COLLEGE ALGEBRA-Hybrid

Course Schedule: Saturday 1/17/2009 and 5/9/2009, 9-10:45 am, Room F-216

Course Description: Topics include absolute value equations and inequalities , graphing skills, inverse
functions, logarithmic and exponential functions, polynomial and rational functions , piecewise-defined
functions, theory of equations and systems of equations .

Prerequisites: MATH 0310 or placement by testing

Credit Hours: 3 credit hours

Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, making use of small group projects , mathematical
software, written homework and exams, you will:

 • Evaluate a function from its graph, formula or equation,
 • De termine if a relation is a function and state its domain and range given the graph or equation,
 • Perform algebraic operations and compositions with functions,
 • Categorize basic functions given the graphs or equations,
 • Graph the inverse of a function whose graph is given,
 • Solve logarithmic, exponential, absolute value, radical and miscellaneous higher order equations ,
 • Solve polynomial and rational inequalities,
 • Graph rational, polynomial, piecewise, exponential and logarithmic functions and selected inverses,
 • Use symmetry and transformations to sketch graphs,
 • Solve linear and nonlinear systems of equations,
 • Set up and solve applications involving functions and relations.

Topics:

 • Definition of a function of one variable, its graph and its inverse function
 • The general algebra of functions (sums, differences, products, quotients, and compositions)
 • Linear functions: graphs, slope and y - intercept
 • Quadratic functions: graphs, vertex using the quadratic formula
 • Polynomial functions: graphs, zeros and factors using synthetic division, The Fundamental
Theorem of Algebra, Descartes’ rule of signs , and the Rational Root Theorem
 • Rational functions: graphs, zeros, horizontal/vertical/slant asymptotes
 • Exponential and Logarithmic functions: graphs, properties of exponents and logarithms, solution
to exponential and logarithmic equations, applications to compound interest, organic growth rates
 • Theory and solutions to systems of linear equations
 • Introduction to matrices and determinants

Required Materials:

 • J.S. Ratti, Marcus McWaters, College Algebra, Pearson Addison Wesley, 2008.
 • Graphing Calculator
 • My Math Lab access code

Communications: After orientation, all communications should be conducted by phone, email, or in
person. A good line of communication is very important in this course.

Homework: There are 31 homework assignments corresponding to the proposed calendar for the
semester. All homework assignments can be done multiple times, can be corrected immediately, and can
be done partially but the pre-designated deadlines have to be met. That is, you can start an assignment,
finish a few problems, logout, login some later time, and do a few more problems. Computer will give
you an immediate feedback on your answers. You can try a problem multiple times, use guided solution,
or consult your textbook on how to work on that specific problem. As soon as all exercises in a homework
assignment are done correctly, or to your satisfaction, then hand in the assignment. These homework
assignments can be done on campus or at any location of your choosing. As we will see, most exercises in
these homework assignments require a free response, that is, after reading the question, you work the
problem on paper, then enter the answer, using keyboard. You should make sure that you are comfortable
with mathematical writing as are demonstrated in your textbook through examples and exercises.

Testing: In addition to a comprehensive Final Exam, that will take place on 5/9/2009at 9:00 am in
Room F-216, there are four tests in this semester. These four tests are written tests and are done on paper
at a Lone Star College System wide testing center of your choosing. There is a window of one week to
take each test. The grades will be posted on MyMathLab as soon as all collected and graded. Tests and
homework are assigned, in order, and appropriate to the proposed calendar for the semester.
Please contact Lone Star College Testing Centers for their working hours.

Make-up Exams: Since this is a flexible class and you have one week to take any test, then there are
no make-up exams. You will receive a grade of zero if you miss a test or a homework set.

Withdraw Policy
Students often drop a course when help is available. Please discuss your plans with the instructor if you
feel the need to withdraw, and he/she will try to work with you so you can successfully complete the
course.

In order to withdraw from the course and receive a “W” on your transcript, you must withdraw on,
or before: April 6, 2009

Evaluation: Your grade, which is, based on the usual 100 points A, B, C, D, and F scale will be
calculated based on the following.

Syllabus Change: While every attempt has been made to prepare this syllabus and class schedule in final
form, it will be the instructor's prerogative to make any changes as may be deemed necessary in order to
meet the learning outcomes of the course. Students will be notified in writing of any change.

Academic Integrity: The district upholds the core values of learning; honesty, respect, fairness, and
accountability. The district promotes the importance of personal and academic honesty. The district
embraces the belief that the learners, students, faculty, staff and administrators will act with integrity and
honesty and must produce their own work and give appropriate credit to the work of others. Fabrication
of sources, cheating, or unauthorized collaboration is not permitted on any work submitted within the
district.

Consequences for academic dishonesty determined by the professor, or the professor and academic dean,
or the professor and chief student services officer can include but are not limited to:

1. Having additional class requirements imposed;
2. Receiving a grade of zero or “F” for an exam or assignment;
3. Receiving a grade of “F” for the course;
4. Being withdrawn from the course or program;
5. Being expelled from the college district;

Software Piracy: Law strictly prohibits unauthorized copying of software purchased by Lone Star
College – Montgomery for use in laboratories. Lone Star College – Montgomery administration will take
appropriate disciplinary action against anyone violating copyright laws.

Computer Virus Protection: Computer viruses are, unfortunately, a fact of life. Using the diskettes on
more than one computer creates the possibility of infecting computers and diskettes with a computer
virus. This exposes the computers of the campus, your personal computer, and any others you may be
using to potentially damaging viruses. The campus has aggressive anti-virus procedures in place to protect
its computers, but cannot guarantee that a virus might not temporarily infect one of its machines. It is your
responsibility to protect all computers under your control and use and ensure that each diskette you use,
whenever or wherever you use it, has been scanned with anti-virus software. Since new viruses arise
continually, your anti-virus software must be kept current. And, since no anti-virus software will find
every virus, keeping copies of data (backups) is extremely important.

Equal Opportunity Statement: The Lone Star College System is committed to the principle of equal
opportunity in education and employment. The district does not discriminate against individuals on the
basis of race, color, gender, religion, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, sexual orientation, or
ethnicity in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, employment policies,
scholarship and loan programs, and other district or college administered programs and activities.

Inquiries concerning the district's policies, compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations
(such as Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504), and complaints may be directed to the Associate Vice
Chancellor for Human Resources, 832.813.6698. The Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources is
designated as the district's Equal Opportunity Officer and Title IX Coordinator. Inquiries about the laws
and about compliance may also be directed to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of
Education.

ADA Statement: Lone Star College System is dedicated to providing access and services in compliance
with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If you are a
student with a disability, it is your responsibility to apply for services and to provide your college with
appropriate support of a disability claim. Contact the Disability Services Office (Building E, office 103H)
at 936-273-7239 as soon as possible to better ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a
timely fashion.

Tentative schedule for College Algebra-Hybrid, 1314-49001, Spring 2009
Due Dates for Homework and Tests