Math 110 – College Algebra – Spring 2004
Tuesday & Thursdays 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Instructor: Jim Bagniewski
Telephone: Lincoln M.S. – 789-7780 or home 784-9035
Email: jbagniewski@charter.net– home or jbagniew@mail.sdlax.k12.wi.us– Lincoln M.S.
Assistance:If individual assistance is needed, please see me immediately before or after class and we willfind a time to meet and go over assignment concerns.
Text: College Algebra: Concepts and Models, Fourth Edition by Larson, Hostetler, Hodgkins
Course Catalog 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 minors sequence.
Prerequisite: acceptable score on placement exam, grade of B-minus or better in one year of high school algebra, or grade of C or higher in Math 001.
Core Skill Objective:
- Writes and competently within the major and for a variety of purposes and audiences
- Reads with comprehension and the ability to analyze and evaluate.
- Speaks effectively, both formally and informally.
- Listens with an open mind and responds with respect.
- Accesses information and communicates using current technology.
- Thinking Skills
- Uses reasoned standards in solving problems and presenting arguments.
- Life Values
- Analyzes, evaluates and responds to ethical issues from an informed personal value system.
- Aesthetic Skills
- Develops an aesthetic sensitivity
- Cultural Skills
- Participates in activities that broaden the student’s customary way of thinking.
Course Objectives:
- Communication Skills
- Procedures both written and oral communication throughout course; particular attention is paid to the accurate and appropriate use of the language of algebra.
- Uses technology to solve problems and to be able to communicate solutions and explore options.
- Thinking Skills
- Study briefly the basic ideas of a first algebra course.
- Learn to solve quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square, and by use of the quadratic formula
- Improve one’s ability to read and solve application problems by means of constructing appropriate algebraic models and applying algebraic techniques to find a solution.
- Explore exponential and logarithms functions, including application problem and the efficient and appropriate use of logarithms and their properties.
- Learn the techniques of solving systems of equations and appropriately applying these processes to work problems.
- Life Values
- Adheres to the Academic Honesty Policy
- Aesthetic Skills
- Develops an appreciation for symmetry.
- Cultural Skills
- Understand how knowledge is developed and verified in mathematics.
Course Outline:
Chapter 1: Equations and Inequalities
Chapter 2: The Cartesian plane and Graphs
Chapter 3: Functions and Graphs
Chapter 4: Polynomial and Rational Functions
Chapter 5: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Chapter 6: Systems and Equations and Inequalities
Attendance and Honesty:
Attendance is essential. In order to learn and progress in a math class attendance is mandatory. If for some emergency you can’t be in attendance contact me in advance if at all possible. If you miss and assignment, quiz or test please talk to me before the next class or get the information from someone else in class. You are responsible for all the information given during class. Missed quizzes and exams may be made up if and only if you contact me in advance with a good reason.
Cheating will not be tolerated. First offense will be zero for the particular; a second offense will result in an F for the course.
Responsibility:
My responsibility is to help you learn the material in this class through presenting new concepts, modeling the process of problem solving. I will try to explain concepts in a number of different ways and answer all your questions. If you need additional assistance I will do the best I can to find a convenient time to work with you on clarifying the concept.
Your responsibility is to be actively engaged in the process of learning through attending class, reading the text, listening attentively, taking notes, practicing the concepts through doing assigned homework, asking questions when you need clarification, and seeking outside help when you need it. I encourage you to study with others and to seek a tutor if you find the material very difficult. Don’t wait until you are lost, mathematics is learned best on a daily basis, and if you don’t understand get some assistance as soon as possible. The longer you are confused by some concept the more difficult the next day’s material appears to be.
You are responsible for all information and assignments given during the class, even if absent.
Americans with Disabilities Act:
If you are a person with a disability and require any auxiliary aids, services or other accommodations for this class, please see Wayne Wojciechowski in the Murphy Center, Room 320 (796-3085) within ten days to discuss your accommodation needs.