A review of high school algebra. Includes operations with real numbers, graphing and functions, solving equations, and problem solving. Students scoring a 23 or below on the ACT exam will be required to take a placement exam.
MT099 or math placement
Meeting Times, Location, & Course Delivery Details
Contact Information
Textbook: Intermediate Algebra (Open-access free textbook)
Edition: 2e
ISBN-13: 978-1-951693-24-4
Author: Lynn Marecek
Publisher: OpenStax
The objectives of this course are to:
Strengthen students’ understanding of fundamental algebraic concepts necessary for success in college-level mathematics.
Develop students’ ability to solve equations, inequalities, and application problems using algebraic reasoning.
Enhance students’ skills in graphing, interpreting, and analyzing functions and relations.
Provide students with opportunities to apply algebraic methods to model and solve real-world problems.
Build students’ confidence and proficiency in mathematical communication, problem-solving, and logical reasoning.
Prepare students for more advanced courses in mathematics, statistics, and related fields.
Tentative Schedule
| Week | Dates | Topics | Textbook Sections | Exam | Homework |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aug 24–28 | Foundations: Use the Language of Algebra, Integers, Fractions, Decimals, Properties of Real Numbers | Ch. 1: 1.1–1.5 | HW1 | |
| 2 | Aug 31– Sep 4 | Solving Linear Equations: General Strategy, Problem Solving, Solving for a Specific Variable | Ch. 2: 2.1–2.3 | ||
| 3 | Sep 7–11 (Mon, Sep 7 Laber Day) | Applications, Linear Inequalities, Absolute Value Inequalities (skip 2.6 Compound Inequalities) | Ch. 2: 2.4, 2.5, 2.7 | HW2 | |
| 4 | Sep 14–18 | Graphing Linear Equations: Two Variables, Slope, Equation of a Line | Ch. 3: 3.1–3.3 | ||
| 5 | Sep 21–25 | Graphing Linear Inequalities, Relations and Functions, Graphs of Functions | Ch. 3: 3.4–3.6 | HW3 | |
| 6 | Sep 28–Oct 2 | Systems of Equations (2 variables) & Applications (skip 3-variable systems, matrices, determinants, 4.4–4.7) | Ch. 4: 4.1–4.3 | Test 1 (Chs. 1–3) | HW4 |
| 7 | Oct 5–9 | Polynomials: Add and Subtract, Properties of Exponents, Scientific Notation (skip 5.4 Division) | Ch. 5: 5.1–5.3 | HW5 | |
| 8 | Oct 12–16 (Tue, Oct 13 No classes) | Factoring: GCF, Grouping, Trinomials | Ch. 6: 6.1–6.2 | ||
| 9 | Oct 19–23 (Mon, Oct 19 Fall Break) | Factoring: Special Products, General Factoring Strategy, Polynomial Equations | Ch. 6: 6.3–6.5 | HW6 | |
| 10 | Oct 26–30 | Rational Expressions: Multiply, Divide, Add, Subtract | Ch. 7: 7.1–7.2 | ||
| 11 | Nov 2–6 | Rational Expressions: Simplify Complex Rational Expressions (skip 7.6 Rational Inequalities) | Ch. 7: 7.3–7.5 | HW7 | |
| 12 | Nov 9–13 | Roots and Radicals: Simplify Expressions with Roots, Radical Expressions, Rational Exponents, Add/Subtract/Multiply/Divide Radicals | Ch. 8: 8.1–8.5 | Test 2 (Chs. 4-7) | |
| 13 | Nov 16–20 | Radical Equations, Functions, Complex Numbers | Ch. 8: 8.6–8.8 | HW8 | |
| 14 | Nov 23–27 (Nov 25-27 Thanksgiving Holiday) | Quadratic Equations: Square Root Property, Completing the Square, Quadratic Formula (skip 9.4 Equations in Quadratic Form) | Ch. 9: 9.1–9.3 | ||
| 15 | Nov 30–Dec 4 | Applications of Quadratic Equations, Graph Quadratic Functions Using Properties and Transformations (skip 9.8 Quadratic Inequalities) | Ch. 9: 9.5–9.7 | HW9 | |
| 16 | Dec 7–9 Last Day of Classes | Exponential & Logarithmic Functions: Composite and Inverse Functions, Evaluate and Graph, Properties of Logarithms, Solve Equations | Ch. 10: 10.1–10.5 | HW10 | |
| --- | Dec 15 (3:15 - 5:15 PM) | Test 3 (Chs 8-10) |
- Subject to change during the semester.
