SOUTH PLAINS COLLEGE – MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

COURSE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

MTH 1314 – COLLEGE ALGEBRA

Click here for assignment for Math 1314

PURPOSE OF THE COURSE: A standard course in college algebra.  Topics include:  Quadratic equations, ratio and proportion, variations, the binomial theorem, progressions, inequalities, complex variables, theory of equations, determinants and matrices, linear programming, permutations and combinations.

 TEXTBOOK:  College Algebra, 4th edition, Blitzer  A calculator with a  power function will be required.

  INSTRUCTOR:  Pat Foard                               WEBSITE:  southplainscollege.edu/math/foard

OFFICE:  M 101OFFICE PHONE:  894-9611 ext. 2797                

  E-MAIL:  pfoard@southplainscollege.edu

OFFICE HOURS:

 ATTENDANCE:  Attendance is important and all students are encouraged to attend all classes. If you miss two consecutive weeks of class or a total of 7 absences, you will be dropped for the course.  You will receive a grade of X or F, at the instructors discretion.  

DROPPING A COURSE:  If you decide to drop a course, please follow the instructions below:

1.  Get an official drop form from the registrar's office and have it signed by your advisor or instructor.

2.  Return the completed form to the registrar's office.  If it is returned by:  Nov. 27 you will receive a W.

  GRADING:  Your final grade will be the average of the major tests, daily average* and the final exam.

  EXAMINATIONS:  Four major exams will be given as scheduled.  A comprehensive final will be given.   No makeups will be given for any test.  If you miss an exam, your final will count twice. You may take a text during my office hours before I have passed back the test the next class period.

HOMEWORK:  Homework will be assigned in every class period and will be kept in a notebook.  You are responsible for keeping up to date and prepared.  ALL WORK MUST BE SHOWN ON THE HOMEWORK.  The notebook will be taken up and graded on the day of each major test.  Lab assignments will be given daily.  NO MAKEUPS WILL BE GIVEN FOR DAILY WORK.  The daily average will be the average of the homework and the daily labs.   *The daily average is half lab and half homework.

VIDEO TAPES:  Video tapes for many topics in this course are available in the Math Department AVT lab.  Please sign in and out when using the Math AVT lab.  Students are encouraged to view these tapes.  You may view the tapes in the lab, check them out, or duplicate them with the equipment available in room 116.  The tapes may also be accessed on the internet.  The address is webct.southplainscollege.edu       The id is mvideos and the password is mvideos        Select math videos, then college algebra.  A list of topics will appear and you can select the topic you want.  Then you have a choice of Handout or Video.  Select the handout first and then view the video, the handout will have some examples and some problems for you to practice.

  EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:  South Plains College strives to accommodate the individual needs of all students in order to enhance their opportunities for success in the context of a comprehensive community college setting.  It is the policy of South Plains College to offer all educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability or age.

COURSE OUTCOMES: Upon completion of this course and receiving a passing grade, the student will be able to:

1         solve and graph problems involving linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions; (1.2, 1.5, 1.6, 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4)

2         solve and graph linear, quadratic, and rational inequalities;  (1.7, 1.8, 5.5)

3         identify and simplify complex numbers; (1.4)

4         apply midpoint, distance, and circle formulas;  (2.2)

5         analyze and graph polynomial functions;  (3.2, 3.3, 3.4)

6         analyze and graph rational functions;     (3.6)

7         create and solve systems of equations with algebraic techniques, with matrix techniques, and with determinants;   (5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.5)

        8    apply the Binomial Theorem to expand binomials of higher degree;  (8.5)

*Developed by the Coordinating Board and the Faculty of South Plains College’s Math and Engineering Department.

In this class, the teacher will establish and support an environment that values and nurtures individual and group differences and encourages engagement and interaction.  Understanding and respecting multiple experiences and perspectives will serve to challenge and stimulate all of us to learn about others, about the larger world and about ourselves.  By promoting diversity and intellectual exchange, we will not only mirror society as it is, but also model   society as it should and can be.