COURSE SYLLABUS

MAT 120 Intermediate Algebra

Sections E, G
Spring 2019

Instructor Name: Mr. Mathew Kerns

Office Location/Office Hours: C 115 G Monday and Wednesday 2-3 pm, Tuesday 9-11 am, and
Thursday 10-11 am
Phone Number: 762-4651 ext. 8909
Email: mkerns@fmcc.edu
Website: www.mathmovers.com
Materials: Intermediate Algebra, 7th edition, Blitzer, and a Scientific or Graphing Calculator

Course Description
MAT 120 Intermediate Algebra 4-0-4
This course is designed for students who have had a minimum of high school mathematics and wish to
enroll later in MAT 130 or MAT 140. Topics include: absolute value equations and inequalities; second
degree (quadratic) equations, inequalities, graphs, and applications; relations and functions; rational
expressions, equations, inequalities, and applications; radical expressions and equations; and complex
numbers. Not open to students who have a “B” or better in Algebra 2 and Trigonometry or its equivalent.
Not open to students who have taken Precalculus or higher. Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or above in MAT
040, placement by academic advisor, or permission of Instructor. General Education: M.

Course Student Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:
 Solve quadratic (second degree) equations and inequalities in one variable and their
applications.
 Graph quadratic functions and solve their applications.
 Perform operations and solve equations, inequalities, and applications involving rational
expressions.
 Perform operations and solve equations involving radicals.

SUNY General Education Mathematics Course Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate the ability to:
 interpret and draw inferences from mathematical models such as formulas, graphs, tables and
schematics;
 represent mathematical information symbolically, visually, numerically and verbally;
 employ quantitative methods such as, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, or statistics to solve
problems;
 estimate and check mathematical results for reasonableness; and
 recognize the limits of mathematical and statistical methods.
Student Responsibilities
1. Exams –
There will be 6 exams in this class. The exams will be worth 100 points each.
 Exam 1 will cover chapters 1 and 2
 Exam 2 will cover chapters 3 and 4
 Exam 3 will cover chapter 5
 Exam 4 will cover chapter 6
 Exam 5 will cover chapter 7
 Exam 6 will cover chapters 8 and 10 (If time permits)
Exam dates will be announced in class and will generally occur two class periods after we finish the last
chapter encompassed on the exam. I will drop the lowest exam score from exams 1 to 6. If you miss an
exam, that will be your dropped score. If a take home test is ever given, you must be present during the
entire class period to receive the test, and you must be present during the entire class period in which
the test is due. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the forfeiture of you being able to take the
test. THERE WILL BE NO MAKEUP EXAMS GIVEN FOR ANY REASON. Extra credit will be given for
students receiving an ‘A’, ‘B’, or ‘C’ on any test. A student will receive 5 additional points for an ‘A’, 3
additional points for a ‘B’, and 1 additional point for a ‘C’. These additional points will be added directly
to that exam score.

2. Final Exam –
There will be a final exam given during the last day of class for your section just before the school’s final
exam period. It will be cumulative and worth 200 points. Students with an 85 or higher overall average
will not be required to take the final exam and will receive the appropriate letter grade based on your
current average. If you are not required to take the final but take it anyway, your grade can only
improve. The final course grade will be determined by whichever is higher, the overall course average
or the final exam grade. For example, if your overall course grade is a 75 and you earn a 90 on the final,
then your final course grade will be a 90. Any student with less than an 85 is required to take the final,
and anyone required to take the final that does not do so will fail the course.

3. Homework –
Homework will be assigned at the end of every class and will be discussed during the next class session.
The homework will not be collected and will not count in your overall grade; however, most quizzes will
follow exactly from the homework problems. You should plan to complete each assignment.
Homework should be thought of as practice in order to learn the material and to do well on quizzes and
exams.

4. Quizzes –
There will be 6 quizzes given throughout the semester with one being about every other week. Quizzes
will be announced ahead of time in class and will be administered at the end of the class session on the
date announced. If a take home quiz is ever given, you must be present during the entire class period to
receive the quiz, and you must be present during the entire class period in which the quiz is due. Failure
to meet this requirement will result in the forfeiture of you being able to take the quiz. THERE WILL BE
NO MAKEUP QUIZZES GIVEN FOR ANY REASON.
5. Cell Phones, Laptops, and any Electronic Devices –
These are not needed nor permitted in class. Please turn off all devices and store them away during
each class session. CELL PHONES ARE NOT TO BE USED FOR CALCULATORS. If you have a cell phone out
during a quiz or exam, it will be considered cheating, and you will receive a zero on that quiz or exam.
The first offense for violating this rule will be a verbal warning. The second, and subsequent, offense
will result in the reduction of your overall grade by 5 percentage points for each offense. If there is a
documented reason for a laptop, you must first provide the documentation.

6. Common Courtesies –
 Talk with your friends before or after class but not during.
 No headphones are to be worn in class.
 Arrive on time with paper, textbook, calculator, and all electronics turned off.
 No calculator sharing is allowed. Each person must use/provide their own.

7. Extra Help –
If you find yourself struggling at any point during the course, please see me immediately! Be sure to
come to office hours for extra help. If you cannot make it during the posted office hours, please see me
after class or email me to make an appointment. The sooner you seek help the better!! You can also
take advantage of the Math Lab located in the Evans Library for additional tutoring services. The lecture
videos posted on the class website are also of immense value. Please be sure to visit them frequently
and use them as an additional resource for this course.

