MATH 1710-K
Course Syllabus
Course Title: Transitional College Algebra
Description: College Algebra. Three credits. This is a special section of Math 1710 with additional content addressing deficiencies which may hinder successful completion of the course. It is not a prerequisite to College Algebra (Math 1710). It is an equivalent course and satisfies the General Education Mathematics requirement and meets specific requirements for programs as outlined in the MTSU Undergraduate Catalog. Topics include factoring of polynomials; simplifying radical expressions; exponential properties; graphing equations; functions—linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic; analysis of graphs; linear systems; inequalities; counting principles; and probability. All sections of this course require a graphing calculator.
Prerequisites: Two years of high school algebra and a Math Enhanced ACT of 17-18 or COMPASS placement or successful completion of MATH 1000 or equivalent.
Instructor: Dr. Otts
Office: SAG 116
Phone: (615)898-2020
Email: dotts@mtsu.edu
Office Hours: see link Office Hours
Text: College Algebra with Modeling & Visualization, 4th edition, by Rockswold. The text is online and homework is done online, so students are required to buy a code to enroll online to do homework. It is not necessary to buy the text if you are comfortable using the online version. The Course ID and information about enrolling will be discussed on the first day of class. Use your MTSU email address when registering for MyMathLab and for emailing the instructor.
>>>Purchasing a used textbook from a friend, some book stores, or some other online source will not give you the required access code to MML.<<<
Calculator: A TI-83 or TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required for this course.
General Education Mathematics Goal & Learning Outcomes:
Goal: The goal of mathematics is to expand students’ understanding of mathematics beyond the entry-level requirements for college and to extend their knowledge of mathematics through relevant mathematical modeling with applications, problem solving, critical thinking skills, and the use of appropriate technologies.
Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will demonstrate the ability to
1. Use mathematics to solve problems and determine if the solutions are reasonable.
2. Use mathematics to model real world behaviors and apply mathematical concepts to the solution of real-life problems.
3. Make meaningful connections between mathematics and other disciplines.
4. Use technology for mathematical reasoning and problem solving.
5. Apply mathematical and/or basic statistical reasoning to analyze data and graphs.
Course Requirements: In order to accomplish the learning outcomes of this course, the learner is required to
Attend class lectures
Participate in class activities
Read and study assignments
Solve assigned problem sets
Complete test, quizzes, homework, etc.
Complete a comprehensive final exam
Final Exam: The final examination is a Mathematics Department, multiple-choice, comprehensive examination given to all students enrolled in MATH 1710. Students are required to have completed the final examination as per the scheduled date/time for their respective section: see Academic Calendar on MTSU Pipeline. The final examination is closed book and closed notes (except for allowed 3x5 note card).
Examination pamphlets and scratch paper are provided by the exam proctor. Unexcused absences for the final examination result in a course grade of F.
Final Exam Schedule for Dr. Otts' classes
MATH 1710 Final Exam Review (Adobe Reader required: Adobe Reader download page)
Note: Students are responsible for, and required to bring the following materials to the final examination: (1) a large scantron, Form No. 4521, (2) a TI 83 or 84 Plus graphing calculator, (3) a #2 pencil, and (4) a small (3 x 5) note card containing student preferred information.
Note: The results of the final exam may be used for departmental and University study as a part of the Tennessee Board of Regents assessment of general education. Please know that no names will appear in the study and the anonymity of all test scores is assured. Your participation in the study is voluntary, and your decision to participate or not will not affect your course grade or your standing with Middle Tennessee State University.
Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course the student will have:
Enhanced mathematical and problem solving skills.
Applied algebraic methods to the solution of practical problems.
Explored the capabilities of the graphing calculator to better understand algebraic concepts.
Developed an understanding of functions from graphical, numeric, and symbolic viewpoints.
Developed familiarity with polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions including examples of their utility in modeling real-world phenomena.
Solved systems of linear equations by a variety of methods, including matrix methods.
Applied counting principles in the computation of probabilities.
Course Topics: This course consists of selected topics from Chapters R, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 in the required text, College Algebra with Modeling & Visualization, 4th edition, by Rockswold, including linear, quadratic, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions; analysis of graphs; linear systems; inequalities; counting principles; and probability.
Course Topics, Assignments, & Learning Outcomes
Homework for textbook assignments are to completed on line through MyMathLab. A Student Access Kit (SAK) is needed to enroll in CourseCompass. An SAK is bundled with the textbook and is also avaiable by itself from the Philips Bookstore.
Unit R. Topics; Chapter.Sections
Pythagorean Theorem; R.1
Integer Exponents; R.2
Factoring Polynomials; R.4: omit sum and difference of cubes
Radical Notation and Rational Exponents; R.6
Radical Expressions; R.7
R. Learning Outcomes
1. Students will demonstrate the ability to use the Pythagorean Theorem to calculate the length of a hypotenuse or leg of a right triangle.
