Session 2015-2 Spring
Room D-221 (Dawson Hall)
Tuesday 6:00- 10:00 p.m.
March 10- April 28
Drew Kays
Office Hours: By appointment
Email Address: dkays@ben.edu
Phone Number: (815) 252-7423
PRE-ASSIGNMENT Obtain the textbook and a scientific calculator. Read chapter 1 in the
textbook in preparation for our first class. Get acquainted with our class D2L page. Please read
over the notes provided for you on D2L.
MATH 095-71 – INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA
I.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Topics include real numbers, linear equations, exponent, polynomials, rational expressions,
radicals, and quadratic equations.
II.
TEXTBOOK AND MATERIALS
Required text: Intermediate Algebra Through Applications by Akst and Bragg; 3rd edition, 2013;
ISBN 9780321746719
Additional materials: paper and scientific calculator. Calculators on cell phones are not
acceptable.
III.
MISSION STATEMENT
Benedictine University is dedicated to the education of undergraduate and graduate students
from diverse ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds. As an academic community committed to
liberal arts and professional education distinguished and guided by our Roman Catholic tradition
and Benedictine heritage, we prepare our students for a lifetime as active, informed and
responsible citizens and leaders in the world community.
IV.
GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
A. Goals:
Students should gain experience in solving problems, thinking logically, and using the
language and tools of mathematics to understand and deal with real-life problems and
situations.
B. Course Objectives— Upon successful completion of this course, each student will be
able to:
 Identify and explain mathematical terminology, notation and symbols used in algebra.
 Examine different problem solving strategies.
 Solve and graph linear equations and inequalities of two variables.
 Work with the properties of exponents.
 Perform the basic operations on polynomials.
 Factor polynomials.
 Perform the basic operations on rational expressions.
 Perform the basic operations on radical expressions.
 Solve quadratic equations.
 Solve application problems using algebraic methods.
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V.
TEACHING METHODS/DELIVERY SYSTEM
This course will use a gradual release of responsibility model to transition teacher knowledge to
student understanding and application. Strategies used to ensure success will include lecture,
demonstration, discussion, collaborative work, and independent practice. The student is expected
to actively participate in all aspects of this course.
VI.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Attendance Policy
This course is highly accelerated, and students will need to take a great deal of
responsibility for their own learning outcomes. Attendance is required in each class
meeting for the full period of time. Any absence must be due to extraordinary
circumstances and will require documentation for it to be considered excused.
Documentation must be provided immediately in order to determine what, if any,
accommodations are reasonable or possible. Class attendance will directly impact your
final grade, and each undocumented absence will be considered unexcused and will
result in a 20% reduction in the final grade for the course.
Due to the accelerated nature of the course, should you experience a medical condition
which prevents you from attending any class(es), appropriate medical documentation
must be provided immediately so it may be determined what, if any, accommodations are
reasonable or possible.
In-Class Work & Participation
You are required to bring your textbook, paper, calculator, and pencil to class with you.
You must also be prepared for each class, i.e., read assigned readings prior to class and
bring completed homework with you.
Ten percent (10%) of your grade is based on in-class work and participation, including
textbook problems, class discussions and other group/independent activities as assigned.
You are expected to be present, prepared, and on time for every class, participate fully in
all class discussions and activities, and be respectful to your peers. Failure to abide by
this could result in dismissal from class and loss of participation points.
Reading Assignments
Students are expected to read the sections of the textbook covered in the Topical Course
Outline (section VIII) prior to each class session. Particular attention should be given to
the worked out examples of problems provided by the author of the textbook.
Written Assignments and Projects
Thirty percent (30%) of your grade will be based on homework, which will be assigned
each class, and turned in at the beginning of the following class period or the designated
date. Students will turn in everything on time or will receive a zero for the assignment.
On homework, please write neatly and show all your work. Homework will be graded on
correctness, completeness, and clarity- not just on what your final answers are, but also
on how well you communicate those answers and how you got them.
Benedictine University at Springfield Student Academic Honesty Policy
The search for truth and the dissemination of knowledge are the central missions of a university.
Benedictine University at Springfield pursues these missions in an environment guided by our
Roman Catholic tradition and our Benedictine heritage. Integrity and honesty are therefore
expected of all University students. Actions such as cheating, plagiarism, collusion, fabrication,
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forgery, falsification, destruction, multiple submission, solicitation, and misrepresentation are
violations of these expectations and constitute unacceptable behavior in the University
community.
