College Algebra MATH 107 Syllabus
Spring 1999
Stefanie O’Leary-Johnson, Instructor
Office: 119S in the Academic Support Center (ASC)
Phone: 827-0500, extension 423 or 424; or leave message at extension 463
Email:
Web Site:
Office Hours: Mon 2 – 3, Thurs. 2 – 3, or by appointment
Course Description: MATH 107 COLLEGE ALGEBRA 4 HR
Prerequisite: MATH 097 with a grade of C or higher, or assessment.
A brief review of basic algebraic concepts and introduction to more advanced concepts. Topics
are viewed graphically, as well as algebraically. Topics include graphing and analyzing linear,
quadratic, rational, logarithmic, and exponential functions. Other topics include complex
numbers, solving absolute value equations and inequalities, solving systems of linear equations
and inequalities and matrices. (1998/1999 catalogue)
This course requires a graphing calculator. It is preferred that you purchase a Texas Instruments’
TI-83. However, if you have another type available to you on a full time basis, please feel free to
use it. I will help you all that I can; try to get the instruction manual for the calculator.
Textbook: College Algebra, Robert Blitzer, Prentice Hall, 1998.
We will cover roughly the first four chapters and as much of the prerequisite chapter as needed.
Course Objectives:
After completing this course you should be able to
1.
Apply various techniques, including factoring, to solve different types of equations
and inequalities involving linear, quadratic, absolute value, and rational expressions.
2.
Use problem solving strategies and above techniques to solve application problems.
3.
Define and graph linear, quadratic, and rational functions as well as find their domain and
range.
4.
Perform operations on functions including composition of functions.
5.
Describe the relationship of a function to its inverse and determine inverses
algebraically and graphically.
6.
Understand and use the concept of a zero or root of a function.
7.
Apply rules for rational exponents.
8.
Simplify and perform basic operations on radical expressions and solve radical
equations.
9.
Perform operations with complex numbers.
10.
Define, graph, and evaluate exponential and logarithmic functions and solve related
problems.
11.
Solve systems of linear equations and inequalities by various methods.
12.
Perform matrix operations.
Evaluation/Point Breakdown:
Group Exercises/Quizzes
15% of total
Individual Exercises/Quizzes 30% of total
Five Exams
40% of total
Final Exam
15% of total
Monday, May 10, 12 – 1:50
 The grade scale will be no more severe than 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%.
 We will have group and individual exercises and quizzes (may not be announced) as well as
five exams and a comprehensive final. I do not know exactly how many exercises and quizzes
we will have as it will depend on the class. That is why the breakdown of points is in percentage
form.
 Your grade will also reflect your attendance and participation. Please take notes daily,
especially if you don’t understand something. Then when you ask me, we can look at your notes
and see exactly what you had trouble with. Please do not hesitate to ask questions in class.
Usually, someone else has the very same question.
 To withdraw with a grade of W, do so by April 9.
 If for some serious reason, you become incapacitated to complete the course and it is still
before the withdrawal date, consult your 1998/1999 catalogue and see me for the paperwork for
an incomplete.
Makeups:
 If you must miss an exam, contact me before the fact. We will then discuss a time for you to
make up the exam in the Test Center in the ASC building. Failure to contact me before you miss
will result in a grade of 0.
 Daily exercises and quizzes need to be made up during my office hours or by appointment.
The makeup may not be the same exercise that we did in class. If you miss a warm up exercise
because you were late, it will not be made up. Just try to get to class promptly the next time.
Support Services:
Heartland Library Information
www.hcc.cc.il.us/library
The Library is located within the Academic Support Center (ASC) on the Bloomington campus.
Heartland students also have full borrowing privileges at ISU's Milner Library; a student
Heartland ID card serves as a library card. The Library maintains a quiet study environment.
For more information please call the library at 827-0500, ex. 472.
Tutoring and Academic Support
Heartland Community College offers learning assistance in various forms at no cost in the
Academic Support Center (ASC) in Bloomington and at the Pontiac and Lincoln Centers. Tutors
are available at convenient times throughout the week. Study groups and group tutoring,
facilitated by a specially trained tutor, are also available by request. Help is also provided
through instructional materials, study skills workshops, open computing, and the library. For
more information about services available at each location, please call the ASC in Bloomington
at (309) 827-0500, ext. 429; the Pontiac Center at (815) 842-6777; or the Lincoln Center at (217)
735-1731.