QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
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| Course:
MAT 099, Intermediate Algebra |
Instructor:
Maureen Woolhouse
Office - Room 257
Administration Building
1-508-854-2731
mwoolhouse@qcc.mass.edu |
Course Description:
The successful
student will be able to factor polynomials (common factor, grouping,
difference of two squares, and trinomials), perform arithmetic operations on
rational expressions and complex fractions, solve quadratic equations (by
factoring, completing the square, and formula) and equations containing
fractions, perform conversions between exponential form and radical form,
simplify expressions containing rational exponents, simplify radicals
containing numerical and variable radicands, perform conversions between
scientific notation and ordinary notation, graph linear equations (using
slope and slope intercept concepts), and perform metric conversions.
Mathematical modeling, collaborative learning and the application of
technology are integral components of this course. |
Prerequisite:
MAT
095, Beginning Algebra with a
grade of C or better or placement by the Computerized Placement Test. |
Text:
Introductory Algebra, 7th edition, by Lial, Hornsby, McGinnis Addison Wesley Publishing Company, 2002.
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Attendance:
Perfect attendance is
possibly the simplest and most effective way for a student to maximize his
or her academic performance. Attendance will be taken at the start of each
class meeting.
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Tardiness:
Late attendance is a source of distraction to both the students and the
instructor. Out of mutual courtesy and respect, please be in your seat and
prepared to work at the start of our class time. |
Teaching
Methods:
The instructor will present new material
with extensive student interaction and participation. Student questions
and participation are encouraged. Cooperative learning techniques will be
employed where time permits. |
Grading Policy:
During the course of the semester there will be:
4 - 5 one-hour tests
6 ten minute quizzes +
5 graded group assignments
10 hours in Math Center
4 - 5 writing/project assignments
1 final exam |
Exams:
Four
or five exams will be administered during the semester. Missing one of
these tests is a SERIOUS
matter. If a student finds it impossible to take a test due to
circumstances beyond their control, they should contact the
instructor immediately or at the very least, prior to the next class
meeting. After this date, there will be no opportunity to make up an
exam except through the presentation of a written doctor's certificate
establishing a valid medical excuse. |
Quizzes:
Quizzes will be administered during the first ten
minutes of class. If a student is late to class on a quiz day, they will
have less than the full time to take the quiz. Quizzes are announced in
advance. THERE WILL BE ABSOLUTELY NO MAKE UP ON
QUIZZES FOR ANY REASON. A student will receive
a grade of zero on a quiz if they miss the quiz or if they leave class after
taking the quiz. The five best quizzes out of the six administered will
count for twenty points each and be combined to equal one test grade. |
Homework:
Students should prepare for their tests and quizzes by completing all homework assignments in a timely fashion. Homework should be kept in a separate section of the notebook from class notes. Periodically homework will be collected at random. Students will receive a grade of 0,1, or 2 on each assignment depending upon the completeness of the assignment. All work should be displayed for each example. Students should have their assignment notebooks with them at all class meetings. Homework assignments will count for one
undropped quiz grade. |
Final Exam:
The
final exam will be cumulative and count for two test grades in the
computation of the final mark for the course. Math
department policy has determined that any student who does not earn a
grade of C or better on the departmental final exam for this course is not
eligible to move on to the next sequential math course in the curriculum. |
Writing Assignments & Projects:
Four or five take-home assignments will be administered during the semester.
These assignments will count for one test grade in the computation of the
final mark. Points will be deducted from assignments, which are not returned
in a timely fashion. |
Help!!!!
1)
Our textbook has extensive technical support for all algebra
students. A set of CD’s with instructional videos of every section of
our textbook accompanies the purchase of the text. These CD’s may be
played on a home or QCC computer.
2)
Our textbook has a free website, MY Math Lab, which contains
extensive tutorial assistance. We will be using this site periodically
during the semester.
3)
The Student's Solution Manual which contains all the worked out
solutions to the odd numbered questions in the textbook has been ordered
by the bookstore.
