San Antonio College/MacArthur High School
Standard Course Syllabus 2017-2018
College Algebra
Instructor: Paul Pearcy
Email:
Required Text: College Algebra by John W. Coburn, 2nd Edition, McGraw-Hill,
ISBN 9780077276492
Course Prerequisite: A passing score and a high school credit in Algebra II or Algebra II Pre-AP. Students in Non-Dual Credit will receive high school credit for the course if they make a “C” (70%) or better.
Catalog Description: This course includes the study of quadratic, polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and exponential functions; systems of equations; progressions; sequences and series; and matrices and determinants. It is designed for students in programs which do not require Precalculus or Math for Business & Social Sciences II.
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES:
1. The student will utilize polynomial functions in the analysis of various problems.
2. The student will utilize rational functions in the analysis of various problems.
3. The student will utilize exponential and logarithmic functions in the analysis of various problems.
4. The student will utilize matrix and determinant techniques to solve problems involving systems of linear equations.
5. The student will categorize basic sequences and series and will utilize summation notation to find the sum of a series.
Assessment: Course grade determination will include at least three exams per unit of instruction, periodic quizzes, and two comprehensive semester exams. The instructor will also consider homework, projects and other related work in determining course mastery.
Grading Process:
1. Homework will be assigned at least 3 days per week and students will be responsible for completing and understanding all of the assigned homework problems.
2. Exams: Approximately 3 regular exams per nine weeks will be given. The instructor will provide students with the specific methods of assessment and evaluation.
Make-Up Test Schedule for Missed Classes Only
Make up Tests will happen in A317 before or after school and scheduled in a timely manner. Students may make other arrangements with the instructor.
Grading: The student’s average will be based on the following percentages:
Exams: / 60%Quizzes / 20%
Class work and Homework / 20%
Coursework Average
(80% Semester Average) / 100% x .8 = / 80 possible points
Semester Exam / 100% x .2 = / 20 possible points
At the end of each semester, all students who are passing will be awarded ½ high school math credit.
Tutoring is available in A317 before school all mornings from 8:20-8:50AM (except Wednesday mornings when faculty & department meetings are scheduled) and from 4:20-4:50PM (except for Fridays). Occasionally, tutoring times may vary due to special circumstances.
Cell Phones, Ipods, MP3 players, etc: Turn off all cell phones or place them on etiquette mode. Do not text or play games on phones or other devices during class. Other rules are posted in the classroom and in the student handbook.
Student Code of Conduct and Responsibilities
Every student will be provided a copy of the student handbook which outlines all behavioral and dress code rules. Classroom rules will be posted in the classroom addressed the first week of class, beginning the first day of school. Students are expected to know and follow all rules outlined in the student handbook and by the instructor in class; they will be enforced 100% of the time.
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will result in a grade of zero for any daily assignment, quiz or test. Additional consequences may be used at the discretion of the administration.
Topics to be Covered:
Chapter 2 Relations, Functions and Graphs
2.4 Functions, Function Notation, and the Graphs of a Function
Chapter 3 Polynomial and Rational Functions
3.1 Quadratic Functions and Applications (Omit Completing the Square)
3.2 Synthetic Division; the Remainder and Factor Theorems (Omit Long Division)
3.3 The Zeros of Polynomial Functions (Omit Imaginary Zeros & Upper and Lower Bounds)
3.4 Graphing Polynomial Functions
3.5 Graphing Rational Functions
Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
4.2 Exponential Functions
4.3 Logarithms and Logarithmic Functions
4.4 Properties of Logarithms; Solving Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
4.5 Applications from Business, Finance, and Science
Chapter 6 Matrices and Matrix Applications
6.1 Solving Linear Systems Using Matrices and Row Operations
6.3 (D) Solving Linear Systems Using Matrix Equations (Determinants Only)
6.4 (A) Application of matrices and Determinants: Cramer’s Rule, Partial Fractions, and More (Cramer’s Rule only)
Chapter 8 Additional Topics in Algebra
8.1 Sequences and Series
8.2 Arithmetic Sequences
8.3 Geometric Sequences
*Other Topics to be included at the discretion of the instructor
More Info Specific for our Section of College Algebra
Required Materials: Folder or 3-ring binder (Ideally – just a section in a large binder), pencil, spiral notebook (for notes) and loose-leaf paper (for assignments).
Optional Materials: Basic Four-Function or Scientific Calculator
Note: In this course, there are only certain times when the use of a graphing calculator will be permitted. If you would like to use a calculator, you can provide your own basic four-function or scientific calculator & will be permitted to use it throughout the entire course on both assignments & assessments. You may NOT use a cell phone calculator on any test of quiz.
Tests will be given at the completion of each unit and to assess student comprehension. There will be at least one every three weeks and will be shown on your tentative 9-week overview. For tests that have a group component, the groups will be assigned base on the level of homework completion for that unit & one group assignment will be randomly selected for grading when they are all turned in at the end of the period.
Grading Scale: 90 – 100 A
80 – 89 B 0 – 69 F (Ouchy mama!)
70 – 79 C
Make-up Work for excused absences must be completed before the end of that three week grading period. As a general rule, the time you have to complete make-up work for full credit is the same as the amount of time you were excused.
Late work may be turned in the for 80% credit until the test covering that material is administered. Work for unexcused absences will also receive 80% credit.
Parent/Guardian Page
Parents/Guardians: I look forward to working with you and your students. I am so excited to have the opportunity to fire up your students for mathematics & help them earn some college credits along the way with DC College Algebra! I thank you in advance for the support I am sure you will give both myself and your child to further his education. I also encourage you to contact me at any time if you have questions or concerns about the class itself or your child’s performance. Parent portal is an excellent resource for keeping track of grades and my teacher web page is a great resource for checking on test days and assignments before they are due. I will make sure to keep it as accurate as possible for both you and your student. Progress reports will be sent out every three weeks to help keep you informed as well. E-mail is the best way to communicate efficiently with me. My e-mail is .. I look forward to meeting you at Greenback Night!
Parent Signature: ______
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