Mathematics

SYLLABUS FOR MATH 110-02  COLLEGE ALGEBRA

Fall, 2004

Instructor Dr. Donald K. Mason home phone (608) 625 4576

Office is MC 554 with office phone 796 3656.

Office hours Tuesday and Thursday 3:30-4:30 pm. Other times by appointment

Class meeting times are TR 4:30-6:20 pm in room MC 408.

The text is College Algebra: Concepts and Models by Larson, Hostetler, and Hodgkins, 4^th edition

CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION

Review of basic algebra, second degree equations and inequalities, roots of polynomials, exponential and logarithmic functions, and systems of equations. Not applicable toward mathematics major or minor sequence. Prerequisite: acceptable score on placement exam, grade of B-minus or better in one year of high school algebra, or a grade of C or higher in Math 001.

CORE SKILL OBJECTIVES

1. Using reasoned standards in solving problems and presenting arguments.

1. Communication Skills

1. Reading with comprehension and the ability to analyze and evaluate.
2. Listening with an open mind and responding with respect.

1. Life Values

1. Analyzing, evaluating and responding to ethical issues from an informed personal value system.

1. Cultural Skills

1. Demonstrating knowledge of the signs and symbols of another culture
2. Participating in activity that broadens the student’s customary way of thinking.

1. Aesthetic Skills.

1. Developing an aesthetic sensitivity.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. Thinking Skills.

1. Studying briefly the basic ideas of a first algebra course.
2. Studying the fundamental relationship between an equation and its graph and the advantages of each approach to a function.
3. Improving one’s ability to understand the application of mathematics to real life problems through the use of mathematical models.
4. Exploring exponential and logarithmic functions, including application through models, and the appropriate use of logarithms and their properties. 
5. Learning the techniques of solving systems of equations and appropriately applying these to applications

1. Communication Skills.

1. Producing both written and oral communication throughout the course. Particular attention will be paid to the language of algebra.
2. Using technology – calculators or graphing calculators – to analyze problems and to be able to communicate that analysis.

1. Life Value Skills.

1. Developing an appreciation for the intellectual honesty of deductive reasoning. A mathematician’s work must stand up to the scrutiny of logical analysis by others. It is unethical to try to pass off invalid work.
2. Understand the need to do ones own work, to honestly challenge yourself to master the material.

1. Cultural Skills.

1. Learn to read, write and manipulate mathematical notation.
2. Experiencing mathematics as a culture of its own, with its own language and modes of thinking.

1. Aesthetic Skills.

1. Developing an appreciation for the intellectual beauty of deductive reasoning.
2. Developing an appreciation for mathematical elegance.

GRADING

Grades in this course will be determined as follows.

In each section that we cover there will be a general assignment and assigned problems which will be handed out in class and worked at home.. The problem will be graded and the grades will contribute to the final course grade. Problems will not be accepted more than one class period late.

There will be three exams during the term. The dates for these are

            Sept 23

            Oct 21

            Nov 18

There will be a 2 hour comprehensive final exam on December 14 at 5:45 pm.

Weights for these exams and graded problems will be

            Graded homework 15%

            Each exam 17%

            Final exam 34%

Grades are determined by

 90 -100% is an A

             80 – 89% is a B

             67 – 79% is a C

             55 – 66% is a D

There will be homework every day. In order that you do your best in this course, you should go from class and sit down while the ideas are fresh in your mind to do the homework for that day. Homework collaboration with other class members is encouraged. Forming a study group is a good idea if all members are active in the work.If you are unable to solve a problem feel free to contact me. I will be in my office one hour before class every day. I can also meet on other occasions by appointment. I will collect homework and grade selected problems but these will not directly affect your final grade.

It will be expected that you will have at least a basic calculator for use in this class. Bring it to all quizzes and examinations. The best calculator for you to use would be a TI 83 or equivalent. You may not use a calculator with a built in computer algebra system. The course will be easier for you if you have or can borrow a calculator with graphing capability such as a TI 83. 

ADA STATEMENT

If you are a person with a disability and require and auxiliary aids, services, or other accommodations for the class, please see Wayne Wojciechowski, the Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator (MC320, 796-3085) within 10 days to discuss your accommodation needs. In addition please see me so that I am aware of those accommodations.

COURSE PACING

Most mathematics books are written so that one section can be covered in one 50 minute class period. That will be the approximate pace of this course. There are a few sections of the book that will require more time. We will use time as needed to make sure that the material is learned. The course will cover all of the sections of the first 6 chapters. In addition we will cover selected sections of chapters 7 and 8 as time permits.

Assignments Until the First Exam

Aug 31 Section 1.1, General assignment 7,9,13 17-27 odd, 33-45 odd.