Student’s Responsibility
Though there is no formal honor code at Benedictine University at Springfield, students are
expected to exhibit academic honesty at all times. Violations against academic honesty are
always serious and may result in sanctions that could have profound long-term effects. The final
responsibility for understanding the Academic Honesty Policy of the institution, as well as the
specific policies for individual courses normally found in syllabi, rests with students. If any doubt
exists about what constitutes academic dishonesty, students have the responsibility to talk to the
faculty member. Students should expect the members of their class to be academically honest.
If students believe one or more members of the class have been deceitful to gain academic
advantage in the class, students should feel comfortable to approach the faculty member of the
course without prejudice.
Violations of the Academic Honesty Policy will be reported to the Office of the Dean of Academic
Affairs. Along with a verbal warning, the following are consequences a student may face for
academic dishonesty:
 a failing grade or “zero” for the assignment;
 dismissal from and a failing grade for the course; or
 dismissal from the Institution.
VII.
MEANS OF EVALUATION
Homework: 30%
In-class work/ participation: 10%
Tests (including final exam): 60%
Grading Scale:
A: 90-100%
B: 80-89%
C: 70-79%
D: 60-69%
F: below 60%
If a student believes that an error has been made in reporting a grade, an appeal must be made
in writing to the instructor and must be initiated within 60 calendar days after the end of the term
for which the grade in question was reported. The appeal should contain specific information
about why it is believed the grade reported is inaccurate. See the Student Handbook for
additional details.
Add/Drop Dates
Please refer to the current Academic Calendar for add/drop dates.
Incomplete Request
To qualify for an “I” grade, a minimum of 75% of the course work must be completed with a “C”
or better, and a student must submit a completed “Request for an Incomplete” form to the
Registrar’s Office. The form must be completed by both student and instructor, but it is the
student’s responsibility (not the instructor’s) to initiate this process and obtain the necessary
signatures.
Student Withdrawal Procedure
It is the student’s responsibility to officially withdraw from a course by completing the appropriate
form, with appropriate signatures, and returning the completed form to the Advising Office. Please
refer to the Student Handbook for important financial information related to withdrawals.
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VIII.
TOPICAL COURSE OUTLINE
The following schedule is approximate and may be adjusted throughout the semester at the
discretion of the instructor. It is also important that you refer to the weekly handouts that you will
receive in class outlining your assignments.
Date
Tues. 3/10
Section
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
Topic of Instruction
Chapter 1: Algebra Basics
 Introduction to Real Numbers
 Operations with Real Numbers
 Properties of Real Numbers
 Laws of Exponents and Scientific Notation
 Algebraic Expressions: Translating, Evaluating,
and Simplifying
TEST Chapter 1
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
Tues. 3/24
Chapter 2: Linear Equations and Inequalities
 Solving Linear Equations
 Solving Literal Equations and Formulas
 Solving Linear Inequalities
 Solving Compound Inequalities
 Solving Absolute Value Equation and Inequalities
TEST Chapter 2
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
Tues. 3/31
Chapter 3: Graphs, Linear Equations and Inequalities,
and Functions
 The Rectangular Coordinate System
 Slope
 Graphing Linear Equations
 More on Graphing Linear Equations
 Graphing Linear Inequalities
 Introduction to Functions
TEST Chapter 3
Tues. 3/17
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
Tues. 4/7
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
Tues. 4/14
7.1
7.2
7.3
Chapter 5: Polynomials
 Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials
 Multiplication of Polynomials
 Division of Polynomials
 The Greatest Common Factor and Factoring by
Grouping
 Factoring Trinomials
 Special Factoring
 Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring
TEST Chapter 5
Chapter 6: Rational Expressions and Equations
 Multiplication and Division of Rational
Expressions
 Addition and Subtraction of Rational Expressions
 Complex Rational Expressions
 Solving Rational Equations
Chapter 7: Radical Expressions and Equations
 Radical Expressions and Rational Exponents
 Simplifying Radical Expressions
 Addition and Subtraction of Radical Expressions
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Tues. 4/21
 Multiplication and Division of Radical Expressions
 Solving Radical Equations
TEST Chapters 6 and 7
Tues. 4/28
Catch-Up Day & Review for Final Exam
FINAL EXAM over Chapters 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, & 7
7.4
7.5
IX.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
Benedictine University at Springfield provides individuals with disabilities reasonable
accommodations to participate in educational programs, activities, and services.
Students with disabilities requiring accommodations to participate in campus-sponsored
programs, activities, and services, or to meet course requirements, should contact the
Resource Center as early as possible: springaccess@ben.edu or 217-717-9253.
X.
ASSESSMENT
Goals, objectives, and learning outcomes that will be assessed in the class are stated in
this syllabus. Instructor will use background knowledge probes, one-minute papers,
reflective essays and/or other Classroom Assessment Techniques as deemed necessary
in order to provide continuous improvement of instruction.
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