Course Syllabus for College Algebra

Course Description

This course covers variables and symbols; scientific notation; logarithms and applications ;
roots, rational exponents and complex numbers ; formulas and literal equations; polynomials,
products and factors ; solving linear, quadratic, and higher order equations ; rational
expressions; solving inequalities; graphs of linear functions and inequalities; graphs of
quadratic functions ; slope, intercepts, and equations of lines; solving systems of linear
equations; and applied problem solving. Prerequisite: MAT 050 or its equivalent or
Placement test

Course Objectives

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

1. Use the properties of real numbers to simplify and evaluate expressions.
2. Solve linear equations and inequalities.
3. Use and transform formulas and functions.
4. Graph linear equations and inequalities in one and two variables .
5. Write the three forms of the equation of a line.
6. Solve systems of linear equations by graphing, substitution, and addition.
7. Apply the laws of exponents and use scientific notation.
8. Factor and perform operations with polynomials.
9. Solve quadratic equations by three methods: factoring, completing the square ,
and using the Quadratic Formula.
10. Graph quadratic equations.
11. Perform operations with rational algebraic expressions , and solve rational equations.
12. Simplify and perform operations with radical expressions and rational exponents.
13. Use exponential and logarithmic functions and the properties of logarithms.
14. Solve word problems using one or more of the above skills.

Course Requirements

Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes, do the homework assigned each day for
the next class, take tests, and be active participants in the class.

Student Evaluation and Testing

Student evaluation may include in-class testing, class attendance, participation in classwork,
and homework assignments. Your instructor will make clear his/her grading policy.

Required Text, Tools, and/or Supplies:

Algebra for College Students, Mark Dugopolski, 5^th edition, McGraw Hill, 2009
If purchased in the SMCC bookstore, the text will be packaged with the Student Solutions
Manual and a MathZone Access card.
Scientific calculator (required)

Non-discrimination and Disability Statements:
Southern Maine Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and
employer. For more information, please call 207-741-5798.

If you have a disabling condition and wish to request accommodations in order to have reasonable
access to the programs and services offered by SMCC, you must register with the disability services
coordinator, Mark Krogman, who can be reached at 741-5629.
(TTD 207-741-5667) Further information about services for students with disabilities and the
accommodation process is available upon request at this number.

Course Evaluation: Students may evaluate the course online and anonymously by going to
“Resources for Current Students” at the SMCC homepage and selecting “Evaluate Your Courses.”
The online course evaluation is available to students two weeks prior to the end date of the course.
Students cannot see a course grade online until the online course evaluation is completed.

Grading Policy: Test will count 50% towards your final grade. Homework and quizzes will count as
the remaining 50% of the final grade.

Homework Policy: Homework will be assigned each class and will be due on the date specified on
the assignment calendar. Do not list answers only, but show work that is required for the solution.
Use the student solution manual as a guide on how I would like you to show your work. Homework
will be graded as a 10-point quiz grade. The grade will be based on your performance and
completeness of the assignment. Homework submitted late will be assessed a deduction of 2 points
for each calendar day late.

Quiz/Test Makeup Policy: Quizzes may not be made up. You must be in class the day of a quiz to
take the quiz and get credit for it. If you are absent the day of a test, you have 1 calendar week to
make up the test. After the week has elapsed, a grade of zero (0) will be assigned for the test.

Attendance Policy: Attendance in class is critical to your success in this course and is mandatory.
Three consecutive absences will result in an automatic failure (AF), and 5 cumulative absences will
result in an automatic failure (AF). Attendance is defined as being in class for the whole class. If you
are more than 10 minutes late or need to leave early for any reason, you will be counted as absent for
the class. There is no such thing as an excused absence. Make your doctor appointments and
schedule your other commitments when you are not scheduled for class.

Tutoring Service and Extra Help: This is not an easy course and we will move very rapidly. You
must keep up to be successful. I will be available to help you by appointment. There are also math
tutors available free of charge and at your convenience in the Academic Achievement Center located
on the second floor of the Campus Center. I strongly suggest visiting them early and often to keep up
and make sure you comprehend the skills and concepts we will be studying.

Required Course Topics, MAT 108:
 

Sets and The Real Numbers
Operations on the Set of Real Numbers
Evaluating Expressions
Properties of the Real Numbers and Using the Properties

Linear Equations in one variable
Formulas & Applications
Inequalities
Compound Inequalities
Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities
 

Graphing Lines in the Coordinate Plane
The Slope of a Line
Three Forms for the Equation of a Line
Linear Inequalities and Their Graphs
Functions and Relations

Integral Exponents and Scientific Notation
The Power Rules
Polynomials and Polynomial Functions
Multiplying Binomials
Factoring Polynomials
Factoring
Solving Equations by Factoring
 

Properties Rational Expressions
Multiplication and Division
Addition and Subtraction
Complex Fractions
Division of Polynomials
Solving Equations Involving Rational Expressions
Applications

Radical
Rational Exponents
Operations with Radicals
Quotients, Powers, and Rationalizing Denominators
Solving Equations with Radicals and Exponents
Complex Numbers