Math 095
Luther Lessor
Office: Building 15 Room 332
Intermediate Algebra
Spring 2015
Email: llessor@tacomacc.edu
Office Hours: 11:30-12:15PM M–F
Section I, 12:30PM – 1:20PM, M – F, building 12 room 150, Item 5879
Homework: Homework is done online through the website www.mymathlab.com (abbreviated MML).
You may do the homework on (nearly) any computer with internet access. Internet access is required to
do the homework. The course ID is lessor76051 for MML.
Text or Etext: Intermediate Algebra,( 9th edition). Bittinger/Ellenbogen/Johnson. Purchasing access to
the MML course grants you access to an electronic copy of the text.
Calculators: A scientific calculator is required for this class. The TII-30X IIS is strongly recommended.
Graphing calculators are not allowed. Calculators built into other electronic devices like cell phones and
PDAs are not acceptable and may not be used for tests or quizzes.
Course Description: Topics include linear equations, polynomials, factoring, rational expressions,
graphing, and systems of equations. Scientific calculator required.
Prerequisite: MATH-090 with a "C" or better or assessment above MATH-090; READ-085 with a "C"
or better or assessment above READ-085.
It is extremely important to attend class every day. This class will move at a rapid pace and missing
even one class can impede your progress. You should schedule at least 2 hours of out-of-class study
time for each hour in class. Such consistency and effort will contribute greatly to your success in this
class. If you have difficulty with any of the course material, then you should seek help EARLY so that
you do not fall behind. You will find that there is ample help available outside of class. Take an active
role in class by asking good questions and coming to class prepared. One good way to be prepared for
class is to (at least) skim the upcoming sections before class (if not work the examples yourself).
Program Learning Outcomes: Students will demonstrate increasing levels of mastery of the Program Learning
Outcomes throughout the math curriculum. Upon successful completion of the Quantitative Skills requirement for
the Associates Degree, students will:
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.
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1.
Use function notation. (4)
2.
Use linear functions to model situations and solve problems algebraically, graphically, and
numerically. (1, 2, 3, 4)
3.
Solve and graph systems of linear equations and inequalities in two unknowns. (1, 3, 4)
4.
Use integer and rational exponents and scientific notation. (3, 4, 5)
5.
Demonstrate an understanding of quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions from algebraic,
graphical, and numerical perspectives. (1, 3, 4)
6.
Use the algebra of radical expressions. (3, 4)
7.
Use and interpret the above concepts in real world applications. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
8.
Write clear and complete solutions to mathematical problems, including correct notation and
written explanations when appropriate. (4)
9.
Use a scientific calculator appropriately. (5)
Course Calendar: A separate handout containing a tentative calendar will be handed out. Due to the
possibility of sections taking more or less time than planned on the calendar, there may be adjustments
to due dates, test dates, etc. I will make these announcements in class. If you miss a class it is your
responsibility to check (with other students or myself) if any changes have been made to the schedule.
Quizzes: 3 quizzes will count towards your grade. These will generally be 5 questions and have a 15
minute time limit. You may use your entire notebook, a physical copy of the textbook, and an approved
calculator.
Exams: There will be 3 tests and one comprehensive Final Exam during the quarter. These tests will be
multiple-choice tests. You may also use one 8.5” by 11” sheet of hand written notes and an approved
calculator. The final exam will be given in class according to the college finals schedule (see calendar).
Show all your work on exams, especially for the problems with the 𝕎 symbol. For those questions
with the 𝕎 symbol, if work is not shown you will not earn the point for that question.
Missed Tests/Quizzes: No re-takes or makeups are given. Your lowest quiz and your lowest test will be
replaced with a proportionately weighted score of your final exam if your final exam is a higher
percentage than your lowest quiz and/or your lowest test.
Homework: Homework will be done completely on MML. Do as many of the problems of each
assignment before the next class day. This will give you time to come see me during my office time
where any questions may be answered. The official due date of a homework assignment will be
11:59PM 2 class days after we’ve finished covering that section in class. For example, if we finish 3.1
on a Tuesday, the homework for section 3.1 must be completed and submitted on MML by 11:59PM on
Thursday. No extensions can be given for homework, even in the case of absences.
