SYLLABUS
COLLEGE ALGEBRA
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA UPSTATE
CHARLES E. STAVELY
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF MATHEMATICS
FALL 2014
MATH U121
SECTION 10
SCHEDULE CODE 83210
MyMathLab Course Name: College Algebra
MyMathLab Course ID: stavely56487
MONDAY – WEDNESDATY
6:00 P.M. – 7:15 P.M.
Hodge Center
ROOM 256
FALL 2014
CLASS SCHEDULE
I.
CLASS
SECTION
DAYS
TIME
MATH U127
83233
4
M W
3:25 – 4:40
MATH U121
83210
10
MW
6:00 – 7:15
BUILDING
Hodge Center
ROOM #
250
256
Hodge Center
OFFICE HOURS
BUILDING
ROOM NUMBER
DAYS
TIME
HODGE CENTER
234
M W
2:00 - 3:00
HODGE CENTER
234
M W
5:00 – 5:50
(Come by anytime. If I am in, I will be glad to help you.)
Office Telephone Number
(864) - 503 - 5360 (Charles Stavely)
Division Telephone Number
(864) - 503 - 5305 (Peggy Williams)
Division Fax Number
(864) - 503 - 5930
E-Mail Address
cstavely@uscupstate.edu
Web Page
http://faculty.uscupstate.edu/cstavely
II.
CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION
MATH U121 COLLEGE ALGEBRA THREE CREDIT HOURS
Equations and inequalities, graphing, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and other functions; matrices and
systems of equations. Only one of MATH U121 and U126 may be used to satisfy a mathematics requirement for general
education or major credit. Prerequisites: appropriate score on placement test and high school Algebra I and II. For
students who need a more intensive study, and expanded version of college algebra (MATH U121A) is available. MATH
U121A is open to students who have an appropriate score on the placement test, have completed MATH U120 with the
mandatory lab, or if the student, in consultation with his or her advisor, determines that extra instruction is needed in
order to succeed in MATH U121.
This is a tentative syllabus and the instructor reserves the right to make adjustments as necessary.
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III. COURSE OBJECTIVES
After successful completion of this course, the student will have knowledge of functions-polynomial, rational, exponential and
logarithmic, graphing, equation solving, solving and graphing inequalities, and other topics time permitting, adequate to
proceed to calculus and other courses where strong algebra knowledge is required. The student should be able to read,
interpret, and solve problems where algebraic equations are required.
IV. ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT
Roll will be called at the beginning of each class. If a student is not present when their name is called, the student will be marked as
absent. If the student arrives for class after their name is called, they may speak to the professor at the end of the class to change an
absent to a late.
V. CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
Specific homework problems will be assigned on MyMathLab and are to be completed in seven days. Students should
consider forming study groups. There is a free mathematics Tutoring Lab located in Hodge Center Room 242. No
appointment is necessary. The tutoring lab scheduled will be posted at the lab. The Tutoring Lab telephone number is 503 5378.
VI. TEST DATES
There will be three tests given plus a cumulative final examination. There will be no make-up test given. If a test is missed the
score on the final examination will be used as the score for the missed test. If the score on the final examination is higher than
a test score, the final examination score will replace the test score.
TEST
1
2
3
Cumulative Final
DATE
Wednesday, September 17
Wednesday, October 22
Wednesday, November 19
Wednesday, December 10, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
VII. MATERIAL TO BE COVERED
NUMBER SECTION
SECTION TITLE
1.
1.1
Graphs and Graphing Utilities
2.
1.2
Linear Equations and Rational Equations
3.
1.3
Models and Applications
4.
1.4
Complex Numbers
5.
1.5
Quadratic Equations
6.
1.6
Other Types of Equations
7.
1.7
Linear Inequalities and Absolute Value Inequalities
8.
2.1
Basics of Functions and Their Graphs
9.
2.2
More on Functions and Their Graphs
10.
2.3
Linear Functions and Slope
11.
2.4
More on Slope
12.
2.5
Transformation of Functions
13.
2.6
Combination of Functions; Composite Functions
14.
2.7
Inverse Functions
15.
2.8
Distance and Midpoint Formulas; Circles
16.
