Elementary and Intermediate Algebra (5 Credits)

SYLLABUS

MATH 097 1001

Elementary and Intermediate Algebra (5 Credits)

GREAT BASIN COLLEGE - PAHRUMP VALLEY CENTER

FALL SEMESTER 2013

Class Session: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, 2:30 – 4:00 PM, Room 121,

Section 1001 Class Number 94693

Instructor: Tazo Schafer
Phone: 775-285-6644 (Please leave a message if no answer)
Office Hours: 30 min prior to or after class

E-mail: Email: or

Requirements:

a. Textbook: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, Fifth Edition, Lial, Hornsby, and McGinnis (ISBN 978-0321715425)

b. Calculator: A scientific calculator

Course Description: This course is designed as the final course in the developmental mathematics sequence. Completion of this course provides participants the option of completing precollege math requirements in an expedient fashion (This is a one semester course equivalent to the combination of MATH095 and MATH096).

Course Objective: The objective of this course is to build confidence in the participants for understanding and using a range of basic and intermediate mathematical tools and models that will enhance problem-solving abilities and serve as a prerequisite to Math 120 and other college-level math courses.

Learning Outcomes: In general, the successful participant will be able to:

·  Understand the basic models and applications of algebra.

·  Apply relevant mathematical tools to real life problems.

·  Communicate relevant mathematical concepts.

In particular, the successful participant will be able to:

1.  Identify algebraic terms and simplify expressions

2.  Solve and graph linear equations and inequalities

3.  Solve systems of linear equations and systems of linear inequalities.

4.  Identify the different number sets: natural numbers, integers, rational numbers, irrational numbers, real numbers, and complex numbers.

5.  Perform operations with polynomials

6.  Simplify expressions with radicals and rational exponents.

7.  Solve equations with radical expressions.

8.  Perform operations with complex numbers

9.  Factoring of special polynomial equations

10.  Factoring quadratic equations and inequalities including the use of the quadratic formula.

11.  Calculate determinants.

12.  Determine when a relation is a function.

Instructional Approach:

·  This is a participatory course based on collaborative learning. All students shall be considered full participants and the instructor shall be a facilitator of learning.

·  Content and subject matter will be conveyed by a combination of mini-lectures, the text, outside sources including various forms of media, as well, as from discussions and brainstorming by participants.

·  Details of the course schedule, assignments, and deliverables will be decided during the course's first week. This will include participants and the course facilitator discussing and analyzing the text book, along with the needs of the particular course participants, and specific individual success criteria to determine how to achieve the best possible outcomes. The result of these decisions shall be incorporated into this syllabus at the first class session of the second week.

·  Meeting sessions will be structured to include a contextual timeline of the course; the focus of the particular session; a participatory review of prior sessions especially the preceding one; along with the closing of each session with a participant brainstorm of what was experienced and learned and how it relates to this course and real life.

·  These details will be reviewed periodically to serve as a compass to assure that participants are heading in a direction to achieve their individual success criteria and the above course outcomes.

Evaluation of Participants:

·  Assessment: Throughout the semester there will be a series of tests and deliverables to the facilitator. The schedule of tests are scheduled below. These will predominately cover new non-tested material, but will often include material from previous chapters to reinforce the learning of prior material.

·  Collaborative teams, as often found in the workplace, will be an ongoing part of the class learning process. Team membership shall be decided by the facilitator and shall be reconfigured for different tasks and projects.

·  Self-evaluation by each participant (based on their individual success criteria and the demonstrating of how their individual efforts contributed to both their individual and their team learning, as well, as to the success of the class as a whole) will be part of the ongoing assessment process and a key part of each participant's final grade.

·  Peer-evaluation by each participant of their cohorts based on their view of the evidenced contribution of other participants will also be a key part of the final grade.

·  The instructor-facilitator shall also provide ongoing assessments of each participant based on effort, learning enhancement, achieving of course outcomes and contribution to the course as a whole. It is recognized that participants in this course do not start from the same place and that people have unique learning styles. Therefore, peer evaluation and self-evaluation will be reflected indirectly through the instructor's grade.

Final Grades will be a combination of tests and instructor evaluation. Instructor evaluation will be based upon: deliverables (reports, etc); self-evaluation; peer evaluation; and instructor-facilitator evaluation of participation and overall effort and contribution to the class learning.

