SAN DIEGO MESA COLLEGE
MATH 096 –Intermediate Algebra & Geometry (5 units)
SPRING 2016
CRN: 41176
Duration: 16 Weeks (1-25 to 5-21)
Meets: MW—8:35 AM to 11:00 AM—Room MS213
INSTRUCTOR: Rory Shipowick
CONTACT INFORMATION
e-mail: roryshipowick@yahoo.com
OFFICE HOURS
Monday/Wednesday 11:10-12:40 and Friday 11:00-NOON room MS222G
TEXT AND MATERIAL
Elementary & Intermediate Algebra, Bittinger, Ellenbogen, Johnson; 6th edition. Pearson Custom
Publishing; ISBN: 978-0-321-84887-1.
You must have the MyMathLab access code which may be purchases separately. Some students found
that accessing the text online through the MyMathLab portal was sufficient for their needs.
The course ID is: shipowick38836
A scientific calculator is required.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Intermediate Algebra and Geometry is the second of a two-semester integrated sequence in algebra and geometry. This course
covers systems of equations and inequalities; radical and quadratic equations; quadratic functions and their graphs; complex
numbers; nonlinear inequalities; exponentials and logarithmic functions; conic sections; sequences and series; and solid geometry.
The course will also include application problems involving the topics covered. This course is the prerequisite for numerous
collegiate level/transfer level mathematics courses. (FT). Associate Degree Credit only and not Transferable.
STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Solve systems of linear equations in three variables using a variety of methods, including matrices.
2. Create graphs of systems of linear inequalities in two variables and determine the solution set.
3. Simplify and perform the basic arithmetic operations on radical expressions in both radical and exponential form and solve radical
equations.
4. Create graphs of nonlinear functions using various methods, including transformations.
5. Perform the basic arithmetic operations with complex numbers.
6. Solve quadratic equations including those having complex number solutions.
7. Identify and graph conic sections;
8. Solve absolute value inequalities and nonlinear inequalities in one variable.
9. Perform basic algebra with functions, determine whether a function is one-to-one and find the inverse of a one-to-one function.
10. Use the properties of and relationship between exponential and logarithmic functions to solve a variety of application problems;
11. Determine the pattern of simple sequences, including arithmetic and geometric sequences, and use appropriate notation in
expressing the closed form of the sequence.
12. Apply arithmetic and geometric sequences and their sums in solving related problems.
13. Identify three dimensional geometric figures and apply the appropriate surface area and volume formulas.
14. The student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the interrelatedness of the equation of a quadratic
function with its graph, including the vertex and x and y intercepts.
15. The student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the application of an exponential function including the
growth/decay constant, “population” at a specified time, the time required to achieve a specified population, and
the doubling time.
16. Students will use correct mathematical terminology to identify geometric solids and their properties.
CLASS CONTENTS
Review
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
(Subject to change)
§ Review Chapters 1-6
§8.1 – 8.6, 8.8; solving systems of equations
§9.1 – 9.4; inequalities
§10.1 – 10.8; roots, radicals, rational exponents
§11.1 – 11.9; quadratic equations
§12.1 – 12.7; composition, function inverses, logarithms
§13.1 – 13.4; conics
§14.1 – 14.3; sequences, series, sigma notation;
IMPORTANT DATES
Add/Drop without “W”…………………………………………………….02/05/2016
Drop with Refund …………………………………………………………..02/05/2016
Pass/No Pass………………………………………………………………….02/29/2016
Withdrawal Deadline……………………………………………………….04/08/2016
GRADE
AVERAGE
A…………………90 to 100
B…………………80 to 89
C…………………70 to 79
D…………………60 to 69
F…………………Below 60
GRADE BREAKDOWN
Chapter Tests…………………………..60%
Online Homework……….…………….20%
Final………………………………………..15%
In-Class Worksheets…………………..5%
CHAPTER TESTS
There will be 6-7 chapter tests, usually one per chapter. This averages out to about one test every two
to three weeks.
HOMEWORK
Homework for this course will consist of two parts, online work completed through MyMathLab, and inclass worksheets. The online homework must be completed by the day of the exam. I will usually collect
the worksheets the day of the exam. The worksheets are graded as full, half, or no credit. To receive
full credit the worksheets must be 90% complete. To receive half credit they must be 70% complete.
All appropriate work must be shown.
FINAL EXAM
The final exam will be comprehensive, the last day class meets (May 18th).
ATTENDANCE AND BEHAVIOR
It is the student’s responsibility to drop all classes in which he/she is no longer attending. It is the
instructor’s discretion to withdraw a student after the add/drop deadline due to excessive absences
(three or more). Three non-emergency absences will be cause for dropping a student. The student is
required to remain in class during the whole class period, unless dismissed by the instructor. Students
are expected to use language that is appropriate to the learning environment. In addition, cheating is
treated as a serious matter. Anyone caught cheating can expect a zero and further action may be taken.
Disabled Support Programs and Services (DSPS)
If you are going to need special assistance please let me know within the first two weeks of the semester. I will
refer you to the DSPS center here on campus located at I3-101. You may contact them by phone at (619) 388-2780.