Note that there are several resources to get questions answered outside of class including the
MARC, the Writing and Tutoring center, and my office hours.
Grading: Your final grade will be based on the percentages shown below.
Homework/Attendance
Quizzes
Section Tests
Final Exam
30%
20%
40%
10%
The following scale is what I will use in giving you your overall grade:
94%-100%
A
77%-79.5% C+
60%-62.9%
D90%-93.9% A73%-76.9% C
59.9% & below E
87%-89.9% B+
70%-72.9% C83%-86.9% B
67%-69.9% D+
80%-82.9% B63%-66.9% D
Attendance/Participation: You are expected to attend class every day, arriving on time and remaining
until the end of the period. You are expected to participate in class discussions and group activities. For
every day of class there is 1 point possible for attendance. If you attend the entire class you gain these
points, if you are absent you lose these points. If you are tardy, or leave class early, you lose ½ of a
point. To account for any emergencies, 2 points will be added to your attendance grade at the end of the
quarter.
Withdrawal: 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.
Incompletes: An “I” grade is reserved for students who have done well throughout the quarter but miss
a small amount of work (say, the final) due to exceptional circumstances. The student and instructor
must fill out a contract form, which contains the specific requirements to be completed, the time allowed
for completion, and the grade to be assigned if the contract is not completed.
Other Classroom Policies:
Cell phones and pagers.- These are disruptive and are not allowed. Please turn these items OFF or on
SILENT (or VIBRATE) before you come to class.
Eating/drinking in class. -Beverages are permitted, but food is not allowed (an occasional small snack is
okay as long as it’s not “loud”). Please make sure that you clean up after yourself.
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.’ Cheating will
not be tolerated and will result in a failing grade for the course.
The complete Administrative Procedure for Academic Dishonesty is available on the TCC website at:
http://www.tacomacc.edu/catalog/12-13catalog/academic-dishonesty.htm
Accomodations: Access Services assures that students with disabilities have equal access to programs
and activities offered at the college. Access Services’ staff is charged with coordinating services and
fostering student independence. TCC is committed to making sure all students with disabilities receive
appropriate accommodations. To receive academic accommodations, students must provide official
documentation to the disability specialist. To learn about options and opportunities, visit ACCESS
SERVICES, located in the Assessment Center in Building 7, or call 253 460-3995 to make an
appointment, or visit http://www.tacomacc.edu/resourcesandservices/accessservices/
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.
MML has built in resources, such as step by step walkthroughs for problems.
Your classmates are also a good resource. Find one or two people you work well with, and form a daily
study group.
In addition, tutoring is available through the tutoring center in Building 7. (253-566-6032)
The Math Advising and Resource Center (MARC), building 19, room 22, has computers, study rooms,
comfortable furniture and math instructors and tutors to help you.
www.wolframalpha.com is a great website to check answers.
Course Concerns: If you have questions or concerns about this class or me, please come to talk with
me about your concerns. If we are unable to resolve your concerns, you may talk next with the Chair
of the Math Department, Carol Avery, Building F2. The Chair can assist with information
about additional steps, if needed.
TCC Mathematics Department
Student Graphing Guidelines—Math 90
Students in all math classes are expected to follow the graphing guidelines below on homework and test
questions requiring an accurate sketch.
AXES:
 Axes and any straight lines are drawn in with a straight edge.
 If the scale is anything other than one square = one unit, it must be clearly indicated on each axis.
 For word problems, each axis is labeled with an appropriate letter and with the meaning and
units of the axis. (See Graph B.)
ACCURATE:
 Graph paper is used.
 Instructors will set a clear convention for distinguishing a graph that terminates from one that
extends infinitely. Students will adhere to the convention set by their instructor.
CLEAR:




The coordinates of important points: intercepts, maximum or minimum points, vertices, and
points of intersection, are clearly labeled on the axes or the point itself is labeled with an ordered
pair.
If multiple equations are graphed on a single set of axes, each graph should be labeled with its
equation.
Separate problems should be graphed on separate axes.
The size of the graph is helpful: it is neat, big, and dark enough to be easily read and understood.