Fullerton College
Math 141 – College Algebra
Spring 2016
Section: 21069
Time: 07:15am - 09:20am, T, Th
Classroom: 1900-FC 1960
Instructor: Minh Bui
Email: mbui@fullcoll.edu
Office: 1252-04
Phone: 714-992-7387
Office Hours: M – Th 6:00-7:05 am
Website: http://staffwww.fullcoll.edu/mbui/
Course Description:
This course is one of two pre-calculus courses. Topics covered include a review of the fundamentals of algebra,
rational, exponential and logarithmic functions, and miscellaneous topics.
Students that have passed MATH 041 F with a grade of "C" or better are eligible to enroll in this course.
Prerequisites: This course may be taken prior to or concurrently with MATH 142 F. Both MATH 141 F or MATH
141HF and MATH 142 F are required for enrollment in MATH 150AF.
Prerequisites: MATH 030 F with a grade of "C" or better and MATH 040 F with a grade of "C" or better or math skills
clearance.
Transferability: CSU, UC
Course Material:
Textbook: is optional. College Algebra, Books a la Carte Edition Plus NEW MyMathLab -- Access Card Package, 10/E
by Michael Sullivan. ISBN-13: 9780134026695.
1. MyMathLab access (required) – You must log in MyMathLab by Friday, February 5, 2016 at midnight or
you will be dropped from the class.
 Use the MyMathLab Course ID bui61716.
2. Scantron Forms: purchase 6 882, green scantrons for each exam and the final.
3. Pencil and eraser - please do all work in pencil. Work done with a pen is not acceptable.
4. Keeping an organized notebook of work-Each student is encouraged to keep a notebook in which
homework and notes are worked out on paper. Keep it organized by section number and problem number.
These notebooks may be useful for review.
5. Any TI-83, TI-84, 85, 86, or equivalent model graphing Calculator is recommended for all sections. Note that
calculators with symbolic capabilities (TI 89, TI-92, etc.) are NOT allowed on exams. Any other calculators or
electronic devices must get instructor’s approval before being use in the class.
6. Student ID is required for each test.
Course Structure:
Students are expected to:
1. Complete Course (Student Learning Outcomes).
Math 141F-CRN 21069 College Algebra Spring 2016
Note: Copyright © 2015, by Professor Bui. All Rights Reserved. Copying or unauthorized duplication of this syllabus by anyone (students
and staffs) without written consent from the author violates copyright laws and intellectual property.
1
2.
3.
4.
5.
Complete all assigned readings.
Learn Math by attending every lecture.
Communicating with your instructor via email.
Complete and submit all assignments by due dates.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of MATH 141 F College Algebra, the student will be able:
 To identify and solve linear, quadratic, or higher order equations or inequalities using an appropriate method.
 To construct the graph of higher degree polynomial functions and rational functions.
Accommodated testing for students with disabilities:
Fullerton College is committed to providing educational accommodations for students with disabilities upon the
timely request by the student to the instructor. Verification of the disability must also be provided. Disability Support
Services functions as a resource for students and faculty in the determination and provision of the accommodations.
To make arrangements for academic accommodations, contact the Disability Support Services (DSS) at (714) 9927099 in room 842 (behind the library & next to the mailroom).
Withdrawal and Drop Policy: In order to be considered active in this course, each student must stay current with
the due dates.
1. You will be dropped if you are absence the first day of class or if you miss more than 3 unexcused absences. If
you have any concerns regarding your attendance please contact me immediately via email.
2. Withdrawal from the class through the Admissions Office is the student’s responsibility. Do not assume that
I will drop you from a class.
3. IF YOU DECIDE TO DROP THIS COURSE . . . You may do so online through Fullerton College MyGateway or
YOU MUST GO TO THE OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS & RECORDS. It is located on the first floor of the 2000
Building, next to the Bookstore and the Bursar Office.
4. IF YOU FAIL TO OFFICIALLY DROP and do not complete the course, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN “F” ON YOUR
PERMANENT RECORD. Let’s make sure this doesn’t happen to you! Communication is the key. Do not just
“disappear” from the course. Always let me know what is going on!
