Course Syllabus
Math 095: SECTION UWT INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA 5883 Spring 2015 Credit hours: 5
PREREQUISITES: READ 85 and MATH 90 or assessment above MATH 90. You must bring a
scientific calculator to each class. The TI-30-x IIS is recommended.
MyMathLAB will be required for completing assignments for this course.
INSTRUCTOR: Douglas Stultz
Email: dstultz@tacomacc.edu
Office: Building 18, Adjunct Faculty Offices
Phone: 253-460-4399
CLASS LOCATION UWT, JOY rm 207
TIME: Tuesday and Thursday 12:50 – 2:55 PM
OFFICE HOURS: Tuesday and Thursday 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Teaching & Learning Center
( TLC) or by appointment
COURSE TEXTBOOK: Intermediate Algebra, Concepts and Applications By Bittinger, Ellenbogan,
Johnson. 9th edition. Supplementary Materials: You will also need a MyMathLab access code
for homework. The MyMathLab access comes with the textbook. The Textbook is available
through the bookstore at Tacoma Community College. I highly encourage you purchase the
text so you have a hard copy of the lesson. However, you may purchase the MYMathLab Access
with access to an e-book version of the textbook. Both are available through the TCC bookstore.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Topics include introduction to functions; linear, quadratic, exponential
and logarithmic functions and their applications; systems of linear equations and inequalities
and their applications; rational exponents and radicals.
PROGRAM WIDE LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Tacoma Community College has identified six collegewide learning outcomes that form the foundation of our educational emphasis: Communication (COM),
Critical Thinking (CRT), Responsibility (RSP), Information & Information Technology (IIT), Living and
Working Cooperatively (LWC), and Core of Knowledge (COK).
The course objectives listed below make reference to the following Math Department Program
Learning Outcomes:
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.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Use function notation. (CRT, COM)
2. Use linear functions to describe situations and solve problems algebraically, graphically,
and numerically. (CRT)
3. Solve and graph systems of linear equations and inequalities in two unknowns. (CRT)
4. Use integer and rational exponents and scientific notation. (CRT)
5. Demonstrate an understanding of quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions
from algebraic, graphical, and numerical perspectives. (CRT)
6. Use the algebra of radical expressions. (CRT)
7. Use and interpret the above concepts in real world applications. (CRT)
8. Use correct English to write clear explanations of mathematical reasoning. (COM)
9. Use a scientific calculator appropriately. (IIT)
TECHNOLOGY: Scientific Calculator: This course requires the use of a scientific calculator. Only
a calculator distributed by a recognized calculator manufacturer will be allowed in this class.
Specifically, no calculator on a cell phone or a personal digital assistant (PDA) will be allowed,
especially on exams. The TI-30XIIS is highly recommended because of its ease of use and
because it is the calculator for which we have overhead display calculators. If you have a
question about the appropriateness of your particular calculator please see me.
EVALUATION CRITERIA : I will use the following assessment tools to evaluate your performance;
1. Homework: I will assign a homework problems for each lesson. They will include


mymathlab homework problems. After each lesson, you will be assigned
problems that will be completed through the MyMathLab on-line program. You
will soon receive instructions on how to set up and access your MyMathLab.
All homework should be completed by the start of the next day’s class and your
Canvas grade will be updated periodically to reflect the percentage of homework
assignments you have completed out of the lessons done. However, missing
homework assignments can be completed for full credit right up to the final class
date, so it behooves you to still complete homework if you get behind to
maximize your final grade. It is your responsibility to check MyMathLab/Canvas
for a record of assignments you have (or haven’t) completed.
In addition….
homework assignments to be done on paper. For most lessons, you will be
given two to five homework problems that will require you to show all work and
understanding in arriving at your answer/solution.* These need to be handed
in by the following week’s class. It is your responsibility to get the assignment if
you miss a class. I will accept no late work on these homework assignments.
2. Exams: You will have three mid term Exams (the dates and the topics will be
announced) and one Comprehensive Final exam.
Exams can be made-up only in cases of extreme emergency, and only if I am contacted
before the exam is given. It is YOUR responsibility to let me know if and when you miss
a test. You must provide documentation of your emergency (i.e. police report, note
from doctor, etc.). Only then will a make-up test be ordered through the Office of
Undergraduate Education (OUE). Otherwise, you will receive a 0 for that test you miss.
3. Project: In the course of the quarter, you will be assigned one project to work on. This
will be an individual project and you will have 2 - 3 weeks to complete it (details of the
project and the due date will be provided in class).
*QUALITY OF WORK: In general, "answers" to mathematical problems are no more important
than the reasoning leading up to those answers and/or the conclusions drawn from them. For
this reason, in all written work, an answer without the work/justification leading to it will
receive no credit. Written work should conform to the following guidelines:
1. Neat and orderly. Problems should be done using vertical format whenever appropriate (e.g.
solving equations, simplifying expressions, etc.). The answer to the question should be clearly
identifiable. Justification for your answer should be clear and easy to understand.
