SYLLABUS FOR MATH 161
College Algebra
Department of Mathematics
INSTRUCTOR: Robert
Herring OFFICE: Building 1, Room 119
PHONE: 910.879.5535 E‑MAIL: rherring@bladen.cc.nc.us
OFFICE HOURS:
PREREQUISITES:
TEXTBOOK: Algebra
and Trigonometry, 2007. 7/e by
Larson & Hostetler
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course provides an integrated
technological approach to algebraic topics used in problem solving. Emphasis is
placed on equations and inequalities; polynomials, rational, exponential and
logarithmic functions; and graphing and data analysis/modeling. Upon
completion, students should be able to choose an appropriate model to fit a
data set and use the model for analysis and prediction. This course has been approved to satisfy the Comprehensive Articulation
Agreement general education core requirement in natural sciences/mathematics.
COURSE
OUTLINE:
Chapter Topic
One Equations, Inequalities, and
Mathematical Modeling
Two Functions and Their Graphs
Three Polynomial Functions
Four Rational
Functions and Conics
Five Exponential
and Logarithmic Functions
COURSE
COMPETENCIES:
For
satisfactory completion of College Algebra, 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 grades. 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