Math M 14 – Basic Algebra

General Syllabus

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:

 

            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)

            6.4: (Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions)

            6.5: (Complex Fractions)

            6.6: (Solving Equations with Rational Expressions)

            6.7: (Applications of Rational Expressions)

            7.3: (Functions)

            12.2 (Exponential Functions)

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-also 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)

            11.3: (Solving Quadratic Equations by the Quadratic Formula)

            11.5: (Formulas and Further Applications)

            11.6: (Graphs of quadratic Functions –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.

 

For updates on all math courses please visit our web page http://www.iun.edu/~math/PREPARE.shtml

For updates in Math Lab Schedule please visit the web page http://www.iun.edu/~math/mlab.shtml

 

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.