Math 106 Intermediate Algebra Syllabus

I. Course Description

Intermediate Algebra is the second in a sequence of two pre-algebra math courses leading up to College Algebra,
MATH 150. The prerequisite for this course is a grade of C or above in Math 104, or a passing score on Part 1 of the
Columbia College Math Placement Test.

II. Course Objectives

To communicate mathematically in both written and verbal forms.
To reason with symbolic and graphical representations.
To use mathematics to solve real-world problems.
To use technology, such as graphing calculators and computers, to enhance their mathematical understanding.

II. Course Overview

During Week 1, we review how to graph equations in two variables. We solve system of linear equations
by graphing.

During Week 2, we solve systems of equations using the substitution and addition methods, and solve applied
problems using systems of equations.

During Week 3, we discuss rational expressions. We simplify, multiply and divide rational expressions. We briefly
review general factoring techniques.

During Week 4, we add and subtract rational expressions with same and different denominators. There is a
proctored (supervised) midterm exam at the end of this week. The exam can either be taken as a pencil and paper
exam.

During Week 5, we simplify complex rational expressions and rational equations. We also discuss square roots,
simplify radicals and multiplying and dividing radicals.

During Week 6, we learn more about radicals and are introduced to rational exponents.

During Week 7, we discuss quadratic equations and find solutions to quadratic equations using the square root
property, completing the square, and the Quadratic Formula.

During Week 8, we graph quadratic equations and solve applied problems. There is a two hour, written, proctored
final exam at the end of this week. The exam is a pencil and paper exam.

III. Measurable Learning Outcomes

Graph lines and quadratic, exponential and logarithmic functions in the Cartesian Plane.

Find the equation of a line in both slope-intercept and point-slope form.

Interpret the meaning of the slope and intercepts of a line.

Solve systems of linear equations by graphing, substitution and elimination.

Solve real-world problems using equations and systems of equations.

Factor polynomials.

Simplify rational, complex rational, and radical expressions.

Add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational and radical expressions.

Solve equations with rational and radical expressions.

Solve quadratic equations by the square root property, by completing the square, by factoring, and by the quadratic formula.

Evaluate exponential and logarithmic functions.

IV. Course Policies

There will be no discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, ideology,
political affiliation, veteran status, age, physical handicap, or marital status. Students with documented disabilities
who may need academic services for this course are required to register with the Coordinator for Disability
Services. Until the student has been cleared through the disability services office, accommodations do not
have to be granted. It is vital if you are a student who has a documented disability to read the entire syllabus before
signing up for the course. The structure or the content of the course can make an accommodation not feasible. The
policies and related syllabus matters remain subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances.

 Student Conduct

The instructor reserves the right to manage a positive learning environment and thus will not tolerate inappropriate
conduct in the course. All Columbia College students, whether enrolled in a land-based or on-line course, are
responsible for behaving in a manner consistent with Columbia College's Code of Student Conduct and Ethics Code
for Computer Users. Students violating these codes will be referred to the Campus Life Office for possible
disciplinary action. The Code for Student Conduct and the Ethics Code for Computer Users can be found in the
Columbia College Student Handbook, a copy of which can be obtained by calling the Campus Life office at (573)
875 - 7425.

On-Line Participation

This course is offered on-line, over the Internet, using the Internet and the World Wide Web, using publishing
technology provided by Desire2Learn, Prentice Hall, and Columbia College. Participation on-line is expected and
continuous throughout the course. Failure to turn in assignments by the date due, or lack of participation in on-line
discussions may result in the student being withdrawn from the course. Emergencies should be communicated and
documented to the instructor as soon as possible. Students are expected to watch the assigned videos, do the online
homework, and log-in to the class conferencing each week. In addition, students will take a quiz each week. Active
participation in the course will prepare and guide students in studying for the exams. The instructor will facilitate on-
line discussions in the conference room by responding to posted messages. See "Ground Rules for On-line
Participation" for additional information.

In the math classes, a class week begins on Saturday and ends on Friday at midnight. The first week begins
the first day of the session and ends at midnight the following Sunday. The first week’s deadlines will be
lengthened due to the week starting on Monday rather than on Saturday . Assignments scheduled for completion
during a class week should be submitted by the weekly due dates stated on the grading schedule below. Late
assignments will not be accepted. See Section VII of this document, or the Desire2Learn ‘Events’ calendar, for
specific deadline dates.

