COURSE DESCRIPTION: COLLEGE ALGEBRA (3) Algebraic and exponential functions, basic linear algebra. Requires skills and knowledge of intermediate algebra and plane geometry.
PREREQUISITE: Satisfactory performance on the Mathematics Placement Examination.
CREDIT: Three semester hours. Does not count for credit toward the major or minor in mathematical sciences. Not open for credit to students having credit in MATH 155 or MATH 211 or MATH 229. Not used in major or minor GPA calculation for mathematical sciences majors or minors.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: Math 110 provides basic skills in algebra in preparation for Math 155 (and later, Math 229), Math 206, Math 210, and Math 211. The prerequisite for these courses is a C or better in Math 110. Remember, your goal in this course is not just to get a good grade in this course; the most important goal is to raise your skill level to the point where you can perform algebraic calculations quickly and accurately, as needed for successful performance in this and future math courses.
TEXT: College Algebra, 8th Edition, by Sullivan (Prentice Hall, 2008), bundled with the student study guide, review material, and web resource access code. The bundle is required.
SYLLABUS:
Chapter R REVIEW R.2-R.5, R.7-R.8
Chapter 1 EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES 1.1-1.2, 1.4-1.7
Chapter 2 GRAPHS 2.1-2.5
Chapter 3 FUNCTIONS AND THEIR GRAPHS 3.1-3.6
Chapter 4 LINEAR AND QUADRATIC FUNCTIONS 4.1, 4.3
Chapter 5 POLYNOMIAL AND RATIONAL FUNCTIONS 5.1-5.2, 5.4
Chapter 6 EXPONENTIAL AND LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS 6.1-6.6
The first three chapters will be covered at a fast pace,
because most of the material should be review
for students who are adequately prepared for Math 110.
If this material is new to you,
it would probably be best for you to take an
Intermediate Algebra course at a community college
before you attempt to complete the rest of this course.
GRADING: Semester letter grades will be determined according to your instructor's scale from points accumulated during the semester. There will be a total of 900 points, distributed as follows:
400 points four in-class hour exams
100 points weekly quizzes
150 points homework (handed in online using MyMathLab)
250 points comprehensive departmental final examination
WITHDRAWAL: The last day for undergraduates to withdraw from MATH 110 is Friday, March 5, 2010.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF LECTURES: A printer-friendly schedule of lectures is available at www.math.niu.edu/courses/math110/current/schedule.html.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: You are REQUIRED to attend both your lectures and your recitations.
HOMEWORK PROBLEMS: The list of assigned homework problems is available at www.math.niu.edu/courses/math110/current/homework.html. Working (and understanding) the homework problems is probably the most important part of the course. Most students will need to spend six or more hours per week working problems and preparing for class. The required speed and accuracy cannot be attained without considerable practice. Remember that at the college level, you are expected to work at least two hours outside of class for each hour in class.