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to recognize bases and exponents and apply the rules of exponents.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to recognize and use radical notation, rational exponents, and the properties of rational exponents.
4. Students will demonstrate the ability to apply the Product and Quotient Rules for radical expressions; perform the operations of addition, subtraction, and multiplication with radical expressions; and rationalize a denominator.
Unit R . Notes Link to Notes R
Unit I. Topics; Chapter.Sections
Numbers, Data, and Problem Solving; 1.1
Visualization of Data; 1.2
Functions and Their Representations; 1.3
Types of Functions and Their Rates of Change; 1.4&5
I. Learning Outcomes
1. Students will demonstrate the ability to classify numbers and to interpret data presented in visual or numeric forms.
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to convert numbers between standard and scientific notation, and to use scientific notation in numerical computations.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to extrapolate necessary data and information from given application problems and to use this data and the processes of problem solving to successfully determine solutions.
4. Students will demonstrate the ability to distinguish corresponding sets as representations of relations or functions by the analysis of graphical, numeric, or symbolic data.
5. Students will demonstrate the ability to identify types of functions and to determine the domain, range, and average rate of change from their graphical, numeric, and symbolic representations.
Unit I. Notes Link to Notes I
Unit II Topics; Chapter.Sections
Linear Functions and Models; 2.1
Equations of Lines; 2.2
Linear Equations; 2.3
Linear Inequalities; 2.4
Piece-wise Defined Linear Functions; 2.1
Linear Approximation; 2.1
Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities; 2.5
II. Learning Outcomes
1. Students will demonstrate the ability to solve linear equations, inequalities, and compound inequalities, and to represent solutions in set, interval, and graphical notations.
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to solve absolute value equations and inequalities.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to graph linear functions and vertical lines, and to determine intercept(s) and slope.
4. Students will demonstrate the ability to write the equation of a linear function given the slope and a point on the line or given the slope and a parallel or perpendicular line.
5. Students will demonstrate the ability to graph a scatter plot of given points and to use regression to approximate a linear model.
6. Students will demonstrate the ability to evaluate and graph piece-wise defined linear functions.
Unit II. Notes Link to Notes II
Unit III. Topics; Chapter.Sections
Quadratic Functions and Models; 3.1
Quadratic Equations and Problem Solving; 3.2
Quadratic Inequalities; 3.4
Transformations of Graphs; 3.5;
PLUS
Polynomial Functions and Models; 4.2
Rational Functions and Models; 4
III. Learning Outcomes
1. Students will demonstrate the ability to use factoring, the square root property, and the quadratic formula to solve quadratic equations.
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to use the discriminant and graphical representations to determine types of solutions for quadratic equations.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to solve applications and model data involving quadratic equations.
4. Students will demonstrate the ability to determine maxima and minima of quadratic functions using a graphing calculator.
5. Students will demonstrate the ability to graph quadratic functions, to identify the vertex and axis of symmetry, and to convert between standard and vertex forms of a function.
6. Students will demonstrate the ability to solve quadratic inequalities graphically and symbolically.
7. Students will demonstrate the ability to use vertical and horizontal shifts and vertical stretching and shrinking in transformations of graphs.
PLUS
(from Chapter 4 material)
1. Students will demonstrate the ability to understand and interpret data from the graphs of polynomial functions.
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to identify the domain of a rational function.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to determine vertical and horizontal asymptotes of the graphs of rational functions.
Unit III. Notes Link to Notes III
Unit IV. Topics; Chapter.Sections
Combining Functions; 5.1
Inverse Functions and Their Representations; 5.2
Exponential Functions and Models; 5.3
Logarithmic Functions and Models; 5.4
Properties of Logarithms; 5.5
Exponential and Logarithmic Equations; 5.6
Functions and Equations of Two Variables
IV. Learning Outcomes
1. Students will demonstrate the ability to perform arithmetic operations and compositions of functions using graphical, numeric, and symbolic representations.
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to identify one-to-one functions and find inverse functions symbolically.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to determine the domains and ranges of inverse functions and to graph inverse functions and their line of symmetry.
4. Students will demonstrate the ability to distinguish between linear and exponential functions and to distinguish between exponential growth and decay.
5. Students will demonstrate the ability to calculate compound interest and to use exponential models to represent growth and decay.
6. Students will demonstrate the ability to calculate logarithms.
7. Students will demonstrate the ability to solve logarithmic and exponential equations.
8. Students will demonstrate the ability to apply basic properties of logarithms and to use the change of base formula.
Unit IV. Notes Link to Notes IV
Unit V. Topics; Chapter.Sections
Linear Systems of Equations and Inequalities in Two Variables; 6.1&2
Solutions of Linear systems Using Matrices; 6.4
Properties and Applications of Matrices; 6.5
Inverses of Matrices; 6.6
Determinants; 6.7
V. Learning Outcomes
1. Students will demonstrate the ability to solve systems of equations and inequalities graphically.
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to solve systems of linear equations by substitution and elimination.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to determine dimensions of matrices and to determine if a matrix is in row-echelon form.
