MATH 0312: Intermediate Algebra

CRN # 13924–Summer I, 2016

Textbook: Introductory and Intermediate Algebra – Custom Edition, Pearson Learning Solutions

ISBN 10: 1-323-15682-8 and ISBN 13: 978-1-323-15682-7

Instructor: Amin H. Ahmad

Office location and hours: Alief-Hayes Campus (Room # B143)

Monday thru Friday 8:00 am – 10:35 am

Contact Information

Please feel free to contact me concerning any problems that you are experiencing in this course. I am available to hear your concerns, and to discuss course topics. You do not need to wait until you have received a poor grade before asking for my assistance. Your performance in my class is very important to me. My e-mail is:  amin.ahmad@hccs.edu. I check my email regularly. I will do my best to reply within 24 hours. Always include your full name, course name, CRN, and course term. You need to check your HCC email account on regular basis, as I will be sending important announcements and updates.

Course Description

Topics include factoring techniques, radicals, algebraic fractions, absolute values, complex numbers, graphing linear equations and inequalities, quadratic equations, systems of equations, graphing quadratic equations and an introduction to functions. Emphasis is placed on algebraic techniques, in order to successfully complete Math 1314 College Algebra, Math 1324 Mathematics for Business & Social Sciences, Math 1342 Statistics, or Math 1332 Mathematics for Liberal Arts. A Departmental Final examination must be passed with a score of 60% or more in order to pass this course.

Prerequisites

Math 0409: Pass with "C" or better; or equivalent score on the placement exam.

Course Goal

This is the final course in the developmental mathematics sequence and its purpose is to prepare students for entry level college math.

Course Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)

1.	Solve algebraic equations and inequalities involving rational expressions, radicals, quadratics, absolute values, or linear expressions. 
2.	Examine and interpret the linear and quadratic graphs of equations and inequalities. 
3.	Solve application problems. 
4.	Use and interpret function notation in both algebraic and graphical contexts. 

Learning outcomes

Students will:

1.	add, subtract, multiply and divide polynomials 
2.	factor polynomials 
3.	add, subtract, multiply and divide rational expressions 
4.	simplify complex fractions 
5.	solve equations involving rational expressions 
6.	simplify equations involving rational exponents and simplify radicals 
7.	add, subtract, multiply, divide expressions involving radicals and solve radical equations 
8.	add, subtract, multiply and divide complex numbers 
9.	solve quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square, quadratic formula and square root property 
10.	solve systems of linear equations in two variables 
11.	solve absolute value equations 
12.	solve absolute value inequalities 
13.	graph linear equations & linear inequalities in two variables 
14.	find the slope of a line & write its equation 
15.	graph quadratic functions and inequalities 

16.	solve word problems 
17.	recognize functional notation & evaluate functions 

Core Objectives

Given the rapid evolution of necessary knowledge and skills and the need to take into account global, national, state, and local cultures, the core curriculum must ensure that students will develop the essential knowledge and skills they need to be successful in college, in a career, in their communities, and in life. Through the Texas Core Curriculum, students will gain a foundation of knowledge of human cultures and the physical and natural world, develop principles of personal and social responsibility for living in a diverse world, and advance intellectual and practical skills that are essential for all learning.

Critical Thinking Skills: to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information.

Communication Skills: to include effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral and visual communication.

Empirical and Quantitative Skills: to include the manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions.

CALENDAR

	CHAPTER		
1	LINEAR EQUATIONS, INEQUALITIES, AND APPLICATIONS		
1.1	Linear Equations in One Variable	44	
1.5	Linear Inequalities in One Variable	90	
1.7	Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities	111	
2	LINEAR EQUATIONS, GRAPHS, AND FUNCTIONS		
2.1	Linear Equations in Two Variables	136	
2.2	The Slope of a Line	148	
2.3	Writing Equations of Lines	162	
2.4	Linear Inequalities in Two Variables	179	
2.5	Introduction to Relations and Functions	186	
2.6	Functional Notation and Linear Functions	197	
3	SYSTEMS OF LINEAR EQUATIONS		
3.1	Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables	216	
4	EXPONENTS, POLYNOMIALS, & POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS		
4.4	Multiplying Polynomials	298	
4.5	Dividing Polynomials	307	
5	FACTORING		
5.1	Greatest Common Factors; Factoring by Grouping	324	
5.2	Factoring Trinomials	330	

