General Course Information

Great Basin College PAHRUMP VALLEY CENTER Math 96-1002 (29968) INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA George Sausman, Instructor Spring 2016 SYLLABUS

GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION-

Catalog Description: This is as a second course in Algebra for students who have completed one beginning algebra course. The topics covered include polynomials, rational functions, linear equations and inequalities, absolute value inequalities, exponents and radicals, quadratic equations, relations, and functions, systems of equations and applications. This is a three (3) credit class. Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of Math 95 within two years, satisfactory placement exam results or SAT/ACT score. Required Materials: Text, Beginning & Intermediate Algebra, 2013; Martin-Gay, 5th Edition, Pearson: Loose leaf edition, text only ISBN 9780321785862; Hard cover edition ISBN 9780321785121. Scientific Calculator, Graph Paper and Ruler or Protractor Days, Times and Location of Classes: The class will be conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 pm to 6:45 pm in classroom PVC 117. It is important to note that the final day for students to withdraw from class without a grade is Monday, April 4, 2016 ADA STATEMENT 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. Additional instructor information: Office hours: Before class, by appointment only E-mail and a phone number will be provided at the first class session. Calls and e-mail communications may be made at any time. Method of Instruction: The material will be presented in lecture form. Questions are encouraged and time will be spent on in-class problem solving. Homework will be assigned for each session. The quiz material will be taken directly from the homework.

1 Great Basin College PAHRUMP VALLEY CENTER Math 96-1002 (29968) INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA George Sausman, Instructor Spring 2016 SYLLABUS

Course objectives and learning assessments will be come from the following toics. Upon completion of this course, the students will be able to understand and solve problems that include all of the following subjects that are the basic topics that form the foundations of Intermediate Algebra. 1. Function notation used to describe functions; 2. Solutions to linear and absolute value equations and inequalities, including identification of special cases; 3. Graphing and understanding of the significance of inequalities; 4. Solutions to systems of linear equations by the most convenient method, after learning the substitution and elimination methods; 5. Applications of systems of linear equations, including include rate of change problems, mixture problems geometry problems and investment problems; 6. Simplification of rational functions; 7. Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of rational functions; 8. Simplification of complex fractions; 9. Solutions for equations containing rational functions; 10. Application problems involving rational functions; 11. Simplification of radicals with any index; 12. Conversion to and from the rational exponent form; 13. Rationalize monomial and binomial denominators; 14. Solutions to equations containing radicals; 15. Solutions to quadratic equations by the most convenient method, after learning all of the common methods; 16. Communication of mathematical concepts by written and oral methods.

COURSE OBJECTIVES AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

1 FUNCTION NOTATION USED TO DESCRIBE FUNCTIONS OBJECTIVE The student will understand the concept of function notation as a variation to the standard way of writing equations and developing solutions.*

LEARNER OUTCOME EVALUATION The student will be assessed by a combination of quiz and section test.

2 SOLUTIONS TO LINEAR AND ABSOLUTE VALUE EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES, INCLUDING IDENTIFICATION OF SPECIAL CASES OBJECTIVE The student will be able to solve single, two and three variable linear equations and inequalities and be able to identify the special cases of zero to infinity (undefined) solutions of two and three variable equations. LEARNER OUTCOME EVALUATION The student will be assessed by a combination of quiz and section test.

3 GRAPHING AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE SIGNIFICANCE OF INEQUALITIES OBJECTIVE The student will understand the significance of the various line shapes/ slope inferences, shading and results of the work done in item 2 by observing the various graph’s intersects and limits. LEARNER OUTCOME EVALUATION The student will be assessed by a combination of quiz and section test.

4 SOLUTIONS TO SYSTEMS OF LINEAR EQUATIONS BY THE MOST CONVENIENT METHOD, AFTER LEARNING THE SUBSTITUTION AND ELIMINATION METHODS OBJECTIVE The student will understand the methods of solution and elimination for two and three variable linear equations using substitution in two variable equations and elimination in two and three variable equations. LEARNER OUTCOME EVALUATION The student will be assessed by a combination of quiz and section test.

5 APPLICATIONS OF SYSTEMS OF LINEAR EQUATIONS, INCLUDING RATE OF CHANGE PROBLEMS, MIXTURE PROBLEMS, GEOMETRY PROBLEMS AND INVESTMENT PROBLEMS OBJECTIVE The student will be able to see the usefulness of the use of linear equation solutions to evaluate the real life situations that involve rate of change (mile per gallon), mixtures (mixed portions of foods), geometry problems (amount of paint to be used when painting a room) and investment problems (how much money can they receive when they save at the bank).

LEARNER OUTCOME EVALUATION The student will be assessed by a combination of quiz and section test.

