Item #5873, Math 95C
Intermediate Algebra (5 credits)
8:30-9:20 Daily
Building 12 Room 230
Spring 2015
Instructor
Lynn Walrath (please call me Lynn)
Office: Building 18, Room 202
Office Hours:
8:00 – 8:30 Daily
Contact Info
Adjunct faculty office phone 253-460-4399
Email: lwalrath@tacomacc.edu
Catalog
Description
Math 95
Prerequisite: MATH 090 with a minimum grade of C or assessment above MATH 090
and READ 085 or ENGL/ 085 with a minimum grade of C or assessment above
READ 085 or ENGL/ 085
(Formerly MATH-099) Topics include introduction to functions; linear, quadratic,
exponential and logarithmic functions and their applications; systems of linear
equations and inequalities and their applications; rational exponents and radicals.
Textbook
Intermediate Algebra: Concepts and Applications, same as 9th ed, by Bittenger,
Ellenbogen, and Johnson
Supplies
 Pencils with good erasers (mechanical pencils OK). Please note that I do not
accept work that is done in pen.
 8 ½ X 11 notebook paper
 Graph paper (grid no smaller than 5 squares/inch)
 Small ruler or straight edge
 3-ring binder
 A scientific calculator. I recommend the TI 30XIIS. Cell phones, or other
calculating devices will NOT be allowed on exams, projects, etc.
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Math
Department
Program
Learning
Outcomes
1. Create, interpret, and analyze graphs and charts that communicate
quantitative or relational information.
2. Determine, create, and use appropriate and reasonable mathematical
constructs to model, understand, and explain phenomena encountered in
the world.
3. Determine and carry out an appropriate algorithm to solve problems that
are amenable to mathematical solutions.
4. Communicate mathematical information formally, using appropriate math
notation and terminology, and informally by using everyday language to
express ideas.
5. Use technology to analyze and solve mathematical problems and to
effectively communicate solutions to problems, particularly those that
cannot be solved efficiently by other means.
Course
Learning
Objectives
Math 95
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
Teaching
Methods
Class will consist of a combination of group work, individual work, and lecture. It is
important that you learn math by DOING math. I will therefore stress the group
work as the main learning mechanism in the classroom.
Participation/
Attendance
Your success in this class will depend on your ability to work with a group of
students during class time. To work with your fellow students you must be in
attendance. Therefore please consider attendance mandatory.
1. Use function notation.
PLO: 4
2. Use linear functions to model situations and solve problems algebraically,
graphically, and numerically.
PLO: 1, 2, 3, 4
3. Solve and graph systems of linear equations and inequalities in two
unknowns.
PLO: 1, 3, 4
4. Use integer and rational exponents and scientific notation.
PLO: 3, 4, 5
5. Demonstrate an understanding of quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic
functions from algebraic, graphical, and numerical perspectives.
PLO: 1, 3, 4
6. Use the algebra of radical expressions.
PLO: 3, 4
7. Use and interpret the above concepts in real world applications.
PLO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
8. Write clear and complete solutions to mathematical problems, including
correct notation and written explanations when appropriate.
PLO: 4
9. Use a scientific calculator appropriately.
PLO: 5
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Homework
In order to succeed in this course you will need to spend a significant amount of
time working on math outside of class. You should plan at least 1-2 hours each day
outside of class in order to be successful. This time will be spent reading your
textbook, reviewing your notes, watching videos, practicing the concepts, and
doing your homework.
Weekly graded homework assignments will be completed in MyMathLab. These
will be due on Sunday of each week. Additionally, written homework will be
collected weekly. Assignments and due dates will be given in class and posted in
Canvas. Please note that in the written homework I am looking for PROCESS and
CLEAR WRITING OF ALL STEPS. I am not looking for correct answers only.
Exams/Final
There will be three exams during the quarter and a comprehensive final exam
during finals week.
Quizzes
There will be quizzes almost every week. You must be in class to take the quiz. I will
not provide any opportunity to make up quizzes.
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Evaluation
Criteria &
Grading
Standards
Your final grade will be based the total number of points that you have earned on
the quizzes, the final and homework. The components will be weighted as follows:
MML Homework: 15%
Written Homework: 15%
Quizzes: 10%
Exams: 30%
Final: 30%
Your final grade will be determined by the following scale:
A
93-100
A90-92.9
B+
87-89.9
B
83-86.9
B80-82.9
C+
77-79.9
C
73-76.9
C70-72.9
D+
67-69.9
D
63-66.9
D60-62.9
E
0-59.9
Withdrawal must be done officially through the registrar's office by the 50th
calendar day of the quarter. I do not give the WI grade in lieu of a grade the
student finds unacceptable. If you just stop coming to class and taking exams,
you will receive a grade of E.
I will only give an ‘I’ grade under special circumstances (to be determined by
me). You must request an ‘I’ prior to the final exam and have written
documentation of the reason for your request. An ‘I’ grade requires that you have
completed more than 60% of the quarter and have a plan to finish the remaining
work.
Academic
Dishonesty
As stated in the TCC Catalog, ‘Students are expected to be honest and forthright
in their academic endeavors. Cheating, plagiarism, fabrication or other forms of
academic dishonesty corrupt the learning process and threaten the educational
environment for all students.’
In this course, the first incident of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero
on the assignment or exam. The second instance will result in the grade of “E” for
the course.
The complete Administrative Procedure for Academic Dishonesty is available on
the TCC website at:
http://www.tacomacc.edu/resourcesforstudents/studentpolicies/administrativepr
ocedureforacademicdishonesty.aspx
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Accommodat
ions
Classroom
Policies
Students with Special Needs: All students are responsible for all requirements of
the class, but the way they meet these requirements may vary. If you need
specific auxiliary aids or services due to a disability, please contact the Access
Services office in Building 7 (253-566-5328). They will require you to present formal,
written documentation of your disability from an appropriate professional. When
this step has been completed, arrangements will be made for you to receive
reasonable auxiliary aids or services. The disability accommodation
documentation prepared by Access Services must be given to me before the
accommodation is needed so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
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You are expected to be in class every day.
I will not accept late work.
TURN OFF your cell phone while in class.
DO NOT bring children to class.
TURN OFF any personal listening devices and remove your headphones
while in class.
Classroom
Dispute
Resolution
If you have questions or concerns about this class or me, please come talk with
me about your concerns. If we are unable to resolve your concerns, you may talk
next with the Chair of the Program/Department, Carol Avery, bldg F2. The Chair
can assist with information about additional steps, if needed.
Caveats
This syllabus and schedule are subject to change in the event of extenuating
circumstances. If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to check for
announcements made while you were absent.
Where to get
help
If you have more questions than can be dealt with in class or want to discuss the
homework problems, come to my office or make an appointment.
Your classmates are also a good resource. Find one or two people you work well
with, and form a daily study group.
The Math Advising and Resource Center (MARC) is a good resource for you.
Located in 19-22, the MARC has computers, study rooms, comfortable furniture
and math instructors and tutors to help you. It is an excellent place to do your
homework and to meet other students from our class to work together. Spring
hours in the MARC are:
M – Th 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
F
7:00 am – 2:30 pm
Sa
11:30 am – 3:30 pm
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