Bookmark Your Honors Program: COURSE SYLLABUS Spring 2009 MTH 1513 Instructor: Sally Mims Office No. Mc355 Call No: 32585 Office Phone: 595-7255 Sec. 106 TRMC GX2 Science and Math Division Associate Dean: Dr. Connie Hébert, Ph.D. Office No: MC 620 Office Phone: 595-7334 PRE-RE ‘Two years high school algebra or MTH 0123 or MTH 0105 or their equivalent. TEXTBOOK AND OTHER MATERIALS College Algebra, 4" Edition Author: Blitzer Publisher: Prentice Hall/ Pearson COMPUTER ASSITED INSTRUCTION ‘Math Lab - MC 302CATALOG DESCRIPTION A continuation of MTH 0123 or MTH 0105, including a brief review of basic algebra, quadratic and radical equations, quadratic inequalities, relations and functions, systems of equations, complex numbers, permutations, combinations, and probability, binomial theorem, logarithms, and matrices and determinants. Lecture 3 hours, No Laboratory. COURSE OBJECTIVES After completion of the course of study the student should be able to: 1. Graph linear and quadratic equations, and linear and quadratic inequalities. 2. Solve linear equations, linear inequalities, irrational equations, quadratic equations, systems of equations, and systems of inequalities Utilize the laws of exponents in regard to positive, negative, and fractional exponents, 4, Simplify radicals and complete the fundamental operations involving radicals of the same order and different orders. 5. Perform four basic operations of algebraic equations, 6. Be familiar with the field of complex numbers, relations and functions, permutation, combinations, probability, binomial theorem, logarithms, matrices and determinants, sequences, mathematical induction, and theory of equations ‘TEACHING METHOD: ‘The class will primarily be taught by the lecture method. EVALUATION TECHNIQUES Evaluation will be determined by unit tests and group activities. Grades will be determined by te percentage of total points accumulated by means of: GROUP ACTIVITY Group Assignments: ‘The class will be divided into 4 groups, Each group will be required to complete 4 assignments during the semester. It is the student’s responsibility to actively participate in the completion of each group assignment. Each assignment is worth 25 points for a total of 100 points. To receive fall credit, the assignment must be turned in on the assigned due date or prior to that date. Group assignments will not be dropped!Keep in mind that mathematics is a skill that can only be learned and mastered by doing it yourself with lots of practice. There is no other way. Think of it as being similar to learning a ‘musical instrument, learning to type or playing a sport. No matter how much you watch someone else do it, how many books you read on how to do it, or how easy it may seem to be, the key to success is practice. CALCULATORS: The heart of mathematics is deductive thought and proof and no calculator ‘can perform these tasks. Only the human mind is capable of mathematical thought. Calculators are an important tool in mathematics but must be used appropriately. For this class, ‘mathematical insight is the quickest and easiest way to solve problems. Calculators may be used ‘on most tests. An inexpensive scientific calculator will suffice. Calculator usage will not be taught in this class due to the variety of calculators available. UNIT TESTS There will be 5 unit tests worth 100 points each, A missed test cannot be made up, no matter what the reason! However, the lowest unit test score may be dropped. Please do not place yourself and this instructor in an awkward situation by requesting that an exception be made to this policy. None will be granted. Pleas refer to the Student Code Book concerning cheating on tests, There is no extra credit grade! GRADING SYSTEM ‘The grading, system will be based on the total number of points on the four best unit test scores plus points on the homework: Grading Scale: 500-450, 449-400 399-350 349-300 = D Below 300 = F An incomplete grade will only be considered if the student is passing the course and has not been excessively absent from the class. A request to change from credit to audit will only be considered if a student has not been excessively absent from class. On the last page of the syllabus, you will find a suggested list of homework exercises. Homework sets correspond to the lecture material, In addition to these exercises, I would practice with many more, Homework is not a part of the evaluation of your grade. Neither can it be used for extra credit.