El Camino College Compton Center
Math 73, Intermediate Algebra
Spring 2016 Course Syllabus
If you are a STEM major or BUSINESS major or UNDECIDED, you should
enroll in Math 80.
Math 80 is a prerequisite for Math 130 and 170.
Math 130 is the prerequisite for the Business Calculus series,
Math 160 and Math 161 (soon in Fall, 2015, these two courses will
be merged into one class, called Math 165).
And Math 170 is the prerequisite for Math 180 (Pre-Calculus) and
the STEM Calculus series, Math 190, Math 191 and Math 220. (STEM
= Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics)
If your plans are NOT to take Math 130 or Math 170 or any of the
Calculus courses, then Math 73 is an option for you. Math 73 is a
prerequisite for courses including Math 110, 115, 120, 140, and
150.
To learn more about our math courses, please check our website:
http://www.elcamino.edu/academics/mathsciences/index.asp
Mission Statement
El Camino College makes a positive difference in people’s lives.
We provide excellent comprehensive educational programs and
services that promote student learning and success in
collaboration with our diverse communities.
Instructor: D. Roach, Ph.D.
Office: MS 225
Class: Math 73
Credit Hours: 5 (Lecture)
Section: 9762
Days/Time: TTH 8:00-10:30
Location: MS 202
Phone (310) 900-1600 x 2332
Email: droach@elcamino.edu
Course Dates: January 16 to May 13, 2016
Office Hours: MW: 10:30-12:30, TTH: 10:30-1:30 in MS 225 (D 31G)
Text: Intermediate Algebra (9th edition) by McKeague
Prerequisite: Math 40 or Math 43 with a minimum grade of C or
qualification by testing (El Camino College Mathematics Placement
Test) and assessment
Credit: Degree applicable
Transfer: None
Course Description:
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This intermediate algebra course is designed for students who are
not considering further study in the sciences, technology,
engineering or mathematics. In the context of studying basic
functions and their graphs, students strengthen and expand their
algebra skills. Functions studied include linear, quadratic,
polynomial, rational, and radical functions, as well as the
absolute value function. Particular emphasis is placed on the
operations on functions, solving equations and inequalities, as
well as using functions to model real life situations. Other
topics include solving systems of equations and applications.
Note: Mathematics 73 serves as a prerequisite course for all
transfer-level mathematics course sequences, EXCEPT the calculus
sequence (Mathematics 170, 180, 190, 191 and 220).
Course Objectives:
1. Carry out numerical operations and manipulate algebraic
expressions, including expressions with rational and negative
exponents.
2. Recognize functional relationships in the form of graphs,
data or symbolic equations.
3. Solve problems involving a variety of function types,
including linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational and radical
functions, as well as the absolute value function.
4. Graph a variety of functions and relations and draw
connections between these graphs and solutions to problems.
5. Solve a variety of equations and inequalities, as well as
systems of equations and inequalities, using algebraic and
graphical methods. Types of equations include linear,
quadratic, polynomial, rational and radical equations, as
well as absolute value equations.
6. Using numerical, symbolic and graphical methods, model
application problems, solve them and interpret the results in
the context of the problem.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs):
SLO #1 Application Problems: Students will be able to recognize
and apply appropriate mathematical concepts and models involving a
variety of functions to contextualized problems (authentic, realworld applications).
SLO #2 Solving Equations and Manipulating Expressions: Students
will be able to symbolically (algebraically) solve a variety of
equations, inequalities and linear systems and manipulate symbolic
(algebraic) expressions that arise in contextualized problems.
Math 73/ Page 2
SLO #3 Visual and Graphical Methods: Students will use visual and
graphical methods to represent, analyze and solve contextualized
problems.
SLO #4 Articulating Mathematical Reasoning: Students will be able
to articulate the mathematical reasoning used in solving a variety
of contextualized problems, both orally and in writing.
Methods of Evaluation:
Tests: There will be eight tests (10 points each), a pre-final
examination (10 points, which will serve as your extra credit) and
a final examination (20 points). All tests are closed book,
without notes, cards, etc. Tests are given at the end of each
chapter. Make-up tests are not given but the lowest test score
(except the final) will be dropped if you take them all. Show your
work on all tests. No credit is given for just the answers. No
electronic device must be out or on the desk during tests.
Class-work: Your assignment will be to do the work assigned on
days we have class-work. Then, exchange papers and award 2 points,
if all the assigned work is completed, 1 point if half is
completed. Do not grade by answer, right or wrong, but by effort.
Then write your initials (not your name) next to the points
awarded on the front sheet. No one must grade one’s own work. The
class-work will be worth 10 points at the end of the semester.