Course Content and Outline

Chapter Topics
1 Algebra, Mathematical Models, and Problem Solving
1.1 Algebraic Expressions, Real Numbers, and Interval Notation
1.2 Operations with Real Numbers and Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
1.3 Graphing Equations
1.4 Solving Linear Equations
1.5 Problem Solving and Using Formulas
1.6 Properties of Integral Exponents
1.7 Scientific Notation
2 Functions and Linear Functions
2.1 Introduction to Functions
2.2 Graphs of Functions
2.3 The Algebra of Functions
2.4 Linear Functions and Slope
2.5 The Point-Slope Form of the Equation of a Line
Exam #1 (will cover chapters 1 and 2)
3 Systems of Linear Equations
3.1 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables
4 Inequalities and Problem Solving
4.1 Solving Linear Inequalities
4.2 Compound Inequalities
 4.3 Equations and Inequalities Involving Absolute Value
4.4 Linear Inequalities in Two Variables
Exam #2 (will cover chapters 3 and 4)
5 Polynomials, Polynomial Functions, and Factoring
5.1 Introduction to Polynomials and Polynomial Functions
5.2 Multiplication of Polynomials
5.3 Greatest Common Factors and Factoring By Grouping
5.4 Factoring Trinomials
5.5 Factoring Special Forms
5.6 A General Factoring Strategy
5.7 Polynomial Equations and Their Applications
Exam #3 (will cover chapter 5)
6 Rational Expressions, Functions, and Equations
6.1 Rational Expressions and Functions; Multiplying and Dividing
6.2 Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions
6.3 Complex Rational Expressions
6.4 Division of Polynomials
6.5 Synthetic Division and the Remainder Theorem
6.6 Rational Equations
6.7 Formulas and Applications of Rational Equations
6.8 Modeling Using Variation
Exam #4 (will cover chapter 6)
7 Radicals, Radical Functions, and Rational Exponents
7.1 Radical Expressions and Functions
7.2 Rational Exponents
7.3 Multiplying and Simplifying Radical Expressions
7.4 Adding, Subtracting, and Dividing Radical Expressions
7.5 Multiplying with More Than One Term and Rationalizing Denominators
7.6 Radical Equations
7.7 Complex Numbers
Exam #5 (will cover chapter 7)
8 Quadratic Equations and Functions
8.1 The Square Root Property and Completing the Square
8.2 The Quadratic Formula
8.3 Quadratic Functions and Their Graphs
8.4 Equations Quadratic in Form
8.5 Polynomial and Rational Inequalities
10 Conic Sections
10.1 Distance and Midpoint Formulas; Circles
10.2 The Ellipse
10.3 The Hyperbola
10.4 The Parabola; Identifying Conic Sections
Exam #6 (will cover chapters 8 and 10)
R Review
Final Exam (will cover chapters 1-8, 10)
Grading Method
Numerical grades will be calculated by dividing the total points earned by the total points possible.
 Exams 500 Points (5 best scores, 100 points each, worth 68% of your grade)
 Quizzes 240 Points (6 quizzes, 40 points each, worth 32% of your grade)
 Total 740 Points
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Final 200 Points
Final course grade will be determined by the higher average between the exams and quizzes versus the
final exam.

Grading Scale

A 663-740
B 589-662
C 515-588
D 441-514
F 0-440

Attendance Policy
Attendance is an important part of the learning process. As such, you should attend the full class every
day. There is a direct correlation between attendance and your grade. Without regular attendance, it is
difficult to succeed in this class and you may miss important announcements regarding course material
and exams and quizzes. Students are expected to attend class in a regular and punctual manner. If you
miss class, it is your responsibility to get any missed work. Anyone attaining perfect attendance for the
entire semester will receive 20 extra credit points added on to their final points total for the class.

Students with Disabilities Policy:

Fulton-Montgomery Community College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations,
including core services, to qualified students with disabilities. For additional information, go to:
http://www.fmcc.edu/admissions/students-with-disabilities/

Academic Integrity Policy:

Academic integrity refers to a code of values that support and direct the education process. This code is
based on legal, ethical, and educational concerns. Education in large part consists of the acquisition and
demonstration of knowledge according to acceptable standards. Students must be familiar with these
standards and will be held accountable for their use. Not being familiar with these standards is not an
excuse for their breach. http://www.fmcc.edu/academics/programs/academic-integrity-policy/

Campus Civility Statement:

FM is committed to fostering an environment of civility. All members of the FM community and visitors
have the right to experience and the responsibility to create and maintain an environment of mutual
respect and support that is civil in all aspects of human relations. Civility facilitates professional growth
and achievement and promotes an environment where each person can reach his or her full potential.
FMCC Math Lab:
The FMCC Math Lab, located on the 2nd floor of the Evans Library, is available to all students who seek
assistance with math or physical science (Physics, Chemistry, etc.) courses. We offer one-on-one or
small group tutoring on a drop-in basis. There are peer or professional tutors available throughout the
day. Computers are available for online homework assignments.

FM Sustainability Statement

The Sustainability Committee at FM looks for opportunities across campus that would reduce waste; maximize our
energy efficiency; and minimize the College’s impact on the environment. The committee also looks for opportunities
to foster awareness and education of sustainability efforts; large and small. Sustainability efforts at FM look to involve
as many constituent groups on campus and in the local community as possible.

Disclaimer
All policies and subsections of this syllabus are subject to change and revision at the instructor’s
discretion. I reserve the right to implement missed tests and quizzes on a case-by-case basis. If you are
diligent with your work and attend lecture on a regular basis and participate actively in class, then I may
allow missed work to be made up. You may come to me and discuss your individual situation to see
whether it merits a make-up item or not. If you are habitually absent and are not performing well in
class, then the likelihood of you being allowed to make-up any material missed will be severely limited.
Again, this will be decided on a case-by-case, individual basis. All tests and/or quizzes that are permitted
to be made up must be done so before they are passed back to the rest of the class which is usually one
day.