6 SIMPLIFICATION OF RATIONAL FUNCTIONS OBJECTIVE The student will be able to evaluate rational function that start with simple fraction relationships and include polynomial functions in both the numerator and denominator. This topic leads to the following topic (#7) which depends on the use of simplification of functions and recognition of how to utilize the method. LEARNER OUTCOME EVALUATION The student will be assessed by a combination of quiz and section test.

7 ADDITION, SUBTRACTION, MULTIPLICATION AND DIVISION OF RATIONAL FUNCTIONS OBJECTIVE The student will utilize the processes of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of rational functions to demonstrate to themselves that these processes are useful and practical for the manipulation of rational functions to simplify the relationships of various equations. LEARNER OUTCOME EVALUATION The student will be assessed by a combination of quiz and section test.

8 SIMPLIFICATION OF COMPLEX FRACTIONS OBJECTIVE The student will learn to become comfortable with the appearance of complex fractions which seem to be very “complex” until they are shown to be easily manipulated by a series of simple steps that involve what the student is already familiar with and can solve with ease. LEARNER OUTCOME EVALUATION The student will be assessed by a combination of quiz and section test.

9 SOLUTIONS FOR EQUATIONS CONTAINING RATIONAL FUNCTIONS OBJECTIVE The student will utilize the topics from objectives 6, 7and 8 to solve equations involving the topics covered and applied. LEARNER OUTCOME EVALUATION The student will be assessed by a combination of quiz and section test.

10 APPLICATION PROBLEMS INVOLVING RATIONAL FUNCTIONS OBJECTIVE The student will learn to apply the problem solving techniques from objectives 6,7,8 and 9 to solve real life problems utilizing rational function relationships. This will include proportional relationships in geometry and cost analysis. LEARNER OUTCOME EVALUATION The student will be assessed by a combination of quiz and section test.

11 SIMPLIFICATION OF RADICALS WITH ANY INDEX OBJECTIVE The student will learn to manipulate all expressions with various types of indices and to develop skill in utilizing the process to shift from rational exponents to radicals and back in association with objective 12. LEARNER OUTCOME EVALUATION The student will be assessed by a combination of quiz and section test.

12 CONVERSION TO AND FROM THE RATIONAL EXPONENT FORM OBJECTIVE The student will recognize the work as a reversal of the work with radicals from objective 11. Rational exponents and radicals with various values of indices can involve the same form of logic. LEARNER OUTCOME EVALUATION The student will be assessed by a combination of quiz and section test.

13 RATIONALIZE MONOMIAL AND BINOMIAL DENOMINATORS OBJECTIVE The student will learn that this is a form of work with polynomials that simplifies the process of manipulating them. It allows the simplification of relationships that seem complex to be reduced to a basic form. LEARNER OUTCOME EVALUATION The student will be assessed by a combination of quiz and section test.

14 SOLUTIONS TO EQUATIONS CONTAINING RADICALS OBJECTIVE The student will learn the solution of equations containing radicals utilizing the processes learned in objectives 11, 12 and 13 for equations having radicals. LEARNER OUTCOME EVALUATION The student will be assessed by a combination of quiz and section test.

15 SOLUTIONS TO QUADRATIC EQUATIONS BY THE MOST CONVENIENT METHOD, AFTER LEARNING ALL OF THE COMMON METHODS OBJECTIVE The student will learn the methods of solutions for quadratic equations including simple tasks such as squaring both sides, completion of the square and the quadratic formula. The student will be shown that each can be utilized as the most convenient method depending on the original configuration. LEARNER OUTCOME EVALUATION The student will be assessed by a combination of quiz and section test.

15 COMMUNICATION OF MATHEMATICAL CONCEPTS BY WRITTEN AND ORAL METHODS. OBJECTIVE The main objective of algebra is the ability to apply the process. Word problems are stressed in the class and make up at least 20% of all homework and quizzes and tests. Vocabulary is as important as manipulation of variables. Algebra without word problems is a form of arithmetic with letters instead of numbers LEARNER OUTCOME EVALUATION The student will be assessed by a combination of quiz and section tests that stress word problems. Further assessment will be accomplished by the production of the required essay which makes up 10% of the final grade..

NOTE* The repeated use of quizzes and tests as the learner outcome for the main 15 objectives is based on the concept that the student will be continuously quizzed and tested to ensure that comprehension of the material is achieved.

