COLLIN COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS
COURSE INFORMATION
Course Number: MATH 0310
Course Title: Intermediate Algebra
Course Description: A study of relations and functions, inequalities, algebraic
expressions and equations (absolute value, polynomial, radical, rational), with a special
emphasis on linear and quadratic expressions and equations.
Course Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 1 (included)
Placement Assessment: Placement in Math 0310. Consult the Testing Center Director if
you have questions about an assessment level OR Successful completion of Mathematics
0305.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Math 0305 or TSI placement in Math 0310.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1. Define, represent, and perform operations on real and complex numbers.
2. Recognize, understand, and analyze features of a function.
3. Recognize and use algebraic (field) properties, concepts, procedures (including
factoring), and algorithms to combine, transform, and evaluate absolute value,
polynomial, radical, and rational expressions.
4. Identify and solve absolute value, polynomial, radical, and rational equations.
5. Identify and solve absolute value and linear inequalities.
6. Model, interpret and justify mathematical ideas and concepts using multiple
representations.
7. Connect and use multiple strands of mathematics in situations and problems, as well as
in the study of other disciplines.
Withdrawal Policy: “See the current Collin Registration Guide for the last day to
withdraw.”
Collin College Academic Policies: “See the current Collin Student Handbook.”
Americans with Disabilities Act: Collin College will adhere to all applicable federal, state and
local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as
required to afford equal opportunity. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the ACCESS
office, SCC-D140 or 972.881.5898 (V/TTD: 972.881.5950) to arrange for appropriate
accommodations. See the current Collin Student Handbook for additional information.
INSTRUCTOR
INFORMATION
Instructor’s Name: Nasrin Bemani http://iws.collin.edu/nbemani
Office Number: K218, SCC
Office Hours:
Tuesday & Thursday: Online 1:00-3:00 pm
Saturday: K218 7:30-8:55 am and 12:20-12:55 pm
Other times by appointment
Phone: 972-516-5099
In case of emergency, contact the Developmental Education office (SCC K102) at
(972) 881-5720. Contact your instructor by email as listed below.
Email: nbemani@collin.edu Email messages will be replied within 48 hours. Weekend or
holiday email will receive responses within 48 hours following the next business day.
Class Information:
Section Number: S23
Meeting Times: 9:00am-12:00 pm
Meeting Location: K212
Administrative Withdrawal: Participation in class is an essential requirement of this
course. Maintain contact with your professor if you are not able to attend class or
complete an assignment on time. If you miss more than 20% of the meetings of a
Developmental Education class between the beginning of class and the college
withdrawal date, you may be administratively withdrawn from this class. Administrative
withdrawal may have academic, financial, financial aid, and visa implications. It will
count toward Collin’s Repeat Policy and the 27-hour limitation on Developmental
Education courses. Administrative withdrawal will take place after the full refund
period, and if you are administratively withdrawn from the course you will not be
eligible for a tuition refund. If you have questions about the administrative withdrawal
policy, please contact your professor.
College Repeat Policy: Developmental courses may be taken for a combined total of no
more than 27 credit hours. In addition, a student may repeat this course only once after
receiving a grade, including W. If you drop this class before census day, it will not count
against you.
Course Resources: The college provides group tutoring and a Math Lab at no charge at
each campus to support student success in this class. Students are required to purchase a
software license for use in this class.
Textbook ISBN book bundle # 1256105589, which includes: Beginning & Intermediate Algebra
(Custom Edition for Collin College), 4e, by Martin-Gay; Student Solution Manual, and MyMathLab
Access Code. If you purchase a used textbook, you will still need a MyMathLab access code. The
cost of this code plus your textbook may be more than the cost of a new textbook bundle.
Supplies: A graphing calculator is required and the TI 83, TI 83 Plus, or TI 84 is
preferred. Calculators with a computer algebra system (CAS) will not be permitted on
exams, unless prior approval is obtained from the instructor. You must bring the following
supplies to class: textbook, pen, pencil, notebook, and graphing calculator.
Attendance Policy: Students are expected to attend class regularly, and to consult with the
instructor whenever an absence is necessary. If you miss any class, you will be responsible for
materials covered in that session.