Grades will be determined on the performance of completed homework, chapter tests, and a comprehensive
final.
Grading Scale:
Categories
Points
Total
Percentages
Tests
100 each
500
90%-100% A
Homework
15 each
75
80%-89% - B
Quizzes/Review Test
10 each
50
70%-79% - C
Final
200
200
51%-69% - D
825
50%-Below - F
Attendance: Perfect attendance is appreciated; your answers help others. Students are expected to attend every
class. If you are not able to attend a class, contact in writing or email me in advance. Please be on time to class. I will
take row every meeting. If you miss class more than three times without contacting me, I will assume you are
dropping the class, and I will submit an instructor withdrawal. Even if you contact me with no evidence of your
excuses, you are still in jeopardy of being dropped from the class.
Online Homework: NO LATE homework will be accepted!
Homework is an essential part of the learning process. You are responsible for understanding all assigned homework
problems. So, practicing your homework problems is a great way to get ready for your chapter tests. Homework is
assigned each week. Homework is due the night before test at 12 midnight. (See the timeline at the end of the
Math 141F-CRN 21069 College Algebra Spring 2016
Note: Copyright © 2015, by Professor Bui. All Rights Reserved. Copying or unauthorized duplication of this syllabus by anyone (students
and staffs) without written consent from the author violates copyright laws and intellectual property.
2
syllabus for more detailed information.) Working in order of the timeline is required. Ideally, you should strive for a
100% on each assignment, but a minimum score of 70% is required before MyMathLab will allow you to go to the next
assignment.
Each homework assignment counts as 15 points on each test. If you do your homework on a regular basis, you will be
successful on your tests.
Student Expectations:
By signing up for this class, it is expected that students will complete assignments on time and will work
independently on the exams. You must complete your homework on time, regardless of the reason. If you do not
meet these requirements, you will be dropped from the course.
Instructor’s Expectations: It is expected that the Instructor will grade exams within 3 days of the posted deadline
for each exams. It is expected that the Instructor will check email and discussion questions every day and will
respond to all questions within 24 hours during the week. Emails over the weekend may be delayed by 36-48 hours.
Quiz/Chapter Test Review: 50 points: There will be 5 online quizzes/ chapters test review (10 points each). Quiz
is due the night before test at 12 midnight.
Version 7.6 or higher of the TestGen plug-in is required to take online quiz
or your review test.
Exams – 500 points: There will be five exams administered throughout the semester, with no opportunities for
making up missed exams.
Final – 200 points: The final exam is comprehensive over the entire semester. The final exam will be taken as
schedule. There will be no opportunity to make up the final exam. You will receive an F for missing your final. No
Excuses!!
Critical Dates for this Course
Term:
Spring 2016
Last day to add class:
15-FEB-2016
Last day to drop with a refund:
15-FEB-2016
Last day to drop without a "W":
15-FEB-2016
Last day to drop with a "W":
01-MAY-2016
Policies:
1. No make-up for exams. Exception will be considered in the events of emergency such as unexpected illness, the
loss of an immediate family member, etc. In any events, documents will be required to validate your absences. ( No
documents=unexcused absence) So please plan accordingly and make sure to be present on exam days. If you
miss the final exam you will automatically receive an “F” in the course.
2. Students are expected to work on assigned math problems in class. This means neither other classes’ work nor
talking on any other subjects.
3. Regular attendance is essential for satisfactory completion of this course. If you have excessive absences, you
cannot develop to your fullest potential in the course. Students who, because of excessive absences, cannot
complete the course successfully. Students will be administratively dropped from the class if he or she has more
Math 141F-CRN 21069 College Algebra Spring 2016
Note: Copyright © 2015, by Professor Bui. All Rights Reserved. Copying or unauthorized duplication of this syllabus by anyone (students
and staffs) without written consent from the author violates copyright laws and intellectual property.
3
than 3 unexcused absences.
4. Two tardiness = One (1) unexcused absence. Leaving early also counts as an unexcused absence.
5. All students are required to take the final exam to pass the class. There will be absolutely no make up for final.
It will be taken as scheduled.
