Wayland Mission Statement: Wayland Baptist University exists to educate students in an
academically challenging, learning-focused and distinctively Christian environment for
professional success and service to God and humankind.
Course Title and Number: Intermediate Algebra, MATH 1300
Campus: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Term: Winter Term 2015-2016
Instructor: Raymond “Ramon” Cartier
Email: raymond.cartier@wayland.wbu.edu
Phone: 928-380-5707 (cell) 520-432-6717 (home)
Skype Hours: Call or email to schedule times.
Class Bible Verse: All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that
was made. John 1:3
Class Meeting Time: Thursday 5:30-9:10 pm
Location: Landmark Plaza, 400 W. Fry Blvd., Suite #14, Sierra Vista, AZ
Catalog Description:
This course develops skills in basic concepts of algebra, real numbers, linear equations and
inequalities, polynomials, factoring, systems of equations and inequalities, determinants,
graphing and functions.
Prerequisites: None. Placement: This class is generally for students with some background in
high school algebra (at least a semester).
Required Textbook (hard copy): Intermediate Algebra for College Students, Ninth Edition
by Allen R. Angel; Dennis C. Runde, (ISBN-10 0-321-92735-4, ISBN-13 978-0-321-92735-4)
Supplies: Scientific calculator with y x , log x, ln x, and e x functions.
Course Outline / Outcome Competencies:
Be able to solve problems in the following areas:
Sets
Variable, Constant, Algebraic Expressions
Sets, Elements, Null Set
Real, Natural, Whole, Rational, and Irrational Numbers, Integers
Properties of Real Numbers
Double Negatives, Absolute Value
Commutative, Associative, Distributive, Identity, Inverse
Order of Operations
Roots and Powers, Simplifying Exponential Expressions
Scientific Notation
Graphs
Quadrants
Plotting Points
Graphing Functions
Linear Equations
Term, Coefficient
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Like and Unlike Terms, Simplification
Solving Linear Equations, Mathematical Models, Translating from Words to Formulas
Functions
Relation, Function, Domain, Range
Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying, and Dividing Functions
Linear Functions, Intercepts, Slope
Standard Form, Slope-Intercept Form, Point-Slope Form
Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
Systems of Linear Equations
No Solutions, Infinite Solutions, One Solution
Solving by Graphing, Substitution, Addition/Elimination
Problem Solving: Dual Investments, Mixing Problems, Break-Even Analysis
Three-Variable Problems
Determinants, Cramer’s Rule
Linear Inequalities
Dividing and Multiplying by Negative Numbers
Number Line, Interval Notation, Solution Set
Compound Inequalities, Intersection, Union
Absolute Values
Systems of Linear Inequalities
Graphing Linear Inequalities in Two Variables
Solving Systems by Graphing
Polynomials
Degree, Leading Term, Leading Coefficient
Adding, Subtracting, and Multiplying Polynomials, FOIL
Factoring, Greatest Common Factor, Grouping
Factoring Trinomials, Substitution
Difference of Squares, Sum and Difference of Cubes
Solving Polynomial Equations.
Statement on Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty: Writing is a collaborative art. Working
out ideas for your paper with an instructor, writing tutor, classmate, family member, or friend is
encouraged not only for this class, but also for other classes that involve writing. Discussion and
collaborative brainstorming are good. However, passing off another’s writing or ideas as your own
is plagiarism. It is unethical, it constitutes Academic Dishonesty (cheating), and it is sufficient
grounds both for failure of a course and suspension from the university.
Common examples of plagiarism or academic dishonesty include the following:
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Copying any amount of text directly from an internet website, book, or other document
without appropriate citation and synthesis into one’s own discussion.
Paraphrasing the ideas presented in any source or oral discussion without appropriate
citation.
Using the evidence and conclusions of any source as the controlling framework for one’s
own paper.
Recycling work from a previous or current course, whether your own work or another
student’s work.
Purchasing or otherwise downloading a paper from an internet website.
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In some writing assignments, you will be expected to incorporate scholarly sources into your
document. ALL OF THE FOLLOWING must be met to constitute appropriate citation of any
source:
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Including MLA, Chicago, or APA parenthetical or note-style citation format as required by
the instructor.
Placing borrowed text directly from another source within “quotation marks.”
Introducing clearly another author’s voice into the document by means of a signal phrase
(an introduction of that author).
Offering, in short, a clear distinction between one’s own voice or ideas and those of any
outside authors brought into the discussion.
Wayland Baptist University observes a ZERO TOLERANCE policy regarding Academic
Dishonesty.
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Any suspected instance of academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, will first be
evaluated by the instructor and discussed individually with the student.
