Spring 2014 PHC/HSC
OGLALA LAKOTA COLLEGE
COURSE SYLLABUS & ADMINISTRATION
Spring 2014
Name of Course:
Intermediate Algebra
Course Number: Math 134
Department:
Math and Science
Credit Hours: 4
Location:
He Sapa /Pejuta Haka
Time & Day: M/W 1:00 – 3:00 am
Instructor’s Name:
AJ Silva
Phones: (605) 455-6058 (office)
Office: Math and Science Dept., Piya Wiconi
Email: asilva@olc.edu
Office Hours: One hour prior to class at
the center where class originates.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Course Description: This course teaches students basic rules of algebra and knowledge of mathematics
and critical thinking skills that will enable them to solve real life problems they will encounter in their
chosen field of study. This course is designed as a foundation course for those students requiring college
algebra and other, upper level mathematics courses. Topics covered in this course are: scientific notation,
operations on polynomials, factoring/solving polynomial equations by factoring and rational expressions.
The skills learned in this course will enable them to move forward in their math education at Oglala Lakota
College or any other institution of higher learning.
Course Rational/Goal: To provide students with the computational skills, as determined by their academic
department, they will need to be successful in their chosen course of study and in their employment once
they graduate.
Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course students will be able to:
 Simplify exponential expressions including those with positive, negative and rational exponents.
 Express any rational number using scientific notation; convert scientific notation to decimal form.
 Simplify rational expressions containing variables, coefficients and/or exponents.
 Create, interpret, and solve algebraic expressions that describe real world phenomena.
 Identify and explain the significance of the domain and range of a function.
 Add, subtract, multiply and divide monomials and polynomials.
 Factor quadratic and higher order polynomial expressions.
 Solve polynomial equations by factoring, and check solutions for correctness.
 Simplify and perform operations on rational expressions.
 Determine the domain and range of rational expressions.
 Solve rational equations.
Assessment: These objectives will be assessed through the use of the Standardized Departmental Final
Exam.
Prerequisites: Math 103 Elementary Algebra with a grade of “C” or better, or a score of 70% or better on
the Departmental Math 103 Test-out.
Required Text and Materials: Elementary and Intermediate Algebra. Ron Larson, Sixth Edition. You will
need to purchase the WebAssign code so you can access the homework assignments for the class. This code
can be purchased from the bookstore if you didn’t purchase it when you bought your textbook. . Access to
Spring 2014 PHC/HSC
WebAssign is a requirement for the class. If you do not have the code by the end of the second week of
class, you will be withdrawn from the class. A scientific, non-graphing calculator is required for this course.
You may not use a cell phone calculator in this class. The recommend calculator for this course is a TI34 Texas Instrument scientific calculator. Finally you will need paper and pencils. Note: work done in pen
will not be graded. You must bring these materials to each class!
Instructional Methodology: Instruction will be by means of lecture and problem solving demonstration
utilizing the college PICTEL course delivery system. Homework will be done utilizing interactive software
at the “webassign” computer site.
Reading Load: Reading load in this class is minimal, you will, however, be expected to spend a good deal
of time performing mathematical computations
Type & Amount of Writing Load: Exams, quizzes, and assignments will contain application problems. In
compliance with Oglala Lakota College’s initiative of “writing across the curriculum”, all application problems
require a well structured written sentence(s). Units must be correctly stated in the sentence(s).
Lakota Perspective Provided Through: Conducting this course based on the values of mutual respect
and generosity, seeking to advance each individual’s knowledge through their continuing hard work
(fortitude) and willingness to learn new, challenging information (bravery); all undertaken in an environment
of complete truthfulness, trust and integrity. Waunspe wicakiyapi ki iglutanyan ihani unpi kun hena itan
waunspe tokeca uha ayin kte. We will do this by embracing the teaching of our ancestors as we learn new
ways.
Office Hours and Tutoring: Official office will be from noon to 1:00 o’clock at the location the class will
originate from. Mrs. Ida Red Bear will be available for tutoring on most Fridays at the He Sapa Center. The
instructor will be available for helping and tutoring students at the Pajuta Haka Center on selected Fridays.
