Course prefix and number: MATH 1414 Sections:
820
Course title: Basic
Algebra
Credit hours: 4 Lecture hours: 4
Clinical/Lab hours: 0
Catalog
description: Prerequisites: MATH 0993 with a grade of C or better or
MATH 1213 with a grade of C or better or appropriate assessment score.
The set of whole numbers and its properties are described with the notation
of algebra. The number concept is
expanded to include the integers, rational numbers, and real numbers. Topics include sets, expressions, equations
(linear, quadratic, and fractional), word problems, absolute value, integer
exponents, polynomials, special products, factoring, complex fractions, and
square root radicals. Skills for success
in more advanced courses are emphasized; consequently, the student must have a
strong working knowledge of arithmetic before entering this course. AAS: Mathematics elective.
Faculty
Bruce Myers
815-802-8454
bmyers@kcc.edu
Department Phone: 815-802-8468
Office Location/Office hours
Office: L-328
|
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
|
10:00 –12:00 |
9:00 –12:00 |
10:00 –12:00 |
9:00 –12:00 |
10:00 –12:00 |
|
2:00 - 5:00 |
|
2:00 - 5:00 |
|
|
Textbook(s): Basic M.L. Bittinger, Introductory Algebra, 10th edition, Addison
Wesley, MA, 2003.
Additional Item(s): Calculator is
permitted.
Relationship
to academic programs and transferability
This course was designed to
meet specific student needs either individually or within a program.
Transferability of this course will be determined by each transfer institution.
Please see an academic advisor for an explanation concerning transfer
option. Refer to the IAI web page at www.itransfer.org
for more information.
Course Outline (Subject to revision)
Topic: Text Section:
a) Pre-Algebra
Review R
b) Real Numbers
and Algebraic Expressions 1
c) Solving
Equations and Inequalities 2.1
– 2.7
d) Graphs and
applications of linear applications 3.1
e) Polynomial
Operations 4.1
– 4.6
f) Factoring
Polynomials 5.1
– 5.6
g) Rational
Expressions and Equations 6.1
– 6.2
h) Radical
Expressions and Equations 8.1
– 8.2
i) Quadratic
equations/quadratic formula 9.1
– 9.3
Course Goals and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you will be expected
to demonstrate that you can:
1. Find the
LCM (least common multiple) of a set of numbers using their prime
factorization.
2. Perform the
four basic arithmetic operations on rational numbers and express results in
simplest form.
3. Perform the
four basic arithmetic operations on polynomials and appropriately simplify the
result by collecting like terms and using appropriate laws of exponents.
4. Factor
polynomials using appropriate combinations of factoring monomials and
special-product formulas.
5. Identify
equivalent (algebraic or numeral) fractions.
6. Simplify
(algebraic or numeral) fractions.
7. Multiply
and divide fractions and obtain the result in simplest form.
8. Identify
the LCD for a set of fractions and add or subtract the fractions, obtaining the
result in simplest form.
9. Solve
fractional equations by “clearing fractions.”
10. Apply laws
of exponents to the simplification of expressions.
11. Convert
numbers between scientific and standard notation.
12. Solve
quadratic equations either by trinomial factorization or by using the quadratic
formula.
13. Graph
linear equations.
Evaluation (Subject to revision)
Student
learning will be evaluated through a combination of homework assignments and
classroom tests. There will be a minimum
of five tests and one final exam. The final
exam will be comprehensive.
To be
successful in this course, students must be willing to devote a lot of time and
energy to out of class exercises.
Problems will be assigned for each section that is covered (and review
sections that are not covered). In most
cases the assignment will be all of the odd numbered exercises in the
text. On some occasions, supplementary
problems will be assigned as graded homework.
Graded homework assignments
must be neatly written, must show all work, and must clearly identify the
answer. Graded homework will be due at
the beginning of the next class meeting and will not be accepted late as a
result of absence or tardiness. Graded
assignments are expected to be the work of the individual student, and not a
student-student or student-tutor collaborative effort.
If a
student misses two exams and/or the final exam, the student will receive a
failing grade. If a student misses one
exam, the grade of the final exam will be used for the missed exam in addition
to the final exam. If a student does not
miss any exams, and the final exam score is not the lowest score, then the
final exam score will replace the lowest test score.
GRADING: Grades will be based on percentage of total
points accumulated. While the percentage
cutoffs will not be raised from those shown below, the cutoffs may be lowered
if the instructor feels it necessary.
|
Percentage
of Total Points: |
Grade: |
|
100
– 90 |
A |
|
89
– 80 |
B |
|
79
– 70 |
C |
|
69
– 60 |
D |
|
59 and
below |
F |
Attendance Policy: It is understood that conflicts arise forcing
students to miss class from time to time.
That is unavoidable. If a student
must miss class, the student is still responsible for the material covered
during the missed period. Questions
pertaining to missed material will not be addressed in subsequent classes
except during the course of normal review.
Students
will not be penalized for absence and are not required to inform the instructor
of the reason for absence. If a student
knows in advance that he or she will be absent the student can make prior
arrangements to complete graded work.
Withdrawals
When it is necessary to withdraw from a course or from
the college, a student may do so on or before the withdrawal date stated on the
syllabus without receiving a punitive final grade. The Change of Schedule forms (used to add or
drop a course) are available in Student Services and the student should obtain
the required signatures prior to submitting the Change of Schedule form to an
adviser in Student Services. Students may submit Change of Schedule forms
through the mail, but they must be postmarked no later than the withdrawal
date. No withdrawals are allowed by
phone. The last date to withdraw with a grade of “W” is March 24, 2008.
Code of Conduct
By participating in this course, the student agrees to
adhere to the KCC Code of Conduct, found in each academic year's catalog, and
understands that his or her classroom behavior shall be in compliance with the
Code.
College
Resources
Tutorial
Assistance – The center offers free tutorial services on a
walk-in basis to support students enrolled at KCC in a wide range of college
courses and individual skill development activities. The
Learning
Laboratory – The Learning Lab, located in Room L329, uses
instructional technology to provide individualized learning for students
enrolled at KCC. In the lab, students can review and practice math, writing,
reading, basic sciences, study skills, word processing, and other basic skills.
Special
Populations Services – KCC offers advisement and special
instructional support for students who are physically and learning disabled, as
well as those with academic deficiencies. Students will receive appropriate
academic instructional support, including preparatory courses, tutorial
assistance, study skills assistance, and self-instructional programs. For
special populations services, go to room L326.
Copyright
The materials on this course
are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes
associated with this course. Further Information regarding KCC's
copyright policy is available at http://www.kcc-online.org/copyright/policy.html.
Syllabus disclaimer
Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change. Individual results vary; “success”
is not guaranteed.