The relative percentage of weight of these evaluations is as follows:

Tests and Other Deliverable Assignments: 70%

Instructor/facilitator Evaluation: 30%

Final grades will be as follows:

90 –100 = A

80 – 89 = B

70 – 79 = C

60 – 69 = D

< 60 = F

At the instructor’s discretion, letter grades may be appended with a plus (+) or a minus (–) to indicate whether a grade just below the next highest grade has been advanced (–) or not advanced (+).

Tests: There shall be a minimum of Four Tests and a Final Examination constituting the major portion of the grade. Tests will be scheduled as shown on the Assignment Schedule presented to class participants on Monday, September 2, 2013. Make-up tests will be allowed only under extenuating circumstances, and must be coordinated with the instructor as soon as possible.

When completing tests, problem set-up and solution steps must be shown where applicable in order to receive full credit. Clear communication is an important part of our learning objectives. At the instructor's discretion participants may be allowed to re-take tests if the instructor believes that this will enhance the learning experience.

Attendance Policy:

This is a highly participative course. Attendance will be important to the final grade. Participants will be treated as fully responsible. Accountability for not participating is an inherent part of the approach to the course. Such attendance will be judged similarly as if one were employed in a typical work environment and didn't show up to do their job. Therefore, participants are expected to attend class regularly and to be punctual. If classes are missed, participants are responsible for knowledge of material covered and homework missed, although their contribution to the class will be adversely affected relative to the number of sessions missed.

Class Interruptions:

Cell phones should be turned off and texting should be postponed until class is over. Prior approval by the facilitator in the case of a special circumstance will be considered. However, any interruptions that negatively impact the learning and interactive process will affect the final evaluation of the participant's performance. Courtesy and politeness towards other participants and between the instructor and students is a course requirement.

Homework:

Assigned homework will be discussed the day that such assignments are due. All homework will be discussed in class. Most homework will not be a deliverable to the instructor-facilitator unless specifically indicated (therefore not graded as such). Verbal discussion of all homework assignments including the preparedness of students will be part of the grading. Other outside tasks or group projects may be decided by the class as a whole during the semester.

Unannounced Quizzes:

Unannounced quizzes will not be a part of the course, however, during each session there will be round-robin questions and discussion of course content and assignments including participant brain-storming and input that will make-up a significant part of the peer and instructor-facilitator final evaluation. These discussions shall require the involvement of all participants. Participants will be assessed by the instructor at the end of each session.

Course Calendar and Holidays: Participants should refer to the college website for a detailed calendar of events. Instruction begins August 26th; September 3rd, Labor Day (no class on this day); October 28th, Official Course Drop Deadline (Withdrawal must be stated in writing to the instructor, otherwise, student will receive an "F" rather than a "W" grade); October 25th, Nevada Day; November 11th, Veterans Day (no class on this day); November 28-29th, Thanksgiving; December 6th, Instructions Ends; December 9-13th Final Exam Week.

Honesty and Integrity:

Honesty and integrity will be assumed. Tests and deliverables will be unique to each participant. In the event of dishonesty or the lack of integrity in a workplace the result is often severance. In the case of this course such an event will be dealt with in accordance with the relevant college policies. Forms of such dishonesty and lack of integrity include cheating, plagiarizing, using other people's words, ideas,, or data without attribution as if they are one's own, etc. Some other examples of cheating are:

•  recycling (using material generated for one class in another class).

•  Using electronic devices inappropriately.

•  Using unapproved notes.

•  Unapproved discussion between classmates.

•  Having others represent you in class—attend class for you, do work in your place, take exams.

•  Having others do your work.

Participants with Disabilities:

The instructor shall treat all participants equally without regard to individual or presumed special needs unless reasonable accommodation is requested. Great Basin College is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to qualified students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. A qualified student must furnish current verification of disability. If you have a disability that may require special assistance, you should contact the campus office. Requests should be made at your earliest convenience to assure timely accommodation. Great Basin College is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to qualified students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. A qualified student must furnish current verification of disability. The Students with Disabilities

Office, located in Berg Hall, will assist qualified students with disabilities in securing the appropriate and reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids, and services. For more information or further assistance, please call 775.753.2271

Math 97 – Elementary and Intermediate Algebra

Outline/Schedule – Fall 2013

Part I: Number Theory: Role of Mathematics, Number Types, Patterns, Combinatorics