During the second week of the semester, the instructor will post a schedule of dates and times for Friday
tutoring sessions. In addition, if required or requested by students, tutoring sessions will be held on Sundays
at Pajuta Haka if the instructor was unavailable to tutor on the preceding Friday. Be advised that the
sessions may be cancelled due to inclement weather or if other assigned duties prevent the instructor from
attending the scheduled session. In addition to the scheduled tutoring sessions, “WebAssign” has excellent
resources for students including worked sample problems with narrative explaining steps and procedures.
Remember that your text is also a good place to go seeking answers to questions regarding materials taught
in this class – it has the advantage of being available twenty-four hours per day, 365 days per year.
Evaluation and Grading: Final grades will be governed by the Math/Science Departmental criteria as
described below.
1. Final grades will be calculated based on the following percentage constraints:
TESTS
QUIZZES/ASSIGNMENTS
COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM
TOTAL
25 %
20 %
55 %
100 %
Spring 2014 PHC/HSC
2. Final letter grades will be assigned based on the following constraints
LETTER GRADE
A
B
C
D
F
PERCENTAGE
90 % - 100 %
80 % - 89 %
70 % - 79 %
60 % - 69 %
Below 60 %
3. Students who did not successfully pass the course have the following options:
A. Must repeat the course or withdraw to avoid a failing grade.
B. Take the test-out exam for Math 103 during registration week of the following semester.
The test-out requires 70% proficiency.
C. Work with the instructor for a Grade Change. A letter grade of “F” is submitted and will
remain unchanged until the following has been initiated by the instructor (taken from OLC
2013-2014 Handbook).
a. Changes of grades occur only upon written notification to the Registrar by the assigned instructor. A
grade becomes permanent and cannot be changed after two semesters have passed from the end of the
semester in which the grade was assigned.
b. Grades given by an assigned instructor may be changed only by written notice to the Registrar by the same
instructor.
c. If the instructor is no longer available, the student must consult with the appropriate department
chairperson.
The above criteria was established by the Math/Science Department to ensure the student has achieved
mastery of basic concepts at the elementary algebra level and the student has a reasonable chance to succeed
at the next level (Intermediate Algebra).
All students are required to take the Departmental Comprehensive Final Exam.
Any student who does not take the Comprehensive Final Exam will receive a Final Grade of
“F”.
Homework: Constitutes 20% of the final course grade.
Homework allows the student to practice and learn the skills, operations, etc. presented in the lecture. Be
prepared to spend 2 to 3 hours of study time for each hour spent in class. Homework assignments are
found and worked on-line at www.webassign.net. During the first week of class, the instructor will walk you
through the process of signing onto the homework site. PLEASE DO NOT LOG ONTO THE SITE
BEFORE THAT TIME. You will require a class key and a code to access the homework site. The
instructor will provide the key and the code should come with your text if you purchase a new book. If you
did not get a code when you purchased your book, you can purchase one online or from the bookstore.
Homework assignments must be done in a timely manner – they will be scored and comprise part of your
final course grade. Although some class time will be devoted to homework, you will be expected to do
homework out of class. Check availability of computer labs - computers are available for students in the
lounge area and computer lab when it is not scheduled for classes.
Spring 2014 PHC/HSC
Written Intra-term Tests: Constitutes 25% of the final course grade.
A minimum of two intra-term exams will be given during the semester.
Attendance: (taken from OLC 2013-2014 Handbook).
Students are required to attend classes regularly. Instructors will submit attendance on-line weekly to the end of the
semester.
If a student wishes to be excused from a class, it is the student’s responsibility to clear the absence with the instructor. At
that time the student must arrange for a make-up assignment. However, an excused absence is the same as an absence
until the student has completed work equivalent to being in class within one week of the absence. Once the make-up
assignment is completed, the instructor may change the absent to present depending on the circumstance and quality of work.
This will only apply to no more than two absences.
A student will be dropped from a course after three consecutive absences or after five total absences by the Registrar.
