Syllabus for College Algebra

CATA LOG DESCRIPTION : Begins with a quick review of in termediate algebra , including rational exp onents and
radicals , complex numbers , linear and quadratic equations, and inequalities. Also includes polynomial and
rational functions, binomial theorem, composition and inverse of functions, exponentials and logarithms, systems
of equations, arithmetic and geometric progressions. Other topics may include further study of polynomials and/
or linear programming.

(Prerequisite: Algebra II in high school or MATH 096, Intermediate Algebra.)

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: By the end of this course, the successful student will be able to do the following:
• Manipulate algebraic expressions and solve equations (single and systems). This includes expressions and equations
involving quadratics, fractions , rational exponents, exponentials, and logarithms.
• Recognize functions in various forms (tabular, graphical, formula) and be able to use function notation. This includes the
fol lowing classes of functions: linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic.
• Model basic applications using equations.
• Be proficient in the algebraic tools needed in courses which require College Algebra.

TEXTBOOK: The textbook for this class is College Algebra, 5th edition, by Robert Blitzer, published by Prentice Hall (2010).
Please bring your textbook and calculator to each class meeting.

GENERAL COURSE POLICIES: I expect you regularly to attend all class meetings. If you must be gone from class for some
reason, you are still responsible for all that is done in that meeting.

There will be a homework assignment due at nearly every class meeting. I strongly encourage you to work with one or more
of your classmates on these assignments, but be sure that the paper you turn in is your own composition and reflects your own
understanding. To encourage you to stay caught up and to avoid inequities and inefficiencies, assignments will not be accepted
late for any reason. If you must be absent from class, it is your responsibility either to hand in your assignment early or to have
someone bring it to class for you. Your lowest four homework scores will automatically be deleted. To receive full credit on your
assignments, you must neatly show all your work — this means writing full explanations that you will be able to understand
without help two or three months in the future.

There will be a quiz given nearly every week. If you have to be absent on the day of a quiz, you should take that quiz early. If
this is impossible, special arrangements may be made to make it up as soon as possible afterwards. Note however that these
arrangements will be made only if you have notified me of your circumstances before the quiz is actually given. (You may leave
voice mail at 6594 if you wish, but email is typically a more reliable option.) Your lowest quiz score will automatically be deleted.

The midterm and final tests for this class must be taken at the scheduled times.

If you have a learning difference, you will need to get the documentation to me as soon as possible so that appropriate
accommodations can be made. You should check with the Teaching and Learning Center if you have any questions.

Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. If you are involved in cheating (or assisting other students in cheating), you should
expect severe penalties including possible dismissal from the class with a failing grade. (For more information, refer to the school-wide
policy in the catalog.)

EVALUATION PROCEDURE: Your overall percentage will be calculated using the following weights:
Homework (20%), Quizzes (30%), Midterm (20%), and Final (30%). Your grade will then be determined using the following table.

Grades will be updated weekly at the d2l.puc.edu web site. It is your responsibility to check there regularly and report any errors.

AVAILABLE HELP: There are many sources for help in this class in addition to your textbook . My office is in Chan Shun Hall,
room 238E. Feel free to drop by during any of the office hours that are posted by the door, or make an appointment for a more
convenient time. In addition, you may get help from the reader for the class, from the group study sessions provided by the
Teaching and Learning Center (TLC), or from any of your classmates. You also may be amazed at how much understanding you
gain for yourself when you work at helping a classmate. Try it!

Keys to quizzes and tests will be posted at the d2l.puc.edu web site.