me that you show respect for your fellow students and
for the learning process. These rules are designed to ensure that all students get the respect they deserve and the
learning they have paid for.
1. When one person is talking, please listen quietly.
2. Please turn off your cell phone, pager, etc. before class begins, as the noises they make distract people who are
trying to learn.
3. Please do not engage in disruptive behaviors (unacceptable talking, arriving late, leaving during class, etc.).
The first time, you will receive a verbal warning.
The second time, you will be required to leave class.
You may not return to class until you have made an appointment with me, and we have come to an
agreement as to how to better support learning in the class. Assignments missed because of
behavior cannot be made up.
4. If you intend to bring people (especially children) who are not enrolled to class, you must get permission from me first,
and the visitors must follow all class rules.
5. You are welcome to bring food and beverages to classes held in most buildings on campus as long as you do not
distract other students and you clean up after yourself.
6. If you want to succeed in this class, you need to attend regularly. If you cannot be in class on a given day, let me
know ahead of time, otherwise, there will be no way for you to make up credit for missed in-class assignments. But,
notifying me does not guarantee you can make up the missed assignment.
7. Come to class on time. Arriving late to class distracts your fellow students and disrespects the learning process.
8. Late work will be accepted for half credit as long as the work is turned in before the beginning of the next class after
the deadline. If you are late (even one second), your work will be late. Work turned in after the start of the next class
will receive no credit.
9. TCC e-mail accounts are provided for each student. You can check your TCC e-mail from any computer on campus
as well as from any off-campus computer that has access to the Internet. You should check your e-mail at least once a
day because I will use your TCC e-mail account to send you class assignments and information. If class is canceled due
to weather, or if I will not be able to attend class due to illness, I will e-mail you no later than 6:30am. I will also
occasionally send information about scholarships and other things I think you could use, but I will never send spam.
10. Cheating is unacceptable. As stated in the TCC catalog: “Students are expected to be honest and forthright in
their academic endeavors. Cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, or other forms of academic dishonesty corrupt the learning
process and threaten the learning environment for all students.” Students who engage in behaviors that may be
interpreted as cheating will receive a zero score on the assignment in question. A second offense will result in an “E”
course grade. Common "cheating" behaviors include
 communicating with another person while an exam is going on in the room,
 using notes, cell phones, or other resource material not specifically allowed during an exam,
 copying or allowing another student to copy answers during an exam,
 talking to someone outside of your group during a Group Solve, and
 presenting another person’s work as your own.
It is your responsibility to be honest and to appear honest.
2
General Information
Students with Special Needs: All students are responsible for all requirements of the class, but the way they meet
these requirements may vary. If you need specific academic auxiliary aids or services due to a disability, please contact
the Access Services Office in Building 7 (253) 566-5328. They will require you to present formal, written documentation
of your disability from an appropriate professional. When this step has been completed, arrangements will be made for
you to receive reasonable auxiliary aids or services. The disability accommodation documentation prepared by Access
Services must be given to me a minimum of one week before the accommodation is needed so that appropriate
arrangements may be made.
Withdrawing From The Class: If you decide for any reason to stop attending class, you should withdraw. It is your
responsibility to withdraw yourself. No one else can do it for you. This may allow another student who wants to take the
class to enroll. If you do not withdraw yourself, you will receive a “V” or an “E” grade for the class.
For Help With Homework
The Al-Kwarizmi Math Advising and Resource Center: The Math Center is located in 19-22.
 Math tutors are available Monday through Thursday from 7:30am to 8:30pm.
 For best results, bring specific questions or problems you are working on to ask about. Even if you do not have
any problems, the Math Center is a pleasant place to study. You are always welcome there!
The Tutoring Center: The Tutoring Center is located in building 7, room 221. Student tutors are available by
appointment for one-on-one tutoring. The hours during which tutoring is available in specific subjects may vary from
quarter to quarter. Call the Tutoring Center at (253) 566-6032 to find out what their current schedule is.
The Open Door Policy: I want you to get the help you need when you need it. If my door is open, please come
in, sit down, and tell me what I can do for you. I am, of course, always available during my scheduled office hours.
Good Websites
Helpful Websites
For extra practice and explanations:
http://purplemath.com
http://www.sosmath.com
For nice graph paper:
http://printfreegraphpaper.com
3
Grading
Letter grades will be assigned based on the following:
Percent Letter Percent Letter Percent
Grade
Grade
87 – 89 B+
77 – 79
93 - 100 A
83 – 86 B
73 – 76
90 – 92 A80 – 82 B70 – 72
Letter
Grade
C+
C
C-
Percent Letter Percent Letter
Grade
Grade
67 – 69 D+
63 – 66 D
0 – 59 E
60 – 62 D-
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Grade: A grade of "Satisfactory" will only be given for grades of D or above (that is, 63%
or above). If you are planning on taking another math class for which this course is a prerequisite, you must receive a Cor above (that is, 70% or above) to go on. A "Satisfactory" will not be sufficient to get you into the next class.
A grade of Incomplete, I, will be given only in emergency situations, at the instructor’s discretion, and only if at least
75% of the work has been completed with a passing grade.
A grade of WI is given at the instructor’s discretion when a student has completed all assigned work and is forced, due
to circumstances beyond her control, to withdraw from class after the 50th day of class.
A grade of V is given to a student who has attended class at least once and stops attending before doing enough work
for the instructor to evaluate the student’s performance.
A grade of Z is given to a student who has never attended class.
How You Earn Your Grade: Your final grade will be determined by your performance on the following graded events:
2 Exams
50 points each
3 Group Solves
25 points each
Class Participation and Homework
About 125 points
1 Project
50 points
Final
100 points
All work that is not word-processed must be in pencil!
Exams: Each exam is comprehensive and may cover material from previous chapters; however, most of the material
tested will be from the most recently covered topics. There are no make-up exams. If you must miss an exam due to
an emergency, leave a message on my voice mail or send me an e-mail explaining the reason for missing the exam
before the time of the exam. If I agree that it is an emergency, I will give you 95% of your final exam percentage for
the exam you missed. A second missed exam will result in a 0 grade.
Group Solves: The ability to work effectively in a group is essential in many industries. Group Solves are designed to
challenge you and motivate you to work with others. You will be grouped with a few other students in the class and given
a set of problems to work out within a designated time frame. Each group will submit one set of solutions to be graded.
Group Solves are usually scheduled shortly before exams and are designed to prepare you for the exam. Group
Solves may not be made up.
Class Participation: Pop quizzes and small group activities will earn you class participation points. Pop quizzes are
essentially free points for students who arrive ready to work on time, stay until the end of class, and attend regularly.
Pop quizzes may be given at any time during the class period.
Homework: Please see pages 6 and 7 for complete requirements.
4
Project:
The Idea: Most tests ask the student to show whether she knows what the teacher thinks she should know. This project
gives you the chance to choose what knowledge you want to show.
The Assignment: Choose one project from the list of possible projects distributed separately after the first week of class,
and write up the solution, answering all questions with a paragraph explaining the answers.
The Requirements: The project write-up must be between 250 and 500 words word-processed, and must begin with a
brief paragraph explaining why you chose the project. No electronic versions will be accepted.
Final Exam: The final exam is comprehensive and will assess your mastery of course objectives.
Substituting the Final Exam grade for the course grade: If your final exam score is higher than your computed
course grade, I will assign your final exam score as your course grade if you have:
1. completed all Group Solves, projects, and exams,
2. missed no more than one class participation event, and
3. earned at least 80% of the possible homework points.
This is a great way to recover from low grades at the beginning of the quarter!
Extra Credit
1. You may earn extra credit by volunteering to do homework problems on the board if you have already done the
problems and have your solutions with you.
2. You may earn a maximum of one point for each Study Group you attend per week.
3. You may earn as many as five points for each written response to an article or chapter from a book about math. I will
e-mail a list of readings that qualify for this extra credit and a description of the requirements for the writing assignment
after the first exam. A maximum of 3 written responses may be submitted.
Study Groups: Students who score in the top 90% of the class on the first exam may be invited to be Study Group
Leaders. Study Group Leaders will hold a 1-hour study session at a regularly scheduled time once a week on campus.
Students wishing to participate in a study group may choose a Study Group to attend. The groups will meet together
regularly to study, work homework problems, etc.