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5.3	Special Factoring	338	
5.4	A General Approach to Factoring	344	
5.5	Solving Equations by the Zero-Factor Property	349	
6	RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS AND FUNCTIONS		
6.1	Rational Expressions and Functions; Multiplying and Dividing	366	
6.2	Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions	376	
6.3	Complex Fractions	385	
6.4	Equations with Rational Expressions and Graphs	391	
6.5	Applications of Rational Expressions	400	
7	ROOTS, RADICALS, AND ROOT FUNCTIONS		
7.1	Radical Expressions and Graphs	434	
7.2	Rational Exponents	442	
7.3	Simplifying Radicals, the Distance Formula, and Circles	450	
7.4	Adding and Subtracting Radical Expressions	463	
7.5	Multiplying and Dividing Radical Expressions	468	
7.6	Solving Equations with Radicals	479	
7.7	Complex Numbers	485	
8	QUADRATIC EQUATIONS, INEQUALITIES, & FUNCTIONS		
8.1	The Square Root Property and Completing the Square	496	
8.2	The Quadratic Formula	505	
8.6	More about Parabolas; Application (omit horizontal parabolas)	541	
APP GRAPHING QUADRATIC INEQUALITIES		
Appendix: Graphing Quadratic Inequalities		
APPENDIX Graphing Quadratic Inequalities	664	

Student Assignments

Homework will be submitted online through MyMathLab. The MyMathLab Course ID to be used for registration purposes is ahmad97348. To register for MyMathLab and access the homework, go to  http://www.pearsonmylabandmastering. com .An average of all the homework sections will be the grade for your homework. No calculators or formula sheets will be allowed on any exam.

Technical Support

If you should experience technical difficulties during the semester, these problems are not under the control of the instructor. Such technical problems should be directed to technical support. For MyMathLab tech support call 1-800-677-6337 or 1-888-695-6577.

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Final Exam Policy in Developmental Mathematics:

The following policy was adopted by Houston Community College regarding the system-wide Final Examinations in developmental mathematics courses:

If a student scores less than a 60 on the Final Exam, then the student receives an F in the course. If a student scores at least a 60 on the Final Exam, then the grades will be averaged in accordance with the grade calculation formula as stated on the student syllabus; i.e., the student earns an A, B, C, or F in the course.

AVERAGE	GRADE	
90% ≤ Final Average ≤ 100%	        A		
80%	≤ Final Average < 90%	              B	
70%	≤ Final Average < 80%	         C	
	Final Average < 70%	          F	

Note: The instructor cannot assign a grade of IP or W. The grade of “FX” is given when a student fails due to lack of attendance.

For your course grade, the scores from your homework, three major tests, and the final examination will be taken into consideration as shown in the following formula.

Final Average = (Exam 1 + Exam 2 + Exam 3 + My Math Lab Home Work + Final + Final) 6

Exams	Chapters Covered on Exam	Tentative Exam Dates	
Exam # 1	Chapter 1, 2, 3,4	Friday, June 17	
Exam # 2	Chapter 5, 6	Friday, June 24	
Exam # 3	Chapter 7,8	Friday, July 01	
Final Exam	Comprehensive (All Chapters & Sections)	Thursday, July 07	

HCC Policy Statement - ADA

Services to Students with Disabilities
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at his or her respective college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty members are authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office. Persons needing accommodations due to a documented disability should contact the ADA counselor for their college as soon as possible. For questions, please contact at 713.718.5165. To visit the ADA Web site, please visit www.hccs.edu then click Future students, scroll down the page and click on the words Disability Information.

HCC Policy Statement: Title IX

HCC is committed to provide a learning and working environment that is free from discrimination on the basis of sex which includes all forms of sexual misconduct. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 requires that when a complaint is filed, a prompt and thorough investigation is initiated. Complaints may be filed with the HCC Title IX Coordinator available at 713 718-8271 or email at  oie@hccs.edu.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 requires that institutions have policies and procedures that protect students’ rights with regard to sex/gender discrimination.

Information regarding these rights are on the HCC website under Students-Anti-discrimination. Students who are pregnant and require accommodations should contact any of the ADA Counselors for assistance.

It is important that every student understands and conforms to respectful behavior while at HCC.
Sexual misconduct is not condoned and will be addressed promptly. Know your rights and how to avoid these difficult situations.

Log in to www.edurisksolutions.org. Sign in using your HCC student email account, then go to the button at the top right that says Login and enter your student number.

