INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA

I. CATALOG DESCRIPTION

Prerequisite: COMPASS Algebra score of at least 42, or ASSET Elementary Algebra score of at least 40, or ACT Math score of 18 or higher, or MTH002 with a grade of “C” or better.
Intermediate Algebra continues the development of the algebraic skills introduced in Basic Algebra through in-depth exploration of those topics covered in Basic Algebra, along with additional topics in algebra. Intermediate Algebra counts as an elective towards an Associate of Arts degree (F, S, Su)

II. GENERAL COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

A. Demonstrate proficiency in all objectives covered under Basic Algebra.
B. Solve equations and inequalities involving absolute value.
C. Find the equation of a line given certain information about the line.
D. Solve a linear inequality in two variables.
E. Understand and apply the concept of “function”.

F. Evaluate a function given a value for its input.
G. Use appropriate methods to solve a system of two equations in two variables.
H. Use synthetic division to find the quotient and remainder in polynomial division.
I. Simplify complex rational expressions.
J. Work with algebraic expressions involving rational exponents.

K. Understand and use the relationship between rational exponents and radicals.
L. Simplify, add, subtract, multiply and divide radical expressions .
M. Solve radical equations.
N. Perform arithmetic operations with complex numbers .
O. Demonstrate proficiency in solving quadratic equations using four different methods.
P. Understand and use the properties of a quadratic function .

III COURSE OUTLINE

A. Linear Equations and Inequalities
B. Equations and Inequalities and Functions
C. Systems of Linear Equations
D. Polynomials
E. Rational Expressions and Equations
F. Rational Exponents and Radicals
G. Quadratic Equations
H. Additional Properties of Functions

IV UNIT OBJECTIVES

A. Linear Equations and Inequalities
1. Solve first-degree equations with one unknown
2. Solve literal equations and formulas
3. Solve absolute value equations
4. Use equations to solve word problems
5. Solve linear inequalities
6. Solve compound inequalities
7. Solve absolute value inequalities

B. Equations and Inequalities and Functions
1. Graph a linear equation
2. Find the slope of a line
3. Determine if two lines are parallel or perpendicular
4. Use the slope-intercept form for the equation of a line
5. Use the point-slope form for the equation of a line

6. Determine the equation of a line given two points on the line
7. Determine the equation of a line given the slope and y-intercept
8. Determine the equation of a line given the slope and a point on the line
9. Graph a linear inequality
10. Determine the domain and range of a relation

11. Determine if a relation is a function
12. Evaluate a function using function notation
13. Graph a function given an equation
14. Graph a function given a table of values

C. Systems of Linear Equations
1. Determine whether an ordered pair is a solution to a system of two
equation in two unknowns.
2. Solve a system of two equations in two variables by the graphing
method.
3. Solve a system of two equations in two variables by the substitution method.
4. Solve a system of two equations in two variables by the elimination method .
5. Identify systems of equations that have zero, one, or an infinite number of solutions
6. Solve an applied problem requiring the use of a system of two linear equations in two variables.

D. Polynomials
1. Add, subtract, and multiply two or more polynomials
2. Divide a polynomial by a monomial
3. Use polynomial long division to divide a polynomial by a polynomial
4. Use synthetic division to divide a polynomial by a binomial
5. Factor out the greatest common factor from a polynomial
6. Factor a polynomial by the grouping method
7. Factor a trinomial
8. Factor a binomial that is the difference of two perfect squares
9. Factor a binomial that is the sum or difference of two perfect cubes
10. Combine the factoring techniques to completely factor any polynomial
11. Recognize polynomials that are prime
12. Solve a quadratic equation by factoring
13. Solve applied problems that involve a factorable quadratic equation

E. Rational Expressions and Equations
1. Simplify, multiply or divide two rational expressions
2. Find the LCD of two or more rational expressions
3. Add or subtract two or more rational expressions
4. Simplify complex rational expressions
5. Solve rational equations
6. Solve a rational formula for a specific variable
7. Solve ratio problems

