COLLEGE ALGEBRA

COURSE SYLLABUS

COURSE IDENTIFICATION

Course Prefix/Number: MATH 113

Course Title: College Algebra
Division: Applied Science Division
Program: Mathematics
Credit Hours: 3
Initiation/Revised Date: Fall 2007
Assessment Goal per Outcome(s): 70%

CLASSIFICATION OF INSTRUCTION
Academic

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This is a standard College Algebra course designed for students that have successfully completed Algebra I and Algebra II in
high school. It will satisfy the general education requirement for College Algebra and will transfer to all Kansas Regents
institutions. This class is also for students earning an A or B in Intermediate Algebra MATH 112. Topics covered are:
polynomials, rational expression and radicals, equations and inequalities, absolute value, functions and graphs, rational
functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, conic sections, matrices and systems of equations and inequalities. Students
will be expected to have access to and use graphing calculator (TI-83 is recommended).

PREREQUISITES AND/OR COREQUISITES

Algebra I and Algebra II in high school, An A or B grade in Intermediate Algebra MATH 112, recommended by the
COMPASS/ACT score, or consent of the instructor.

TEXTS
*The official list of textbooks and materials for this course are found on Inside NC.

Algebra and Trigonometry, 8th Ed., by Michael Sullivan; Pearson/Prentice Hall © 2009

COURSE OUTCOMES
All students will be expected to have a graphing calculator (TI-83 recommended). The student will strive to achieve, and be
able to demonstrate an understanding of the following competencies/outcomes:
1. algebraic manipulations including simplifying, exponents, and radicals
2. recognize functions and notation: algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, graphing, inverse, and composition
3. solution techniques, including graphing for: first and second degree equations and inequalities, systems of first and second
degree equations and inequalities, and polynomials, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic equations
4. translation and solution for application (verbal) problems
5. use of functions to model, solve or predict outcomes for real world problems
6. identify and graph the conic sections using general and standard forms

COURSE OUTLINE
Chapter 1 Equations and Inequalities
1.1 Linear Equations
1.2 Quadratic Equations
1.3 Complex Numbers: Quadratic Equations in the Complex Number System
1.4 Radical Equations; Equations Quadratic in Form; Factorable Equations
1.5 Solving Inequalities
1.6 Equations and Inequalities Involving Absolute Value

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1.7 Problem Solving: Interest, Mixture, Uniform Motion, and Constant Rate Job Applications

Chapter 2 Graphs
2.1 The Distance and Midpoint Formulas
2.2 Graphs of Equations in Two Variables: Intercepts: Symmetry
2.3 Lines
2.4 Circles
2.5 Variation

Chapter 3 Functions and Their Graphs

3.1 Functions
3.2 The Graph of a Function
3.3 Properties of Functions
3.4 Library of Functions; Piecewise-defined Functions
3.5 Graphing Techniques: Transformations
3.6 Mathematical Models: Building Functions- Optional

Chapter 4 Linear and Quadratic Functions

4.1 Linear Functions and Their Properties
4.2 Building Linear Functions from Data
4.3 Quadratic Functions and Their Properties
4.4 Quadratic Models: Building Quadratic Functions from Data
4.5 Inequalities Involving Quadratic Functions

Chapter 5 Polynomial and Rational Functions

5.1 Polynomial Functions and Models
5.2 Properties of Rational Functions
5.3 The Graph of a Rational Function
5.4 Polynomial and Rational Inequalities
5.5 The Real Zeros of a Polynomial Function
5.6 Complex Zeros; Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

Chapter 6 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

6.1 Composite Functions
6.2 One-to-One Functions; Inverse Functions
6.3 Exponential Functions
6.4 Logarithmic Functions
6.5 Properties of Logarithms
6.6 Logarithmic and Exponential Equations
6.7 Compound Interest
6.8 Exponential Growth and Decay Models; Newton’s Law; Logistic Growth and Decay Models
6.9 Building Exponential Logarithmic; and Logistic Models from Data

Chapter 12 Systems of Equations and Inequalities

12.1 Systems of Linear Equations: Substitution and Elimination
12.2 Systems of Linear Equations: Matrices
12.3 Systems of Linear Equations: Determinants
12.4 Matrix Algebra
12.5 Partial Fraction Decomposition- Optional
12.6 Systems of Nonlinear Equations
12.7 Systems of Inequalities
12.8 Linear Programming