2. Done in pencil. (Use your eraser! There should be no cross-outs.)
3. All answers should be accompanied with a justification. Justification usually takes the form of
(1) algebra shown, (2) a graph, (3) a short written explanation, or (4) some combination of
items 1 - 3. Any answer given with no justification will receive no credit.
4. For all word problems, variables should be clearly defined. This means a precise definition
(including units) of what each variable represents.
Additionally, you will want to read the graphing guidelines, attached, and be certain that you
understand the components of a well-drawn graph.
Note: Study time outside of class (apart from the assigned homework) is
necessary to read, analyze, and retain course material. This time will generally
vary depending on the individual student’s study habits and abilities. I suggest
that you spend at least 10 hours per week of a well-organized study time to go
over the material covered during that week.
GRADING:
Your final grade will be determined as follows;
Homework
= 25%
Project
= 5%
Exams
= 40 %
Final Exam
= 30 %
Total
= 100 %
ATTENDENCE: Please note that your attendance is closely linked to your performance. Even
though I will not use your attendance record to determine your final grade, you will notice that
a good attendance record will for most part translate to a “decent” grade.
CANVAS: I will be using Canvas for my grade book. You can access your grading progress by
logging onto uw CANVAS.
GRADING SCALE: At the end of the quarter, your points will be added up, and grades will be
assigned as follows:
A: 93% - 100%
A-: 88% - 92.9%
B+: 84% - 87.9%
B: 80% -83.9%
B-: 78% - 79.9%
C+: 74% - 77.9%
C: 70% - 73.9% *
C-: 67% - 69.9%
D+: 64% - 66.9%
D: 58%-63.9%
E: Below 58%
*A “ C “ OR ABOVE IS NEEDED TO MOVE ONTO THE NEXT LEVEL OF CLASS.
WITHDRAWLS/INCOMPLETES/S,U,V,GRADES: TCC policy states that anyone can drop a class on
the college web site through the third day of the quarter. After that you need to fill out an
add/drop form and submit it to TCC Enrollment Services (Bldg. 7). In general,
 if you are receiving a C grade or better at the time of your drop request, a WI grade will
be given if you have completed 60% of the coursework for the quarter. Otherwise, a V
grade will be given.
 If your grade is lower than a C, an E grade will be given (exceptions may be made,
depending on the circumstances).
 Students who simply stop coming to class will receive a grade of E.
 After the 50th calendar day of the quarter, students no longer have the option to
withdraw from a course.
Incompletes will be given only in VERY RARE instances, which must be discussed with
the instructor before the final exam. An “I” grade is reserved for students who have generally
done well throughout the quarter but miss a small amount of work (say, the final) due to
exceptional circumstances. S/U grade requests must be processed through the registration
office and meet their deadlines.
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.”
The complete Administrative Process for Academic Dishonesty is available on the TCC website
at: www.tacomacc.edu /stuonline/policies/start.shtm
I will not condone cheating or other forms of academic dishonesty. Cheating, and classroom
behaviors reasonably associated with cheating, are a violation of the student disciplinary code
and are punishable through the disciplinary procedures of the college. If I find you cheating or
suspect that you have been cheating, your assignment/exam will be voided the first time this
happens. If you are caught cheating for the second time during the same quarter, you will get a
failing grade (an E) for the course. Instructors have an obligation to report incidents of cheating,
or suspected cheating, in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Student Rights and
Responsibilities Code.
STUDENT ACCESS/ACCOMMODATION Students with Special Needs: The University of
Washington is committed to making physical facilities and instructional programs accessible to
students with disabilities. Disability Support Services (DSS) located in MAT 3543 functions as
the focal point for coordination of services for students with disabilities. If you have a physical,
emotional, or mental disability that” substantially limits one or more major life activities
(including walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working)” and will
require accommodation in this class, please contact DSS at 253-692-4522, or e-mail at
dssuwt@uw.edu and/or uwtshaw@uw.edu , or visit www.tacoma.uw.edu/dss for assistance.
EXTRA HELP: You are encouraged to make an appointment with the instructor or meet during
office hours at the Teaching and Learning Center for any further clarification. In addition, Costfree tutoring is available to all students. The Teaching and Learning Center offers a number of
additional instructional services. Math tutors are available regularly Monday through Thursday.
Complete information, hours, and updates are available at
http://www.tacoma.uw.edu/teaching-learning-center/teaching-learning-center
COURSE NUMBER AND PREFIX CHANGES The Washington Community and Technical College
system has adopted common course numbers, prefixes and titles for courses that are
equivalent at many two year colleges. These changes went into effect Summer Quarter, 2008.
The courses and their descriptions did not change, just the course number and in some cases
the prefix and/or title. There are changes to both common courses and non-common courses.
Common courses are identified by having an “&” character at the end of the prefix, for example
MATH& or ENGL&. You can see the complete list of all the changes and more information at
www.tacomacc.edu/ccn.
CLASSROOM POLICIES: Use of a Laptop, a Cell phone or an Audible Pager is not allowed inside
the classroom.
