Antelope Valley College

Math 102 - OL4,  CRN  33302

Intermediate Algebra

Syllabus - Spring semester 2010

Instructor:  Larry Gorden   

• Email is my preferred means of communication.  I check my email at least twice per day and continuously while I’m at the computer, so you should expect relatively quick response.
• Home Phone - 946-1646: No calls after 8:30 P.M.! Leave message on answering machine if I'm not in.  Leave your name and number and I'll return your call.
• Web Page:  www.avcmath.com
• Office hours: By appointment.

Course Description:  This course is for the student who has been very successful completing elementary algebra and who is comfortable taking math classes, since it accelerates MATH 102A and MATH 102B into one semester. Topics include: formulas and word problems; graphs, slopes and equations of lines; introduction to functions; systems of equations; linear inequalities; exponents and polynomials with factoring; rational expressions and equations; radical expressions and equations; exponential and logarithmic functions; quadratic equations and functions; circles; and word problems appropriate to all these topics.

This is a hybrid course conducted primarily online but with four on-campus meetings.  This course is not recommended for students who have previously been unsuccessful in math, who have math anxiety, or who are not comfortable using computers. Those students should choose a traditional classroom setting.

Study/learning assignments include textbook reading supplemented with online lectures and learning material.   All homework and quiz assignments are given online, completed by the student online, and graded online with immediate results.  A high-speed internet connection (DSL, Cable, Satellite, or faster) is recommended.

Course Outline:

1. Construct coordinate tables, graph and interpret the graphs of basic functions and equations in two variables.

2. Calculate slopes from graphs, points or equations.

3. Find the domain, range or inverse of a function; find the composition of two functions.

4. Solve equations and inequalities in one variable, and systems of equations.

5. Simplify algebraic expressions by selecting the appropriate factoring method.

6. Perform the basic operations on polynomials, rational expressions, radical expressions and complex numbers.

7. Analyze the properties of quadratic functions in order to graph them.

8. Evaluate expressions with function or logarithmic notation.

9. Use the properties of logarithms to simplify logarithmic expressions and equations.

10. Graph_ circles and construct their equations.

11. Select the appropriate methods, including choosing formulas, sketching and constructing equations in order to solve word problems.

Textbook: "Intermediate Algebra", Seventh Edition, by Sharma and Little, ISBN: 978-1-888459-93-6.  Published by Educo International Inc., 2008.

Course Prerequisites / Advisory: Eligibility for MATH 102 (AVC assessment) or Completion of MATH 070. Advisory: Eligibility for READ 099.

Schedule: The class meets on the following four dates only.  All meetings are mandatory.

Homework:  Homework will be assigned online at Educosoft.com. You must read the textbook sections carefully and then work the exercises.  Tutors are available in Learning Center for extra help.

Grading and Exams: 

You may take a makeup exam only if you meet all these conditions.

1.  You have a VERY good reason for missing the on-campus exam.

2.  It is approved by me before the on-campus exam -- or if unforeseen circumstances arise (e.g., unexpectedly abducted by the space aliens on the way to school), you contact me as soon as possible.

3.  You have completed all homework and quizzes leading up to the on-campus exam prior to the exam -- that is, you are keeping up with the assigned work.

4.  Your average quiz score is 80% or better -- that is, you are doing reasonably well in the course.

General Expectations

• Attendance – required at all four on-campus class meetings.

• Student Conduct:  The Student Code of Conduct, disciplinary procedure, and student due process can be found in the college catalog, student handbook, and the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs.

• Honesty: Dishonesty, including but not limited to, cheating, or plagiarism will not be tolerated.  You will get “F” grade on any test or homework where cheating is involved and may be subject to an “F” grade for the course.

• Problems - Tutors are available in the Learning Center for extra help.  If you need my assistance, don't wait, email or talk to me as soon as possible. I'm here to help!