Homework assignments play a crucial role in reinforcing concepts learned in class and promoting individual understanding. In this course, the following policies govern homework submissions and assessments:
- Timely Submission: All homework assignments are expected to be submitted by the specified deadline. Late submissions may result in a deduction of points, with the severity of the penalty increasing the longer the delay.
- Minimum Homework Score: The lowest homework score will be dropped from the total, which allows for flexibility and accommodates any challenges you may face.
- Quality and Originality: Homework solutions should reflect individual effort and understanding. Plagiarism or copying from external sources is strictly prohibited and will result in academic consequences.
- Clarity and Organization: Clear presentation of solutions and organized work are essential. Use proper formatting, labeling, and explanations to ensure that your responses are easily understandable.
- Collaboration: Unless explicitly stated otherwise, homework assignments are to be completed individually. Unauthorized collaboration may lead to academic penalties.
- Grading and Feedback: Assignments will be graded based on correctness, completeness, and adherence to instructions. Constructive feedback will be provided to aid in your understanding and improvement.
- Resubmission: In certain cases, resubmission of corrected assignments may be allowed after receiving feedback. However, this is at the discretion of the instructor and may be subject to specific guidelines.
EXTRA CREDIT: Occasionally, I may offer extra credit opportunities in addition to regular homework assignments. Each extra credit task completed will earn you one extra point, which will be added to your final grade average at the end of the term.
The grading scale will be as follows:
EVALUATION: GRADING SCALE:
- Homework 20% A 95-100% A- 90-94% B+ 87-89%
- Test 1 20% B 83-86% B- 80-82% C+ 77-79%
- Test 2 20% C 73-76% C- 70-72% D+ 67-69%
- Test 3 20% D 60-66% F < 60%
- Class Participation 5%
- Quizzes 15%
Instructor Course Policies
More than three unexcused absences will significantly impact your grade, and excessive absences may lower it naturally. It is essential to communicate in advance about any absence, providing a valid reason and documentation for excused absences.
Please submit all documentation related to absences on this form.
Documentation Submission for Excused Absences – Fill out form
Upholding academic integrity is paramount in this course, with severe consequences for violations. Plagiarism, cheating, and unauthorized collaboration can lead to failing grades for assignments or exams and referral for judicial review. Quizzes and exams require students to show their work for full credit, emphasizing clarity in expressing calculator processes if used extensively. Cell phone use, including texting, is strictly prohibited. Familiarizing yourself with the current Student Handbook is crucial for understanding academic integrity policies, examination procedures, and the attendance policy, especially regarding excused absences, classroom behavior, and the process for handling academic misconduct charges. Adhering to these policies ensures a fair and enriching educational experience for all.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Apply arithmetic and algebraic operations with integers, fractions, decimals, exponents, polynomials, rational expressions, and radicals.
Solve equations and inequalities, including linear, quadratic, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic equations.
Graph and analyze functions, including linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, and rational functions, identifying key features such as slope, intercepts, vertex, asymptotes, and transformations.
Set up and solve application problems involving proportions, mixtures, motion, systems of equations, and quadratic models.
Use matrices, determinants, and systems of equations to represent and solve mathematical models.
Employ problem-solving strategies to analyze unfamiliar problems and determine appropriate algebraic techniques.
Interpret and communicate mathematical reasoning clearly in both written and verbal form.
Demonstrate readiness for higher-level mathematics courses such as Precalculus, Calculus, or Statistics.
Institutional and Program-Level Policies
All exams will follow the Final Exam Schedule. Students scheduled to take three or more final examinations on one day may request to arrange their examination schedule, so no more than two exams occur on one day.
Requests for early or late exams are considered only under extreme circumstances. Prior to the exam period, the student must file a written request on the Early/Late Exam Form available in the Student One Stop Center, Academic Records, and on the WC portal. The form must be signed by the Instructor and the Academic Dean, approving the alternate exam time. This process must be completed prior to the scheduled exam period.
Undergraduate: FA26 Final Exam Schedule
Out-of-class Work Expectation A minimum of 2 hours of out-of-class student work is expected for each hour of in-class time for traditional face-to-face courses. For online and hybrid courses, the combination of face-to-face time and out-of-class work should be equal to 3 hours per credit hour per week. |
Instructional Course Delivery Definition of Courses |
Academic Integrity Policy The use of generative AI is prohibited except where expressly allowed in assignment instructions. Academic Integrity Policy |
Class Attendance Policy Institutional Class Attendance Policy |