Quinsigamond Community College
School of Math and Science
MAT 099- ** Intermediate Algebra
Instructor: *********
Instructor’s Email: *****@qcc.mass.edu
Semester: ****
Classroom: *****
Phone: (508) 854 – ****
Course Description
The course covers major topics in the study of algebra. Students learn to factor polynomials (common
factor, grouping, difference of squares and trinomials), perform arithmetic operations on rational
expressions and complex fractions, and solve rational, quadratic (by factoring and formula) and literal
equations. The course also covers applications including the use of the Pythagorean Theorem,
understanding the definition of radical expressions, simplifying radical expressions containing
numerical and variable radicands, graphing linear equations using slope-intercept concepts, and
solving 2x2 systems of linear equations by graphing and elimination. Technology tools are utilized in
this course. All students are required to participate in a unified comprehensive final exam to be
administered during final exam week and achieve a “C” or better on this exam (or appropriate
placement on the placement exam) in order to move on to the next level of math courses.
Note: A grade of “C” or better in the MAT 099 final exam (or placement by the Computerized Placement
Test) is a prerequisite for higher mathematics courses.
Prerequisite
MAT 095 with a grade of C or better on the MAT 095 departmental final exam or by placement by the
computerized placement test.
Instructional Objective
To prepare the student with the mathematics required to ensure the student’s ability succeed in
college-level mathematics.
Course Requirements
Students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to perform the skills
associated with the list of mathematical topics covered under the course objectives.
General Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to
 Apply basic factoring techniques to algebraic expressions
 Simplify and perform arithmetic operations on rational expressions and complex fractions
 Simplify and perform arithmetic operations on expressions containing radicals
 Solve quadratic equations by factoring and by using the quadratic formula
 Solve 2x2 systems of linear equations by graphing and by using the elimination (addition)
method
Required & Optional Textbook and Materials
 Martin-Gay, Introductory Algebra, 4th edition, Prentice Hall (Pearson), © 2012.
 Access to MyMathLab (online resource), which can be purchased separately from the textbook
in the QCC bookstore.
 A scientific calculator is strongly recommended. Graphing calculators and cell phones are not
allowed to be used on the final exam.
Student Resources
The Math Center provides free, drop-in tutorial assistance for students in any QCC mathematics
course. Located on the second floor of The Learning Center, the Math Center is a welcoming place
where students have the opportunity to work intensively to improve their mathematical skills or simply
drop by to ask a few questions. The Center’s hours for this semester are concurrent with The
Learning Center’s hours; call 854-7487 for more information. In addition to providing tutoring, the
Center houses student math resources such as the students’ and instructor’s solutions manuals to
your text, computers for MyMathLab access and use, and additional textbooks. There are several
math tutorial software titles on the Center’s computers that are very useful if you need to review a
topic or need alternative explanations for material presented in class.
Check the QCC Math Center website, http://www.qcc.edu/services/math-center.
MyMathLab.com is an ancillary student support package. This website provides students with an
interactive textbook, sample problems, video lectures, and online tutors. See your instructor for his/her
Course ID code so you may register and utilize the wealth of resources to be found at this site.
Methods of Instruction
The classes will be a combination of mini-lectures, discussions, group work, and writing activities.
Attendance
 Most students find it difficult to learn Mathematics on their own and, since this is a rigorous
course, it is expected that you will attend all classes for the full period in order to be successful
in this course.
 Should you happen to miss a class, you will be responsible for making up that day’s work and
getting notes from another student or feel free to contact your instructor.
 Missed exam policy: ****
 Missed quiz policy: ****
 Attendance policy: ****
Student Responsibilities
 It is expected that every student will work two hours outside of class for each hour the class
meets; that it, it is expected that you will spend at least six hours per week studying for this
course.
 Homework will be assigned at every class. It is important that students keep on top of the
course material, so homework must be done when assigned. Consequently, late homework
will not be accepted. Please note that completion of all homework assignments in a timely
manner is necessary to reinforce the skills learned in class that day.
 Class participation and attentiveness will be considered an integral part of this course.
 The Math Center provides a place to study and get help as needed. It also has software that
will be utilized in certain sections of this course, and provides resources you can use as
needed. Visit the Center as much as possible, no appointment is needed.
 Some outside projects may be assigned for this course. You must be prepared to schedule
time to work with your group members on these projects.
 Homework policy: ****
 Quiz policy: ****
 Exam policy: ****
Assessment
Students will be assessed in various ways, including group work, outside projects and math center
attendance, in-class quizzes and exams, homework, and a cumulative final exam. Remember, your
written work is a reflection of your effort in this course. Therefore, all work is to be written legibly, with
scratch work done on separate paper.
Grade Breakdown (**Sample**)
5%
15%
10%
40%
30%
Attendance and Effort
Homework
Quizzes
4 Exams (an exam will be given after each module)
Cumulative Final Exam
***Instructors: The above is a sample grading policy. Insert your own grading policy.
It is strongly suggested that you heavily weigh the Final Exam, as this indicates the true level of understanding a
student has on the objectives of the course, and will have more impact on a student’s final course grade. ****
Section #
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
Exam 1
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.7
Exam 2
8.1
8.2
8.4
8.6
9.1
9.3
Exam 3
Course/Topic Objectives and Module Exams
Module 1 – FACTORING
Find the GCF of a list of numbers. Find the GCF of a list of variable terms. Factor out the
GCF. Factor by grouping.
Factor trinomials with a coefficient of 1 for the squared term. Factor trinomials after factoring
out the GCF.
Factor trinomials using FOIL.
Factor trinomials by grouping when the coefficient of the squared term is not 1.
Factor a difference of squares.
Factor a perfect square trinomial.
Solve quadratic equations by factoring.
MODULE 1 EXAM
Module 2 – RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS
Find the values of the variable for which a rational expression is undefined. Simplify rational
expressions.
Multiply and divide rational expressions.
Add and subtract rational expressions with the same denominator. Find the LCD.
Add and subtract rational expressions with different denominators.
Solve equations containing rational expressions.
Simplify complex fractions and complex rational expressions.
MODULE 2 EXAM
Module 3 – ROOTS, RADICALS, and SOLVING QUADRATIC EQUATIONS
Find square roots. Distinguish between rational, irrational, and non-real roots.
Simplify radicals. Simplify higher roots.
Multiply and divide radicals using the product rule and quotient rule, and involving variables.
Use the Pythagorean formula.
Solve quadratic equations by the Square Root Property.
Identify the values of a, b, and c in a quadratic equation. Use the quadratic formula to solve
quadratic equations.
MODULE 3 EXAM
6.4
6.5
7.1
7.3
Exam 4
Module 4 – GRAPHING, and SOLVING SYSTEMS OF EQUATIONS
Find the slope of a line given two points and from the equation of a line. Determine if two
lines are parallel, perpendicular, or neither using slope.
Write an equation of a line and graph it given its slope and y-intercept, its slope and a point
on the line, or given two points on the line.
Solve linear systems by graphing.
Solve linear systems by elimination.
MODULE 4 EXAM
Cumulative Departmental FINAL EXAM
MAT 099
Name
Intermediate Algebra
Quiz – Due at class # 3
1.
The number and section of the math course I am taking is
2.
My instructor’s name is Professor
3.
The Math Center is located on the
.
.
floor of the
(building).
4.
The first thing I do when I go to the Math Center is
.
5.
The Math Center’s hours are:
Monday-Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
6.
Signature of Math Center staff member:
7.
Date completed: