Math 92: Applied Beginning and Intermediate Algebra
Course Syllabus Spring 2016
San Diego Mesa College
Instructor: Juan Bernal
E-mail: jubernal@sdccd.edu
Office Hours: MW 9:30-10:30 AM MS222J
Mailbox: K108B
Class Times: MWF 7:20-9:20 AM
Room: MS 320
CRN: 41630
Units: 4
Pre-requisite: MATH 038 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or Assessment Skill Level
M30
Course Description:
This course emphasizes real world applications in the development of beginning and
intermediate algebraic topics. Topics include a review of fractions, decimals and percents, as
well as the development of linear, quadratic, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic
functions. This course is designed for those students whose major and transfer institution
requires only statistics or math for liberal arts as the transfer level math course for the degree.
This course emphasizes real world applications in the development of beginning and
intermediate algebraic topics. Topics include a review of fractions, decimals and percents, as
well as the development of linear, quadratic, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic
functions. This course is designed for those students whose major and transfer institution
requires only statistics or math for liberal arts as the transfer level math course for the degree.
Course Materials:
1)WebAssign Access: A nonrefundable access code purchased from the bookstore or
webassign.net will be needed in order to access the online homework. Use Class key:
sdmesa 2216 6529
2) Required Classwork Packet: Packet #12350759 can be purchased in the bookstore
3) Calculator: You must absolutely have a scientific calculator. I will not provide any
calculators so please be sure that you have one. It will be very useful for homework and exams.
No graphing calculators allowed. You may NOT use your cellphone as a calculator during the
exam.
4) Optional Textbook: Mathematics:Journey From Basic Mathematics through Intermediate
Algebra, by Aufmann & Lockwood. The e-text is available through the online homework
package.
Student Learning Objectives:
Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:
1. Perform the basic arithmetic operations with real numbers using exponents and the appropriate
order of operations.
2. Apply properties of equality to solve linear equations and related application problems.
3. Determine the equation for a linear function and graph it.
4. Perform the basic arithmetic operations with polynomials.
5. Factor polynomial expressions using a variety of methods.
6. Solve quadratic equations by factoring and use of the quadratic formula.
7. Graph quadratic functions.
8. Identify functions from their equations and graphs and use appropriate functional notation.
9. Perform the basic arithmetic operations with rational expressions.
10. Solve systems of linear equations in two variables graphically and algebraically.
11. Solve exponential and logarithmic equations and applications.
12. Apply the correct notation when identifying, simplifying and using arithmetic and geometric
series and sequences.
Student Learning Outcome:
1 Students will be able solve linear equations using a variety of methods.
2 Students will be able correctly order real numbers.
3 Students will be able to correctly graph linear equations, and identify specific points on
indicated lines.
Attendance:
The San Diego Mesa attendance policy can be found in full on page 38 of the student
handbook. In short, the attendance policy is:
“All students are expected to attend each meeting of all classes for which they are
registered, except when absences cannot be prevented for reasons beyond a student’s
control.”
Daily attendance must be taken by the instructor until the census deadline, whereby the
instructor has the option to drop students with excessive unexcused absences. If a student is
going to be absent from class, then the student must inform the instructor of the absence prior to
missing that class. All other student absences will be considered unexcused. Please try not to
come in late to class and leave early as it will distract the instructor and the class. If you leave
early, it will count as an absence. On your 4th absence, you will be dropped from the course.
Grades:
A student’s grade will be calculated based on homework assignments, class participation,
midterms, and a two part final examination.
1) Homework: This semester, we will be using an online homework submission system.
Students will find and submit their homework on www.webassign.net. Assignment due dates
can be found there and on the course syllabus tentative schedule. Your lowest homework score
will be dropped at the end of the semester when your grade is calculated. You will need the
course ley to be able to access homework.
2) Class Participation: Class participation includes being on time in class, staying for the
duration of the class, having your cellphone put away, and completing classwork/group work
assigned after lecture.
3) Midterms: There will be a total of four midterms. There is absolutely no make-up
exams, unless you have a legitimate excuse and can provide proof. If you miss the exam
date, you will get a 0.
4) Final: The final exam will be comprehensive and will test your knowledge of the material. It
will be split into two. You cannot make-up the final.
Grading:
The following are how homework, class participation, midterms, and the comprehensive
final will be weighted:
 Homework (30%)
 Class Participation (10%)
 Midterms (40%)
 Final Exam (20%)
Remember that your lowest homework score will be dropped when calculating your final grade.
