NORMANDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE                                                 Math 670
Course Syllabus                                                                                                                                         Fall 2001
Math 670, Elementary & Intermediate Algebra

  1. IDENTIFYING INFORMATION
  1. Math 670 ELEMENTARY & INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA
  2. 5 credits
  3. Prerequisite: Math 500 with a grade of "A" or scoring at Math 670 level on the Placement Exam
  4. A list of office hours will be handed out during the first week of class
  1. COURSE OBJECTIVES
  1. Apply laws of real numbers and order of operations to simplify algebraic expressions
  2. Solve linear equations and inequalities in one variable
  3. Interpret circle, bar, and line graphs; find the mean, median, and mode of a set of data
  4. Graph linear equations
  5. Determine linear equations from given information such as slope and one or two points
  6. Solve systems of equations in two and three variables by substitution and elimination
  7. Factor polynomials in the form of trinomials, difference of squares, and sum and difference of cubes
  8. Divide polynomials, using synthetic division when appropriate
  9. Simplify rational expressions and solve rational equations; work and motion applied problems
  10. Simplify radical expressions and solve radical equations
  11. Perform basic operations with complex numbers
  12. Solve quadratic equations using factoring, the principle of square roots, completing the square, and the quadratic formula
  13. Use the discriminant to determine the nature of the roots of a quadratic equation
  14. Graph equations of the type y = a(x + h)2 + k, finding the vertex, the line of symmetry, and the maximum or minimum value
  15. Determine whether a relation is a function, identify its domain and range, and determine if it is one-to-one
  16. Find the inverse of a function
  17. Graph exponential and logarithmic functions
  18. Solve exponential and logarithmic equations
  19. Solve problems involving applications of exponential and logarithmic functions
  1. MATERIALS NEEDED
  1. Introductory and Intermediate Algebra: A Combined Approach, by Bittinger/Beecher
  2. Calculator (scientific or graphing) is required (those with computer algebra systems e.g. TI-89 may not be used)
  3. Headphones for use with MathMax in Math Center
  4. Optional) Student solution manual; MathMax Multimedia CD
  1. TOPICS TO BE COVERED
  1. Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities
  2. Graphs of Equations; Data Analysis
  3. Polynomials: operations and factoring
  4. Functions
  5. Radical Expressions and Equations
  6. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
  1. ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING
  1. A daily assignment in the text is given prior to taking an IN CLASS LESSON TEST.
  2. 75% of the course grade is determined by the 5 unit tests given during the semester
  3. 25% of the course grade is determined by the comprehensive final examination
  4. All students will be given letter grades unless a P/NC form is submitted. The last day to withdraw froma class is also the last day to turn in the P/NC option form. See your class schedule for the exact date.

  

The two grading options are:
LETTER GRADE PASS/NO CREDIT
90% - 100% = A
80% - 89.9% = B PASS:70% - 100%
70% - 79.9% = C
60% - 69.9% = D NO CREDIT:less than 70%
Less than 60% = F