You are expected to exhibit proper conduct in the classroom at all times and show respect to
everyone in class. To avoid/minimize distractions during class time, you are strongly advised to
come to class on time, do not leave early, and avoid any disruptive conversations.
Children/visitors are not allowed in the classroom.
Food/beverages are not allowed in the classroom.
ETIQUETTE FOR CLASSROOM DISPUTE RESOLUTION: If you have questions or concerns about
this class or me, please come to talk with me first. If we are unable to resolve your concerns,
you may talk next with the TCC Math Chair of the Program/Department, Carol Avery, Tacoma
Community College. The Chair can assist with information about additional steps, if needed. If
this does not resolve concerns, you can see Mike Flodin, TCC Dean of Math, Science, and
Engineering, Tacoma Community College,
THIS SYLLABUS AND SCHEDULE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN EVENT OF EXTENUATING
CIRCUMSTANCES. IF YOU ARE ABSENT FROM CLASS IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBLILITY TO CHECK
ON ANNOUNCEMENTS MADE WHILE YOU WERE ABSENT.
Key Dates
 First Day of class Tuesday March 31
 Last day of classes , Thursday June 4
Final on Tuesday, June 9, 12:50 – 2:55
MATH 95 COURSE spring quarter OUTLINE/calendar:
Week 1: mar 31 , Apr 2
 Introduction to graphing (2.1)
 Domain and range (2.2)
 Linear Functions (2.3)
Week 2: Apr 7, 9
 More Lines (2.4)
 Equation of line and modeling (2.5)
 Systems of Equations in two variables (3.1)
Week 3: Apr 14, 16
 Solving systems by substitution (3.2)
 Solving applications, two equation systems (3.3)
 Inequalities in two variables (4.4)
Week 4: Apr 21, 23
 Exam 1
 Negative Exponents and Scientific Notation (1.6,7)
 Radical Expressions and Functions (7.1)
Week 5: Apr 28, 30
 Rational Numbers as Exponents (7.2)
 Multiplying Radical Expressions (7.3)
 Dividing Radical Expressions (7.4)
 Expressions Containing Several Radical Terms (7.5)
Week 6: May 5, 7
 Solving Radical Equations (7.6)
 Geometric Applications (7.7)
 Exam 2
Week 7: May 12 , 14
 Quadratic Equations (8.1)
 The Quadratic Formula (8.2)
 Applications Involving Quadratic Equations (8.4)
Week 8: May 19, 21
 More about Graphing Quadratics ( 8.7)
 Intro to Exponential Functions (9.2)
Week 9: May 26, 28
 Logarithms and logarithmic functions (9.3)
 Properties of Logarithms (9.4)
 Exam 3
Week 10: June 2 , 4
 Common and Natural Logarithms (9.5)
 Review for final
FINAL June 9 12:50 – 2:55 PM
Math 95Graphing Guidelines
Students in all Math 095/096 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.
 The scale 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.
 The vertex of a parabola is rounded, not pointed. (See Graph C).
 Asymptotes are drawn with a dashed line. Graphs approaching asymptotes appear to get
closer and closer, not touching the asymptote and not pulling away from the asymptote. (See
Graph D.)
CLEAR:
 The coordinates of important points are clearly labeled on the axes or the point itself is
labeled with an ordered pair. What is considered important depends on the particular
problem but some examples of such points are: intercepts, points of intersection, maximum
or minimum points, and vertices.
 If multiple equations are graphed on a single set of axes, each line or curve 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.
MyMATHLab & Mastering Student Registration Instructions
To register for uwt math 95 intermediate algebra:
1. Go to pearsonmylabandmastering.com.
2. Under Register, click Student.
3. Enter your instructor’s course ID: stultz07146, and click Continue
.
4. Sign in with an existing Pearson account or create an account:
 If you have used a Pearson website (for example, MyITLab, Mastering, MyMathLab, or
MyPsychLab), enter your Pearson username and password. Click Sign in.
 If you do not have a Pearson account, click Create. Write down your new Pearson
username and password to help you remember them.
5. Select an option to access your instructor’s online course:
 Use the access code that came with your textbook or that you purchased separately from
the bookstore.
 Buy access using a credit card or PayPal.
 If available, get 14 days of temporary access. (Look for a link near the bottom of the
page.)
6. Click Go To Your Course on the Confirmation page. Under MyLab & Mastering New
Design on the left, click uwt math 95 intermediate algbra to start your work.
Retaking or continuing a course?
If you are retaking this course or enrolling in another course with the same book, be sure to use
your existing Pearson username and password. You will not need to pay again.
To sign in later:
1. Go to pearsonmylabandmastering.com.
2. Click Sign in.
3. Enter your Pearson account username and password. Click Sign in.
4. Under MyLab & Mastering New Design on the left, click uwt math 95 intermediate
algebra to start your work.
Additional Information
See Students > Get Started on the website for detailed instructions on registering with an
access code, credit card, PayPal, or temporary access.