Ground Rules for On-line Participation

Students should use email for private messages to the instructor and other students.
The class Discussion area is for public messages so we can see what others have to say about any given topic, and
respond to these.

Students are expected to participate in on-line discussions, as well as with other appropriate on-line activities
including homework assignments and quizzes.

Academic Honesty

All Columbia College policies are in effect as described in the Academic Dishonesty/Misconduct section of the
current college catalog. All your work must be your own unless collaboration has been authorized. If collaboration
is authorized you must acknowledge the collaboration in writing. Your grade will be based in large part on the
originality of your ideas and your written presentation of these ideas. Presenting as one's own the words, ideas, or
expression of another in any form is cheating though plagiarism.  The content of these plagiarism sites would, if you
were lucky, get you a "D": in a course if you were not caught. It is substandard work indeed, but you will almost always
be caught if you try to cheat, due to the plagiarism prevention tools available to instructors.
Plagiarism will not be tolerated and the claim of ignorance is no excuse. Anyone found cheating will automatically fail the course.

Levels of Communication

We will be using a minimum of two levels of communication in this course, one formal, the other informal. All
email assignments are formal. They should be written as if you are communicating with a client. The formal rules
of proper English and grammar apply for these submissions, and points will be deducted for misspellings, incomplete
sentences, poor sentence structure, etc.

Conference postings are informal. You do not have to use capitalization to begin sentences, there are no penalties for
misspellings, incomplete sentences, or other violations of grammatical rules. The criteria that have to be met in
conference postings is that your messages must be original and intelligible. You must communicate effectively. In
addition, you must meet the weekly requirements for full credit on conference room assignments.

V. Grading Policy

You will be able to track your average in the grade book exactly throughout the course. The grading scale is as
follows:

A = 540-600 pts B = 480-539 pts C = 420-479 pts, D = 360-419 pts F = 0-359 pts

You will know in advance the standards for each assignment. My goal is to give prompt, clear, and useful feedback
to help you. Each student is responsible for:
• Completing weekly Reading/Video assignments, and doing textbook homework as needed..
• Completing Weekly Homework/Discussion assignments by the due dates.
• Completing Weekly Quizzes by the due date.
• Completing a two hour proctored (supervised) Mid-Term Examination in week 4 and a two hour
proctored comprehensive Final Examination in week 8.

VI. Graded Assignments

Weekly On-Line (COURSECOMPASS/MyMathLab) Homework: 10% of course grade, 60 total
points.

Weekly Discussion and Calculator Assignments: 5% of course grade, 30 total points.

Weekly Quizzes: 10% of course grade. Each quiz counts 10 points, 60 total points for session. The two
lowest quiz grades will be dropped from the final grade calculation.

Mid-Term Exam (Wednesday-Saturday of week 4): 35% of course grade, 210 points.

Final Exam (Wednesday-Saturday of week 8): 40% of course grade, 240 points.

VII. Assignment Due Dates

VIII. Course Activities

Homework: Each week, you will be assigned problems to complete in the MyMathLab computer program
that is packaged with a new textbook from MBS, or purchased separately. Each week’s homework is due by
Saturday night at midnight, except in Week 1 (see schedule, above).

Discussion/Calculator: In Weeks 1-8, there will be assignments that involve the use of a graphing
calculator and/or require Discussion postings. These assignments will be due by Friday at midnight, except in Week
1 (see schedule, above), when the deadlines are extended.

Quizzes: Each week, a quiz will be posted by noon on Wednesday and is due by midnight on Saturday,
central time, except in Week 1 (see schedule, above.) The quizzes will be closely related to the suggested homework
problems assigned for the week. The two lowest quiz grades will not be included in the calculation of your final
grade. Late quizzes will not receive credit.

Reading/Video: Each week, you will read 1 – 5 sections in the textbook. You should also watch the video l
esson on material that you feel you need more instruction on.

Proctored Midterm & Final Exams: These will be pencil and paper exams, on which you can use a
calculator, but not notes or the textbook. It is strongly recommended that your proctor be a Columbia College site,
local college, public school, library or testing center, and choosing a proctor from one of these organizations will
simplify the proctor approval process.

If you are going to have to use a non-CC site to take your exams, email me as soon as possible so that we can discuss
suitable proctors.

IX. Course Materials

Required Text - Introductory Algebra, 5th Edition, by Robert Blitzer

The textbook package includes a physical textbook, and a CourseCompass/MyMathLab  access code. ISBN: 0321563913
If you are comfortable with an online textbook, you can purchase only the stand-alone CourseCompass access. This gives you
immediate access to all class materials, including the online copy of the book.