Homework: For every chapter covered, your assignment is to do
every 6th odd-numbered problem in each exercise 1, 7, 13, 19 etc.
It will be collected on the day of the test, and will be worth 10
points at the end of the semester.
WebAssign: For online assistance with this course 24/7 you can log
in to WebAssign. Use the following steps:
“Developed by professors based upon their classroom experiences,
WebAssign is designed to provide a convenient and engaging way for
students to solve math problems and/or submit online homework
while receiving immediate feedback and tutorial help. The math
exercises are tied to resources from the textbook – including
video, interactive tutorials, and pages of the text – which
maximizes the student’s efficiency while studying. WebAssign is
available at all hours of the day, through a variety of web
browsers and operating systems.”
Go to www.cengage.com/ewa
Click on I have a class key. For Math 73 course, the class key is
elcamino 7233 0148
Math 73/ Page 3
Note: The name of the instructor that pops up will be a generic
name (e.g. Kerry Behymer), not the name of your current
instructor.
Grading: 90-100% A; 80-89% B; 70-79% C; 60-69% D; 0-59% F.
Attendance: Students will not be permitted to attend classes in
which they are not enrolled. Students are expected to attend their
classes regularly. Students who miss the first class meeting or
who are not in regular attendance during the add period for the
class may be dropped by the instructor. Students whose absences
from a class exceed 10% of the scheduled class meeting times may
be dropped by the instructor. For this class that means you can be
dropped if you are absent four or more times in the semester. This
rule also applies to excessive absences due to illness or medical
treatment. Children are not permitted in classrooms while class is
in session. However, it is your responsibility to drop the class
when you know that you will no longer be attending.
Academic Integrity: Students are responsible to inform themselves
of college policies regarding the code of academic integrity.
Dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating, plagiarism or
knowingly furnishing false information to the college will result
in disciplinary action. This could range from an F for that piece
of work, suspension from all classes for that or following
semesters, or expulsion from the college.
Students with Special Needs: Any student who feels that he/she may
qualify for accommodations for any type of disability, please see
me immediately with the proper documentation.
Important Dates Spring 2016:
Spring 2016 Online Registration Begins Tuesday, November 17, 2015
First Drop for Non-Payment for Spring Classes Deadline For students who register November 17 – December 4 Monday,
December 7, 2015
Concurrent Enrollment (11th & 12th Grade)
Web Registration Begins Thursday, December 10, 2015
First Day to Apply for Spring Degrees and Certificates Monday,
January 4, 2016
Second Drop for Non-payment for Spring Classes Deadline For students who register December 5 – January 8 Monday, January
11, 2016
All Registration Ends (Full Semester Classes) Wednesday, January
13, 2016
Saturday Classes Begin Saturday, January 16, 2016
Math 73/ Page 4
Martin Luther King Holiday - Campus Closed Monday, January 18,
2016
Weekday Classes Begin Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Add/Drop Period Begins (Full Semester Classes)
(Short Term Classes Differ - See Short Term Calendar) Tuesday,
January 19, 2016
Last Day to Add (Full Semester Classes) Friday, January 29, 2016
Last Day to Challenge Residency Status for Current Semester
Friday, January 29, 2016
Last Day to Drop for an Enrollment Fee Refund
(Full Semester Classes) Friday, January 29, 2016
Last Day to Drop Without Notation on Permanent Record Friday,
January 29, 2016
Last Day to Apply for Spring Degrees and Certificates Thursday,
February 11, 2016
Lincoln’s Day Holiday - Campus Closed Friday, February 12, 2016
Washington’s Day Holiday - Campus Closed Monday, February 15, 2016
Spring Recess, No Classes Saturday - Friday
March 12 - 18, 2016
Mid-Term Classes Begin Saturday, March 19, 2016
Last Day to Drop with a “W” Friday, April 15, 2016
Last Day of Spring Semester Friday, May 13, 2016
Commencement Thursday, May 12, 2016
Schedule:
Week 1-ch 1; week 2-ch 2, test 1; week 3-ch 2, ch 3
Week 4-ch 3, test 2; week 5-ch 4, test 3; week 6-ch 4, ch 5
Week 7-ch 5, test 4; week 8-ch 6, test 5; week 9-ch 6, ch 7
Week 10-ch 7, test 6; week 11-ch 8 & 10.1, test 7;
week 12-review, test 8;
Week 13-review; week 14-prefinal examination;
Week 15-review; week 16-final examination
Notes:
 This syllabus is tentative and it could be modified at any
time.
 All electronic devices must be turned off or put on vibrate
in class.
 Do not have any device (other than hearing aid) in your ear
in class.
Math 73/ Page 5