MATH 102E– INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA
FALL 2009

Dr. Emmett C. Dennis
Office – Engleman Hall D112
Telephone - 203-392-5582
E-Mail - dennise1@southernct.edu

Course Syllabus

CATALOG DESCRIPTION

This is an Intermediate Algebra course.  Topics include multiple perspectives of functions (verbal, numerical, algebraic, and graphical) and the various notations used to represent functions. Linear, absolute value, quadratic, rational, radical and exponential families of functions will be covered.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1.  Set up and use simple mathematical models.  In particular, students should be able to translate "word problems' into corresponding mathematical problems solve and then interpret the results in terms of the conditions of the word problem.

2.  Examine the formal definition of a function and the various notations used to represent functions.  Examine linear equations in one and two variables as well as linear inequalities in one and two variables.

3.  Recognize and work with linear, absolute value and quadratic functions.

4.  Recognize and work with rational functions, square root functions, cube root functions and rational exponents.  Students should be able to simplify and perform operations on rational and radical expressions.

5.  Understand the concept of the exponential and logarithmic functions.

6.  Use graphing calculators to aid in the computations and concepts of the course.  Students should know the advantages and disadvantages of using the calculator to produce solutions and should be able to interpret those solutions.

 

Course Purpose

          Purpose.

The purpose of this course is to provide students with the algebraic skills and concepts needed for the mathematics general education courses MAT 103, MAT 105, MAT 107, MAT 108 and the mathematics courses MAT 120 AND MAT 122.

          Credit.

MAT 102E carries 3 semester hour of university credit.  This course does not satisfy the University requirement in Mathematics.

       Prerequisites.   A D- or better in Math 095

      Format.

MAT 102E is offered in the lecture-discussion format.  This class will meet 3 and 1/3  contact hours per week (4 days, 50 minutes each day).

Required Text and Calculator

       Textbook.

Hall & Mercer,  Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, the Language and Symbolism of Mathematics, 2nd Ed., McGraw-Hill, 2008.
Other tools: A TI-83 Plus or TI-84 Graphing Calculator

Course Syllabus

Percentages are based on a 28 class semester, with 5 classes reserved for testing and review. 

1. Chapter 3   -   1.5 weeks  -  Review sections 3.1 - 3.5
   1. Lines
   2. Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

2. Chapter 4   -   1.5 weeks  -  Review basics of sections 4.1, 4.2 and Cover sections 4.3-4.5
   3. Linear Inequalities
   4. Systems of Linear Inequalities

3. Chapter 7   -   3 weeks  -  Cover sections 7.1-7.6,  Optional - section 7.7
   1. Linear and  Absolute Value Function
   2. Quadratic Function

4. Chapter 8   -   2.5 weeks  -  Cover sections 8.1 - 8.6
   1. Rational Functions

5. Chapter 9   -   2 weeks  -  Cover sections 9.1 - 9.5
   1. Square Root and Cube Root Functions
   2. Rational Exponents

6. Chapter 10   -   2 weeks  -  Cover sections 10.1 - 10.4
   1. Exponential Functions
   2. Logarithmic Functions

 

Email List

All students will be expected to use their MySCSU email address for this class. .
The following internet web site has been created for this class:

www.mathzone.com

This site contains homework exercises and additional information to help you understand and apply the material in this course. References to various math links will be posted at this site as they become relevant to this course. Other links that could be helpful in your academic career will also be posted to this site.

You will have to sign up at the MathZone website made for this class using the MathZone Access Card that comes with your textbook. A Registration Code is included that will allow you to access the Homework problems assigned for you to do this semester. You will need my instructor Access Code to complete your registration.
The Access Code is: B9C-F7-383
Click on the link below to get additional step by step help with the MathZone registration

MathZone Enrollment Help for Students

If you have internet experience you should have no difficulty accessing and doing the work at this site. If you have no experience, there will be several optional class meetings where you can learn these skills at a level that will allow you to work adequately for this class.  You must visit our website regularly.

We have an eLearning VISTA website at SCSU with a lot of other information about our class. Use your SCSU username and password to enter our website there:

eLearning VISTA at SCSU

Appointments and Office Hours

Some students might desire additional clarification and/or information on some of the topics discussed in class. Formal office hours have been scheduled in Engleman Hall D112 on Monday and Wednesday from 7:00 - 8:00 pm, also  Mondays thru Thursdays. from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. Specific appointments can be arranged at other times convenient to your schedule.

Course Assignments

Readings. The attached class schedule describes the course readings. Additional handouts will be distributed during the semester. Readings/homework assignments should be completed for the designated date.

Examinations. At least three Tests and a Final Exam will be administered during the semester. The Final Exam will be worth 28% of your grade. The other 72% of your grade will come from your class participation, homework problems, in class tests and other assessments that will be graded.

Performance Assessments. Homework assignments, internet quizzes, class attendance and participation, class tests will all be counted as part of your ongoing assessment during the class.

Class participation. Your success in this class is dependent on your attendance and participation. Both are expected. Class participation will be assessed in two ways. The first is your contribution to class discussions and activities. This includes times when we meet formally as a class as well as your use of my time during my office hours. I expect you to come to my office at least three times during the semester.
The second is your attendance to class. Anyone with more than 5 unexcused absences will be dropped from the class.

Assessment and Evaluation

Course grades will be the weighted average of all assignments and tests.
Internet Homework and Quizzes 28%.
Three Class tests 44% .
Final exam 28%.

Class Schedule, Classwork, and Homework Assignments

Date	Topics	Classwork	Homework Assignments	Tests
week 1	Section 3.1 - 3.3	-	Mathzone 3.1 - 3.3	-
Week 2	Sec 3.4 - 3.5	-	Mathzone 3.4 -  3.5	-
Week 3	Sec 4.1 - 4.3	-	Mathzone 4.1 - 4.3	-
Week 4	Sec 4.4 - 4.5 Review, Test 1	-	Mathzone 4.4 - 4.5	Test One
Week 5	Sec., 7.1 - 7.3	-	Mathzone 7.1 - 7.3	-
Week 6	Section 7.4 - 7.6	-	Mathzone 7.4 - 7.6	-
Week 7	Section 7.7 - 8.1	Review for Test 2	Mathzone 7.7 - 8.1
Week 8	Section 8.2 - 8.4 Review, Test 2		Mathzone 8.2 - 8.4	Test Two
Week 9	Section 8.5 - 8.6	-	Mathzone 8.5 - 8.6	-
Week 10	Section 9.1 - 9.3	-	Mathzone 9.1 - 9.3	-
Week 11	Section 9.4 - 9.5	-	Mathzone 9.4 - 9.5	-
Week 12	Section 10.1 - 10.3	-	Mathzone 10.1 - 10.3
Week 13	Section 10.3 - 10.4	-	Mathzone 10.3 - 10.4	-
Week 14	Review, Test 3	Review for Test 3		Test Three
Week 15	Last Week of Classes	Evaluations		Review for Final Exam
Week 16	Final Examination Week		-	Final Exam on December 15

E-Mail Emmett Dennis