Electronic Devices Policy: As per Section 6.1 Academic Etiquette and the College
Experience (pg. 147, paragraph 3) of the Collin Student Handbook with the exception of
a calculator, all electronic devices are to be switched off during class, unless an exception
is obtained from the instructor in advance.
Course Requirements: Attend class as scheduled and complete the required tests, lab
assignments, and final examination, and any other assignments required by the instructor.
Method of Evaluation: Only AD, BD, CD, FD or I can be awarded in this class. A grade of
DD will never be awarded.
The grading Scale will be:
90-100%
= AD
80-89%
= BD
70-79%
= CD
0-69%
= FD
Homework 15%
Labs
10%
Tests
60%
Final Exam 15%
--------------------------------Total
100%
TESTS: Four unit tests will be given in class. There will be NO make-up tests. Any special
circumstances must be discussed with the instructor. If you miss one test, I will replace it with
the final exam grade. If you miss two or more tests, the missed test grade will be replaced with a
zero. If all tests are taken, I will replace the lowest test grade with the Final Exam grade
(provided it is higher). The grade average of the tests will count as 60% of the final grade.
FINAL EXAM: A comprehensive departmental final exam, which counts for 15%
of your final grade, is REQUIRED for all students at the end of the course (NO EXCEPTIONS).
If the exam is not taken, a zero will be recorded. No other grade can replace the final exam.
HOMEWORK: There will be a MyMathLab assignment for every section covered in this
course. There is no limit for the number of times the homework and practice labs can be
done. The grade average of the homework assignments will count as 15% of the final grade. The
URL, instructions for enrolling, and the required course ID will be provided in a separate document.
LAB EXERCISES: There are 10 “lab quizzes” required in this class. The lab quizzes and
practice labs use the MyMathLab Internet-based software. Practice labs are available for
unlimited practice. The graded labs are listed as lab quizzes and only one (1) submitted
attempt is allowed. Remember to submit the lab quiz when finished. Graded labs are always
due by 11:59 p.m. of the day stated in the course calendar. A minimum grade of 70 on the
Practice Labs is required prior to taking the lab quizzes. The grade average of the ten lab quiz
assignments will count as 10% of the final grade. No lab grades will be dropped. The URL,
instructions for enrolling, and the required course ID will be provided in a separate document.
Withdrawal Policy: Our goal is for you to successfully complete this course
and to be prepared to successfully complete subsequent course(s). Prior to withdrawing
from this class, please meet with me to discuss your progress and to learn about the
support services provided at Collin to help you succeed.
The process for withdrawing from a Developmental course is (1) meet with your professor, (2)
meet with an advisor, (3) meet with the Dean of Developmental Education. After completing
these three steps, take the signed course withdrawal form to the Admissions Office for
processing. See the current Collin Registration Guide for the last day to withdraw. If you simply
stop attending, you may be administratively withdrawn from this course. If you simply stop
attending and participating, and do not withdraw from this course, you will most likely receive
an FD.
Collin College Academic Policies: Please refer to the current Collin Student
Handbook.
Americans with Disabilities Act: Collin College will adhere to all applicable federal,
state and local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable
accommodations as required to afford equal opportunity. It is the student’s responsibility
to contact the ACCESS office, SCC-D140 or 972.881.5898 (V/TTD: 972.881.5950) to
arrange for appropriate accommodations. See the current Collin Student Handbook for
additional information.
Academic Ethics: Every member of the Collin College community is expected to
maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. Collin College may initiate
disciplinary proceedings against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty. Scholastic
dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, statements, acts, or omissions related to
applications for enrollment or the award of a degree, and/or the submission of one’s own
work material that is not one’s own. Scholastic dishonesty may involve, but is not limited
to, one or more of the following acts: cheating, plagiarism, collusion, use of annotated
texts or teacher’s editions, use of information about exams posted on the Internet or
electronic medium, and/or falsifying academic records. While specific examples are
listed below, this is not an exhaustive list and scholastic dishonesty may encompass other
conduct, including any conduct through electronic or computerized means:
Plagiarism: is the use of an author’s words or ideas as if they were one’s own without
giving credit to the source, including, but not limited to, failure to acknowledge a direct
quotation.