3.1
Quadratic Functions
17.
3.2
Polynomial Functions and Their Graphs
This is a tentative syllabus and the instructor reserves the right to make adjustments as necessary.
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18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
Dividing Polynomials; Remainder and Factor Theorems
Zeros of Polynomial Functions
Rational Functions and Their Graphs
Polynomial and Rational Inequalities
Modeling Using Variation
VIII. GRADING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Item
Total Possible Points
Homework
Test 1
Test 2
Test 3
Quizzes
Final Exam
Attendance
Final Average to determine grade in class =
AVERAGE
15%
10%
10%
10%
20%
30%
5%
Sum of Percentage Points Earned
The final letter grade will be determined as follows:
AVERAGE
GRADE
90  AVERAGE  100
A
86  AVERAGE < 90
B
80  AVERAGE  85
B
76  AVERAGE < 80
C
70  AVERAGE  75
C
66  AVERAGE <70
D
60  AVERAGE  65
D
0  AVERAGE < 60
F
+
+
+
Academic Dishonesty
X
“Students who admit responsibility or who are found responsible through the Student Code of Conduct will
receive the appropriate grade determined by the professor, which may include an X to signify academic
dishonesty. Grades with an X are not subject to grade forgiveness.”
This is a tentative syllabus and the instructor reserves the right to make adjustments as necessary.
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IX. TEXTBOOK
Textbook
Calculator Required
The Texas Instrument
TI-83 or TI-83 PLUS or TI-83 Silver Edition or
TI-84 PLUS Graphics Calculator is recommended
Chicago State University
MyMathLab Required
College Algebra 6e
By: Robert Blitzer
Publisher: Pearson
X. FALL 2014 EXAMINATION SCHEDULE
8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Exam Time
Day/Date
Class Time
Class Time
Monday,
8:00 a.m. MWF
12:00 p.m. MWF
December 8
3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Class Time
6:00 p.m. M
7:25 p.m. MW
7:30 p.m. MW
6:00 p.m. M
6:00 p.m. TH
7:25 p.m. T TH
Greenville
Campus
Tuesday,
December 9
8:00 a.m. MW
12:30 p.m. MW
2:00 p.m. MW
8:00 a.m. T TH
12:15 a.m. T TH
1:40 p.m. T TH
Greenville
Campus
Wednesday,
December 10
9:30 a.m. T TH
12:30 a.m. T TH
2:00 p.m. MW
9:00 a.m. MWF
11:00 a.m. MWF
3:25 p.m. MW
Greenville
Campus
Thursday,
December 11
9:30 a.m. MW
11:00 p.m. MW
3:30 p.m. MW
9:25 a.m. T TH
10:50 p.m. T TH
3:05 p.m. T TH
Greenville
Campus
Friday,
December 12
8:00 a.m. T TH
11:00 p.m. T TH
2:00 p.m. TTH
10:00 a.m. MWF
1:00 p.m. MWF
4:30 p.m. TTH
5:00 p.m. MW
9:00 p.m. MW
Greenville
Campus
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Class Time
2:00 p.m. MW
6:00 p.m. TH
7:30 p.m. T TH
6:00 p.m. W
6:00 p.m. MW
6:00 p.m. W
6:00 p.m. MW
6:00 p.m. T TH
6:00 p.m. T
6:00 p.m. T
6:00 p.m. T TH
Non-scheduled
course meetings
9:00 p.m. T TH
(11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.)
5:00 p.m. T TH
(1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.)
Convocation to honor December
graduates
Tuesday
December 16
XI. FALL 2014 SCHEDULE
Date
August 21, Thursday
Thursday, August 12 - Wednesday, Aug. 27
Wednesday, August 27
Monday, September 1
Friday, September 5
Event
Classes begin
Continuing registration, drop/add Through SSC
Last day to Drop Without Receiving a “W”
Labor Day Holiday – no classes held
December graduation applications due in student’s
academic area
This is a tentative syllabus and the instructor reserves the right to make adjustments as necessary.