HCC Policy Statement: Academic Honesty

Note: As with all developmental mathematics courses at HCC, the use of a calculator during an exam is prohibited and will be considered cheating.
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A student who is academically dishonest is, by definition, not showing that the coursework has been learned, and that student is claiming an advantage not available to other students. The instructor is responsible for measuring each student's individual achievements and also for ensuring that all students compete on a level playing field. Thus, in our system, the instructor has teaching, grading, and enforcement roles. You are expected to be familiar with the University's Policy on Academic Honesty, found in the catalog. What that means is: If you are charged with an offense, pleading ignorance of the rules will not help you. Students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity in fulfilling course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by College System officials against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty. “Scholastic dishonesty”: includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.

Cheating on a test includes:

•	Copying from another students’ test paper; 

•	Using materials not authorized by the person giving the test; 

•	Collaborating with another student during a test without authorization; 

•	Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the contents of a test not yet administered; 

•	Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered. 

Plagiarism means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that work in one’s own written work offered for credit.

Collusion mean the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work offered for credit. Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of 0 or F in the particular assignment, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for probation or dismissal from the College System. (See the Student Handbook)

HCC Policy Statements

Class Attendance - It is important that you come to class! Attending class regularly is the best way to succeed in this class. Research has shown that the single most important factor in student success is attendance. Simply put, going to class greatly increases your ability to succeed. You are expected to be on time at the beginning of each class period. For complete information regarding Houston Community College’s policies on attendance, please refer to the Student Handbook. You are responsible for materials covered during your absences. Class attendance is checked daily. Although it is your responsibility to drop a course for nonattendance, the instructor has the authority to drop you for excessive absences.

If you are not attending class, you are not learning the information. As the information that is discussed in class is important for your career, students may be dropped from a course after accumulating absences in excess of six (6) hours of instruction. The six hours of class time would include any total classes missed or for excessive tardiness or leaving class early.

You may decide NOT to come to class for whatever reason. As an adult making the decision not to attend, you do not have to notify the instructor prior to missing a class. However, if this happens too many times, you may suddenly find that you have “lost” the class. Poor attendance records tend to correlate with poor grades. If you miss any class, including the first week, you are responsible for all material missed. It is a good idea to find a friend or a buddy in class who would be willing to share class notes or discussion or be able to hand in your work if you unavoidably miss a class.

HCC Course Withdrawal Policy

If you feel that you cannot complete this course, you will need to withdraw from the course prior to the final date of withdrawal. Before, you withdraw from your course; please take the time to meet with the instructor to discuss why you feel it is necessary to do so. The instructor may be able to provide you with suggestions that would enable you to complete the course. Your success is very important. Beginning in fall 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a law limiting first time entering freshmen to no more than SIX total course withdrawals throughout their educational career in obtaining a certificate and/or degree.

To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted an Early Alert process by which your professor may “alert” you and HCC counselors that you might fail a class because of excessive absences and/or poor academic performance. It is your responsibility to visit with your professor or a counselor to learn about what, if any, HCC interventions might be available to assist you – online tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement, etc. – to stay in class and improve your academic performance.

**Final withdrawal deadlines vary each semester and/or depending on class length, please visit the online registration calendars, HCC schedule of classes and catalog, any HCC Registration Office, or any HCC counselor to determine class withdrawal deadlines. Remember to allow a 24-hour response time when communicating via email and/or telephone with a professor and/or counselor. Do not submit a request to discuss withdrawal options less than a day before the deadline. If you do not withdraw before the deadline, you will receive the grade that you are making in the class as your final grade.

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Repeat Course Fee

The State of Texas encourages students to complete college without having to repeat failed classes. To increase student success, students who repeat the same course more than twice, are required to pay extra tuition. The purpose of this extra tuition fee is to encourage students to pass their courses and to graduate. Effective fall 2006, HCC will charge a higher tuition rate to students registering the third or subsequent time for a course. If you are considering course withdrawal because you are not earning passing grades, confer with your instructor/counselor as early as possible about your study habits, reading and writing homework, test taking skills, attendance, course participation, and opportunities for tutoring or other assistance that might be available.

Classroom Behavior

Everyone will be expected to conduct themselves with courtesy and respect in this classroom.

Use of Camera and/or Recording Devices

As a student active in the learning community of this course, it is your responsibility to be respectful of the learning atmosphere in your classroom. To show respect of your fellow students and instructor, you will turn off your phone and other electronic devices, and will not use these devices in the classroom unless you receive permission from the instructor.