Miscellaneous-
11.1 Conics (optional)
14.1 Counting Probability (optional)
14.2 Permutations and Combinations (optional)

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INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS
The text will serve as a guideline for the course with most of the material taken from the text and delivered in an
informal lecture/discussion presentation. A TI-83 or other model of a graphing calculator, an overhead projector,
chalkboard, videos or other forms of technology may be used for demonstrations. Problem assignments will be made for
each section that is covered and the student should be ready to discuss the problems in the next class session. Normally
the first part of a class will be used to discuss the previous assignment. The student is encouraged to visit the instructor
for individual help outside of class; seek help immediately when you don’t understand some concept.

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS AND METHOD OF EVALUATION

See the syllabus supplement for a specific course section for details of student requirements and method of evaluation.

GRADING SCALE
A: 90-100
B: 80-89
C: 70-79
D: 60-69
F: below 60%
See the syllabus supplement for a specific course section for details of grading scale.

A random selection of students enrolled in College Algebra courses will be required to successfully complete a
standardized testing by the end of the semester. A schedule of possible exam dates and times will be provided by your
instructor. Failure to successfully complete the exam will result in a withhold of grades.

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT GAIN

In order to assess course effectiveness a pre- and post-test (per institutional assessment plan) will be administered in addition to
required placement exams. This will give a measure of the effectiveness of our own institutional placement procedures as well
as an indication that the necessary advancement in student abilities has occurred so that the student may enroll in the
Calculus.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Absences that occur due to students participating in official college activities are excused except in those cases where
outside bodies, such as the State Board of Nursing, have requirements for minimum class minutes for each student.
Students who are excused will be given reasonable opportunity to make up any missed work or receive substitute
assignments from the instructor and should not be penalized for the absence. Proper procedure should be followed in
notifying faculty in advance of the student’s planned participation in the event. Ultimately it is the student’s
responsibility to notify the instructor in advance of the planned absence.

Unless students are participating in a school activity or are excused by the instructor, they are expected to attend class.
If a student’s absences exceed one-hundred (100) minutes per credit hour for the course or, in the case of on-line or
other non-traditional courses, the student is inactive for one-eighth of the total course duration, the instructor has the
right, but is not required, to withdraw a student from the course. Once the student has been dropped for excessive
absences, the registrar’s office will send a letter to the student, stating that he or she has been dropped. A student may
petition the chief academic officer for reinstatement by submitting a letter stating valid reasons for the absences within
one week of the registrar’s notification. If the student is reinstated into the class, the instructor and the registrar will be
notified.

Any late arrivals to class and/or early departures from class before the conclusion of the session may count toward the
total minutes.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

NCCC expects every student to demonstrate ethical behavior with regard to academic pursuits. Academic integrity in

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COLLEGE ALGEBRA

coursework is a specific requirement. Definitions, examples, and possible consequences for violations of Academic
Integrity, as well as the appeals process, can be found in the College Catalog, Student Handbook, and/or Code of
Student Conduct and Discipline.

CELL PHONE POLICY

Student cell phones and pagers must be turned off during class times. Faculty may approve an exception for special
circumstances.

CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT
Students are encouraged to participate freely in classroom discussions, including offering personal insights and asking
questions relevant to the subject at hand. However, intentionally non-relevant comments and questions, and personal
conversations are disruptive and are not appropriate in coursework while class is in session. These behaviors interfere
with the learning process and therefore will not be tolerated. You are expected to conduct yourselves at all times as
mature adults actively engaged in the pursuit of higher learning.

NOTE:
Information and statements in this document are subject to change at the discretion of NCCC. Changes will be published in
writing and made available to students.

NOTE: If you are a student with a disability who may need accommodation(s) under the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please notify the Dean of Student Development,
Chanute Campus, Student Union, 620-431-2820, Ext. 213., or the Dean, Ottawa Campus,
785-242-2607 ext 312, as soon as possible. You will need to bring your documentation for
review in order to determine reasonable accommodations, and then we can assist you in
arranging any necessary accommodations.

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