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FALL 2014
Thursday, October 23 – Friday, October 24
Monday, October 16 – Friday, October 31
Thursday, October 30
Monday, Nov. 3 – Friday, Nov. 14
Tuesday, Nov. 4
Monday, Nov. 17 – Tuesday, Nov. 18
Monday, November 24
Wednesday, Nov. 26 – Sunday, Nov. 30
Thursday, December 4
Friday, December 5
Saturday, December 6
Monday, Dec. 8 – Friday Dec. 12
Tuesday, December 16
Wednesday, December 17
Thursday, December 18
FALL Break - no classes held
Academic advisement for Spring 2015
Last day to withdraw without academic penalty, without
a grade of WF being recorded
Last day to change from credit to audit
Priority registration through SSC for Spring 2015
General Election – no classes
Priority Registration for Spring 2015 for Upstate Direct
Connect students
Open Registration begins
Thanksgiving Day Break – No classes held
Applications for May graduation due in student’s
academic major area
Last Day of Classes
Reading day
Final Exams
Convocation honoring December graduates
Grades due at noon
Grades can be viewed on Self Service Carolina
XII.
GRADES BY V.I.P.
Grades maybe viewed on Self Service Carolina. The University will not allow grades to be given over the telephone or
by e-mail.
XIII.
DISABILITY CONSIDERATIONS
In keeping with University policy, any student with a disability who requests academic accommodations should contact
Disability Services at 503-5199 to arrange a confidential appointment with a Disability Services staff member. Students are
encouraged to seek an appointment as early in the semester as possible, as accommodations are not provided retroactively.
Letters of accommodation must be signed and printed on letterhead from the Disability Services office. It is the student’s
responsibility to provide these letters to professors in a timely manner so that accommodations may be put in place.
XIV.
WITHDRAWAL FORM A COURSE
Students can withdraw from a class through SSC.
XV.
How to study mathematics
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Class attendance is of the utmost importance. If you want to master the mathematics you cannot afford to miss any
class. You should be in class on time and stay until class is dismissed. You should be attentive and polite in class.
You should take notes and ask questions at appropriate times.
Read the section in the textbook and review your class notes before doing the assigned problems.
Make a friend in class. Exchange telephone numbers so that you can assist one another. You may want to form a
study group.
If you need extra help, give me a call, come by the office, or take advantage of the mathematics-tutoring laboratory,
which is located in the Hodge Center Room 242
Complete your homework before the next class meeting. Be prepared to ask questions about specific problems,
since only forty minutes is allocated for questions related to homework.
This is a tentative syllabus and the instructor reserves the right to make adjustments as necessary.
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FALL 2014
F.
G.
H.
XVI.
Studying for a test: A sheet of review problems will be distributed the class meeting before a test. Make sure that
you can do all of the problems on the review sheet. Memorize all formulas and theorems that are in the sections to
be tested. Make up a sample test and take it in the same amount of time which will be allowed for the in class test.
Taking a test: Get a good nights rest the night before the test. Eat a good meal. Be at the test site early. Have
notebook paper, pencils, calculator, and textbook. Before you start the test, try to relax by taking a few deep slow
breaths. Write down formulae and/or theorems, which you may need for the test. Each problem counts the same
number of points so scan the test to make sure you do the easiest ones first. Do not spend too much time on any one
problem. When you finish review your work to make sure that you have done all of the problems and to check for
mistakes. If you still have time, close your eyes and pretend that you have left the class; just relax. Often your
subconscious will give you a hint on how to do a problem or give you a hint that you have made a mistake.
How to study for the cumulative final examination: Review all of the previous tests and study sheets. Review all
formulae and theorems. Use the same techniques listed in part F. Note that if the grade on the cumulative final is
higher than a test grade the final grade, will replace the lower test grade.
APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR IN THE MATHEMATICS CLASSROOM
A. Students are expected to be on time, find a seat, and be prepared for class to begin, i.e. open your notebook to the
homework problems, open your textbook to the appropriate section, be prepared to ask questions about the homework
assignment and to take notes.
B. Students are expected to stay in class until the class is dismissed, unless prior arrangements have been made for an early
dismissal, e.g. a physician's appointment.
C. Students are expected to stay alert throughout the class and to be focused on the mathematical topic that is being studied.
