Course Title:
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Course Materials:
Aufmann, R. N., Barker, V. C., & Lockwood, J. S. (2006). Intermediate algebra: An applied approach (7th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
** Scientific Calculator required. | |
Course Description:
| (Not open to students who have already successfully completed a higher-level mathematics course. Does not apply toward degree requirements. Yields institutional credit only.) Prerequisite: MATH 009 or an appropriate score on the placement test. A study of problem-solving techniques in intermediate-level algebra. Emphasis is on numbers and algebraic properties, graphing skills, and applications drawn from a variety of areas (such as statistics, computing, and discrete mathematics). Topics include polynomials; factoring; exponents and their notation; linear, quadratic, and other equations; and inequalities. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 012, MATH 101, MATH 101M, MATH 102, MATH 102M, MATH 199A, OR MATH 199M. | |
Course Goals/Objectives:
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Upon successful completion of this course, minimal objectives the student has achieved include the following:
* Simplify and evaluate algebraic expressions including polynomial, fractional, and radical expressions using algebraic procedures and order of operations.
* Solve linear, quadratic, fractional, and radical equations.
* Solve and graph linear inequalities, including those involving absolute value.
* Graph linear and quadratic equations in two variables by construction and/or graphing utility.
* Determine equations for lines parallel and perpendicular to a given line through a given point.
* Solve polynomial equations by the method of factoring.
* Solve simple systems of two linear equations algebraically and graphically.
* Solve inequalities in one or two variables.
* Apply these techniques to the solution of practical problems drawn from fields such as mathematics, business, and the social, life, and physical sciences.
Additional objectives may include:
* Solve equations reducible to quadratics.
* Evaluate functions and use function notation. | |
Course Introduction:
Math 012 is a developmental algebra course designed to equip students with a basic mathematical proficiency and perspective needed in today's world. Principles introduced in introductory algebra (MATH009) are expanded and further developed. Additional topics are incorporated to provide the necessary foundational knowledge for the student to successfully complete College Algebra (MATH107).
The course also seeks to develop those attributes of an educated person which are not purely mathematical but which are reinforced by the study of mathematics. Therefore the course requires precise writing and speaking skills, reading comprehension, the ability to organize tasks into a sequence of logical steps, and the ability to reason from fixed principles. Within this developmental framework, there is a focus on understanding mathematical principles and developing skills in simplifying algebraic expressions and solving equations. Graphing is used as a tool for enhancing understanding of the mathematical principles. | |
Grading Information and Criteria:
There will be three 75-minute exams each worth 15% of the final grade and a comprehensive final exam that is worth 40% of the final grade. The remaining 15% of the final course grade will be comprised of optional projects, quizzes, or homework assignments.
Assessment Item = Points = % of Final Grade:
Exam 1 = 15 points = 15%
Exam 2 = 15 points = 15%
Exam 3 = 15 points = 15%
Projects/Quizzes/Homework Assignments = 15 points = 15%
Final Exam = 40 points = 40%
Grades will be determined by the number of points you have earned as follows:
Grade/Points:
A = 90-100%
B = 80-89.9%
C = 70-79.9%
D = 60-69.9%
F = less than 60%
NOTE: Faculty may edit this model. Participation as a component is advisable for online classes and may be incorporated in f2f classes. If the faculty wishes to incorporate participation as part of the course grade, then the above percentages will change. Assignment of projects is optional. | |
Other Information:
* Study time (including reading and exercises) can be expected to be 2 to 3 times the amount of lecture time. That is, for every hour in class expect to spend 2 to 3 hours out of class studying.
* Students who fall behind or fail to attempt the exercises could well find themselves in difficulty. Try to incorporate the skills and methods learned in this course in everyday life. It is the best way to learn.
* Attendance: It will be to the student's advantage to attend all classes. When absence is unavoidable, it is a student's own responsibility to makeup any work missed before the next class session. For administrative purposes, attendance will be recorded. Students expecting or experiencing long absences during the term should contact the faculty.
* Class Discussions: Students are encouraged (indeed, expected) to participate. Ask questions.
* Homework assignments will be given for each class session. You are responsible for solving all problems assigned. Completing all the homework problems should help you prepare for the exams. If there are any problems that you found difficult or were unable to solve, be prepared to ask questions concerning those problems. Mastery of math depends on practice, practice, practice!
* In addition to the textbook, you will need a scientific calculator and graph paper with grid size large enough to see without the aid of a magnifying glass. A straight edge and a few different colored pencils or pens will also be useful.
* Please do not tape record class sessions.
* Please turn off telephones before class. | |
Project Descriptions:
| If the faculty member incorporates projects as part of the course grade, the problems comprising the projects might come from the Focus on Problem Solving/Projects and Group Activities sections at the end of each chapter of the textbook or the faculty member might create projects based upon current events or items that are useful and of interest to the class. | |
Academic Policies:
Cases of plagiarism are handled consistent with current UMUC guidelines.
See the UMUC policies at the following URL:
http://www.umuc.edu/policy/ | |
Course Schedule:
Tentative Schedule; may be modified by instructor as circumstances deem necessary. All readings and assignments are from Intermediate Algebra: An Applied Approach, by Aufmann, Barker, and Lockwood. Please read the sections to be covered prior to the class meeting. Homework assignments will be comprised of the odd numbered problems in each section unless specified otherwise during the class meetings.
Class Sections, Meeting, Covered Topics, and Exams
1 1.1-1.4 Review of Real Numbers
2 2.1-2.5 First-Degree Equations and Inequalities
3 3.1-3.7 Linear Functions and Inequalities in Two Variables
4 4.1-4.5 Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities
5 5.1-5.3 Exam I, Polynomials
6 5.4-6.1 Polynomials, Rational Expressions
7 6.2-6.6 Rational Expressions and Equations
8 7.1-7.4 Radical Expressions and Complex Numbers
9 8.1-8.3 Exam II, Quadratic Equations
10 8.4-9.1 Equations Reducible to Quadratic, Applications, Quadratic Functions
11 9.2-9.4 Functions and Relations
12 10.1-10.3 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
13 10.4, 10.5 Exam III, Solving Exponential and Logarithmic Equations, Applications
14 11.1-11.3 Conic Sections
15 11.4, 11.5 Nonlinear Systems of Equations and Inequalities, Review for Final Exam
16 Final Exam
NOTE: Exam I covers 1.1-4.5
Exam II covers 5.1-7.4
Exam III covers 8.1-10.3
Final Exam is comprehensive | |
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