Syllabus

NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Course Title: Intermediate Algebra

Course Prefix & Number: MATH 0310

Section Number:  110

Semester: Fall 2017

Semester Credit Hours: 3

Lecture Hours: 3

Lab Hours: 0

Course Description (NCTC Catalog):

Concepts instructed in this course are algebraic including polynomials and rational expressions, linear expressions and inequalities, exponents and radicals, absolute value equations and inequalities, factoring, and quadratic equations and graphs.

This course does not count toward graduation at NCTC.

Course Prerequisite(s): Pass Math 0305 with a “C” or better, or earn satisfactory TSI Assessment placement score, or earn satisfactory placement score on another approved assessment.

Required or Recommended Course Materials:

MyLabsPlus  Access code – required 

Elayn Martin-Gay: Beginning & Intermediate Algebra, Pearson, 2017, 6th ed. - Optional

Calculators are permitted.  *** NO GRAPHING CALCULATORS NOR CELL PHONE CALCULATORS ALLOWED – ONLY SCIENTIFIC CALCULATORS ALLOWED. *** TI-30X IIS is highly recommended.

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:

Clara Ward

Campus/Office Location:

Gainesville/809

Office Hours:

8:30-9:30 AM Tues. and Thurs.

Telephone Number:

e-mail only

E-mail Address:

cward@nctc.edu

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements

Graded Course Elements

Percentage or Point Values

About 32

Homework

10%

8

Quizzes

10%

4

Chapter Tests

60%

1

Final Exam

20%

Grade Scale:   90 – 100% = A;   80 – 89% = B; 70 – 79% = C;     Below 70% = F

Turn in all work on time.  Check the dates on MyLabsPlus and check your Weekly Schedule and be sure all assignments are finished on time.  This will require that you spend time on the computer doing homework outside of class.  You will probably need to spend several hours a week outside class working on your math.  Do not get behind on your assignments.  If you need help contact me so we can see what we need to do.  Plan on attending class at scheduled test times.  If you must miss a test let me know ahead of time and it must be made up within a week.  All test must be taken in the classroom.  You may use a scientific calculator no graphing calculators and no cell phones for calculators.

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

 

At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.

Define, represent, and perform operations on real and complex numbers.

2.

Recognize, understand, and analyze features of a function.

3.

Recognize and use algebraic (field) properties, concepts, procedures (including factoring), and algorithms to combine, transform, and evaluate absolute value, polynomial, radical, and rational expressions.

4.

Identify and solve absolute value, polynomial, radical, and rational equations.

5.

Identify and solve absolute value and linear inequalities.

6.

Model, interpret and justify mathematical ideas and concepts using multiple representations.

7.

Connect and use multiple strands of mathematics in situations and problems, as well as in the study of other disciplines.

 

STUDENT EMAIL

All students at NCTC are assigned a student email address, also known as Lion Pride email. Lion Pride email can be accessed on the NCTC home page by clicking on MyNCTC, then the link “Lion Pride Email” to the left. After clicking the Lion Pride Email link, the Microsoft Office 365 window will open.
1. Enter your NCTC student e-mail address. (for example, Smithj123456@student.nctc.edu)

  1. Enter your password (your NCTC Student ID Number, either 7 or 9 numbers).
  2. From the list of Microsoft icons, choose MAIL.
  3. You will be asked to set your language and local time zone (Central Time). Your account is now activated.

 

**It is the student’s responsibility to activate and regularly monitor the assigned NCTC (Lion Pride) e-mail account. Important announcements and notifications from the Admissions office, Financial Aid, or other college staff will be sent via the Lion Pride student email system.

 

For communicating with classmates and instructors, students also have an option to communicate through Canvas. Canvas messaging is NOT the same as Lion Pride e-mail. Failure to read and/or receive NCTC e-mails (either in Lion Pride or in Canvas) is no excuse for not complying with the College Prep Attendance Policy or any other school policies. Be sure to regularly check BOTH the Lion Pride email as well as the Canvas inbox for important messages and information.

