College Algebra

Prerequisite: Math 3 or two years of high school algebra with a grade of C or better, or
eligibility as determined by the VVC assessment test.

Textbook: College Algebra 4th, Dugopolski

Course Description:  Covers factoring, equations and inequalities, radicals and fractional
exponents, solution of linear , quadratic , and polynomial equations, graphing of relations
and functions, absolute value, absolute value inequalities , systems of equations ,
exp onential and logarithmic functions, complex numbers , binomial theorem, partial
fractions , determinants and matrices of any order, progressions, and rational expressions .

Course Objectives:
Upon completion of the course the student can:
1. Recognize, graph and compute zeros for polynomial, rational, radical, logarithmic and
exponential equations.
2. Apply matrix algebra to determine the solution of a system of equations and inequalities
3. Apply concepts of analytic geometry to the conic sections.
4. Manipulate geometric and arithmetic sequences.

Attendance Policy:

Class attendance is not a measure of performance or proficiency. Whether a student is just physically
present in the class is not a valid basis for grading. Reference Title 5 Section 55002 of the California Code
of Regulations: (A) Grading Policy. The course provides for measurement of student performance in terms
of stated course objectives and culminates in a formal, permanently recorded grade based upon uniform
standards in accordance with section 55758 of this Division. The grade is based on demonstrated
proficiency in the subject matter and the ability to demonstrate that proficiency, at least in part, by means
of written expression that may include essays, or, in courses where the curriculum committee deems them
to be appropriate, by problem solving exercises or skills demonstrations by students.)

Students who accumulate more than four missed hours may be dropped. Class time will not be used to
cover material missed by students who were absent.
A study group or tutoring session is NOT a substitute for class attendance.

It is your responsibility to keep your enrollment status current. You risk receiving an “F” if you stop
attending without officially with drawing . . Do NOT expect me to drop you if you stop coming. Drop
yourself if you stop coming

Grading Policy:

It is your responsibility to be aware of your grade. All exams require algebraic solutions. Keep the
returned exam sheets for your records. The grade is based on the average of the exams and the Final.

Except in documented medical emergencies, an “I” (incomplete) will not be given. Any incomplete forms
submitted to admissions and records require a student signature .

It is recommended a TI-85 or TI-86 or TI-83 or equivalent graphing calculator be used for this course.

Two sheets of 8.5 by 11 inch paper may be used for notes on each regular exam and six 8.5 by 11 inch
paper can be used for notes for the final.

Use all the scratch paper you need during an exam. Turn it in with your exam. Turn in your notes with your exam.

It is recommended that the student read the appropriate text sections before class, take notes during class,
recopy the notes soon after class, read the appropriate text sections again, work some of the items at the end
of each section.

Use all the scratch paper you need during an exam. Turn it in with your exam. Also turn in your notes
with your exam. You will be taking multiple -choice exams on Scantron sheets. These will be returned to
you. You will be working from printed exams. Mark your answers on the Scantron sheet AND on the
printed exam. The printed exam will NOT be returned to you. It is the final authority on your
“intended” answers should there be a need to verify any of them.

Put your name on the Scantron sheet and the Form of the exam (A or B, etc.). Put your name on the
printed exam.

I do NOT post grades nor send grade cards/letters.
Do NOT call me about your course grade.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

The College Community

The purpose of the College Community is the ex change of knowledge and the pursuit of wisdom and truth,
conducted in an environment which encourages reasoned discourse, intellectual honesty, constructive
change and respect for the rights of all persons. By accepting membership in this community, a person
neither surrenders his/her rights nor escapes his/her responsibilities as a citizen, but rather acquires
additional responsibilities as well as rights in the College Community.

Attendance at a public college is not compulsory. A person enters this community voluntarily, thereby
assuming obligations of performance and behavior reasonably expected by the College.
As a college is a special-purpose institution, these obligations are higher than those imposed on citizens by
civil and criminal laws.

Rights and Responsibilities

Students have the right of freedom of speech and the right to assemble and to petition for redress of
grievances in a peaceful and orderly fashion. They have the right to assume that they will not be deprived
of liberty or property without due process.

Freedoms cannot be protected or exercised in a community which lacks order and stability. The college
administrative student conduct processes are intended to provide an orderly and stable community.
Interference with members of the college faculty and staff in the performance of their duties and activities
is an unacceptable obstruction of the essential function of the college.

It is the responsibility of all members of the College Community to maintain an atmosphere in which the
violation of rights is not likely to occur and in which the exercise and enjoyment of such rights are assured.
A person enrolled at Victor Valley College has the right to pursue a college education without interference
or obstruction from others.

Proscribed Conduct

A. Jurisdiction of Victor Valley College
Generally, Victor Valley College jurisdiction and discipline shall be limited to conduct which occurs on
Victor Valley College premises or which adversely affects the Victor Valley College Community and/or
the pursuit of its objectives

B. Conduct - Rules and Regulations
Any student found to have committed the following misconduct (abridged for the purpose of this
syllabus - consult the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook for more details) is subject to
disciplinary sanctions outlined in Article IV (of the Handbook):

1. Acts of dishonesty such as cheating.
2. Disruption or obstruction of teaching…
3. Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion and/or other conduct which
threatens or endangers the health and safety of any person.
4. Hazing, defined as an act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student,…
5. Failure to comply with directions of Victor Valley College officials (including faculty)…

C. Campus Regulations
1. Only officially registered students are allowed to attend class. Minors or other students who are
not registered or do not have permission to be in class may not remain in the classroom.
2. Students are not permitted to eat or drink in the classrooms.
3. Smoking is prohibited in all college buildings.

From the California Education Code:

Section 76030 Suspension or Expulsion for Good Cause
Consistent with requirements of due process of law, with the provisions of this article, and with the rules
of conduct adopted by the governing board under Section 66300, the governing board, the president of a
community college or the president’s designee, or an instructor shall suspend a student for good cause….
Section 76033 “Good Cause” defined:
As used in this article. “Good Cause” includes, but is not limited to, the following offenses:
(a) Continued disruptive behavior, continued disobedience, habitual profanity or vulgarity, or the open
and persistent defiance of the authority of, or persistent abuse of, college personnel.
(b) Assault, battery, or any threat of force or violence upon a student or college personnel.
(c) Persistent, serious misconduct where other means of correction have failed to bring about proper
conduct.

Math 105 Fall 2008 Section 21072 Professor Longshore