Intermediate Algebra

PREREQUISITES:
A grade of “C” or higher in Math 0123 or a score between 44 and 74 on the CPT placement
test.

CATALOG DESCRIPTION OF COURSE:
A course for students that need to review their algebra or need to satisfy a high school
deficiency. Included in the course is a brief review of topics from Elementary Algebra, radicals,
rational exponents , factoring, rational expressions, Linear Equations , and inequalities, absolute value,
complex numbers, and quadratic equations. High school deficiency in mathematics may be satisfied
by the successful completion of this course. No college credit.

COURSE PURPOSE:
This course has been designated as a course for students needing to review basic algebra
concepts. It is an overview of radicals, rational exponents, factoring, rational expressions, linear
equations and inequalities, absolute value, complex numbers, quadratic equations, and applications.

EXPECTED COURSE OUTCOMES:
The student will be expected to achieve the following objectives:
1. Recognize and generate equivalent forms for simple algebraic expressions and solve linear
equations
2. Examine mathematical relationships using inequalities
3. Use tables and graphs as tools to interpret expressions and inequalities
4. Compare and contrast the properties of numbers and number systems
5. Understand the meaning and effects of operations on rational and real numbers
6. Use factors, multiples, prime factorization, and relatively prime numbers to solve problems
7. Understand complex numbers as solutions to quadratic equations
8. Employ squaring and finding square roots to simplify computations and solve problems
9. Understand and use ratios and proportions to represent quantitative relationships
10. Recognize and create shapes that are congruent and similar

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: (Required Textbook)
Gustafson, David R. and Peter D. Frisk. Beginning and In termediate Algebra , An Integrated
Approach (5^th edition). Pacific Grove, California: Brooks and Cole Publishing Company, 1999.

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:
The expected course outcomes will be realized through a variety of instructional strategies. Those
strategies include, but are not limited to, the following: lecture, expository-discussion,
demonstration, inquiry, and group activities. The instructor also will integrate appropriate multimedia
technology.

Intermediate Algebra

I. Equations and Inequalities
1. Simplifying Expressions to Solve Equations
2. Solving Inequalities

II. Graphing and Solving Systems of Equations and Inequalities
1. The Rectangular Coordinate System
2. Graphing Linear Equations
3. Solving Systems of Equations by Graphing

III. Polynomials
1. Multiplying Polynomials
2. Dividing Polynomials by Monomials
3. Dividing Polynomials by Polynomials
Major Examination #1

IV. Factoring Polynomials
1. Factoring Out the Greatest Common Factor
2. Factoring by Grouping
3. Factoring the Difference of Two Squares
4. Factoring Trinomials with Lead Coefficients of 1
5. Factoring General Trinomials
6. Summary of Factoring Techniques
7. Problem Solving
Major Examination #2

V. Proportion and Rational Expressions
1. Ratios
2. Proportions and Similar Triangles
3. Simplifying Fractions
4. Multiplying and Dividing Fractions
5. Adding and Subtraction Fractions
6. Complex Fractions
7. Solving Equations That Contain Fractions
8. Applications of Equations That Contain Fractions
Major Examination #3

VI. Rational Exponents and Radicals
1. Radical Expressions
2. Applications of Radical
3. Radical Equations
4. Rational Exponents
5. Simplifying and Combining Radical Expressions
6. Multiplying and Dividing Radical Expressions
Major Examination #4
Final Examination (CPT)

STUDENT PERFORMANCE ACTIVITIES: (Attendance/Punctuality)
Regular class attendance is required. . Failure to regularly attend any zero level course may
result in an Administrative Withdrawal (AW) from the course. This AW may affect your eligibility
for financial aid, athletics and veterans benefits. Consult your instructor or the NSU catalog for the
complete AW Policy. Any student with perfect attendance for any testing period will receive five
points on their exam. Any student going to the tutor during a testing period will receive 1 point per
hour spent there, up to 5 points maximum on their exam. Plan to get notes and handouts from other
students if you are unable to attend a class. Students are not permitted to leave and return to class
during a class period. Students who leave or arrive after roll has been taken must notify the
instructor. Students are not permitted to bring food to class. No visitors without instructor’s prior
consent. The student may seek assistance from the Mathematics Department tutor, SC264, and in
Haskell Annex.

EVALUATION OF STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT:
Four 100 point exams, plus a comprehensive final, will be administered. No make up exams
will be administered. Students who miss an exam or exams may count their score on the
comprehensive final for one missed exam. Students who arranged their other activities around test
schedules and complete each exam when administered will be allowed to replace their lowest exam
score with the score on their comprehensive final. Grades will be computed on the following scale:

A: 90% - 100%
B: 80% - 89%
C: 70% - 79%
F: 0% - 69%

of the “HIGH” total. The “HIGH” total is found by adding the highest score made on each exam.
Students are advised that the last date to drop a course with an automatic “W” is November 12^th . The
last day to drop a single class or completely with draw from NSU is December 12^th . A “W” or “F”
will be assigned depending if the student was passing or failing at the time of withdrawal.

ADA COMPLIANCE:
If any member of the class feels that he/she has a disability and needs special
accommodations of any nature whatsoever, the instructor will work with you and the University's
Office of Student Affairs to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure that you have a fair
opportunity to perform in this class. Please advise the instructor of such disability and the desired
accommodations at the first class attended.

INCLEMENT WEATHER / DISASTER POLICY:
The following are basic premises for the inclement weather policy at Northeastern State
University:
1. Classes are expected to be held if at all possible.
2. It is the student's responsibility to receive the information when weather is
questionable.
3. Neither students nor faculty are expected to risk life or limb.
4. Faculty members are obligated to hold classes if the University is not closed, unless
the faculty member is unable to get to campus.

Policy: During times of inclement weather, decisions concerning day classes will be made
by 6:00 a.m. in order for the media to be notified and for students to receive the
announcement before they leave home. Decisions concerning night classes will be
made by 3:00 p.m.

The following media will be notified regarding closing of the campus:

The automated attendant message on 918-456-5511 will be modified to include
information concerning campus operations during inclement weather.