Cheating: is the willful giving or receiving of information in an unauthorized manner
during an examination; collaborating with another student during an examination without
authority; using, buying, selling, soliciting, stealing, or otherwise obtaining course
assignments and/or examination questions in advance, copying computer or Internet files,
using someone else’s work for assignments as if it were one’s own; or any other
dishonest means of attempting to fulfill the requirements of a course.
If a determination of cheating is made by the Dean of Students Office:
1. A grade of zero will be assigned for the first offense.
2. A course grade of "FD" will be assigned for the second offense.
Collusion: is intentionally or unintentionally aiding or attempting to aid another in an act
of scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to, failing to secure academic work;
providing a paper or project to another student; providing an inappropriate level of
assistance; communicating answers to a classmate about an examination or any other
course assignment; removing tests or answer sheets from a test site, and allowing a
classmate to copy answers.
See the current Collin Student Handbook for additional information.
Tentative Course Calendar: A tentative course calendar is attached to this syllabus.
Adjustments may be necessary and if adjusted, you will be notified.
Resources for Mathematics Students:
 Free tutoring, videotapes, graphing calculators, and computer assistance through the
Math Lab (SCC, D203).
 Free tutoring services through the ACCESS office (SCC, D140).
 Assistance from your instructor during office hours, or other times by appointment.
Notes: (1) The instructor reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus during the semester.
Changes will be provided in writing during class hours.
(2) With the exception of a calculator, all electronic devices are to be switched off during
class, unless an exception is obtained from the instructor in advance.
(3) Please see: http://www.collin.edu/collegesurvival/ for a listing of available college
support resources.
Tentative Course Calendar (Subject to change)
The homework due dates are indicated in MyMathLab
Week
Beginning
Section/Coverage
Notes/Due Dates
1/24
Review Syllabus, Appendix D An introduction to using a graphing
utility,
8.1 Graphing and Writing Linear Functions (Objective 1--Graph
linear functions ONLY),
3.6 Functions
8.2 Reviewing Function Notation and Graphing Non-linear
Functions
12.1 The Algebra of Functions
2.8 Solving Linear Inequalities
9.3 Absolute Value Inequalities
9.2 Absolute Value Equations
6.4 Factoring Trinomials of the form ax2 + bx + c, a ≠ 0 and a ≠ 1
Integrated Review: Choosing a Factoring Strategy (page 402)
6.6 Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring
Test 1
7.1 Rational Functions and Simplifying Rational Expressions
7.2 Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions
7.3 Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions with Common
Denominators and Least Common Denominator
7.4 Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions with Unlike
Denominators
7.5 Solving Equations Containing Rational Expressions
7.6 Problem Solving with Rational Equations ONLY
Spring Break: No Class
LAB QUIZ 1 BA Review Due 1/30
7.6 Problem Solving with Rational Equations ONLY
7.7 Simplifying Complex Fractions
Test 2
10.1 Radicals and Radical Functions
10.2 Rational Exponents
Spring Holiday: No Class
Last day to withdraw 3/20
10.3 Simplifying Radical Expressions
10.4 Adding, Subtracting, and Multiplying Radical Expressions
10.5 Rationalizing Denominators of Radical Expressions
10.5 Rationalizing Denominators of Radical Expressions
10.6 Radical Equations and Problem Solving
10.7 Complex Numbers
Test 3
11.1 Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square
11.2 Solving Quadratic Equations by the Quadratic Formula
11.5 Quadratic Functions and Their Graphs
11.6 Further Graphing of Quadratic Functions
Test 4
Review for final exam
Final Exam (Comprehensive)
LAB QUIZ 7 (7.7, 10.1,10.2,10.3) Due 4/17
1/31
2/7
2/14
2/21
2/28
3/7
3/16
3/21
3/28
4/4
4/11
4/18
4/25
5/2
5/9
5/16
LAB QUIZ 2 (8.1, 3.6 ,8.2) Due 2/6
LAB QUIZ 3 (12.1,9.2,9.3) Due 2/13
LAB QUIZ 4 (6.4, 6.6, factoring review) Due 2/20
LAB QUIZ 5 (7.1,7.2,7.3) Due 3/6
LAB QUIZ 6 (7.4, 7.5, 7.6) Due 3/27
LAB QUIZ 8 (10.4,10.5,10.6) Due 4/24
LAB QUIZ 9 (10.7, 11.1,11.2) Due 5/1
LAB QUIZ 10 (11.5,11.6,overview) Due 5/8
Blue book & Scantron required
MATH 0310 INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Textbook Reference: Beginning & Intermediate Algebra 4e, Martin-Gay
Upon successful completion of this course, students will: (Note: 4/9/13 version)
1. Define, represent, and perform operations on real and complex numbers.
Add, subtract, multiply, and divide complex numbers.