 

TSI COMPLIANCE

At North Central Texas College, students who test but do not meet the passing scores in ALL sections of the TSI Assessment or any other THECB approved testing measurements are required by state law to obtain TSI advising and continuously enroll in a formal college preparatory studies (developmental) program every semester until all TSI requirements are satisfied. TSI program attendance is MANDATORY. Non-compliance with the rules of attendance will result in a student being WITHDRAWN from the college preparatory course and possibly being placed on academic hold at North Central Texas College. Withdrawals are subject to college policies as set forth in the college catalog.

 

 

 

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all College Prep classes for which they have registered. There are NO excused absences.  Faculty teaching College Preparatory courses will notify students of absences on a regular basis and one courtesy warning e-mail notification will be sent to the students’ current NCTC student e-mail address (Lion Pride email and/or Canvas email) when the student accrues 1 week absence (not necessarily consecutive days) in a course. Please check your NCTC student email (Lion Pride) frequently to ensure that you are receiving notifications from the college and from your instructors. Some faculty may send notifications in Canvas as well. Failure to read and/or receive NCTC e-mail (Lion Pride) is no excuse for not complying with the Attendance Policy. It is the student's responsibility to maintain correct and current e-mail and local and permanent addresses with the college.

 

After a student has been absent from class 2 weeks (not necessarily consecutive days), the student may be dropped. After a student receives an F/W in the same College Prep course twice, the student will receive an academic hold so that the student is blocked from enrolling in any other course except the required College Prep courses in the subsequent semester. This hold will be enforced even in summer.

Inform the instructor in writing during the first week of class of any religious holidays observed this semester. Documentation must be given to the instructor at the class following the holiday.

Also, since punctuality has become a problem in recent semesters, three tardies may be considered one absence. Coming in late disrupts the class. Occasions do occur that you will need to be tardy, but not on a consistent basis.

 

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Fall 2017 ~ NCTC

MATH 0310

Tentative Weekly Schedule

 

Date

Starting

Topic

Assignment

Week 1

Aug. 28-Sept. 1

Introduction, Syllabus, Calendar, & TSI forms

6.1 Greatest Common Factor and Factoring by Grouping

6.2 Factoring Trinomials

Sign TSI forms

Read and understand syllabus and course expectations

Week 2

Sept. 4-Sept. 8

Quiz 6.1- 6.2

6.3 Factoring Trinomials and Perfect Square Trinomials

6.4 Factoring Trinomials by Grouping

6.5 Factoring Binomials

No Class Mon 9/4 – Labor Day

Week 3

Sept.11-Sept. 15

Quiz 6.3 – 6.5

6.6 Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring

Pg. 414 Integrated Review: Choosing a Factoring Strategy

6.7 Quadratic Equations and Problem Solving

 

Week 4

Sep.18-Sept. 22

Review Chapter 6

TEST #1: Chapter 6

7.1 Rational Functions and Simplifying Rational Expressions

 

Test #1 in Class

Week 5

Sept. 25-Sept. 29

Quiz 7.1

7.2 Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions

7.3 Add/Subtract Rational Expressions with Common Denominators and LCD

 7.4 Add/Subtract Rational Expressions with Unlike Denominators

 

Week 6

Oct 2- Oct. 6

Quiz 7.2- 7.4

7.5 Solving Equations Containing Rational Equations

Pg. 485 Integrated Review: Summary on Rational Expressions

7.6 Proportions and Problem Solving with Rational Expressions

 

Week 7

Oct. 9-Oct. 13

*7.7 Simplifying Complex Fractions – OPTIONAL

Review Chapter 7

TEST #2: Chapter 7

 

 

Test #2 in Class

Week 8

Oct. 16- Oct. 20

10.1 Radicals and Rational Functions

10.2 Rational Exponents

10.3 Simplifying Radical Expressions – Objectives 1, 2, & 3 ONLY (Examples 1 – 5)

 

Week 9

Oct. 23- 27 Oct.