6. Student ID may be required for each test.
7. Should I be late to class, you may leave after 15 minutes waiting.
8. Please turn off all cellular phone devices before you come to class. Texting is to be done outside of my classroom
not while I am lecturing. If you need to make an emergency call or text, please do this in the hall.
How to Succeed in this Course: Instructors are here to create a learning environment – whether or not you learn
depends on your willingness to listen, ask appropriate questions, and do the work necessary to pass the course.
You will have to work hard to succeed in this course! You should plan to spend at least 12 hours per week studying
for this course. This includes reading from the assigned list below and doing homework. Students often ask for advice
about how to study and learn mathematics. There is no single best method, but here are a few suggestions.
1) Have a positive attitude: Negative thinking (I can't do this or I've never been good in math) or Indifference (I
don't really need this stuff) are self-defeating and can stand in the way of accomplishment. Try to be positive and
open to new ideas.
2) Attend every lecture.
3) Read the Book before coming to class. Reading a mathematics book is not the same as reading a novel. Review
the textbook’s “examples”, this section maps out the features of the text and how they are designed to help you
study the material and get the most out of your efforts. Take notes while you read; work through the problems on
your own; do the in-chapter problems on paper as you encounter them in your reading. After you read a chapter,
make an outline of the material that contains all of the important concepts, terms, and examples. Be an active
reader, not a passive reader. And for further enrichment and enjoyment, practice Chapter Summary and Review
Exercises through the text.
4) Do homework- Work problems of each Chapter Review Exercises. Homework problems alone may not be
enough to prepare you for examinations. You should do as many problems as possible. Students who attempt to
complete their assigned homework in classroom at the last minute often earn lower grades and are more likely to
miss deadlines.
5) Pay attention to your mistakes. If you get a wrong answer, think of it as an opportunity to learn something.
Don't give up--the fastest way to real understanding is to figure out why you made a mistake.
6) Record important terms and formulas. When you come to a new definition or concept, phrase it in your own
words, make up an example, or draw a picture.
7) Keep track of the Big Ideas. For each chapter, try to summarize for yourself what you have learned--see if you
can write down the most important ideas with names or labels you understand. You may not think the
terminology or section titles are important, but using a label or name for each idea will help you retrieve that idea
when you need it. Keep these to use as study guides for the test-These will be a big head start on your exam
formula sheets.
8) Read the Book before coming to class. Reading a mathematics book is not the same as reading a novel. Review
the textbook’s “examples”, this section maps out the features of the text and how they are designed to help you
Math 141F-CRN 21069 College Algebra Spring 2016
Note: Copyright © 2015, by Professor Bui. All Rights Reserved. Copying or unauthorized duplication of this syllabus by anyone (students
and staffs) without written consent from the author violates copyright laws and intellectual property.
4
study the material and get the most out of your efforts. Take notes while you read; work through the problems on
your own; do the in-chapter problems on paper as you encounter them in your reading. After you read a chapter,
make an outline of the material that contains all of the important concepts, terms, and examples. Be an active
reader, not a passive reader. And for further enrichment and enjoyment, practice Chapter Summary and Review
Exercises through the text.
9) Do not spend more than about 15-20 minutes on any one problem. If you haven’t solved the problem in this
time, you are missing something and further effort is an inefficient way to use valuable study time. Go on to other
problems and return to the difficult ones when you have had a bit more practice.
10) Form study groups. A small group of students working together can often exchange ideas and concepts to the
benefit of everyone.
11) Seek help when you need.
Behavior:
As far as I concerned, you are all adults and should act accordingly. I expect that you will enter my classroom ready to
engage in a safe and respectful learning environment. I will NOT tolerate any disrespectful comments aim toward any
of your classmates or me. In case of disruptive behavior, I will ask you to leave my class for the day.
Be on Time:
Walking in late disturbs everyone. At many places of employment, tardiness communicates lack of interest and lack of
dependability. So, treat this class like a job!
It disturbs people and gives the unmistakable impress that you do not respect the class, the other students and the
instructor. The instructor has the right to finish his or her thought at the end of the class period and conclude the
class in an orderly fashion without people standing up and walking out.
