This course introduces you to the concept of a function via numerical, graphical, and algebraic representations. Operations with polynomials, rational expressions, and radicals are explored in the context of functions. Linear equations and inequalities and quadratic equations are also studied. Students are introduced to data collecting and elementary formulations of models for data. An emphasis will be placed on problem solving skills incorporating the use of a graphing calculator. A graphing calculator will be required. [Top]

During this course, the instructor expects to:

1. Introduce you to the concept of a function via algebraic, graphical, and numerical representations.
2. Introduce you to polynomial (including linear, quadratic, and power) functions, absolute value functions, reciprocal functions, and exponential functions and their domain and range.
3. Explore properties of linear, quadratic, and exponential models.
4. Provide you with skills for the further study of mathematics.
5. Use a graphing calculator to develop properties of polynomial and other
   functions and to use it to help understand mathematical problems.
6. Introduce you to data collection, averaging, and graphical analysis of data.
7. Promote an appreciation of different problem solving approaches as they relate to your cultural background and diversity.[Top]

At the conclusions of this course, you will be able to:

1. Use various representations of functions and understand their properties.
2. Identify basic characteristics of polynomial (including linear, quadratic, and power) functions, absolute value functions, reciprocal functions, and exponential functions.
3. Compare and contrast linear, exponential, and quadratic models and apply these models in real world problem solving as well as in theoretical settings.
4. Solve linear equations and inequalities and quadratic equations, performs operations with algebraic expressions, find the equation of a line, and graph linear equations.
5. Graph functions studied in this course using a graphing calculator and be able to use various features of the graphing calculator to help understand and solve mathematical problems.
6. Calculate averages and graph data with a graphing calculator.
7. Demonstrate different approaches to problem solving.[Top]

The text, which is available at the college book store, is:
Intermediate Algebra: A Graphing Approach ( Second Edition)
by Martin-Gay and Green (Prentice Hall) [Top]

The gateway exams are departmental. Each gateway will consist of two parts: Part I will contain 15 questions which are designed to test skills and algebraic manipulations, while Part II will contain 8 word problems which will test conceptual understanding. You will be required to answer any 5 questions in Part II. Partial credit will be awarded and no credit will be given if no work is shown, so it is important for you to show every step in your solutions leading to the final answers. Calculators may be used for all exams.

Working with others to solve a problem is a skill valued in the workplace. You must be able to discuss your ideas with others and be willing to have them critiqued and improved upon. Therefore, a portion of your grade will be based on your ability to solve mathematical problems with your classmates.

Your portfolio is a folder containing projects (a minimum of two) and problems from your text assigned to you throughout the semester. Some of the projects will require you to use a graphing calculator and will incorporate ideas introduces in the classroom. The projects will include a portion devoted to your ability to express mathematical ideas in writing. Being able to write down your ideas and communicate them effectively is another important skill for the workplace. A project may require you to do research in the library. You may discuss a project with classmates outside the classroom, but you must write it up using your own words and ideas.

Your professor will give several quizzes during the course of the semester.

You will meet in the Math Lab (E-215) one hour every week an work on lab sheets containing problems that will enhance your computational skills. You are encouraged to work together and learn from each other. Should you need further assistance, you may ask the lab assistants or bring your questions up with the professor in class. These sheets must be handed in to the lab assistants at the end of the hour. They will then be placed in your professor's folder for review. [Top]

Text: Intermediate Algebra: A Graphing Approach
by Martin-Gay and Greene (Prentice Hall)

The following schedule of assignments should be taken as basis for the actual schedule of assignments to be followed in the classroom. Topics put in parentheses should be considered optional.

Unless the professor says otherwise, students should do the odd numbered problems assigned as homework. The homework problems specified below may be modified by your professor.