If the instructor determines that a student’s actions constitute Academic Dishonesty, the
case will be filed with the school dean (as determined by course prefix) and reported to the
university executive vice president/provost, as per university policy. ALL CASES OF
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY WILL RE REPORTED.
Per university policy as described in the Wayland Academic Catalog, second offenses
WILL RESULT IN SUSPENSION FROM THE UNIVERSITY.
In this course, the first instance of Academic Dishonesty may also result in a zero on the
assignment.
Disability Statement: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA),
it is the policy of Wayland Baptist University that no otherwise qualified person with a disability
be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under
any educational program or activity in the university. The Coordinator of Counseling Services
serves as the coordinator of students with a disability and should be contacted concerning
accommodation requests at (806) 291-3765. Documentation of a disability must accompany any
request for accommodations.
School of Mathematics and Sciences Statement:
The School of Mathematics and Sciences emphasizes a rigorous, ethical approach to the study of
mathematics and science. We believe that success in these disciplines requires a broad base of
content knowledge and the development of the critical thinking skills necessary for the ongoing
acquisition, processing and communication of current subject matter. The activities of the
School, both academic and professional, intentionally reflect the Lordship of Jesus Christ and
His centrality to all of creation.
Course Requirements and Grading Criteria:
There are 4 components to the final grade in this course.
1. Attendance: All students are expected to attend all class sessions and are responsible for
knowing the material covered. No quizzes or exams can be made up unless arrangements
prior to the absence have been made. Any student missing more than 25% of the class
will fail the class.
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2. Homework: Homework problems will be assigned after each class. Homework is due at
the beginning of the following class. You are allowed to assist each other on homework
but a student must not turn in someone else’s work as their own. Late homework will not
be accepted. If there are extreme circumstances, contact your Instructor.
3. Quizzes: Quizzes will be given at the beginning of classes stated in the syllabus.
4. Exams: There will be two exams: a Midterm and a Final. Each test will cover half of the
course. Both of these tests are to be taken in the classroom.
Attendance......................................... 10%
Homework......................................... 25%
Quizzes .............................................. 15%
Exams ................................................ 50%
A: 90 – 100
B: 80 – 89
C: 70 – 79
D: 60 – 69
F: Below 60
Students shall have protection through orderly procedures against prejudices or capricious
academic evaluation. A student who believes that he or she has not been held to realistic
academic standards, just evaluation procedures, or appropriate grading, may appeal the final
grade given in the course by using the student grade appeal process described in the Academic
Catalog. Appeals may not be made for advanced placement examinations or course
bypass examinations. Appeals are limited to the final course grade, which may be upheld, raised,
or lowered at any stage of the appeal process. Any recommendation to lower a course grade must
be submitted through the Executive Vice President/Provost to the Faculty Assembly Grade
Appeals Committee for review and approval. The Faculty Assembly Grade Appeals Committee
may instruct that the course grade be upheld, raised, or lowered to a more proper evaluation.
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Course Schedule:
Week 1: November 12
Basic Concepts, Order of Operations,
Exponents
Homework Exercises 1.3, 1.4, 1.5
Week 7: January 14
Matrices, Determinants, Cramer’s Rule,
Inequalities
Homework Exercises 4.4, 4.5, 4.6
Week 2: November 19
Solving Linear Equations & Inequalities
Homework Exercises 2.1, 2.5
Week 8: January 21
Quiz
Add, Subtract, & Multiply Polynomials
Homework Exercises 5.1, 5.2, 5.3
Week 3: December 3
Graphs, Linear Functions & Equations
Homework Exercises 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4
Week 4: December 10
Quiz
Linear Functions & Equations (Continued),
Midterm Review
Homework Exercises 3.5, 3.6, 3.7
Week 5: December 17
Midterm Exam: (Covers Chapters 1 – 3)
Week 6: January 7
Solving Linear Equations in 2 & 3 Variables
Homework Exercises 4.1, 4.2
Week 9: January 28
Divide Polynomials, Factoring
Homework Exercises 5.4, 5.5, 5.6
Week 10: February 4
Quiz
Factoring Review, Polynomial Equations
Homework Exercises 5.7, 5.8
Final Review
Week 11: February 11
Final Exam: (Covers Chapters 4 – 5)
Academic Honesty: Disciplinary action for academic misconduct is the responsibility of the
faculty member assigned to this course. The faculty member is charged with assessing the
gravity of any case of academic dishonesty, and with giving sanctions to any student involved.
Important Dates:
Nov. 25 - Last day to drop without record
Jan. 22 - Last day to withdraw with “W”
Jan. 29 - Last day to withdraw with a “WP/WF”
NOTE: This syllabus is only a plan. The teacher may modify the plan during the course. The
requirements and grading criteria may be changed during the course if necessary.
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