Skipping the Final Exam: Each Study Group Leader who (1) meets the requirements for substituting the final exam
grade for the course grade, (2) maintains a 90% course average, and (3) conducts a 1-hour study group session each
week will not have to take the final exam.
Getting Your Grade: If you want to know your grade on the Final Exam, or your course grade before it appears on your
records, you may e-mail me after you finish the exam. Your course grade will appear on-line on your class schedule as
soon as I have posted it.
Chain of Command: If you have questions or complaints about your grade or any other aspect of the class, please
follow the steps below:
1. See me and present your case in a professional, unemotional manner. I am always willing to listen to a good
argument. If I am wrong, I will admit it. If you are not satisfied, go to step 2.
2. See the Mathematics Department Chair, Greg Ferencko, in Building 29. If you are still not satisfied, go to step 3.
3. See the Dean of the Science Division, Mike Flodin, in Building 29.
5
Homework
Mathematics is not a spectator sport. You can’t become a great baseball player by watching Ichiro. You need to
practice the moves yourself, just as he did. In the same way, you need to practice math by doing the problems yourself.
You should expect to spend two to three hours every night on homework and studying for this class.
Homework will be collected Before the beginning of class twice a week, usually on Tuesdays and
Thursdays. Homework assigned on Monday and Tuesday is due on Thursday, and homework assigned on Wednesday,
Thursday, and Friday is due the following Tuesday. I hope you will take the additional time to ask questions in class.
If you cannot attend class the day homework is due, you should give your assignment to a friend to turn in or give it to a
Building 9 Secretary to time stamp and put in my box.
Late homework: Homework is due before the start of class on the day it is due. Homework that is late (even
one second late) will receive half credit if it is turned in by the start of the next class. Homework that is turned in after the
start of the next class after it is due will not be accepted. If you cannot attend class the day homework is due, you
should give your assignment to a friend to turn in or give it to a Building 9 Secretary to time stamp and put in my box.
I expect a professional job.
How Homework Is Graded
Each assignment will receive a check (√), a minus (–) or a zero (0). A plus (+) is given for outstanding papers that will
receive extra credit for that assignment. Please see the rubric on page 8 for more details.
Homework Requirements:
Homework must be
done in pencil,
stapled (all assignments in one staple when they are turned in),
neat and organized (The instructor’s aesthetics are the criteria for neatness.), and
in sequence, with each problem clearly identified and copied completely, including the
instructions.
Problems requiring explanations must include complete explanations in complete sentences. “Yes” and “No”
are not complete explanations.
For application problems, a brief description of the problem may be used instead of copying the whole problem.
All supporting work (five problem-solving steps) must be included.
When you have used a calculator to solve the problem, a narration of all steps needed to complete the
problem, not calculator key strokes, as well as a clear statement of the solution must be included.
Abstract, symbolic problems (problems that do not involve words) must have all work shown vertically in
columns with at least one inch of blank space between the columns. Please see the example below:
For full credit, problems must look like this:
1. Solve for x.
The following are examples that would receive no credit.
1. Solve for x.
3x  5  44
3x  39
x  13
1. 3x  5  44
x  13
1. x  13
x  13
6
Rational expressions and fractions that are not exponents must be written with a horizontal fraction bar. For
example,
43
 b  b2  4ac
and x 
.
7
2a
All problems that involve graphs must be on graph paper. That is, the problem, the work needed to graph the
equations, and the graph must be on the same page. The words “see graph” are not
acceptable. See the Graphing Guidelines below.
Answers to virtually all homework problems are at the back of the text book, and solutions to all the odd problems are in
the Student Solutions Manual. Additionally, students may ask questions on homework at the beginning of most class
sessions and attend study groups. Therefore, I expect that all problems will be correct; and I will grade homework based
mainly on clarity, organization, and completeness.
Graphing Guidelines
AXES:
1. Axes and any straight lines are drawn with a straight edge.
2. Axes and any straight lines that continue infinitely have arrows on the ends of them to show that they go on
forever.