Quiz 10.1- 10.3

10.4 Add/Subtract/Multiply Radical Expressions

10.5 Rationalizing Denominators and Numerators of Radical Expressions

Pg. 632 Integrated Review – Radicals and Rational Exponents

 

Week 10

Oct. 30- Nov. 3

Quiz 10.4- 10.5

10.6 Radical Equations and Problem Solving

10.7 Complex Numbers

 

Week 11

Nov. 6- Nov. 10

Review Chapter 10

TEST #3: Chapter 10

11.1 Solving Quadratic Equation by Completing the Square (and the Square Root Property)

Quiz 11.1

**Last Day to Drop with a W  is Thurs 11/9**

Test #3 in Class

Week 12

Nov. 13- Nov. 17

11.2 Solving Quadratic Equations by the Quadratic Formula

11.3 Solving Equations by Using Quadratic Methods: Examples 1, 2, 3, 6, & 7

Quiz 11.2-11.3

11.6 Further Graphing of Quadratic Functions

Quiz Review Chapter 11

 

Week 13

Nov. 20 -Nov. 24

TEST #4: Chapter 11

2.8 Linear Inequalities (REVIEW ONLY)

9.1 Compound Inequalities

Test #4 in Class

Thanksgiving Holiday College Closed November 22nd and reopens November 27th

Week 14

Nov. 27- Dec. 1

9.2 Absolute Value Equations

9.3 Absolute Value Inequalities

 

 

Week 15

 

Dec. 4-Dec. 8

 

Review for Final Exam

 

 

Week 16

Dec. 11-14

 

FINAL EXAM WEEK

CHECK FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE

 

**Final exam is scheduled for ___Thurs. , _Dec. 14 ,  9:30-11:20 AM_______________________________

** To pass this class you must work on your assignments outside of class time.  You will not complete the course if you only work during scheduled class hours.

** Please plan to work several hours outside class each week on homework and quizzes.

** It is to your benefit to read the ebook sections before each lecture. It is to your advantage to complete the homework and quizzes for the material covered before the next class.

** Be sure to take the quiz reviews several times before test day.  You may print the quiz reviews as a means of studying when you are away from computers.

** It is to your advantage to ask questions.  Feel free to question or tell me if you do not understand.

 

 

 

 

LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is Thursday, November 9, 2017.

 

MATH LAB

Students who need help with any math class can visit the NCTC Mathematics Lab to receive assistance. No appointments are necessary. See the most current tutoring hours for all five campuses at http://www.nctc.edu/student-services/student-success/tutoring/mathematics-lab.html.   

 

TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON TUTOR AVAILABILITY:

GAINESVILLE – 1403 (Library)

CORINTH – 186

FLOWER MOUND - 111

Mon

10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Mon through Thurs

9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Mon & Wed

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Tues, Wed, Thurs

9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Fri 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Tues & Thurs

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Fri 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Sat 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Fri 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Sunday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

 

 

 

DISABILITY SERVICES (OSD)

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability. On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the Gainesville Campus, go to room 110 or call 940-668-4209.  Students on the Bowie, Graham, Flower Mound, and online campuses should call 940-498-6207.

North Central Texas College is committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112).   http://www.nctc.edu/student-services/disability-services.html.

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook. http://www.nctc.edu/catalog/North-Central-Texas-College-Student-Handbook/nctc-student-handbook.html.  

 

Name of Chair/Coordinator:

Elizabeth Howell

Office Location:

Corinth 236

Telephone Number:

940.498.6209

E-mail Address:

ehowell@nctc.edu

Name of Instructional Dean:

Sara Flusche

Office Location:

Gainesville 1306

Telephone Number:

940.668.3351

E-mail Address:

sflusche@nctc.edu

 

CAMPUS RESTRICTIONS

Tobacco-Free Campus:  NCTC restricts the use of all tobacco products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco, on campus property.

 

Campus Carry: Effective August 1, 2017, a license holder may carry a concealed handgun on or about the license holder's person while the license holder is on the campus of an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education in this state. For more information, see the website at http://www.nctc.edu/police/campus-carry.html.

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