Course Syllabus
Title: College Algebra
Department: Mathematics
Grades Taught: Grade 12
Course Description:
This class is designed for a senior who wishes to take a math elective his/her senior year. College
Algebra covers topics that are not usually studied by a high school student. The topics covered
are matrices, conic sections, exponential and logarithmic functions.
Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus
Length of Course: ½ year (5 days a week)
Credit: 0.5
Course Standards: This course adheres to the Mt. Pleasant curriculum. Students will be given
instruction from each of the following reporting categories: Numbers and Operations, Analytic
Geometry, Algebraic Concepts, and Logarithms.
Learning Objectives:
Chapter 1: Linear Functions, Equations, and Inequalities
 Real Numbers and Coordinate System
 Relations and Functions
 Linear Functions
 Equations of Lines and Linear Models
 Linear Equations and Inequalities
Chapter 2: Analysis of Graphs and Functions
 Graphs of Basic Functions and Relations; Symmetry
 Vertical and Horizontal Shifts of Graphs
 Stretching, Shrinking, and Reflecting Graphs
 Absolute Value Functions, Graphs, Equations, and Inequalities
Chapter 3: Polynomial Functions
 Complex Numbers
 Quadratic Functions and Graphs
 Quadratic Equations and Inequalities
 Polynomial Functions
Chapter 4: Rational, Power, and Root Functions
 Rational Functions
 Rational Equations, Inequalities
 Functions Defined by Powers and Roots
Chapter 5: Inverse, Exponential, and Logarithmic Functions
 Inverse Functions
 Exponential Functions
 Logarithms and their Properties
 Logarithmic Functions
 Exponential and Logarithmic Equations and Inequalities
Chapter 6: Analytic Geometry
 Circles and Parabolas
 Ellipses and hyperbolas
Chapter 7: Matrices and Systems of Equations
 Systems of Equations
 Solution of Linear Systems by the Echelon Method
 Solution of Linear Systems by Row Transformations
 Matrix Properties and Operations
 Determinants and Cramer’s Rule
Texts:
Addison Wesley
College Algebra
©2003
Resources:
 Text
 Class notes
 Teacher’s website
 After School Study Groups
Websites:
 www.mpasd.net
 www.hotmath.com
 www.classroll.com
Course Outline/Activities/Assessments:
Throughout the course, the student will complete the following:
 Personal Binder for Daily Notes, Worksheets, and Homework
 Study Guides/Reviews for exams
 Homework assignments from the book
 Homework assignments from supplementary materials relating to the lesson being taught
 Lesson quizzes, Binder checks, Homework checks, Weekly Quizzes
 Exams administered on paper or the computer
 Classroom projects
 PSSA study guides, if retests are needed
 SAT study guides, if preparation is needed
Materials Used:
 Addison Wesley College Algebra
 Scientific and Ti-84+ Silver Edition Graphing Calculators
 Rulers, Dry-Erase boards, Power Point presentations, Graph paper
Classroom Expectations (attendance & behavior):
Students are expected to:
 Report to class on time with the required materials (text book, binder, pencil).
 Conduct oneself in a manner suitable for learning.
 Respect oneself and others.
 Hall passes may only be used in the beginning of the class period. Hall pass usage will be
limited.
 Maintain an organized and neat math binder with dividers.
 Assume responsibility for absences by getting the missed notes, assignments, etc. from
available sources (students and/or teacher website). Complete make-up work within the
due dates, else they become a zero.
 Use a pencil when completing all homework assignments, quizzes, tests, etc.
 Show all work and clearly indicate the solution to problems. Failure to show work will
result in no credit for the assignment.
 Students must pass the course in order to meet the Mount Pleasant Area graduation
requirements, if the credit is need to graduate.
Homework Procedure:
 Notes will be given for each lesson in order for students to be successful with their
homework assignments. Students should use these notes as a reference when completing
homework.
 Homework assignments will be checked in class.
 Homework may occasionally be collected and graded. Homework points will be earned if
work is shown. Failure to show work will result in no credit
Grading Scale: (As per school policy)
A 93-100
B 84-92
C 75-83
D 65-74
F 64-0
Extra Help:
After school study groups are also available in the library on select days. Peer tutors may be
provided if requested.
Contact Information:
rrichter@mpasd.net
724-547-4100 ext.1224