Required Graphing Calculator A TI-83, TI-83+, TI-84 or TI-84+ is required for all of the Columbia
College math courses. I would suggest shopping around – prices for these calculators vary. It is possible to purchase
this calculator from MBS Direct or a retailer, or to buy a used one using an online search for information, going
through auction sites, checking the classified ads in the newspaper, etc. I will provide a link to the calculator user
manuals for the TI-83 and -84.

Required CourseCompass Program Access – See above. I will send you the CourseID that you need to
register in the CourseCompass program in an email about a week before school begins. The email will come to
your Cougars account.

X. Course Schedule

Week 1: Linear Equations & Graphing Systems of Linear Equations
Readings: Sections 4.1 and 4.2, pp. 223 - 246, Section 5.1, pp. 289 – 300.
Homework: Each week there will be two online homework assignments in MyMath Lab. I also suggest you work
some of the homework in the book to prepare for quizzes and exams
On-line Discussion Assignment: This week, your online discussion assignment is to do an introductory post and
one math discussion post. The CourseCompass ‘Assignments’ > ‘Weekly Assignments’ area has a list of problems
you can use for Discussion posting.
Week 1 Quiz

Week 2: Solving Systems of Linear Equations
Reading: Sections 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4, pp. 301 – 328. Proctored Midterm Make an appointment to take your midterm exam. The midterm can be taken Wednesday,
Thursday, Friday, or Saturday of week 4.
Weekly Homework Assignment
On-line Discussion Assignment: Each week, post one homework problem from the list in the CourseCompass
 ‘Assignments’ > ‘Weekly Assignment’ area. You can earn 0-4 points on your post. Guidelines and requirements for
the math discussion posts can be found in the ‘Weekly Assignments’ area.
Week 2 Quiz

Week 3: Factoring & Rational Expressions
Readings: Sections 7.5, pp. 446 – 454, Sections 8.1 and 8.2, pp. 474 – 490.
Weekly Homework, Discussion and Quiz.

Week 4: Adding & Subtracting Rational Expressions
Readings: Sections 8.3 and 8.4, pp. 491 – 509.
Weekly Homework, Discussion and Quiz.
Proctored Midterm (two hour time limit): taken anytime Wednesday – Saturday of this week.

Week 5: Complex Rational Expressions, Rational Equations & Radicals
Readings: Sections 8.5 and 8.6, pp. 510 – 526, Sections 9.1 and 9.2, pp. 549 – 567.
Weekly Homework, Discussion and Quiz.

Week 6: Radical Operations, Radical Equations, Solving Applied Problems
Readings: Sections 9.3, 9.4, 9.5 and 9.6, pp. 567 – 593.
Weekly Homework, Discussion and Quiz

Week 7: Solving Quadratic Equations
Readings: Sections 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3, pp. 599 – 624.
Weekly Homework, Discussion and Quiz.

Week 8: Graphing Quadratic Equations, Solving Applied Problems
Readings: Sections 10.5, pp. 630 – 641.
Weekly Homework, Discussion and Quiz.
Proctored Comprehensive Final Exam (two hour time limit): taken anytime Wednesday through Saturday of this
week.

XI. Instructor Information – Anne Ross

I graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia in 1986 and 1989 with degrees in Business Administration
with a Finance emphasis. I’ve been teaching for Columbia College since 1989 – first in the classroom and, for the
past 5 years, online – and have taught Finance and Math classes. I love teaching - especially teaching online - and I
am proud to be on the faculty of Columbia College. I moved to Columbia from a small town in NW MO when I was
11, and have watched this college grow.

I’m an economist for the State of Missouri, and live on what my brother calls a ‘farmlet’ in the beautiful country near
Fayette, MO with several dogs, cats and other assorted wild animals. I recently started a not-for-profit organization
that provides temporary foster and medical care for the pets of families that enter the local abuse shelter.

phone: (660) 248-9843

It is much easier and faster to reach me via email, which I normally check twice a day, at the minimum. I have
some hearing loss, so I don’t like to conduct ‘business’ via the phone. If you DO call me, please speak slowly and
distinctly. Be sure to include your course/section information in your message. I normally arrive at home late in the
evening, and will reply, via email, within 24-48 hours. If you cannot use your cougars email account, please email
me from your personal account so that I will be able to respond.

Fax: (314) 754 – 9821