Chapters: 1, 2, 14, 10 ( Assignment Sheets will be handed out on Tues, Sep 03 for Part I)

Aug 26 M Introductions, Names, Math as Patterns, Fractal Triangles to Pascal Triangle

Aug 27 T Descriptive and Interpretive Analysis (DRID); "Mapping" Text, Complex Numbers

Aug 28 W Interpreting Text, Place Systems, Base 10, Scientific Notation, Open Discussion

Sep 02 M LABOR DAY HOLIDAY - NO CLASS

Sep 03 T Syllabus, Math to Algebra to Probability to Combinatorics to Binomial Expansions

Sep 04 W Review of Binomial Theory, Probability, Statistics, Fibonacci's Golden Ratio: φ

Sep 09 M Decision Trees(Event Counting), Permutations and Combinations, Scheduling

Sep 10 T Simplifying Expressions, Combining Like Terms, Solving Equations/Inequalities

Sep 11 W Dealing with Fractions, Exponents, Radicals, Rationalizing Denominators

Sep 16 M Problem Solving: Interest, Future Value, Ratios, Percentages, Rates, Dosages

Sep 17 T Cases: waste disposal, solar energy, engines, space launches, storm data, etc.,

Sep 18 W 1st Exam: Numbers, Combinatorics, Simplifying Exps, Solving Equations

Part II: Polynomials, Functions, The Quadratic Formula, Factoring, Graphing

Chapters: 4, 5, 6, 12 (Assignments Handed out on September 18th for Part 11))

Sep 23 M Polynomials, Adding and Subtracting, Multiplying and Dividing Polynomials

Sep 24 T History of Quadratic Equations, Perfect Squares, Einstein's E=MC square

Sep 25 W Completing The Square, The Quadratic Equation, Solving Quadratics

Sep 30 M Why Factoring? Factoring, UnFOILing and Unbundling, Binomials and Trinomials

Oct 01 T Number Line, Rectangular Coordinate System, Slopes, x-y Axis, Linear Graphs

Oct 02 W Graphing Linear Equations in Two Variables, Relations and Functions

Oct 07 M Graphing Multi-polynomials with Inequality Constraints

Oct 08 T Cases: sailing, center of gravity, specific heat, gear teeth ratios, compounding

Oct 09 W 2nd Exam: Polynomials, Functions, Quadratics, Factoring, Basic Graphing

Part III: Graphing: Equations, Inequalities, Conic Sections (Quads), Pre-Calculus

Chapters: 3, 7, 13 (Assignments will be handed out on Wed, Oct 9th for Part III)

Oct 14 M Graphing Inequalities and Absolute Values

Oct 15 T Graphing Quadratic functions, Graphing Common and Natural Logarithms

Oct 16 W Graphing: Circles, Ellipses, and Hyperbolas

Oct 21 M Graphing Parabolas and analyzing how changes in variables shift graphs

Oct 22 T Examples of Ellipses, Hyperbolas, and Parabolic Applications

Oct 23 W Graphing fourth degree Polynomials (extended polynomials)

Oct 28 M DEADLINE TO DROP CLASS (MUST BE TO INSTRUCTOR IN WRITING)

Relative Maximums/Minimums, Local Extrema, Inflection Points, Tangent Lines

Oct 29 T Multiplying and Graphing Imaginary Numbers, Complex Numbers and Radicals

Oct 30 W 3rd Exam: Basic Graphing to Quadratic Graphing to Pre-Calculus Graphing

Part IV: Systems and Solving Systems of Equations, Intro to Analytical Geometry

Chapters: 8, 9, 11 (Assignments shall be handed out on Wed, Oct. 30th for Part IV)

Nov 04 M Systems of Linear Equations (2X2), Four Methods of Solving Systems 2X2s

Nov 05 T Systems of Linear Equations (3X3), Solving by Graphing, Substituting, Elimination

Nov 06 W Matrices Methods, Introduction to Markov Chains, Large Systems of Equations

Nov 11 M VETERAN'S DAY HOLIDAY - NO CLASS

Nov 12 T Geometry of Fractals: Sierpinski's Gasket, Menger's Sponge, Koch's Snowflake

Nov 13 W Computer Art and Graphing Fractal Formulas

Nov 18 M Central Concept of Logarithms and Applications of Natural and Common Logs

Nov 19 T Long-range Predictions Using Markov Chains

Nov 20 W Graphing Systems of Linear Inequalities