F. Rational Exponents and Radicals
1. Simplify expressions with rational exponents
2. Evaluate nth root radical expressions
3. Convert between rational exponent and radical notation
4. Simplify radical expressions
5. Add or subtract radical expressions
6. Multiply radical expressions
7. Divide radical expressions
8. Rationalize the numerator or denominator of a radical expression
9. Solve radical equations
10. Simplify complex number expressions
11. Add or subtract complex numbers
12. Multiply or divide complex numbers
13. Evaluate complex numbers of the form in

G. Quadratic Equations
1. Solve quadratic equations by the square root property
2. Solve quadratic equations by completing the square
3. Solve quadratic equations using the Quadratic Formula
4. Determine the nature of the roots of a quadratic equation by using the discriminant
5. Write a quadratic equation given the solutions of the equation
6. Solve an equation that is quadratic in form
7. Solve a quadratic equation containing several variables
8. Solve problems requiring use of the Pythagorean Theorem
9. Solve applied problems requiring the use of a quadratic equation
10. Find the vertex of a quadratic function
11. Graph a quadratic function
12. Use the distance formula (optional)
13. Use the midpoint formula (optional)
14. Use the standard form for the equation of a circle (optional)

H. Additional Properties of Functions
1. Evaluate a function using function notation
2. Use function notation to solve applied problems

V. METHOD OF INSTRUCTION

A. Lecture
B. Discussion

VI. REQUIRED TEXTBOOK(S) WITH PUBLICATION INFORMATION

Tobey/Slater, (2006) Intermediate Algebra, 5th Edition, Prentice-Hall.
My Math Lab, required for selected sections (See course schedule)

VII. REQUIRED MATERIALS (STUDENT)

Notebook paper and pencils.
Calculator at instructor ’s discretion.
Laboratory Manual required for selected sections (See course schedule)

VIII. SUPPLEMENTAL REFERENCES

Supplemental internet program, My Math Lab, optional for selected sections
Videotapes, CDs available on Reserve in Mathematics Laboratory, Hillsboro Library, JCNW and JCA Learning Centers

IX. METHOD OF EVALUATION

A. Homework
B. Quizzes
C. Tests
D. Comprehensive final examination

Math 99N Intermediate Algebra

Objective:
Math 99N is a first course in Intermediate Algebra. The purpose of this course is to prepare you for college level mathematics. A grade of “C” or better fulfills the prerequisites for the following WSU Math courses : 105, 107, 201, 205, 212, and 251.

This course will cover the following topics: Linear Equations with application, Formulas, Liner Inequalities, Graphing, Systems of Linear Equations, Functions, Exponents, Radicals, Factoring, Polynomials, and Quadratic Equations .

Book: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra plus MyMathLab Student Access Kit, 4/E; Lial, Hornsby, McGinnis; Addison-Wesley; ISBN-10: 0321507223 ISBN-13: 9780321507228

Or

This will give you access to the entire book online . The access code only runs about $55. If you choose this route you will not have a hard copy of the book.

Procedures for taking the class:
1. Log onto your course
2. Read the announcements.
3. Run through the Installation Wizard
4. Click on Do Homework and follow the directions. You will do all of your homework online. You will also take quizzes online.
5. Your exams will be taken with pencil and paper in person with a proctor.

Other Materials:
You will need a scientific calculator. If you are planning on taking more math classes I would recommend the TI 83, TI-83+ or the TI 84+. These are expensive calculators, but well worth it if you are planning to take Pre-Calculus, Statistics, or any higher-level math class. Otherwise your basic $15 - $20 scientific calculator will do . Just make sure it has a “log” button. If it has that button it will have everything else you need.

Virtual Classroom: The Virtual Classroom is a place we can meet to answer questions , review, or get extra help. There is a white board in which we can both write and a chat area below the white board. Here's how to get there.