Courtesy to others: Our classroom style is pleasant with two-way participation. I encourage you to ask questions.
Do not feel that you embarrass yourself in the eyes of your instructor and classmates. Don't worry. Chances are your
classmates are as lost as you are, and they'll admire your courage to ask. It is good to ask questions and make
comments, but keep them related to the discussion at hand.
 Remember that in college, as is every other area of life, politeness and respect count - Do not have private
conversations with your neighbors during class.
 Cellular Phones and other such Electronic Devices include (laptop and Ipad): As these devices are not relevant to
the course requirements, I would kindly request that they be turned off or switched to vibrate mode during class.
The noise is distracting to other students. Absolutely no texting will be permitted during class. Thank you for your
understanding.
 Respect all opinions.
 Food and drinks are prohibited in the classroom.
Do not ask These Questions: Although one of my primary jobs as professor is to answer questions to the best of my
ability. There are some questions that annoyance professors.
 “I missed class – Did we do anything important.”
 Will you/do you drop the lowest test grade?
 After chatting with your friend for five minutes, “Could you repeat that?”
 In the middle of a fascinating discussion on a new concept: Will this or how much of this will be on the test?
 Could you tell me how many absences I have in this class?
 I know this is last minute, but….
 At the end of the semester after missing numerous assignments: I have an F. Can I complete some extra credit?
Fullerton College Mathematics Help and Recourses: If you need help, please get it as soon as possible, rather than
waiting until it is too late. There is help available through:
1. Math lab: The Math Lab provides a good study environment, video tapes for many courses, computers and
Math 141F-CRN 21069 College Algebra Spring 2016
Note: Copyright © 2015, by Professor Bui. All Rights Reserved. Copying or unauthorized duplication of this syllabus by anyone (students
and staffs) without written consent from the author violates copyright laws and intellectual property.
5
homework help. Students will find instructors and qualified tutors available for assistance in solving
mathematical problems from their math textbooks or in understanding mathematical concepts.
The Math Lab is located in room 807 in the Library/LRC.
2. Fullerton College Tutoring Center: It’s FREE!! There are many excellent tutors in mathematics. If at times you find
you are having a particularly hard time with a certain subject, please feel free to stop by. It is facultyrecommended tutors on a walk-in basis and by appointment. It is on the 1st floor of the new Library/Learning
Resource Center (800 Building) in room 806. For more information about The Tutoring Center, call (714) 9927151
3. Email your instructor.
4. Consider hiring a private tutor.
Contact Information:
You are responsible for all your missed work. Therefore, it is best that you have your classmates contact information
in case you need them.
Name
Phone
Email Address
1.
2.
3.
FULLERTON COLLEGE MATHEMATICS & COMPUTER SCIENCE DIVISION
SELECTED COLLEGE POLICIES
Cheating will not be tolerated. On my home page there is also a link to the FC Academic Integrity. Please read through
it. As a faculty member I agree to abide by the tenets of this code, and expect all students to do so as well. You may also read them
online at the Fullerton College website, www.fullcoll.edu. (See school catalog). Please be sure that you have read these
publications thoroughly. Violators will be dealt with according to the Fullerton College policy. Any student caught
cheating or assisting another student in the act of cheating will receive an “F” grade for the assignment and/or the
course.
A grade of “F” assigned to a student for academic dishonesty is final and shall be placed on the transcript. If the
student withdraws from the course, a “W” will not replace an “F” assigned for academic dishonesty. Academic
disciplinary actions taken by the instructor based on alleged cheating may be appealed as specified in the Colleges
Instructional Grievance Policy. You are advised to read the sections on Student Code of Conduct and Academic
Honesty in the college schedule.
ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY
Students are expected to abide by ethical standards in preparing and presenting material which demonstrates their
level of knowledge and which is used to determine grades. Such standards are founded on basic concepts of integrity
and honesty. These include, but are not limited to, the following areas:
1. Students shall not plagiarize
2. Students shall not cheat
3. Students shall not furnish materials or information in order to enable another student to plagiarize or cheat.
Instructors may deal with academic dishonesty in one or more of the following ways:
1. Assign an appropriate academic penalty such as an oral reprimand or point reduction.
2. Assign an “F” on all or part of a particular paper, project, or exam.
3. Report to the appropriate administrators, with notification of same to the student(s), for disciplinary action by the
College. Such a report will be accompanied by supporting evidence and documentation.
