David Michael Burrow

Intermediate Algebra (Fall, 1998)

Click HERE for answers and hints to the required assignments.

Course Number
MA:108A

Credit
4 semester hours
(Not all colleges will freely transfer this course.)

Prerequisite
There are no specific prerequisites for this course. However, appropriate placement on the ASSET placement test is required.

Description
In Intermediate Algebra students will review, refine, and expand their skills with solving equations, working with polynomials, graphing, and applying mathematics to outside situations. The use of technology (especially graphing calculators) as a tool for problem solving is heavily incorporated into this course.

Instructor
David Michael Burrow

Phone/Fax 515/295-5285
ILCC Voice Mail 800/242-5106*301
E-Mail DavidMBurrow@webtv.net
Internet = http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hills/3224/intalg.html

Schedule
Monday nights, 6:05-10:00pm, All ILCC Centers (via TV system)
The course originates from Emmetsburg.

Overall Goals

Differentiate the sets of numbers, and explain their properties.
Solve linear equations in one variable.
Simplify mathematical expressions.
Use matrices and determinants to solve systems of linear equations in two and three variables.
Factor polynomials, and solve polynomial equations.
Graph linear equations and inequalities.
Solve rational, radical, and exponential equations by reducing them to polynomials.
Select and use appropriate features of graphing calculators.
Apply appropriate rules of mathematics to solve real-world problems.

Book
Hubbard and Robinson. Elementary and Intermediate Algebra: Discovery and Visualization. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1998. This is a new book, selected this year by the full-time members of the math department faculty. It is available through the ILCC bookstore.

Calculator
A GRAPHING calculator is required for this class. Examples in the book are geared to the TI-82 or TI-83 graphing calculators. Calculators with lower numbers (TI-80 or TI-81) may not have all the necessary features. Higher numbered calculators (TI-85, TI-86, or TI-92) will have the necessary features, but they may be more difficult to use.

TI-82s are available for $60 - $70 in stores such as K-Mart or Wal-Mart. TI-83s normally cost $70 - $80 in discount stores. You may also wish to check with area high schools, which may have bulk purchasing programs available in the fall. High schools may also have used calculators available, at prices less than half those of new models.

Other Supplies
You will want a large supply of notebook paper--to take notes in class and to complete assignments. On a couple of occasions you will find a limited supply of graph paper useful. (You may wish to join together with another student, so neither of you needs to buy a full packet of graph paper.)

Assigments
Each week you will be given an assignment that includes both "suggested" and "required" problems. We will go through the suggested problems in class the following week. The required problems will be due on each test date. All required problems together will be worth the same as one test. While correct work is necessary for full credit, answers and hints to the required problems will be given on this page throughout the semester.

Tests
You will have four tests over the course of the semester. The tests will be graded on a straight point basis, with 90%+ = A, 80%+ = B, 70%+ = C, 60%+ = D, and 59%- = F. The tests and required assignment grades will be averaged to determine your final grade in the course. Tests and assignments will include "+" and "-" markings, but these do not appear on ILCC grade reports or transcripts.

Attendance
You are not specifically graded on attendance, but you alone are responsible for completing the requirements of the course. If you are absent from all or part of a class, you should see another student to be sure you have that night's notes and assignments. All assignments are due on the dates specified. If you can not be there that night, you should turn it in BEFOREHAND. It is assumed you will take tests when they are scheduled. If this is impossible, you must see Mr. Burrow to schedule an alternative.

Tentative Schedule

Test and assignment due dates will not change, unless class should be cancelled due to weather or some other unavoidable reason. However, topics to be covered are tentative and may change somewhat as the semester progresses.

August 31
Introduction to the Course
CHAPTER 1: The Real Number System

September 7
NO CLASS
LABOR DAY

September 14
CHAPTER 2
Expressions and Functions

September 21
CHAPTER 3
Introduction to Equations

September 28
CHAPTER 3
More on Equations
REVIEW FOR TEST ONE

October 5
***** -- TEST ONE -- ***** (Chapters 1 - 3)
ASSIGNMENT DUE
CHAPTER 4
Introduction to Lines

October 12
CHAPTER 4
More on Lines

October 19
REVIEW FOR TEST TWO
CHAPTER 5
Introduction to Systems of Equations

October 26
***** -- TEST TWO -- ***** (Chapters 3 and 4)
ASSIGNMENT DUE
CHAPTER 5
More on Systems of Equations

November 2
CHAPTER 6
Exponents and Polynomials

November 9
REVIEW FOR TEST THREE
CHAPTER 7
Introduction to Factoring

November 16
***** -- TEST THREE -- ***** (Chapters 5 and 6)
ASSIGNMENT DUE
CHAPTER 7
More on Factoring

November 23
CHAPTER 8
Rational Expressions

November 30
CHAPTER 9
Radical Expressions

December 7
CHAPTER 10
Quadratic Expressions
REVIEW FOR FINAL EXAM

December 14
***** -- FINAL EXAM -- *****
(Mostly Chapters 7-10, some review)
ASSIGNMENT DUE

Required Assignments
Answers & Hints

Please note that these are for reference only. There is no guarantee of the accuracy of answers shown here.

Links to other sites on the Web

Mr. Burrow's ILCC Page
Official ILCC Home Page
Mr. Burrow's Home Page

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