4. Students will demonstrate the ability to find sums, differences, and scalar multiples of matrices and to determine when matrices may be multiplied and to perform matrix multiplication.
5. Students will demonstrate the ability to represent systems of linear equations with matrices and to use matrices and technology to solve systems.
6. Students will demonstrate the ability to solve applications using systems of equations.
7. Students will demonstrate the ability to use technology to find inverses of matrices and to solve linear systems with inverses.
8. Students will demonstrate the ability to use technology to find determinants.
Unit V. Notes Link to Notes V
Unit VI. Topics; Chapter.Sections
Counting; 8.3
Probability; 8.6
VI. Learning Outcomes
1. Students will demonstrate the ability to apply the fundamental counting principle.
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to calculate and apply permutations and combinations.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to calculate the probability of independent, dependent, and compound events.
Unit VI. Notes Included with Notes V
Evaluation:
Exams include multiple choice as well as non-multiple choice formats that incorporate short answer and open-ended questions. The comprehensive departmental final will be multiple choice.
All assessment tools reflect the General Education Learning Outcomes, as identified in the syllabus.
Grading:
Grading Scale:
A: 90-100%
B: 80-89%
C: 70-79%
D: 60-69%
F: Below 60%
There is NO plus/minus grading in Math 1710.
Please Note:
Dates for Final Exams
Last day to drop without a grade: Important Dates
Last day to drop with a “W”: Important Dates
A grade of “I” will be given only in accordance with University policy.
If you have a disability that may require assistance or accommodation, or you have questions related to any accommodations for testing, note takers, readers, etc., please speak with me as soon as possible. Students may also contact the Office of Disabled Students Services at (898-2783) with questions about such services.
Academic Misconduct Defined:
Academic Misconduct. Plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, or facilitating any such act. For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1) Plagiarism. The adoption or reproduction of ideas, words, statements, images, or works of another person as one’s own without proper acknowledgment.
(2) Cheating. Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise. The term academic exercise includes all forms of work submitted for credit or hours.
(3) Fabrication. Unauthorized falsification or invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise.
(4) Facilitation. Helping or attempting to help another to violate a provision of the institutional code of academic misconduct.
Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of
academic dishonesty, or facilitating any such act will not be tolerated.
Academic misconduct is a disciplinary offense, and I punish such offenses
to the highest degree allowed by the university. I will report allegations of academic misconduct to the head of the University Studies and to the assistant dean for Judicial Affairs (898-2750). I will attempt to inform you of the allegation and notify you that the information has been forwarded to the assistant dean. I will assign a
grade of "F" for the exercise or examination for the first offence. If
a second offense occurs, I will assign an "F" for the course.
see: http://www.mtsu.edu/judaff/integrity.shtml#policy
Classroom Misconduct: The instructor has the primary responsibility for control over classroom behavior and can direct the temporary removal or exclusion from the classroom of any student engaged in disruptive conduct or conduct which otherwise violates the general rules and regulations of the institution. The instructor may report such misconduct to the assistant dean for Judicial Affairs for implementation of such disciplinary sanctions as may be appropriate, including extended or permanent exclusion from the classroom.
Disruptive Behavior: Disruptive behavior is typically difficult to define as each situation has to be evaluated in context of the occurrence. In an effort to educate our campus community about what constitutes disruptive behavior, we have provided examples below. This list is not all-inclusive and is designed to serve as a tool in helping students and faculty identify unacceptable behavior. Many of the classroom behaviors described below are expected to be handled/addressed through effective classroom management practices not through the university disciplinary process. For example, tardiness may be disruptive, but it is typically not an issue addressed through the disciplinary process. An instructor should have a set of consequences in place for this behavior that is outlined in the syllabus. For a full list of prohibited behaviors please refer to the Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.
Disruptive Classroom Behaviors
• Use of electronic devices such as cell phones, MP3 players, PDA’s while class is in session
• Inappropriate communication while class is in session – speaking while the instructor is speaking; mimicking or mocking the instructor or another student; constantly repeating an instructor’s words, etc.
• Personal attacks against another student or instructor – yelling at another person, abusive criticism of another person, challenging an instructor’s authority in front of the class, using profanity aimed at another person in the class
• Overt inattentiveness – sleeping in class, snoring in class, reading a newspaper or doing other homework in class, sitting with your back to the classroom, etc.
• Threatening behavior – using gestures or language in an attempt to intimidate another person
• Disrespectful behavior – persistent tardiness, persistent late arrivals or early departures without permission, etc.
The consequences in place for disruptive classroom behaviors include being exclusion from class counted as an unexcused absence withsubsequent loss of all grade points for the class meeting. If a second offense occurs, I will assign an "F" for the course.
Source: Judicial Affairs and Mediation Services at
http://www.mtsu.edu/judaff/disruptive.shtml
Do you have a lottery scholarship?
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