Blended

- Learning Module: Math119-Computer Algebra _ McDowell

Introduction
This course introduces basic functions of the computer algebra system software Mathematica
such as performing calculations, simplifying and solving equations, techniques on graphing
common functions and more. It explores their uses in relation to various pre-calculus topics.

Objectives
The objectives below are developed and associated with the course curriculum. All the objectives should
be completed with Wolfram Mathematica.

Objective 1: Students will be able to execute arithmetic calculations any normal calculator
could do and to carry out algebraic commands such as factoring expressions, simplifying
expressions, solving.
Objective 2: Students will be able to graph common functions such as a parabola, cubic, slope
intercept equation of a line, absolute value, reciprocal, square root, identity and exponential
function, and to perform vertical and horizontal shifts with common functions.
Objective 3: Students will be able to graph quadratic equations that are of the vertex form,
and to provide the equation of a quadratic function given the graph of it.
Objective 4: Students will be able to identify the domain and range of any given function.
Objective 5: Students will be able to perform reflection of functions with respect to the x-axis and
y-axis
Objective 6: Students will be able to define and evaluate functions including the difference
quotient and composite functions.
Objective 7: Students will be able to graph piecewise function and identify its domain and range.
Objective 8: Students will be able to solve real world problems that are modeled after functions.
Objective 9: Students will be able to obtain information from the graph of a function including
asymptotes, stating the intervals where a function is positive or negative, increasing/ decreasing
and more.

Activities
Small group discussion (it is also known as peer-assessments): The discussion will take
place while weekly lesson is delivered online. After watching the videos of weekly
lessons, students will perform the similar examples from the lesson. The group
members will comment on their peers work.
Videos: The videos are for online sections which contain the lectures for weekly lessons.
Lab Assignments: Weekly assignments will be assigned to identify students
understanding of the weekly concepts. You are required to complete all lab assignments
throughout this semester. Access your assignments from the assignments tab on
Blackboard. All assignments must be submitted on Blackboard and must be turned in
before the due date. The score of a late assignment will be reduced. Your lab
assignments will only be accepted up to class late. You are expected to complete the lab
 assignments on your own. Students who hand in identical (or closely identical) labs will
receive a ZERO (and the incident may be report to the Dept. of Academic Integrity).

Tests
Midterm examination: It will cover all the materials from the beginning of the semester
to the midterm recess.
Final examination: It will cover all the materials after the midterm.

Quiz
There is a syllabus quiz with a 15-item multiple choice quiz to test students understanding of
the course resources and the requirement for the course. This quiz is to help students
understand what is going on with this course. There will be only two attempts to take this quiz
with 20 minutes.