OAKTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
GENERIC COURSE SYLLABUS
I.
II.
Course
Prefix
Course
Number
Course
Name
MAT
140
College Algebra
Credit:
Lecture
Lab
3
3
0
Prerequisites:
MAT 110 or the equivalent with a minimum grade of C or appropriate score on the Mathematics
Assessment Test; and MAT 080 or geometry proficiency.
III.
Course (Catalog) Description:
A study of the following functions and their graphs: polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and
special functions; systems of equations and inequalities, sequences and series, and the binomial theorem.
IV.
V.
Learning Objectives:
1.
Classify functions and their graphs, and identify their domain and range.
2.
Identify and apply transformations of graphs.
3.
Solve linear and non-linear equations, and systems of two equations.
4.
Solve polynomial and rational inequalities algebraically and graphically.
5.
Sketch the graph of polynomials using zeros and end behavior.
6.
Sketch the graph of rational functions using zeros, asymptotes, and end behavior.
7.
Find, graph, and interpret the inverse of a function.
8.
Graph exponential and logarithmic functions, and use their properties to simplify and solve
equations involving them.
9.
Model and solve applications using the elementary functions studied in the course.
10.
Use technology to graph, evaluate, and interpret functions, and to solve equations and inequalities
involving them.
Academic Integrity:
Students and employees at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate academic integrity
and follow Oakton’s Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits:
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cheating,
plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
helping others to cheat,
unauthorized changes on official documents,
pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
any other behavior that violates academic integrity.
There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton’s policies and
procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have
violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be
established and kept on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.
Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.
VI.
Outline of Topics:
A.
Fundamental Concepts of Algebra
1. Rational Exponents and Radicals
2. Factoring Polynomials
3. Operations with Rational Expressions
B. Solving Linear and Nonlinear Equations, and Linear Inequalities
1. Solving Linear and Rational Equations
2. Complex numbers
3. Solving Quadratic, Polynomial, and Radical Equations
4. Solving Linear and Absolute Value Inequalities
C.
Functions And Their Graphs
1. Basic Concepts and Graphs of Functions, including Domain and Range
2. Linear functions, Slope, and Linear Applications
3. Operations on functions and Composition of Functions
4. Graphing techniques, Transformations, and Translations of Functions
5. Inverse Functions
6. Distance, Midpoints, and Circles
D.
Polynomial And Rational Functions: Graphs and Zeros
1. Quadratic functions
2. Polynomial functions of higher degree
3. Polynomial Division, and Remainder and Factor Theorems
4. Complex zeros of polynomial functions
5. Solving Polynomial and Rational Inequalities Graphically
6. Rational functions and their graphs
E.
Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
1.
Exponential functions and their graphs, with applications.
2.
Logarithmic functions and their graphs, with applications.
3.
Properties of logarithms
4.
Solving exponential and logarithmic equations.
5.
Exponential Growth and Decay
2
F. Systems of Equations: Find Intersections of Linear & Nonlinear Functions by Substitution
G. Conic sections: center at origin (Optional, if time permits at the end of the course.)
VII
Methods of Instruction:
(To be completed by instructor.)
Methods of presentation can include lectures, discussions, demonstrations, experimentation, audio-visual
aids and regularly assigned homework. Calculators/computers will be used when appropriate.
Course may be taught as face-to-face, media-based, hybrid or online course.
VIII.
Course Practices Required:
(To be completed by instructor.)
IX.
Instructional Materials:
Note: Current textbook information for each course and section is available on Oakton's Schedule of
Classes. Within the Schedule of Classes, textbooks can be found by clicking on an individual course
section and looking for the words "View Book Information".
Textbooks can also be found at our Mathematics Textbooks page.
A graphics calculator is required. A TI-83/84 will be used for instructional purposes.
X.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
(To be completed by instructor.)
Evaluation methods can include grading homework, chapter or major tests, quizzes, individual or small
group projects and a final exam.
XI.
Other Course Information:
Individual instructors will establish and announce specific policies regarding attendance, due dates and
make-up work, incomplete grades, etc.
If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to
reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the
Access and Disability Resource Center at the Des Plaines or Skokie campus. All students are expected
to fulfill essential requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a
course or degree program.
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________________________________________________________________________________
Effective beginning term: Fall 2014
(term) (year)
Ending term ___________
(term) (year)
Syllabus prepared by: 2013-14 Math Syllabus Committee
(chair: P. Boisvert)
Date
Mar 2014
Reviewed by Dept/Program Chair: J. Hassett
Date
Mar 2014
Approved by Dean: R. Sompolski
Date
Mar 2014
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