SYLLABUS FOR MATH 121

Algebra/Trigonometry I

Bladen Community College

Department of Mathematics

 

INSTRUCTOR:        Robert Herring                                  OFFICE:             Building 1, Room 119

PHONE:                  910.879.5535                                   E‑MAIL:              rherring@bladen.cc.nc.us

OFFICE HOURS:

 

PREREQUISITE:  MAT 070 or Passing Placement Score

 

TEXTBOOK:     Algebra and Trigonometry, 2007. 7/e by Larson & Hostetler

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course provides an integrated approach to technology and the skills required to manipulate, display, and interpret mathematical functions and formulas used in problem solving. Topics include simplification, evaluation, and solving of algebraic and radical, functions; systems of equations; complex numbers; right triangle trigonometry; systems of operations, and the use of technology. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the use of mathematics and technology to solve problems and analyze and communicate results.

 

COURSE OUTLINE:

Chapter        Topic

One               Equations, Inequalities, and Mathematical Modeling

  Two                Functions and Their Graphs

  Three             Polynomial Functions

Six                 Trigonometry

Nine               System of Equations and Inequalities

 

COURSE COMPETENCIES:

For satisfactory completion of Algebra/Trigonometry, the students must demonstrate by written examination that they can do the following.  (Order of competence does not imply the order of presentation.)

 

1)             Perform arithmetic operations with polynomials and algebraic fractions.

2)             Simplify complex fractions.

3)             Simplify and evaluate powers having rational exponents.

4)             Simplify Radicals.

5)             Factor Polynomials.

6)             Perform arithmetic operations with complex numbers.

7)             Solve linear and quadratic equations.

8)             Solve equations linear or quadratic in form.

9)             Solve word problems which can be modeled by a linear or quadratic equation.

10)         Solve equations and inequalities involving absolute value expressions.

11)         Determine whether a given relation is a function.

12)         Find the domain and range of a function.

13)         Graph algebraic and absolute value functions on the Cartesian Coordinate System.

14)         Use symmetry and translation to sketch the graphs of given functions.

15)         Given functions f and g, find f + g, f - g, f . g, f/g, f -1, and fog.

16)         Graph exponential and logarithmic functions.

17)         Evaluate logb(x) for allowable values of b and x.

18)         Use properties of logarithms to simplify or expand logarithmic expressions.

19)         Solve exponential and logarithmic equations.

20)         Solve word problems which can be modeled by an exponential or logarithmic function.

21)         Solve a system of two equations in two unknowns.

22)         Solve word problems which can be modeled by a system of equations.

 

COURSE AVERAGE:                           10% homework and/or pop quiz average

75% major test average

15% comprehensive final examination.

 

A student who has two or fewer absences may drop the lowest of the pop quiz grades in determining the pop quiz average.  A student who has more than two absences, may not drop any pop quiz grade. No distinction is made between excused and unexcused absences. (Being tardy is an unexcused absence.)

 

COURSE EVALUATION:

93 £ A < 100

85 £ B <  92

77 £ C <  84

70 £ D <  76

  0 £ F <  69

 

COURSE MATERIALS:

 

1)                  Pencil and paper

2)         Graph paper

3)         Graphing Calculator (T I‑83)

4)         Ruler

5)         Desire to learn