The only exception will be made due to faculty error.
NOTE: the student should NOT view the total of five absences allowed under the college attendance
policy as holidays, personal days, or vacation days. It is anticipated that the student will attend ALL
classes. When allowable absences are used, they should be for used in unusual circumstances such as
personal illness, illness of a
child, death in the family, etc.
Reinstatements: (taken from OLC 2013-2014 Handbook).
There are no reinstatements once the student is dropped due to 5 absences, unless there is proof of an error in the
attendance.
Withdrawal
http://www.olc.edu/~jchasinghawk/registrar/docs/student_handbook.pdf
College Policy on Grading and Change of Grades:
http://www.olc.edu/~jchasinghawk/registrar/docs/student_handbook.pdf
Policies on Academic Honesty
http://www.olc.edu/~jchasinghawk/registrar/docs/student_handbook.pdf
Standards of Conduct Policy
http://www.olc.edu/~jchasinghawk/registrar/docs/student_handbook.pdf
ADA Policy
http://www.olc.edu/~jchasinghawk/registrar/docs/student_handbook.pdf
Course/Instructor Evaluations
http://www.olc.edu/~jchasinghawk/registrar/docs/student_handbook.pdf
Additional Expectations of Students:
Spring 2014 PHC/HSC



Disruption of Class: Students disrupt the class by leaving the classroom while the lecture or
discussion is in progress. At your age, unless you are ill, you should be able to wait until break to use
the restroom. Leaving the classroom while the instructor is lecturing will not be tolerated
Turn off cell phones before you come to class.
Use of any electronic devise while instructor is lecturing will not be tolerated
Disclaimer: Information contained in this syllabus was, to the best knowledge of the instructor, considered
correct and complete when distributed for use at the beginning of the semester. However, this syllabus
should not be considered a contract between Oglala Lakota College and any student. The instructor
reserves the right to make changes in course content or instructional techniques without notice or
obligation. Additional student rights and responsibilities are outlined in the 2013-2014 Oglala Lakota
Student Handbook. http://www.olc.edu/~jchasinghawk/registrar/docs/student_handbook.pdf
Class Schedule, Math 134: Intermediate Algebra
Week
Dates
Topic
Jan 20 &
Jan 22
Wanji - 1
Integer Exponents and Scientific Notation
Jan 27 &
Jan 29
Numpa - 2
Adding and Subtracting Polynomials
Feb 3 &
Feb 5
Yamni - 3
Multiplying Polynomials: Special Products
Topa - 4
Zaptan - 5
Sakpe - 6
Sakowin - 7
Saglogan 8
Napciunka 9
Wikemna 10
Akewayji 11
Akenunpa 12
Akeyamni 13
Aketopa 14
Akezaptan 15
Feb 10 &
Feb 12
Feb 17 &
Feb 19
Feb 24 &
Feb 26
Mar 3 &
Mar 5
Mar 10 &
Mar 12
Mar 17 to
Mar 21
Mar 24 &
Mar 26
Mar 31 &
Apr 2
Apr 7 &
Apr 9
Apr 14 &
Apr 16
Apr 21 &
Apr 23
Apr 28 &
Apr 30
May 5 &
May 7
Multiplying Polynomials: Special Products
- Dividing Polynomials and Synthetic
Division
Dividing Polynomials and Synthetic
Division
Factoring Polynomials with Common
Factors - Exam No 1
Factoring Polynomials with Common
Factors - Factoring Trinomials
Factoring Trinomials - More about
Factoring Trinomials
SEMESTER BREAK
Factoring Polynomials with Special Forms
- Solving Polynomial Equations by
Factoring
Solving Polynomial Equations by
Factoring. Rational Expressions and
Functions
Rational Expressions and Function
Exam 2
Multiplying and Dividing Rational
Functions
Adding and Subtracting Rational
Functions - Complex Fractions
Complex Fractions - Solving Rational
Equations
Review for Final Exam
Spring 2014 PHC/HSC
Akesakpe 16
May 12 &
May 14
Final Exam