Repeated violations may result in students receiving an “F” in the course, suspension or dismissal from the College.
Math 141F-CRN 21069 College Algebra Spring 2016
Note: Copyright © 2015, by Professor Bui. All Rights Reserved. Copying or unauthorized duplication of this syllabus by anyone (students
and staffs) without written consent from the author violates copyright laws and intellectual property.
6
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) STATEMENT
Fullerton College is committed to providing educational accommodations for students with disabilities upon the
timely request by the student to the instructor. Verification of the disability must also be provided. The Disability
Support Services office functions as a resource for students and faculty in the determination and provision of
educational accommodations.
CHILDREN ON CAMPUS
Children are not allowed on campus unless supervised by a parent or guardian. Children may not attend classes or
computer labs (unless the course is specifically designed to include children). Children must be supervised so
educational activities are not interrupted and may not be left unattended in common areas such as the library, student
center, food services area, quad or college parking lots.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE STATEMENT
Take note of the safety features in and around the classroom. Also, please study the posted evacuation routes. The
most direct route of exit may not be the safest. Running out of the building during earthquakes may be dangerous.
During strong earthquakes, it is recommended to duck, cover, and hold until the quaking stops. Follow the guidance
of your instructor. Your cooperation during emergencies can minimize the possibility of injury to yourself and others.
FULLERTON COLLEGE CATALOG AND CLASS SCHEDULE
The Fullerton College Catalog and the Class Schedule contain a number of policies relating to students that are
important to you. Please be sure that you have read these publications thoroughly. You may purchase copies of these
publications at the campus bookstore, or you may read them online at the Fullerton College website,
www.fullcoll.edu.
STANDARDS OF STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE POLICY
The standards of student conduct and disciplinary action for violation of Board Policy 5500 were approved by the
NOCCCD Board on January 28, 2003, and were drawn in compliance with Sections 66300, 76030, 76033, 76034,
76036 of the State Education Code. Students are expected to respect and obey civil and criminal law and shall be
subject to the legal penalties for violation of the city, county, state, and national law(s). Student conduct must conform
to Board Policy and college regulations and procedures. As cited in BP5500, “A student who violates the standards of
student conduct shall be subject to disciplinary action including, but not limited to, the removal, suspension or
expulsion of the student.”
Students have an obligation to familiarize themselves with the College’s policies, rules and regulations and to conduct
themselves in a reasonable, respectful manner, which is conducive toward attaining their educational goal. Upon
registration, each student should obtain a copy of the College Policies and Regulations: Standards of Student Conduct
and Discipline Policy. Contained therein are the policies approved by the Board of Trustees governing student
behavior and the applicable penalties for violations of these policies. Copies are available in the Student Affairs Office,
the Office of Equity and Diversity, all division offices, and the Student Services office.
WAIT TIME FOR LATE INSTRUCTORS
If, due to unforeseen emergencies, the instructor does not arrive at the scheduled start time for class, students are to
wait for fifteen minutes (unless otherwise notified by the division). If they do not receive notification to wait for their
instructor to arrive, after 15 minutes the students may leave with no penalty for absence or assigned work due for
that class meeting.
Conclusion
The rules established herein are not negotiable. The student’s enrollment in this course shall be interpreted as his/her
consent to abide by the guidelines stated above. These rules are in addition to those stated in the Student Code of
Conduct published each semester in the Schedule of Classes. Any student who believes they have been subjected to an
unfair action should first speak with his/her instructor. A formal student grievance procedure is also available as a
last result.
Math 141F-CRN 21069 College Algebra Spring 2016
Note: Copyright © 2015, by Professor Bui. All Rights Reserved. Copying or unauthorized duplication of this syllabus by anyone (students
and staffs) without written consent from the author violates copyright laws and intellectual property.