However, midterms and the final will not be dropped. Grades will be based on the following
percentage scale:
 A (90-100)
 B (80-89.9)
 C (70-79.9)
 D (60-69.9)
 F (0-59.9)
Academic Integrity:
Students are expected to be honest and ethical at all times in the pursuit of academic goals.
Students who are found to be in violation of Administrative Procedure 3100.3 Honest Academic
Conduct, will receive a grade of zero on the assignment, quiz, or exam in question and may be
referred for disciplinary action in accordance with Administrative Procedure 3100.2, Student
Disciplinary Procedures.
Student Code of Conduct:
Students are expected to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct at all times. Students who
violate the Student Code of Conduct may be removed from class by the faculty for the class
meeting in which the behavior occurred, and the next class meeting. The Student Code of
Conduct can be found in Board of Trustees Policy, BP 3100, Student Rights, Responsibilities
and Administrative Due Process posted on the District website at:
http://www.sdccd.edu/public/district/policies/index.shtml
Diversity:
"Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement: People of diverse backgrounds, perspectives,
socioeconomic levels, cultures, and abilities are valued, welcomed, and included in this
class!"
"In this class, we promote acceptance of all people, including those of diverse age, ancestry,
color, disability, ethnicity, perspective, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity,
sexual orientation, education, or socioeconomic status."
"It is extremely important ALL students feel comfortable in this class. We want to create a
relaxed and confident environment and get to know each other. This means treating each
other with a mutual respect, being professional, and withholding opinions that may be
judgmental. This will help everyone enjoy our class.
Tutoring:
You are all encouraged to work together in groups if you’d like and form study groups. Feel
free to come to my office hours if something is not clear. The Academic Skills Center is a free
tutoring service offered by the college, and located in room I4-203 of the Student Services
building. Further information can be found on their website
http://www.sdmesa.edu/students/services/tutoring/.
Important Dates:
 2/5 Deadline to drop with no “W”
 2/10 Midterm 1
 2/12 Lincoln Day
 2/15 Washington Day
 3/2 Midterm 2
 3/25 Final Exam Part 1
 3/28-4/1 Spring Break
 4/8 Withdrawal Deadline
 4/15 Midterm 3
 5/4 Midterm 4
 5/20 Final Exam Part 2
Important Note:
If for some reason I am absent and you did not get an email from me and no substitute is
present, you may leave after 15 minutes. If a substitute is assigned, you are responsible for any
announcement made.
Accommodations:
Students needing academic accommodations must register with the Disability Support
office (DSPS). The student must then inform the instructor of the required accommodations
no later than the end of the second week of classes.
Tentative Schedule for Spring 2016
Monday
1/25 Introductions and
Syllabus
2/1 6.2 and 21.1B
2/8 7.1E and 7.4, Review
Wednesday
1/27 6.1 and 7.1
Friday
1/29 6.3 (A, C) and 6.4
2/3 6.5 and 6.6
2/10 EXAM 1
2/15 Washington Day (No
Class)
2/22 8.2, 8.3, and 8.4
2/29 Review
3/7 10.3 and 10.5
3/14 11.2 and 11.3
3/21 13.1
2/17 20.2 and 20.3
2/5 19.1, 19.2, 7.1D, 7.2
2/12 Lincoln Day (No
Class)
2/19 8.1 and 20.5
2/24 8.5 and 8.6
3/2 EXAM 2
3/9 10.4
3/16 11.4A and 11.5
3/23 Review for Final
Exam
3/30 Spring Break (No
Class)
4/6 14.1
4/13 15.2, Review
4/20 12.2
4/27 13.2 and 1.3A
5/4 EXAM 4
5/11 18.4 and 15.4
5/18 Review for Final
Exam
2/26 9.1, 9.2, Review
3/4 10.1 and 10.2
3/11 11.1 and 11.2
3/18 11.5
3/25 FINAL EXAM
PART 1
4/1 Spring Break (No
Class)
4/8 14.3
4/15 EXAM 3
4/22 12.4
4/29 13.5 and 21.4 A
5/6 18.1 and 18.2
5/13 16.1, 16.2, 16.3
5/20 FINAL EXAM
PART 2
3/28 Spring Break (No Class)
4/4 13.1
4/11 15.1
4/18 12.1
4/25 12.5 and 20.6
5/2 21.4A, Review
5/9 18.3
5/16 16.4 and 16.5