D. Students are expected to avoid talking with their peers while the professor or other students are speaking.
E. Students are expected to use good manners, be courteous and act with decorum toward their peers and anyone who may
be in class facilitating the learning process. Turn off cell phones, games, and other devices that are disrespectful to use during
class.
F.
Homework is to be completed in seven days.
XVII. Math Tutoring Lab Schedule
Hodge Center Room 242
No Appointment necessary
Phone: 503 – 5345
This is a tentative syllabus and the instructor reserves the right to make adjustments as necessary.
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FALL 2014
XVIII.
FALL 2014 Academic Calendar
Monday
August 18
Tuesday
August 19
Wednesday
August 20
Thursday
August 21
Classes begin
Registration
Friday
August 22
Registration
Drop/Add
August 25
August 26
August 27
August 28
August 29
Registration
Drop/Add
Registration
Drop/Add
Registration
Last day to drop
without receiving
a “W”
September 1
Labor Day
No classes
September 2
September 3
September 4
September 8
September 9
September 10
September 11
September 5
December
graduation
applications due
in student’s
academic area
September 12
September 15
September 16
September 17
Test 1
September 18
September 19
September 22
September 23
September 24
September 25
September 26
September 29
September 30
October 1
October 2
October 3
October 6
October 7
October 8
October 9
October 10
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
Academic
advisement for
spring 2015
Academic
advisement for
spring 2015
October 20
October 21
October 22
October 23
October 24
Academic
advisement for
spring 2015
Academic
advisement for
spring 2015
Test 2
Fall Break
No Classes
Fall Break
No Classes
Academic
advisement for
spring 2015
This is a tentative syllabus and the instructor reserves the right to make adjustments as necessary.
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FALL 2014
Monday
October 27
Tuesday
October 28
Wednesday
October 29
Academic
advisement for
spring 2015
Academic
advisement for
spring 2015
Academic
advisement for
spring 2015
Thursday
October 30
Academic
advisement for
spring 2015
Friday
October 31
Academic
advisement for
spring 201
Last day to
withdraw without
academic penalty,
without a grade of
WF being recorded
Last day to change
from credit to audit
November 3
Priority
registration
through SSC for
Spring 2015
November 4
November 10
Priority
registration
through SSC for
Spring 2015
November 17
Priority
Registration for
Sparing 2015 for
Upstate Direct
Connect Students
November 24
December 1
Open
Registration for
Spring 2015 for
all Students
November 5
Priority
registration
through SSC for
Spring 2015
November 6
Priority
registration
through SSC for
Spring 2015
November 7
Priority
registration
through SSC for
Spring 2015
November 11
Priority
registration
through SSC for
Spring 2015
November 18
November 12
Priority
registration
through SSC for
Spring 2015
November 19
November 13
Priority
registration
through SSC for
Spring 2015
November 20
November 14
Priority
registration
through SSC for
Spring 2015
November 21
Priority
Registration for
Sparing 2015 for
Upstate Direct
Connect Students
November 25
Test 3
November 26
November 27
November 28
Thanksgiving
Break
Thanksgiving
Break
Thanksgiving
Break
December 3
Registration for
Spring 2015 for
all Students
December 4
Registration for
Spring 2015 for
all Students
December 5
Last day of
classes
General Election
Day – No Classes
December 2
Registration for
Spring 2015 for
all Students
Applications for
May graduation
due in student’s
academic major
area
This is a tentative syllabus and the instructor reserves the right to make adjustments as necessary.
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FALL 2014
Monday
December 8
Tuesday
December 9
Final Exams
Final Exam
Wednesday
December 10
Final Exam
MATH 127
Section 4
3:00 to 6:00 pm
Thursday
December 11
Final Exams
Friday
December 12
Final Exams
December 18
December 19
Final Exam
MATH 121
Section 10
6:30 to 9:30 pm
December 15
December 16
December 17
Convocation
honoring
Grades due at
December
noon
graduates
28 Monday – Wednesday Class Meetings
Grades can be
viewed on SSC
This is a tentative syllabus and the instructor reserves the right to make adjustments as necessary.
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