MAT 111
TEXTBOOK:
Larson, Roland E. and Hostetler, Robert P., College Algebra, Seventh
Edition, Houghton-Mifflin Company,
Instructor: Robert Griffith Office:
WM209 Telephone: 614-8290
Office
Hours: As posted on the faculty office door.
UNIVERSITY
CATALOG
DESCRIPTION:
The real number system; relations and
functions; algebraic functions; linear, quadratic, and higher degree equations;
complex numbers; graphing; systems of equations; and applications through the
use of word problems. Three
Credit Hours.
PREREQUISITES:
ACT mathematics score of 20 or above/SAT mathematics score of 480 or above or
completion of Math 099 with a grade of C or better and two years of high school algebra with grades
of C or better.
I. PURPOSE:
This course is designed to equip students with a working knowledge of
the algebraic principles and methods which are basic to further study in the
Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Accounting.
II. OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE:
A. General
Learning Objectives:
This course is
intended to:
1. Acquaint the student with the processes for determining the
correct algebraic model from a given set of data.
2. Acquaint the student with the processes for determining a
locus or graph for a given algebraic equation or function.
3. Acquaint the student with the processes of using algebraic
models to solve everyday types of problems.
B. Specific
Behavioral Objectives:
As a result of
the activities and study in this course, the student should be able to:
1. Distinguish between different number
systems.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the
structure of number systems.
3. Factor trinomials.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of how to use the
basic rules of algebra (radicals, exponents, rational expressions,
polynomials).
5. Solve linear equations of one variable.
6. Solve quadratic equations of one
variable.
7. Solve everyday types of problems using
linear and quadratic equations.
8. Manipulate complex numbers.
9. Solve linear and quadratic inequalities
of one variable.
10. Identify functions and construct their
graphs.
11. Find zeros of functions.
12. Resolve a rational function into partial
fractions.
13. Use the process of linear programming to
solve problems.
14. Solve systems of Equations
15. Solve systems of inequalities
III. TOPICS TO BE COVERED:
A. Review of the fundamental concepts of Algebra
1. The Real number system
2. The basic rules of algebra
3. Radicals and rational exponents
4. Polynomials and special products
5. Factoring
6. Fractional expressions
7. Cartesian
coordinate system
B. Algebraic equations and inequalities
1. Linear equations
2. Quadratic equations
3. Complex numbers
4. Other types of equations
5. Linear, quadratic, and other types of
inequalities
C. Functions and graphs
1. Lines in the plane and slope
2. Functions and graphs of functions
3. Combinations of functions
D. Polynomial functions: zeros and graphs
1. Quadratic functions
2. Polynomial functions of higher degree
3. Synthetic division
4. The fundamental theorem of algebra
5. Real zeros of polynomial functions
E. Rational functions
1. Rational functions
2. Partial fractions
F. Systems
of equations and inequalities
1. Systems of equations
2. Systems of inequalities
3. Linear programming
G. Practical
applications of algebraic concepts
IV. INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES
A. Introductory and summary lectures on main
topics
B. Demonstrations and explanations using
chalkboards and overhead projectors
C. Daily assignments of problems
D. Class discussions
V. RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS
A. Class
attendance Regular attendance is essential to realize the purposes of
this course. You are expected to attend every class! If circumstances beyond
your control require you to be absent from class, you are to notify the teacher
prior to the class meeting if at all possible.
PLEASE read the university catalog concerning attendance (page 49). Your grade may be lowered one letter grade
for excessive absences. Remember that an
absence is an absence regardless of the reason.
B. Read textbook and take notes in class
C. Daily preparation of assignments (see
assignment sheet/course calendar)
D. Preparation for tests
VI. EVALUATION
A. Evaluation
Activities
1. Unit tests: There will be four or five unit
tests; each test will be worth 100 points. Tentative dates are on the course
calendar. Make-up tests will be given only for (1) an illness verified by a written
excuse from a doctor or the school nurse or (2) a school sponsored activity
such as choir tour, athletic team trip, etc.
ALL MAKE-UP TESTS MUST BE TAKEN
WITHIN ONE WEEK OF THE STUDENT'S RETURN TO CLASS AFTER THE ABSENCE.
2. Assigned homework and quizzes: The quizzes
will be of varying point values. No grades or points are given for doing your
homework; it is assumed that this is a normal activity for those students who
want to learn the material and pass the course.
3. Comprehensive final examination: The
examination is worth 200 points.
B. Course
grade determination: Add all grades for
unit tests, quizzes, and final examination.
This total is to be divided by the sum for the unit tests, quizzes, and
final examination to produce the final percentage (decimal) number. Grades are assigned in the following manner:
Percentage Grade
90
- 100 A
80
- 89 B
70
- 79 C
60
- 69 D
00
- 59 F
C. ATTENDANCE
POLICY:
Regular
attendance is essential to realize the purposes of this course. You are
expected to attend every class! If circumstances beyond your control require
you to be absent from class, you are to notify the teacher prior to the class
meeting if at all possible. PLEASE read the
university catalog, page 49, concerning attendance in freshman courses. Your
grade may be lowered one letter grade for
excessive absences. Remember that an
absence is an absence regardless of the reason.
VII. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
As a Christian community of scholarship,
we at
IX. READING LIST
none