7
Math 141 – College Algebra 21069 - Tentative schedule
It's strongly recommended to complete your homework before the end of each week, so you will be abl e
to continue your next week's study.
Since you are being provided with due dates well in advance, there will be no extensions for due dates
for homework and Exams.
Week 1 – (02/02 – 02/07)
1. Read and Watch the Video of Sections 1.1 -1.6.
2. Do Homework for Sections 1.1 -1.6.
Week 2 – (02/09 – 02/14)
1. Read and Watch the Video of Sections 1.7, 2.1 – 2.4.
2. Do Homework for Sections 1.7, 2.1 – 2.4.
Week 3 – (02/16 – 02/21)
Take Test 1 for Chapters 1–2 on Thursday, February 18, 2016.
1. Read and Watch the Video of Sections 3.1.
2. Do Homework for Sections 3.1.
Week 4 – (02/23 – 02/28)
1. Read and Watch the Video of Sections 3.2 – 3.6.
2. Do Homework for Sections 3.2 -3.6.
Week 5 – (03/01 – 03/06)
1. Read and Watch the Video of Sections, 4.1, 4.3 – 4.6.
2. Do Homework for Sections 4.1, 4.3 – 4.6.
Week 6 – (03/08 –03/13)
Take Test 2 for Chapters 3 – 4 on Thursday March 10, 2016.
1. Read and Watch the Video of Sections, 5.1 – 5.2.
2. Do Homework for Sections 5.1 – 5.2.
Week 7 – (03/15 – 03/20)
1. Read and Watch the Video of Sections, 5.3 – 5.6.
2. Do Homework for Sections 5.3 – 5.6.
Week 8 – (03/22 – 03/27)
Monday, Mar 21 – Sunday, Mar 27............................... Spring Recess
Math 141F-CRN 21069 College Algebra Spring 2016
Note: Copyright © 2015, by Professor Bui. All Rights Reserved. Copying or unauthorized duplication of this syllabus by anyone (students
and staffs) without written consent from the author violates copyright laws and intellectual property.
8
Week 9 – (03/29 – 04/03)
1. Read and Watch the Video of Sections, 6.1 – 6.4.
2. Do Homework for Sections 6.1 – 6.4.
Week 10 – (04/05 – 04/10)
1. Read and Watch the Video of Sections, 6.5 –6.8.
2. Do Homework for Sections 6.5 –6.8.
Week 11 – (04/12 – 04/17)
Take Test 3 chapters 5 – 6 on Thursday, April 14, 2016.
1. Read and Watch the Video of Sections 7.1 – 7.3.
2. Do Homework for Sections 7.1 – 7.3.
Week 12 – (04/19 – 04/24)
1. Read and Watch the Video of Sections 7.4, 8.1 – 8.4.
2. Do Homework for Sections 7.4, 8.1 – 8.4.
Week 13 – (04/26 – 05/01)
1.
Read and Watch the Video of Sections 8.5 – 8.7.
2.
Do Homework for Sections 8.5 – 8.7.
3.
Read and Watch the Video of Sections 9.1
4.
Do Homework for Sections 9.1
Week 14 – (05/3 – 05/08)
Take Test 4 chapters 7 – 8 on Thursday, May 05, 2016.
1. Read and Watch the Video of Sections 9.2 – 9.5.
2. Do Homework for Sections 9.2 – 9.5.
Week 15 – (05/10 –05/15)
1. Read and Watch the Video of Sections 10.1 – 10.3.
2. Do Homework for Sections 10.1 – 10.3.
Week 16 – (05/17 –05/22)
1. Take Test 5 chapters 9 – 10 on Thursday, May 19th, 2015.
2. Final Review
Week 17 – (05/24 –05/28)
Take Final Exam on campus (2 hours) for Chapters 1 – 10 on Thursday, May 26th, 2015.
This syllabus is subject to change by the instructor.
Math 141F-CRN 21069 College Algebra Spring 2016
Note: Copyright © 2015, by Professor Bui. All Rights Reserved. Copying or unauthorized duplication of this syllabus by anyone (students
and staffs) without written consent from the author violates copyright laws and intellectual property.
9