COURSE SYLLABUS

COURSE IDENTIFICATION

Course Prefix/Number: MATH-112

Course Title: Intermediate Algebra
Division: Applied Science Division
Program: Developmental
Credit Hours: 4
Initiation/Revised Date Spring 2009
Assessment Goal per Outcome(s): 70%

CLASSIFICATION OF INSTRUCTION
Academic

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed for students with a minimal background in algebra. The course carries institutional
credit of 4 hours (It counts toward graduation from NCCC). The course may not transfer credit to another
institution, dependent upon graduation requirements for particular programs and institutions as described in
their catalogs. Topics covered are: equations and inequalities, absolute value, functions and graphs,
polynomials, rational expressions and radicals, and systems of equations and inequalities. Students will be
expected to have access to at least a scientific calculator. A graphing calculator (such as a TI-83) would be
acceptable. (It would be needed for College Algebra.)

PREREQUISITES AND/OR COREQUISITES

The student will be placed according to their Compass/ACT score, completed Math-011 Beginning Algebra.

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

Angel. Elementary and Intermediate Algebra for College Students. Pearson, Prentice Hall, 2008.

COURSE OUTCOMES
The student will be able to demonstrate the ability to:
I. Use basic rules of Algebra and real numbers.
II. To solve problems involving linear equations, absolute value equations and inequalities in one
variable
as well as set up and solve application problems.
III. To identify functions and sketch linear equations and functions in 2 variables and use a
multivariate
approach to solving application problems involving linear equations and functions.
IV. To factor polynomials and perform standard polynomial operations.
V. To solve quadratic equations and application problems involving quadratic equations.
VI. To simplify expressions and solve equations involving rational expressions.
VII. To graph inequalities in two variables and solve systems equations by using substitution,
addition
and graphing.
VIII. To simplify expressions containing rational exponents and radicals and solve equations
containing such
expressions.
COURSE OUTLINE

I. Study Skills for Math

A. Text book overview
B. Study Skills for Success in Math 1.1
C. Introduction to Problem Solving 1.2
II. Real Numbers (Quick review)
A. Signed number arithmetic and order of operations on the real numbers 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9
III. 1st Degree Equations and Inequalities.
A. Show solutions on a number line and in interval notation.
B. Solve single variable linear and absolute value equations and inequalities using the addition and
multiplication properties. 2.4, 10.1
C. Set up and solve application problems involving linear equations and inequalities in one variable.
2.6, 2.7, 3.1
D. Solve absolute value functions and inequalities. 1.5, 10.2
IV. Graphs and Linear Equations
A. The graph of a linear equation 4.2
B. The slope of a line 4.3
C. Forms of linear equations 4.4
V. Beginning Look at Functions
A. Relations & Functions 8.2
B. Tables & Graphs 8.1, 8.3, 8.4
C. Algebra of Functions 8.5
D. Composition of Functions
VI. Factoring Polynomials
A. Factoring Special Polynomials 6.5
B. Factoring trinomials 6.3
C. Solving quadratic equations by factoring 6.6
D. Problem Solving with Factoring 6.7
E. Solving quadratic equations by completing the square 12.1
F. The quadratic formula 12.2
VII. Rational Expressions
A. Operations with rational expressions 7.2, 7.3, 7.4
B. Complex fractions 7.5
C. Solving Rational Equations 7.6
VIII. Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities
A. Graphing systems of linear equations 9.1
B. Systems of equations with two variables with applications 9.2, 9.3, 9.5
C. Systems of linear equations in three variables 9.4
D. Graphing linear inequalities in two variables 10.3
IX. Radicals and Exponents
A. Roots and Radicals 11.1
B. Simplifying Radical Expressions 11.3, 11.4
C. Operation on Radical Expressions 11.3
D. Rational Exponents 11.2
E. Complex numbers 11.7

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.
1. Pre-test and COMPASS
2. Successful completion of assignments and tests
3. Mid-term test
4. Regular class attendance and participation
5. Post-test
6. Comprehensive final and COMPASS
7. Students falling below a 70% on a test or assignments will attend tutoring until test or assignment
grade is above a 70%

GRADING SCALE

A: 90-100
B: 80-89
C: 70-79
F: 69 and below

See the syllabus supplement for a specific course section for details of grading scale.

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT GAIN

In order to assess course effectiveness an appropriate Placement Examination will be administered as both a
pre- and post-test (per institutional assessment plan). 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 College Algebra.

CLASS EXPECTATIONS

1. Assignments are due on the date assigned; assignments will not be accepted if late.
2. Zeros will be given for all assignments not received on the date due.
3. Excused absences such as college activities or as determined by the CAVE director will have two (2)
days to complete the assignment.
4. Absences: Eight (8) clock hours of unexcused absences in this class will result in an F.
ATTENDANCE POLICY

Once the student has four unexcused absences from class or has missed the equivalent of the number of
credit hours for this course, the instructor is required to turn that student’s name and attendance record in to
the Developmental Education Coordinator of the Ottawa Campus, who is then required to notify the Dean of
the Ottawa Campus / Registrar’s Office. A letter will be sent to the student stating that he or she has
received an F. A student may petition the Dean of the Ottawa Campus within one week of the dean of
student/ registrar’s notification and the Dean and the Developmental Education Coordinator will meet to
discuss the situation. If the student is reinstated into the class, the instructor and the registrar will be notified.

Any combination of three late arrivals to class and/or early departure from class before the conclusion of the
session may count as one absence.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

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