A window should popup that contains the Virtual Classroom. To write on the board click on the picture of the pen under tools, click once on the board and your cursor will turn to a plus sign. Hold down your left mouse button and move the mouse to write your name. Don't worry about how it looks...it takes practice.

If you are having trouble getting to the Virtual Classroom, make sure your popup blocker is disabled. Also you may need to download the Java Plug-in . There will be a link to this download on the page you will see after you click on Join.

Assignments: Homework will be posted online and needs to be completed by the due date. Each day the assignments are late will result in a 10% penalty for that assignment. Even if the homework is late, make sure you get it all done. It is very important that you take your time and do a good job on the assignments and that you are spending time on them just about everyday. Each chapter’s homework is worth 15 points. There will also be a warm-up assignment worth 10 pts.

The computer will grade your answers as wrong or right and it can be very particular. For example if the correct answer is (1, 2) and you type 1, 2. It will mark your answer wrong . That is why I double check all the answers especially on quizzes .

Here are the steps for doing homework. Understanding the homework is an important key to success in any math class.
1. Log onto your course
2. Read the announcements.
3. Click on Do Homework and follow the directions.

Quizzes: You will take your quizzes online and can use your book to help you out. Your quizzes will give you an idea of what kinds of questions you will see on your tests. The quizzes must be completed before the due date. If the quiz is completed late, 5% will be deducted for each day late. Each quiz is worth 25 points. There will be four quizzes.

Exams: You will be given four chapter exams and one final exam. Exam #1 will cover Chapters 6 and 7, Exam #2 will cover Chapters 8 and 9, Exam #3 will cover Chapters 10 and 11, Exam #4 will cover Chapters 12 and 13. The Final Exam will cover Chapters 6 – 13. Exams 1, 2, 3, and 4 are worth 100 points. The Final Exam is worth 200 points.

If you are on off-campus/DDP Student you will need to take your tests under the supervision of an approved proctor.

If you are near the WSU campus you can take your tests in the testing room in the MLA, but you will still need to go through the DDP office to order your test .

Grading: Your grade will be based on the following areas in the following percentages.
Homework = 115 pts
Quizzes = 100 pts
Tests = 400 pts
Final Exam = 200 pts
Total Possible = 815 pts

The course is graded on the standard grading scale. The break down is as follows:
A 93%-100%
A- 0%-92%
B+ 88%-89%
B 83%-87%
B- 80%-82%
C+ 78%-79%
C 73%-77%
C- 70%-72%
D+ 68%-69%
D 60%-67%
F <59%

Having Success:
• Do math at least 5 days a week for at least an hour and half each session.
• Read the section and go through the practice problems before you start the homework.
• Have someone you can contact when you get stuck, a classmate, friend, or tutor.
• Ask questions and get answers within 24 hours of getting stuck.
• Stay positive! You will get stuck, so expect it, be ready for it, and work through it!
• In addition to understanding how a problem is solved , work to understand why a problem is solving a certain way.
• Math is like learning a sport. You have to do it to learn in. Watching someone do math helps , but ultimately you will learn the most through practice, practice, practice.

BASIC COURSE INFORMATION FOR INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA

Number of Credits : 3

I. Course Objectives

This course provides a preparation for more advanced study in mathematics . Topics
include simplifying and factoring polynomial , fractional, and radical expressions ; solving linear
and quadratic functions; introduction to logarithms.

Prerequisite: MATH095 Basic Algebra (C or better) or Math ATP of 5.

II. Course Content and Direction

A. Textbook to be used
Intermediate Algebra for College Students 6^th Edition, by Allen R. Angel
published by Pearson Education, a division of Prentice Hall .

