Course Name:  College Algebra

Instructor:  Mr. Corte

Course Overview:

A student in this course will analyze and graph functions, including constant, linear, absolute value, square root, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions, and non-functions.  A student will also solve equations and inequalities, including polynomial equations, exponential equations, logarithmic equations, systems of linear equations and systems of linear inequalities.  A student could analyze and create algebraic and numerical patterns.  Other topics that a student could cover are matrix reduction, & determinants, conic sections, and right-angle trigonometry.  .    Students will be instructed through classroom lecture and modeling.  Opportunities for individual practice and cooperative learning will also be given.  Activities designed to promote discovery of concepts and higher-order thinking skills will be provided through individual and group activities.  Students will be expected to participate in class activities and complete assigned work.

 

Course Objectives:

                Upon successfully completing College Algebra the student should be able to: 

• Solve first degree equations and inequalities, second degree equations, systems of equations and applications for each of these
• Solve problems and applications involving proportions, percents, geometry and other formulas
• Use the coordinate system and graph linear equations and systems of equations
• Factor and perform operations on polynomials
• Factor polynomials and solve equations by factoring
• Perform operations on rational, exponential, and radical expressions
• Solve problems and applications involving rational, radical, and quadratic equations
• Determine distance, slope, and equations of lines
• Graph linear and quadratic equations

 

 

Classroom Rules:

• Attendance

It is absolutely necessary that you attend class on a regular basis.  This course, like any math course, will follow a rigorous and continuous schedule in which new concepts are introduced every day.  You will be amazed at how much you will miss in just one day out of this class.  The meaningful discussions and helpful presentations that take place in class are difficult, if not impossible, to repeat on an individual basis with the same effectiveness.  Just because you had a day off does not mean the class did not move on.  Material you missed will not be covered during class time.  Therefore, it is essential that you attend class regularly.  Before you return to class, you must get an excusal slip from your academy secretary.  Do not enter the classroom without an excusal slip. 

 

If you do miss a class, then it is YOUR responsibility to get the notes and make up any work that you missed.  If possible, have someone pick up assignments for you when you are out a day.  Please contact me in the case of an extended absence so your work can be sent home to you.  When absent, you will need to go to your period’s make-up work folder, where you will find all work that you missed for that day.    

 

If you are absent the day an assignment is due, that assignment is due the day you return.  If you are absent on the day of a quiz or a test, be prepared to take that quiz or test on the day of your return.  All make-up work must be completed within 3 days of your return to school, or you will receive a zero.   An unexcused absence will result in a zero for any assignments, quizzes, tests, or activities performed that day. 

 

• Behavior

Class will begin promptly every day.  I expect you to come to class prepared and to have all materials (pencils, binder, folder, homework assignments).  Pencils should be sharp, homework out, and calculators ready to go before the bell rings.    Responsible and respectful behavior is expected at all times.  The following rules are to be followed at all times:  Be Respectful, Be Honorable, Be There, and Be Prepared.  A more detailed explanation of classroom rules and expectations follows in the Code of Conduct Contract.

 

• Tardies

You MUST arrive to class on time!  Class will begin promptly each day.  Coming to class late is a disruption in the educational process of others; therefore, it will be handled in a very strict, consistent fashion.  I expect you to be in your seat when the bell rings and working on your PSSA Math Starter for the day; otherwise, that, too, will be considered a late.  Accurate records will be kept.  If you are late to class 2 times, a phone call home will be made.  If you are late an additional 2 times (total of 4 lates), another phone call home will be made and a log will be written.  Bottom line, BE ON TIME!!!!!!!

 

Course Materials:

1.)  two pocket folder 

2.)  Loose leaf notebook paper (provided)

3.)  Pencils

4.)  Calculator

Course Text & Readings:

                College Algebra – Seventh Edition – Larson & Hostetler

Assessments:

                There will be a variety of formative and summative assessments used throughout the year.

Grading Policy & Procedures:

• Grading Scale

Assignments will be categorized and weighted to determine your grade for each nine weeks period.

 

Homework                               25%

Quizzes                                  25%

Tests                                     50%

 

Grades can be determined at any time throughout the term using the following grading scale:

 

                                                                100 – 93 %                A

                                                                92 – 82 %                  B

                                                                81 – 70 %                  C

                                                                69 – 60 %                  D

                                                                59 – 0 %                     F

 

Your final grade will be determined by four 9 week grades and the final exam.  Each 9 week grade is worth 20%, and the final exam is 20%.  Even if you pass all 9 week marking periods, but fail the final exam, you may still fail the course.  Thus, it is an absolute necessity to take final exams seriously!! 