4)
The Math Center in the
Administrative building offers free drop-in tutorial assistance for
students enrolled in math classes
at QCC.
5)
I am available for help during my office hours. Office hours will
be announced during the first week of the semester.
6)
Help one another!! Students in classes that organize study groups
always seem to have more success. Try to organize your own group.
7) CLEARMath
is a very useful computer program that covers many of the topics in this
course. It contains activities that are designed to reinforce your
classroom experience. CLEARMath is installed on computers in the Math
Center and in your classroom in Suprenant.
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Math
Center: Each
student in this class is required to put in at least ten (10) hours at
the Math Center over the course of the semester. There are several reasons
for this requirement, including: the Center provides a place to study and
get help as needed; the Center has software that will be utilized in
certain sections of this course; the Center provides resources you can use
as needed. This requirement will be factored into your final grade as a
quiz mark.
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MAT 099
Intermediate Algebra |
TENTATIVE HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS -
Assume all ODD numbered problems are assigned unless otherwise indicated.
Math 099
Homework
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Homework in
text
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§
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Topic
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Page
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Problems
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Module
1 - Factoring
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Intro
to Course/Study Skills
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Nolting,
pp.10,12, 13,15
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5.1
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Factors; GCF
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339
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1-51
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5.2
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Factoring
Trinomials (a = 1)
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345
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1-55
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5.3
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Factoring
Trinomials by Grouping
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349
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1-37
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5.4
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Factoring
Trinomials using FOIL
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355
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15-49
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5.5
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Special Factoring
Techniques
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361
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1-23
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Factoring Review
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363
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1-59
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Preparing for
Tests
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Nolting
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Chap
3
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Test
on Module 1
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Module
2 - Rational Expressions
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6.1
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The Fundamental
Property
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407
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1-47
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6.2
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Multiplication
& Division
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415
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1-39
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6.3
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Least Common
Denominators
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421
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1-39
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6.4
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Addition &
Subtraction
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429
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1-45
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6.5
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Complex Fractions
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439
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3-23
odd
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Test
on Module 2
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Module
3 - Roots and Radicals
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8.1
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Evaluating Roots
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533
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1-37
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554
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53-67
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8.2
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Multiplying,
Dividing & Simplifying Radicals
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563
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1-27,
47-71
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Test
on Module 3
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Module
4 - Quadratic Equations
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5.6
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Solving
Quad. Eqns. by Factoring
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371
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1-43
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5.7
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Applications
of Quadratic Equations
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379
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1-29
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Modeling
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379
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1-31
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9.1
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Solving Quad.
Eqns. By Square Root Property
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617
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1-17;23-35
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9.3
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Solving Quad.
Eqns. Using the Quadratic Formula
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635
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1-31
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6.6
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Solving Eqns with
Rational Expressions
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449
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1-39
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Test
on Module 4
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Module
5 - Graphing Lines
Solving Systems of Equations (2x2)
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3.3
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Slope and
Slope-Intercept
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221
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1-55
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3.4
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Equations of
Lines
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231
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5-23
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7.1
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Solving by
Graphing
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491
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1-33
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7.3
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Solving by
Elimination
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511
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1-37
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Test
on Module 5
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Departmental Final Exam During Final Exam
Period
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MAT
099 - Intermediate Algebra
Course
Objectives
1.
Factoring
a)
common factor
b)
grouping
c)
difference of two squares
d)
trinomials
1)
perfect square
2)
general
3)
general
2.
Rational Expressions
a)
determine when undefined or equivalent
b)
simplify/reduce
c)
add/subtract/multiply/divide
d)
equations with rational expressions
e)
literal equations (involving fractions & formulas)
f)
complex fractions
3.
Radical Expressions
a)
Understand the definition of the radical expression
b)
simplify radicals with numerical and variable radicands
4.
Quadratic Equations
a)
factoring
b)
formula
c)
Pythagorean theorem with applications
5.
Linear Equations/graphing
a)
slope
b)
slope-intercept
6.
Systems of Linear Equations
a)
Solve a 2x2 system by graphing
b)
Solve a 2x2 system by elimination
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