Use of recording devices, including camera phones and tape recorders, is prohibited in classrooms, laboratories, faculty offices, and other locations where instruction, tutoring, or testing occurs. Students with disabilities who need to use a recording device as a reasonable accommodation should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities for information regarding reasonable accommodations

Personal Communication Device Policy:

All personal communication devices (any device with communication capabilities including but not limited to cell phones, blackberries, pagers, cameras, palmtop computers, lap tops, PDA's, radios, headsets, portable fax machines, recorders, organizers, databanks, and electronic dictionaries or translators) must be muted or turned off during class. Such activity during class time is deemed to be disruptive to the academic process. Personal communication devices are to not be on the student desk during examinations. Usage of such devices during exams is expressly prohibited during examinations and will be considered cheating (see academic honesty section above).

Student Course Reinstatement Policy:

Students have a responsibility to arrange payment for their classes when they register, either through cash, credit card, financial aid, or the installment plan. Faculty members have a responsibility to check their class rolls regularly, especially during the early weeks of a term, and reconcile the official class roll to ensure that no one is attending class whose name does not appear on it. Students who are dropped from their courses for nonpayment of tuition and fees who request reinstatement after the official date of record (OE Date) can be reinstated by making payment in full and paying an additional \$75 per course reinstatement fee. A student requesting reinstatement should present the registrar with a completed Enrollment Authorization Form with the signature of the instructor, department chair, or dean who should verify that the student has been attending class regularly. Students who are reinstated are responsible for all course policies and procedures, including attendance requirements.

Resources:

Free tutoring is available in HCC campuses. Additional help is also available through Student Support Services. Students can get free assistance, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in Math, English and other subjects, at www.hccs.askonline.net. Typically, posted questions are answered by an HCC tutor or faculty within 24 hours (usually under 6 hours).

By purchasing a MyMathLab access code, students can also receive free tutoring from the Pearson Tutor Center at  http://digitalvellum.next.ecollege.com/postindexmixed.html?courseId=5734065 . Students can get tutoring either over the phone, fax, email, or interactive web.

You may also find free tutoring at various HCCS campuses by going to Find-A-Tutor at  http://imc06.hccs.edu/alltutoring/FMPro?- db=alltutoring.fp5&-lay=info&-format=search.htm&-view.

There are also several online math resources that you can find with an internet search. Some sample websites include:

 http://sophia.hccs.edu/~douglas.bump/math  www.awl.com/tutorcenter/stinfo.html  www.harcourtcollege.com/math/nettutor/0030260264/

 www.khanacademy.org  www.Purplemath.com  www.mhhe.com/barnett

EGLS3 -- Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System

At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to improve teaching and learning. During a designated time, you will be asked to answer a short online survey of research -based questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be made available to your professors and division chairs for continual improvement of instruction. Look for the survey as part of the Houston Community College Student System online near the end of the term.

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Visit  www.hccs.edu/EGLS3 for more information.

Administration contact information

College - Level Math Courses

Chair of Math	Jaime Hernandez		SW Campus	713-718-2477	Stafford, Scarcella, N108	
						
- Secretary	Tiffany Pham		SW Campus	713-718-7770	Stafford, Scarcella, N108	
						
Math Assoc. Chair	Roderick McBane		CE Campus	713-718-6644	San Jacinto Building, Rm 369	
						
Math Assoc. Chair	Ernest Lowery		NW Campus	713-718-5512	Katy Campus Building, Rm 112	
						
Math Assoc. Chair	Mahmoud Basharat		NE Campus	713-718-2438	Codwell Hall Rm 105	
						
		Developmental Math Courses		
						
Chair of Dev. Math	Susan Fife		SE Campus	713-718-7241	Felix Morales Building, Rm 124	
						
- Secretary	Carmen Vasquez		SE Campus	713-718-7056	Felix Morales Building, Rm 124	
						
Dev. Math Assoc. Chair	Marisol Montemayor		SE Campus	713-718-7153	Felix Morales Building, Rm 124	
						
Dev. Math Assoc. Chair	Jack Hatton		NE Campus	713-718-2434	Northline Building, Room 321	

For issues related to your class, please first contact your instructor.
If you need to contact departmental administration, then contact the appropriate Associate Chair.

If further administrative contact is necessary, then contact the appropriate Department Chair.

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