Measurement of learner outcomes Written Communications: These include fully comprehensive tests and quizzes organized by textbook sections and a one-time-only essay. Tests: There will be at least four section tests and a final. All of them are comprehensive. If you miss a test, we will have to determine when a makeup will be administered. Quizzes: There will be quizzes during random selected sessions. There will be no make up for the quizzes. For each session the quiz will start after all questions on the sections from the

6 Great Basin College PAHRUMP VALLEY CENTER Math 96-1002 (29968) INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA George Sausman, Instructor Spring 2016 SYLLABUS last session and homework have been addressed. If you miss a whole session, you can get all of the information you need for the quiz from the text. Essay: The essay will consist of a mathematical topic of the student’s choosing. It may be an historical brief review of the life of a mathematician, a specific topic that has a relationship to mathematics such as aviation, or a practical application of mathematics such as navigation. It must be in MLA format; at least five (5) paragraphs long with a works cited page; and must be original work. It is due on the 18th session, and with such a long lead time, no late papers will be accepted. Verbal Communication: Students will demonstrate competence by answering and communicating during class lectures and discussions. Additionally, the use of word problems and vocabulary quizzes will enhance the written and verbal communications of the material in this class. Grades: Every student starts my class with a grade of 100% for an A. I do not give grades, students earn them and I record them. The tests make up 80% of the grade. The quizzes make up 10%. The essay will be assigned 10%. As you can see, you must take each test and do well on the quizzes and the essay to get an A. Attendance: A sign-in sheet will be available in the classroom and students are asked to sign in at each class session.

Grade assignment: A 90% to 100% B 80% to 89% C 70 % to79% D 60% to 69% Not passing: Less than 60%

Academic Dishonesty: I, personally, will not tolerate any cheating on any quiz or test. Additionally, the University and Community College System of Nevada expressly forbids all forms of academic dishonesty, including, but not limited to, all forms of cheating, copying, and plagiarism. Students who are discovered cheating will be assigned zero points for the course, and will be brought to the GBC Academic Officers for prosecution. Use of cell phones during class is not allowed and use during testing will be considered cheating. There are no exceptions.

Special Note: My entire objective in this class is to help you complete the course with a good understanding of the material, a positive attitude about mathematics and a grade that satisfies you. Ask questions, do the homework and study your notes. I guarantee you that the questions on the quizzes and tests will be exactly of the same format as the ones I cover in class and the ones you see in the homework. There will be NO TRICK PROBLEMS. The purpose of the essay is for you to demonstrate to me that you can communicate mathematical and/or scientific ideas, problems or concepts in a fashion that shows college level thinking.

SCHEDULE Session Chapter/Section Activities 1 3 Introduction and orientation Graphing 2 3.4-3.5 Slope, rate of change, equations of lines, 3 3.6 Functions 8.1 Graphing and writing linear functions,

4 8.2 Function notation and graphing nonlinear functions 5 8.4 6 8.4 Variation and problem solving (cont.); Test review Ch. 3 & 8 7 Ch. 3 and 8 Test # 1 (One hour In class)

8 4.1 Solving systems of linear equations by graphing 4.2 Solving systems of linear equations by substitution 9 4.3 Solving systems of linear equations by addition

10 4.5 Solving linear equations and problem solving

11 Ch. 3, 4 & 8 Test review Ch. 3, 4 & 8

12 Ch. 3, 4, & 8 Test #2 (One hour In class)

13 9/9.1 Compound inequalities 9.2 and 9.3 Absolute value equations and absolute value inequalities 14 9.4 Graphing linear inequalities in two variables and systems of linear inequalities 15 7.1 to 7.3 Rational functions and simplifying rational expressions, Multiplying and dividing rational expressions, Adding and subtracting rational expressions with common denominators, Least common denominator 16 7.4 to 7.7 Adding and subtracting rational expressions with unlike denominators Solving equations containing rational expressions Simplifying complex fractions

17 Ch. 3, 4, 7, 8 & 9 Test review Ch. 3, 4, 7, 8 & 9

18 ESSAY DUE Ch. 3, 4, 7, 8 & 9 Test (TBD In-class or take home)

19 10/10.1/10.2 Radicals and radical functions Rational exponents 20 10.3/10.4 Simplifying radical expressions Adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing radical expressions

21 10.5/10.6 Rationalizing denominators and numerators of radical expressions Radical equations and problems solving 22 Chapter 10 Test Review Chapter 10 23 Chapter 10 In-class test/ quiz on exponents, radicals and complex numbers

24 11/11.1 Solving quadratic equations by completing the square

25 11.2 Solving quadratic equations by the quadratic formula

26 11.3 Solving equations by using quadratic methods

27 Chapter 11 Test review Chapter 11

28 Chapter 11 Test #4 (Quadratics One Hour In-class)

29 Comprehensive Final Review Part 1

30 Comprehensive Final Review Part II

FINAL DATE 5/17/2016 OR 5/19/2016 TBD based on instructor and student input