Course Syllabus
3 hours of credit
Instructor: Rich Burkett
Scheduled Class Times:
Monday/Wednesday 11:00 – 12:15
Office
Hours=
: Monday/Wednesday 2:30 – 3:00,
Tuesday 11:00 – 1:00 and by appointment
Office: #114A
Phone: (814)768-3624
Email:
Web Site: www.lhup.edu/=
rburkett
Intermediate Algebra is
designed to assist students in acquiring a thorough knowledge and proficien=
cy
in algebra. This course, in
conjunction with Essentials of Algebra, introduces the student to the
rules for operating in algebraic expressions and the justification for these
rules. The contents of the co=
urse
also include an introduction to the function concept, a thorough treatment =
of
first and second degree equations, as well as topics in higher polynomial
equations. The algebraic stru=
cture
of the number systems, such as the integers and ration=
als,
will also be explained.
The Intermediate Algebra course aims to:<= o:p>
1) Review and extend basic
algebra skills and apply them to practical problems.
2) Introduce the student =
to
algebraic structure.
3) Prepare the student fo=
r the
study of functions at the pre-calculus level.
Bi=
ttinger/B=
eecher, Developmental
Mathematics, 7th ed., Pearson Education, Inc.,
During class time, there will be a lecture and a discussion on new
concepts. All concepts will be
practiced and reviewed in class as necessary. Students are encouraged to ask the
instructor and their peers for help.
Exercises assigned in class are to be finished as homework.
Algebra review
Rational expressions and equations (Chapter 12)<= o:p>
Systems of Equations (Chapter 13)
Radical expressions and equations (Chapter 14)
Quadratic equations (Chapter 15)
Logarithms
Students are expected to attend all classes and read the textbook.<=
span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> The student who attends class regu=
larly
and is prepared will benefit. The
instruction for each class is built upon the concepts from the previous cla=
sses. Therefore, attendance and particip=
ation
in class discussions is essential.
If you are absent for any reason, it is your responsibility to get t=
he
notes and assignments that you missed.
3 E= xams (30% each exam) &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; = ; 90% of the grade
Qui= zzes, homework and participation = ; &n= bsp; = ; &n= bsp; 10% of the grade
Com= prehensive final &n= bsp; = ; &n= bsp; = ; &n= bsp; = ; One exam score
POLICIES
You m= ust be in class to take a quiz/exam or submit homework. There are no make up exams or quiz= zes.
Quizz= es and collection of homework need not be announced. Be Prepared!
The l= owest quiz/homework score will be dropped.
Class participation plays a large part in determining your success in this course. Be an active particip= ant in the course and ask questions.
If at= anytime you are having difficulty with the material, please see me during office ho= urs or make an appointment.
If yo= u are passing the course with a C or better, the comprehensive final is optional = and will replace your lowest exam score. If for any reason you miss an exam, you must take the comprehensive final and it will replace the missed exam score. If you have taken all three exams = but do not have a score of C or better, you must take the comprehensive final. Warning: Do not view the final exam as a “mulligan”. The comprehensive final encompasses all material learned throughout the semester and is very difficult.
Rev. 1/09 R. Burkett