B. Learning Goals
1. To develop an understanding of the concepts and procedures for solving equations
and inequalities and sampling expressions.
2. To provide a variety of applications of equation solving .
3. To develop the understanding of function and relation.
4. To utilize a scientific calculator for exponential and logarithmic computations .
5. To develop the habit of completing assignments on time.
6. To develop the skill of graphing a variety of linear and non-linear functions and
relations.
7. To understand the concept of slope in working with linear relationships.

C. Course Topics

1. Solving linear equations and inequalities to include fractional, absolute value, and
literal equations.

2. Simplifying and factoring algebraic expressions:
a) addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of polynomials
b) factoring by common factor, grouping, difference of squares, sum &
difference of cubes, quadratic and quadratic form

3. Operating with rational expressions:
a) properties with integer exponents and scientific notation
b) addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of rational expressions
c) long and synthetic division

4. Operating with radical expressions :
a) properties with fractional exponents
b) addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with radical terms,
including rationalizing of monomial and binomial denominator
c) solving radical equations

5. Solving quadratic equations by methods of factoring , extraction of roots,
completing the square, and the quadratic formula.

6. Graphing linear equations :
a) meaning of slope of a line and formula for finding it
b) forms of linear equations (standard, slope-intercept, and point-slope)
c) parallel and perpendicular lines
d) solving simultaneous equations by substitution and addition methods

7. Defining function, domain and range , and functional notation.

8. Graphing parabolas:
a) vertex by formula and completing the square
b) domain, range and functional notation

9. Using exponential and logarithmic functions:
a) graphing of these functions
b) properties of logarithms, common and natural logarithms

10. Solving application problems which are integrated throughout the course.

III. Teaching Methods to be used

A. I will use lecture, recitation, problem solving, and class discussion as appropriate.

B. It’s very important that you give me an accurate email address and keep me informed
if it changes. I frequently send important information regarding homework, tests, and
grades, so you should check your email regularly. I also add important information to
the class web site and will notify you of updates to it by email and in class.

C. Assignments will be given from the text. Please attempt all assigned problems and
bring your questions to class . Homework will be collected with each test and selected
problems will be graded and used as a portion of that test grade.

D. Calculators or graphing calculators may be used during class and during any test and
the final exam. You are not required to have one, but you may find it useful here and
in other classes. Many types are available but examples in the book and by me are
geared towards Texas Instruments (TI) models 83, 83+, 84, 84+, etc. that are readily
available at retail stores and online.

E. Study Requirements: It is important to study two hours for each class hour. In
Algebra you learn by doing :

1. Read the assigned section of the textbook and go over all class problems.

2. Do assigned homework problems. Check your answers in the back of the book,
online, or in the next class.

3. Do not hesitate to get extra help from me, a friend, or the Tutoring Center.

IV. Withdrawal

A. Withdrawal is allowed up to Tuesday, April 3, 2007, and can be accomplished by
filling out the appropriate form which you may obtain at the reception desk, from the
UCC administrative suite, or in the Admissions Office.

B. After Tuesday, April 3, 2007, you may not withdraw from the course.

V. Extra Help

A. My office hours are listed at the top of this sheet. If you cannot be available during
scheduled hours, we can select a time which is mutually convenient.

B. Tutoring help is available, free of charge, in the Tutoring Center. (Upper County room
126, across from the Library)

C. Online help is available at the publisher’s web site including complete solutions for all
odd-numbered problems in the book. See my web site or the textbook for the link.

D. I have CD-ROMs with video lectures and problem solutions from each section of the
book. You may borrow them to play on your computer at home.

E. If you have a disability and wish to discuss academic accommodations, please see me
as soon as possible. Bring your documentation from Disability Services with you.

F. Student Services has counseling available if you have a personal, family, work or
similar problem that you would like to discuss.

VI. Please read the statement on cheating and plagiarism on page 159 of the current
college catalog (2006-2008). College policies will be strongly enforced! Penalties
for cheating are severe and range from a requirement to redo the work, an automatic
failing grade for the work, automatic withdrawal or failure of the course, up to a three
year suspension from the college.