Introductory Notes

Course Objectives: We will cover the majority of Chapters 1, 2, and some of 3 as well as some supplemental materials.
In completing this course you can expect to have practiced the following:

• Develop and apply critical thinking skills

• Develop facility with symbolic representations and apply them in solving applied problems

• Recognize the limitations of calculators and correctly employ the concept of significant digits

• Representations (graph, data, formula, context) and applications of exponential, logarithmic, quadratic, rational and radical functions.

• Algebraic manipulations necessary to solve equations in these functions.

• Use and application of the graphing calculator.

In particular, we will study operations with rational numbers, sequences of integers,exponential, logarithmic, quadratic, rational and radical functions and there representations, and algebraic manipulations of linear equations.

 

Materials:

A TI–83/84 graphing calculator is required for this course. Other graphing calculators may perform the same functions and may be acceptable but see me about this. If you have a TI–89, TI–92, or other technology that can perform symbolic manipulations you may not be allowed to use it on some forms of assessment.

Prerequisite:

Math 811 or equivalent with C or better, or appropriate score on placement test.

Required Text:

Lehmann, Jay, Intermediate Algebra, Functions and Authentic Applications. Third ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Custom Publishing, 2008. NOT the red and black book by Hubbard and Robinson. BEWARE!

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Help:

Check out my Help page

Tutoring:

Office hours. Either during my posted office hours or by arrangement, you should come to see me for help. The people in your class know the most about what you are studying and therefore make the best sources of help. Please try to find other student in the class to study with and please come to see me if you have any questions.

The Learning Center (TLC) is an outstanding resource for tutoring in all of your classes.
You should visit TLC at the slightest sign of confusion or just as a place to sit and work in a
supportive environment. The Learning Center staff is well trained and dedicated solely to your success, so don't waste this resource!
A tutoring service is available online through the authors of this book and
SMARTHINKING.com . If you're interested in this service you can check their website or I can
help you.
Tutorials for the TI-83 are available in the TLC, a DVD tutorial is available (ask me) and also online.
If you have any interest in Mathematics, Engineering, or Science you may wish to join MESA
and make use of their tutoring and counseling services.

Assistance:

In Coordination with the DSP&S office, reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified students with disabilities. If you have an accommodation letter, please meet with me during my office hours to discuss your needs. For more information, please contact the DSP&S office in building 2 at 738-4280.

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Grading Information

Assignments (homework, classwork, quizzes) (20%)

3 – 5 Tests, Projects (60%)

Final (20%)

I will drop your worst test score (Not the final). There will be no makeup tests. If you are late for a test you will have only the remaining time to complete the test (so don't be late). If you know you are going to miss a test date, contact me at least three days in advance and we can arrange an alternate test.

I will omit one late assignment or if you submit all assignments on time, I will drop your lowest score.
I will give quizzes often. I will drop your two worst quizzes. There will be no makeup quizzes.