3. If the scale is anything other than one square = one unit, it must be clearly indicated on each axis.
4. Axes are labeled with appropriate letters and with the meaning and units of each axis. (See Graph B.)
ACCURACY:
1. Graph paper is used.
2. If the graph of a function continues infinitely, the ends of what is drawn must have arrows (see Graph A). If a
graph terminates, the ends must have closed circles or dots (see Graph B).
CLARITY:
1. All problems that involve graphs must be on graph paper. That is, the problem, the work needed to graph the
equations, and the graph must be on the same page.
2. The coordinates of important points (intercepts and points of intersection) are clearly labeled.
3. If multiple equations are graphed on a single set of axes, the graph of each equation is labeled with its
equation.
4. Separate problems must be graphed on separate axes.
5. Each graph is neat, big, and dark enough to be easily read.
7
Homework Grading Rubric
Mark
+
Precision
Explanations are complete and
insightful.
Applications
Professionalism
Analysis of the meaning
of the solution is given.
Problems are copied completely,
including instructions.
Work is shown vertically, using
correct vocabulary and notation.
√
All problems have been earnestly
attempted.
Fractions and rational expressions
are shown vertically:
54
9  x2
or
,
31
x3
not like this: 54 .
31
like this:
Problems show the five
steps of problem-solving:
1. Familiarize
2. Translate
3. Carry Out
4. Check
5. State (in a complete
sentence)
Handwriting is clear and easy to
read and there are at most two
columns of problems per page.
Problems involving graphs are on
the same page as the graphs that
illustrate them.
Graphs are drawn following the
graphing guidelines on page 7.
Problems are copied completely, but
some instructions are missing.
Most work is shown vertically.
–
Some vocabulary or notation is
correct, but most is not.
Only a few problems have been
attempted.
Most of the five steps are
shown, and it is clear how
the answer was found.
Handwriting is difficult to read and
problems are too close together to
be easily distinguished.
Problems involving graphs are on
a different page from the page
where the graph is shown.
Graphs are present, but they do not
meet the standards in the graphing
guidelines on page 7.
Work is not done in pencil.
0
Problems are not copied.
No work is shown.
The statement is not
given in a complete
sentence.
Pages are not stapled.
Edges from spiral notebooks are
not trimmed.
8
Very Tentative Course Schedule
Date
Sept. 24
Topic
Section
Covered
In Class
Assigned Homework
Do only odd
problems unless
otherwise
specified.
Problems to Turn In
Do only odd
problems
unless
otherwise
specified.
Introduction
Homework Guidelines
Sept. 25
Recall: For all
problems in Chapters
3 and 7, graphs must
follow Graphing
Guidelines in the
syllabus.
#1-8 all, 33, 37, 41,
65, 73
#2, 4, 6, 15, 25, 29,
41, 45, 51, 55, 65, 71,
73
Graphing Linear Equations
3.2
#1-8 all, 9, 23-67, 73
Sept. 26
The Slope Of A Line
3.4
#1-6 all, 11-45, 51-57, 63,
65, 71, 73
Sept. 27
More about The Slopes Of A Line
3.4
Sept. 28
Slope-Intercept Form
3.5
Oct. 1
More Slope-Intercept Form
3.5
Oct. 2
Point-Slope Form
3.6
#1-3 all, 7-47, 63-71
Oct. 3
Graphing Linear Inequalities
