General Syllabus-Spring 2009
TEXT:
Lial, Hornsby, McGinnis: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra,
Fourth Edition
PREREQUISITE:
Basic Algebra students should
have placed into this course on the University’s math placement exam. Also,
students who successfully completed M 7 (Elementary Algebra) are ready to
take this course.
The student entering this
course is expected to be proficient in the following skills:
1. Solving and graphing linear equations.
2. Solving Linear Inequalities.
3. Solving Systems of Linear Equations.
4.
Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and evaluating polynomial expressions.
5.
Factoring monomial and binomial factors from polynomial expressions.
EXAMINATIONS
In
addition to individual instructor requirements, all M014 students will be given
a common midterm and final.
Grades will be assigned
according to the following scale:
|
A+ |
A |
A- |
B+ |
B |
B- |
C+ |
C |
F |
|
97-100% |
93-96% |
90-92% |
87-89% |
83-86% |
80-82% |
77-79% |
73-76% |
0-72% |
PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS
NO “D” GRADE. STUDENTS SCORING LESS THAN 73% WILL RECEIVE A FAILING GRADE!
TEXT COVERAGE
The class will proceed
according to the following format:
Review of Factoring - Handout
5.5: Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring (quick
review)
6.1: The Fundamental Property of Rational Expressions
6.2: Multiplying and Dividing of Rational Expressions
(requiring minimal factoring)
6.3: Least Common Denominators (cover briefly, just
enough to prepare for 6.4)
6.4: Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions
6.5: Complex Fractions
6.6: Solving Equations with Rational Expressions
8.3: Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Elimination
(review)
8.4: Systems of Linear Equations in Three Variables
8.5: Applications of Systems of Linear Equations (skip
mixture and motion problems)
7.3:
Functions (Cover Only Notation f(x)
and related domain and range)
This ends the material that must be completed prior to
the midterm. The midterm will be administered in 7th or 8th
week of the semester and is worth 25% of your final grade. It covers sections 5.5 to 12.2 from the list
above.
10.1: Radical Expressions and Graphs
10.2: Rational Exponents
10.3: Simplifying Radical Expressions-(including
Pythagorean Formula)
10.4: Adding and Subtracting Radical Expressions
10.5: Multiplying and Dividing Radical Expressions
10.6: Solving Equations with Radicals
11.1:
Solving Quadratic Equations by the Square Root Property (cover briefly)
11.3: Solving Quadratic Equations by the Quadratic
Formula
11.5: Formulas and Further Applications
11.6: Graphs of Quadratic Functions (brief-skip vertical
or horizontal translation)
11.7: More about Parabolas and their Applications
11.8: Quadratic and Rational Inequalities
This ends the material that must be completed after
the midterm. The final exam will be
administered during 16th week of the semester and is worth 35% of
your final grade. It covers sections 10.1 to 11.8 from the list above.
The
remaining 40% of your grade may consist of homework, quizzes, tests,
attendance, participation, and/or any other component, and is entirely at your
instructor’s discretion.
USE OF CALCULATORS:
Calculators ARE allowed in
M014. A student who reaches the algebra course has demonstrated their abilities
in arithmetic and may now use the calculator as a tool to assist them. Graphing
calculators are recommended for students planning to take M118, M119, or M125.
MATH LAB:
IUN provides
free math tutoring services on a walk-in basis at HH 436. All Math Tutors are students majoring in
Mathematics, a math-related field or are graduates with a degree in a math
related field. In order to accommodate students with varying schedules, we
offer evening and Saturday hours. For more information, please call the Math
Lab Supervisor at (219) 981-5691 or check the web page http://www.iun.edu/~math/mlab.shtml
. Before visiting the Math Lab remember to organize your questions in advance,
and be prepared to show your own homework attempts.
STUDENTS WITH
DISABILITIES:
If you have a documented
disability and need assistance, special arrangements can be made to accommodate
most needs. Visit Student Support Services at HH 239 (980-6798) or go to
the web page http://www.iun.edu/~supportn/contactus.shtml for more information.
ELECTRONIC
COURTESY:
So as not to disturb others
please make sure all electronic devices are either turned off or in the silent
mode when coming into the classroom. Use of
cell phones is prohibited during exams.
DEPARTMENT OF
MATHEMATICS AND ACTUARIAL SCIENCE WEB PAGE:
To find more about
mathematics courses, programs and faculty visit http://www.iun.edu/~math/