Algebra II Syllabus

Prerequisite
Grade of “C” or better in MAT-014A, or permission of Mathematics Department Chair.

Textbook of Course

Supplies
TI-83/84 Graphing Calculator Required

Catalog Course Description
This the second part of a two semester course in Algebra II is designed to polish skills
developed in Algebra I and elevate them to a higher level of mathematical sophistication
through the use of lecture, group work , and the calculator. Topics include: rational exponents,
radical expressions , radical equations, quadratic equations, rational expressions, rational
equations and complex fractions . The use of a graphing calculator is essential.

Grade Requirement
A “C” is the minimum acceptable grade for completion of the remedial/development level or
movement to a credit course.

Behavioral Objectives
The student will be able to:
1. Simplify expressions containing rational expressions.
2. Convert rational exponents to radical expressions.
3. Add, subtract, multiply and divide radical expressions.
4. Solve radical equations graphically and algebraically.
5. Solve quadratic equations by various algebraic methods and graphically.
6. Add, subtract, multiply and divide rational expressions.
7. Solve rational equations algebraically and graphically.
8. Solve verbal problems dealing with radical, rational, and quadratic equations.

Grading Criteria
Tests- 50%
*Quizzes, Homework, Class Participation, etc. - 25%
Final Exam – 25%
Grades should be assigned as follows:

 Tests
There are three tests. Each instructor is responsible to produce his or her own tests.

Quizzes
It is suggested that quizzes be given throughout the course for early assessment.

Homework
Suggested homework assignments are included with the syllabus as review problems.
Homework should be assigned each class meeting, from each section and periodically checked.
Whether textbook assignments are graded or not, students should be made aware that doing
homework is of the utmost importance in order to solidify learned skills and to provide a strong
foundation upon which they can learn new material.

Attendance
There is no official attendance policy. However, students should be made aware of how
important attendance is for their success. Some instructors build in extra quizzes to encourage
good attendance. Whatever you choose, some students will have attendance problems and the
issue needs to be addressed.

Final Exam
The Final Exam is a departmental final. The two-hour final exam will be administered during the
exam period for all day session classes and during the last class session for all other sessions.

Additional Materials
1. Videotapes corresponding to each chapter in the book are available for students in the
Johnson Learning Center.
2. A student solutions manual is available for students. It is packaged free with the text.
3. HM3 CD-ROM is an interactive software tutorial program and it is packaged free with the
text.
4. Free on line tutoring is available at:
HTTP//WWW.SMARTHINKING.COM/HOUGHTON.HTML. The Passkey is included with
the text.

Extra Help
Students should be informed where they can get help if they have difficulty with the subject
matter. Some suggestions are:
1. If you are a full-time instructor, students should be encouraged to come for help during
your office hours.
2. Faculty volunteer and peer tutoring is available in the Johnson Learning Center.
3. Professional tutors are available in the Developmental Mathematics Lab/Tutoring Center
in MH 142. In addition to tutoring, students have access to computers on which they will
be able to review and practice the skills they have learned in class. They will be able to
work on software programs that are aligned with their textbooks. If you would like your
class to meet in the lab for an orientation session, contact a lab staff member at x3807.
4. Students should be encouraged to use the software, which comes with the textbook to
reinforce their skills at home.
5. Students should be encouraged to work in study groups. This will be fostered if you
al low students to work in groups, at times, during your class sessions especially on
review days before a test.

End of Semester Procedure
Review packets for the final exam are available in Center II. You will be asked to submit an end
of year summary .