Solving Systems Of Equations By
Graphing
Solving Systems Of Equations By
Substitution
Solving Systems Of Equations By
Elimination
Problem Solving Using Systems of
Equations
More Problem Solving Using Systems
of Equations
Solving Systems of Linear Inequalities
More Solving Systems of Linear
Inequalities
3.7
#1-19, 27-59
7.1
#2, 4-9 all, 21-49, 75, 79
7.2
#2-11 all, 17, 23-43, 59,
63
#2, 7, 13 (explain), 41,
47, 63, 67, 71
#33, 47, 55
#2, 4, 6, 21, 37, 43,
49, 75
#2, 4, 10, 23, 31, 37,
43, 59
7.3
#1-5, 25, 29, 37, 47-75
#25, 29, 37, 55, 71, 73
7.4
#1, 2, 5, 6, 23, 27
#1, 2, 5, 6, 23, 27
7.4
#37, 39, 43, 45, 47
#37, 39, 43, 45, 47
7.5
#7, 19-53
#7, 19, 27, 45, 49, 53
7.5
Please see above
Oct. 15
Rules For Exponents
4.1
#1-6 all, 11-115, 121
Oct. 16
Zero And Negative Exponents
4.2
#1-9, 15, 17-119
Oct. 17
Scientific Notation
4.3
#4, 7-75
Oct. 18
Group Solve 1
Oct. 4
Oct. 5
Oct. 8
Oct. 9
Oct. 10
Oct. 11
Oct. 12
#1-4 all, 7-11, 23-43, 6575, 87-91
#2, 4, 11, 23, 41, 67,
87, 91
#2, 4, 6, 11, 75, 87,
101, 115, 121
#4, 5, 8, 25, 45, 59,
89, 101, 109, 119
#4, 7, 27, 31, 34, 63,
65 (give answers to 63
and 65 in scientific
notation), 75
Study for Exam 1
9
Oct. 19
Oct. 22
Oct. 23
Oct. 24
Oct. 25
Oct. 26
Oct. 29
Oct. 30
Oct. 31
Nov. 1
Nov. 2
Nov. 5
Nov. 6
Nov. 7
Nov. 8
Nov. 9
Exam 1
An Introduction to Functions
More Functions
Graphs of Functions
More Graphs of Functions
Radical Expressions and Radical
Functions
Rational Exponents
Simplifying and Combining Radical
Expressions
More Simplifying and Combining
Radical Expressions
Multiplying and Dividing Radical
Expressions
Geometric Applications of Radicals
Geometric Applications of Radicals
Educational Planning Day –
Register for Math 108, 106, or 107
The Square Root Property and
Completing the Square
The Quadratic Formula
8.7
8.7
8.8
8.8
#1, 3, 17, 39-63 eoo*
#81-103
#7, 9, 11
9.1
#1, 3, 9, 12, 15, 23-59 eoo #3, 12, 15, 47, 51, 59
9.2
#5, 9, 15-31, 39-45
#5, 31, 43
9.3
#2, 3, 9, 11-19, 27,
#2, 9, 13, 15, 17
9.3
#35-47
#35, 45
9.4
#11, 19-39
#11, 21, 27
9.6
9.6
#1, 3, 5, 17, 19
#45, 47
#1, 3, 5, 17, 19
#45, 47
10.1
#29-69
#33, 43, 53, 63, 69
10.2
#1, 11-33
#1-7, 21-39
#1, 11, 21, 31
b
and
2a
 b 
y  f    , not
 2a 
completing the square, to
find the vertex.
#1, 3, 39, 47, 59, 63
#81, 89, 99
#7, 9, 11
Use x  
Quadratic Functions and Their Graphs
Nov. 12
Nov. 13
Nov. 14
Nov. 15
Nov. 16
Nov. 19
Nov. 20
Nov. 21
Nov. 22
Nov. 23
Nov. 26
Nov. 27
Nov. 28
Nov. 29
Nov. 30
Dec. 3
Dec. 4
Dec. 5
Veteran’s Day Observed – No Class
More Quadratic Functions and Their
Graphs
Even More Quadratic Functions and
Their Graphs
Group Solve 2
Review
Exam 2
Exponential Functions
Thanksgiving Holiday – No Class
Thanksgiving Day – No Class
Thanksgiving Holiday – No Class
Exponential Functions
Base-e Exponential Functions
Logarithmic Functions
More Logarithmic Functions
More Logarithmic Functions
Logarithms with pH
Group Solve 3
Review
10.4
#5, 7, 23, 29, 35
10.4
#9, 11, 53-67, 77
#11, 55, 57
10.4
#79-87
#81, 87
11.3
#11, 15, 25, 27
#11, 27
11.3
11.4
11.5
11.5
11.5
11.7
#37-41
#1, 9, 19, 29-33
#9, 13, 15, 17, 23-37
#39-63
#39
#9, 31
#15, 29, 33, 37
#41, 47, 53, 55, 63
#89, 91, 93
#69, 91, 93
10
Dec. 6
Review
Dec. 7
Teview
Dec.11 Final Exam (2 hours)
* eoo = every other odd, for example 39, 33, 47, …
11