2. Recognize, understand, and analyze features of a function.
Identify a relation as a function given (i) a set of points, (ii) an equation, (iii) a graph
using the vertical line test, or (iv) a table of values.
Graph a quadratic function by plotting the intercepts, the vertex, and utilizing the axis
of symmetry.
 b  b  
,f 
Find (i) the vertex using 
  , (ii) the direction of the parabola, and (iii) the
 2a  2a  
Textbook
Ref.
10.7
3.6, 8.2,
Supplement
For (iv)
11.5
11.6
2
axis of symmetry, given a quadratic function in the form f ( x )  ax  bx  c .
Determine any maximum or minimum, given a graph of a quadratic function.
Graph an absolute value equation.
Evaluate a function for a specified value given an equation and a graph.
Determine the domain of a function given an equation.
Determine the domain and range of a graph.
Determine the domain of a radical function from an equation and a graph.
Find the sum, difference, product, and quotient of two functions, and the domain of
the quotient of two functions.
3. Recognize and use algebraic (field) properties, concepts, procedures (including
factoring), and algorithms to combine, transform, and evaluate absolute value,
polynomial, radical, and rational expressions.
Factor a polynomial of the form ax2 + bx + c, a ≠ 0 and a ≠ 1.
Use a general strategy to factor a polynomial completely.
Reduce a rational expression to lowest terms.
Multiply and divide two rational expressions.
Add and subtract two rational expressions.
Simplify a complex fraction.
Simplify a radical expression.
Evaluate a radical function.
Evaluate an absolute value expression
Simplify an expression containing rational exponents.
Add, subtract, and multiply radical expressions.
Divide an expression with a monomial or binomial denominator containing a radical.
4. Identify and solve absolute value, polynomial, radical, and rational equations.
Solve an equation containing rational expressions.
Solve an absolute value equation.
Solve a quadratic equation with integer coefficients by (i) factoring, (ii) using the
square root principle, (iii) completing the square, and (iv) the quadratic formula.
Solve a radical equation.
5. Identify and solve absolute value and linear inequalities.
Solve an absolute value inequality
Solve a linear inequality in one variable, and express the solution (i) in set-builder
notation, (ii) as a graph, and (iii) in interval notation.
11.6
8.2 (Obj. 3Absolute
Value only)
3.6, 8.2
3.6
3.6
10.1
12.1
6.4
(Integrated
Review,
p.402)
7.1
7.2
7.3, 7.4
7.7
10.3
10.1
9.2
10.2
10.4
10.5
7.5
9.2
6.6, 11.1,
11.2
10.6
9.3
2.8, Set
Builder
Upon successful completion of this course, students will: (Note: 4/9/13 version)
6. Model, interpret and justify mathematical ideas and concepts using multiple
representations.
7. Connect and use multiple strands of mathematics in situations and problems, as
well as in the study of other disciplines.
Solve an application requiring a quadratic equation.
Solve an application requiring a rational equation.
Solve an application requiring a radical equation.
The student will demonstrate competency in the use of a graphing calculator by:
Using the ROOT (ZERO) and INTERSECT features to solve an equation.
Checking solutions to a linear or quadratic equation using the VARS, VALUE, STO or
TABLE feature.
Identifying the maximum or minimum value of a quadratic function using the
MINIMUM or MAXIMUM feature.
Graphing a linear function.
,3 ,x
Using the
appropriate.
features to verify the simplification of a radical expression, when
Textbook
Ref.
Supplement
11.1, 11.2
7.6 (Obj. 3,
4, 5)
10.6
6.6, 7.5,
10.6, 11.1
Calculator
Supplement
Calculator
Supplement
8.1,
Appendix D
Calculator
Supplement