SYLLABUS FOR INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA

Prerequisites. Effective Spring 2008, students who do not complete a prerequisite math course with a
C or better will not be allowed to advance to the next level math course en route to completion of QA and
QB requirements. Students who register prior to receiving a grade will be dropped from math courses after
grades are posted in cases where prerequisite grades are not met. For Math 1010 the prerequisites are: an
ACT score of 18-22, an SAT score of 430-530, or a passing grade in Math 950.

Course Outline. In this course we will review elementary algebra: linear equations , inequalities and
systems of equations. We will study polynomials, rational expressions and equations, and radicals includ -
ing complex numbers (the so-called “imaginary numbers”). We will also see exp onential functions and
logarithms.

Course Objectives. Our objectives for this course include:

• become comfortable with the notion of using a symbol, such as x, y, △, , to represent a number whose
value we do not know;

• gain proficiency at algebraic manipulations;

• use these algebraic manipulations to solve linear and quadratic equations ;

• get used to using mathematics to solve “word” problems (FYI, in the “real world,” there are only word
problems, nothing else).

Homework (30%). Homework will be as signed weekly , and will be done by way of the WeBWorK
system in the math department. WeBWorK is a www based computer system developed at Rochester
University that enables students to answer questions online via a web browser. The system tells you whether
or not your answer is correct, and lets you try again if your answer is wrong. The purpose of WeBWorK is
to help you learn by doing. You do need to have access to a web browser such as firefox or internet explorer.
There are many places on campus that provide such access. You may also have access from your home.
There will be a link to the WeBWorK homepage at my course website:

We will have an in-class demonstration on the WeBWorK homework system within the first two weeks of
the semester. There are only 4 course meetings you must attend, and this is one of them (the others being
the two midterms and the final exam).

Calculators. Calculators will not be allowed on any of the exams, and are therefore not required for this
course.

Exams (20% each). There will be two midterm exams in the class. Exam 1 is on Thursday, October 9;
Exam 2 is on Tuesday, November 25. Please plan your vacation schedules around these dates. I will not give
make-up exams in this class. If you have a valid reason for missing an exam (illness, accident, etc., including
a doctor’s note, police report, etc.) then I will compute your grade based on all other work. Otherwise, you
will score a zero on a missed exam.

Final Exam (30%). The Final Exam will be held on December 17, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The exam
will be comprehensive. You must take this exam to pass the class. This is a departmental final exam. This
means that ALL students enrolled in all sections of Math 1010 take the final exam at this time. Do not ask
to take the final exam at another time.

Grading.

Grade	Minimum Score

Deadlines. You can drop the class by phone or web through Wednesday, September 3, and the class
will not appear on your transcript. You can withdraw from the class by phone or web, but will be charged
tuition, through Friday, October 24; and a W will appear on your transcript for this course.

Free Tutoring. Tutoring is offered by the Mathematics Department free of charge on a drop-in basis.
The Math Center is located in the basement between buildings JWB and LCB. It is open 8:00 a.m. to 8:00
p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday. It is closed on weekends and University
holidays.

ADA. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires reasonable accommodations be provided for students
with physical, cognitive, systemic, learning and psychiatric disabilities. Please contact me at the beginning
of the semester to discuss any such accommodations for this course.