 

 

• Academic Dishonesty

Any act of academic dishonesty (cheating on exams, plagiarism of homework, etc.) WILL 

NOT BE TOLERATED and will result in the following:

1.)   a zero on the work involved,

2.)    a phone call home to parent/guardian

3.)    a discipline log being sent to the office.

 

• Quizzes / Tests

Quizzes will be given throughout the chapters and may be announced or unannounced.  We quiz frequently throughout each unit of study.  The purpose of quizzes is to help me see what areas of difficulty you may be experiencing with the material prior to taking a large chapter test.  Therefore, we can correct any mistakes you are making and remediation can take place before you take the chapter test. 

 

Tests will occur at the end of each unit of study.  They will always be announced at least two days in advance.  Please try to be in attendance on test days!  In some cases, we will review the day before a test.  If you are absent on a review day, you are still responsible for taking the test the day you return!  No exceptions! 

 

Please keep in mind that quizzes and tests together are 75% of your overall grade.  Ultimately, you must be able to show me how well you can perform on your own.

• Homework

Doing homework is essential if you are to succeed in this (or any) math course.  It is an

integral part of the lessons and must be completed on a regular basis.  It is my responsibility to be prepared each day with an organized instructional plan.  It is your responsibility to meet me half way in preparing for each class.  Your preparation should include the completion of ALL homework assignments.  You will have homework assignments nearly every day.

 

Homework is the learning experience which allows you to practice the concepts you are learning in class.  The 3 P’s to being successful in math are Practice, Patience, and Perseverance.  You learn math by doing math; therefore, doing each and every homework assignment is so very important.  You are expected to have your homework completed by the due date.  No late homework will be accepted.  No exceptions, no excuses.

 

Class time will be limited mostly to instruction.  Therefore, mastery of the concepts presented in class will only be obtained by the completion of homework assignments.

 

 

Course Outline:

Prerequisites Review

• Review of Real Numbers and Properties
• Exponents and Radicals
• Polynomials and Special Products
• Factoring
• Rational Expressions

 

Equations and Inequalities

• Graphs of Equations
• Linear Equations in One Variable
• Modeling with Linear Equations
• Quadratic Equations
• Complex Numbers
• Other Types of Equations
• Linear Inequalities

 

Systems of Equations and Inequalities

• Solving Systems of Equations
• Two-Variable Linear Systems
• Multivariable Linear Systems
• Systems of Inequalities
• Linear Programming

 

Functions and their Graphs

• Linear Equations in Two Variables
• Functions
• Analyzing Graphs of Functions
• Shifting, Reflecting, and Stretching Graphs
• Combinations of Functions
• Inverse Functions

 

Polynomial Functions

• Quadratic Functions
• Polynomial Functions of Higher Degree
• Polynomial and Synthetic Division
• Zeros of Polynomial Functions
• Mathematical Modeling

 

Matrices and Determinants

• Matrices and Systems of Equations
• Operations with Matrices
• The Inverse of a Square Matrix
• The Determinant of a Square Matrix
• Applications of Matrices and Determinants

 

Rational Functions and Conics

• Rational Functions and Asymptotes
• Graphs of Rational Functions
• Partial Fractions
• Conics
• Translations of Conics

 

Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

• Exponential Functions and Their Graphs
• Logarithmic Functions and Their Graphs
• Properties of Logarithms
• Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
• Exponential and Logarithmic Models

 

Sequence, Series, and Probability

• Sequences and Series
• Arithmetic Sequences and Partial Sums
• Geometric Sequences and Series
• Mathematical Induction
• The Binomial Theorem
• Counting Principals
• Probability

 

 

 

Code of Conduct Contract

v  All Greater Johnstown regulations, responsibilities, and disciplinary options stated in the Code of Student Discipline book will be expected and followed for every student in this classroom.

 

v  Point values will be assigned to each infraction.

1.)       Respect yourself, classmates, administration, faculty, staff, and

property of JHS.  Treat others as you wish to be treated.   

2.)       Students will be ON TIME FOR CLASS!  Sleeping or inactivity will

not be tolerated.

3.)       Students will remain seated at all times.

 

4.)       Students will raise their hands to talk.

 

5.)       Students need to be prepared for EVERY class.  No one will be

permitted to leave the classroom after the bell rings for the start of class.

6.)       Students are expected to do their own work.  Plagiarism and  

cheating will result in disciplinary actions as stated in the Greater Johnstown School Handbook and could result in a failing grade for the year.

7.)       Students are expected in class EVERY DAY!  When absent, YOU are responsible for any make-up work.

 

8.)       Please leave food, candy, and drinks at home.

 

9.)       All electronic devices are prohibited in the classroom.  Specifically, cell phone possession is severely restricted.  Students caught with cell phones in their possession will have them confiscated and they must be picked up by a parent/guardian in the main office.