Math 116: College Algebra
A dual credit course offered by Western Kentucky University and BGHS
Course: College Algebra – 3 Credit Hours
This course provides students with the ability to understand and apply mathematical skills and concepts. Math 116 students will be able to: use fundamental mathematical reasoning principles; interpret information presented in tables or graphical displays; use graphical, symbolic, and numeric methods to solve practical problems; and apply an appropriate mathematical model to the problem to be solved. The content of the course will include:
· Introduction to Functions
· Linear and Quadratic Functions
· Polynomial and Rational Functions
· Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
· Systems of Equations
Learning
Objectives: This course fulfills the Quantitative Reasoning requirement in the Foundations category of WKU’s Colonnade program. As part of that program, Math 116 has the following learning objectives:
Students will demonstrate the ability to:
1. Interpret information presented in mathematical and/or statistical forms.
2. Illustrate and communicate mathematical and/or statistical information symbolically, visually and/or numerically.
3. Determine when computations are needed and execute the appropriate computations.
4. Apply an appropriate model to the problem to be solved.
5. Make inferences, evaluate assumptions, and assess limitations in estimation modeling and/or statistical analysis.
Prerequisite: The following must be met in order to be admitted into Math 116 at WKU:
· Officially admitted to WKU
· A math ACT score of 22
· A score of 14 or higher on the WKU Math Placement Exam
Instructor: Suzanne Harwood
Office Hours: 8:30 – 9:25 and 2:10 – 3:05
Email:
Phone: BGHS – (270)746-2300 Personal Cellphone – (270)793-3427
Textbook: Essentials of College Algebra with Modeling and Visualization, 4th Edition, 2012, Rockswold. The Textbook is optional: the entire content of the textbook can be accessed online within MyMathLab.
MyMathLab: A subscription to MyMathLab is required. Directions for setting up your account are attached.
Calculator: Students are expected to have a graphing calculator (TI 84) for homework, quizzes, and exams.
Homework: Homework will be assigned using MyMathLab. A homework assignment will be given for each section covered and will be due at 11:59 pm (Central Time) on the dates listed in MyMathLab. Students will have unlimited attempts to correctly complete each problem within the time constraints of the due dates. While homework will remain open after the deadline, questions completed late will be assessed a penalty of 5% per day.
Quizzes: Quizzes will be assigned using MyMathLab and must be completed during class time at BGHS. Students will have a maximum of two attempts to take each quiz. The higher of the two scores will be counted toward the grade in the class.
Exams: All exams will be administered using MyMathLab, which algorithmically generates different versions of each test.
Students will work their exam/quiz questions on paper and enter the answers into the computer. For all testing the instructor will review the written work, awarding partial credit when deemed appropriate and making any necessary grade adjustments.
Each student will be allowed two attempts for each exam/quiz. The second attempt must be completed during class time and within one week of the original exam/quiz. The score for the exam/quiz will be the higher of the two attempts.
Course Grade: A weighted average for this course will be calculated using the following scale:
Homework 10%
Quizzes 10%
Exams 60%
Final Exam 20% (comprehensive and only one attempt is allowed)