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COLLEGE ALGEBRA
MAT 151 COURSE SYLLABUS
SPRING 2011
Paradise Valley Community College

INSTRUCTOR: Stephen J. Nicoloff
e-mail: [email protected]
web page: http://www2.pvc.maricopa.edu/~nicoloff
Phone: 602-787-6676
Office Hours:
M-F 11:00 AM – 11:50 AM
Office: Building Q, Room 254
TEXT:
  College Algebra with Modeling and Visualization 4th Edition Gary Rockswold
(Course ID: nicoloff68745)
MATERIALS & OTHER RESOURCES:
  Texas Instruments TI-83, or TI-84 or suitable Graphing Calculator.

Learning Support Center (LSC) Building E, Room 180
and Building Q, Room 210
Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Drop-in and individual Tutoring

MAT 108. This course provides structured tutorial assistance and math study skills to help students achieve success in a mathematics course in which they are concurrently enrolled. Mathematics study skills are emphasized. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 10 credits.
Co-requisites: Concurrent enrollment in MAT151.

DVDs of each lesson are available for checkout in the library,  for on campus viewing in the LSC and for your own copy in the Media Center in the library.
CLASS LOCATION:
  Building Q, Room 209
SECTION NUMBER:
  12976
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
  Analysis and interpretation of the behavior and nature of functions including polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, power, absolute value, and piecewise-defined functions; systems of equations, modeling and solving real world problems. Additional topics may include matrices, combinatorics, sequences and series, and conics. Prerequisites: Grade of "C" or better in MAT120, or MAT121, or MAT122, or equivalent, or satisfactory score on District placement exam.
COURSE COMPETENCIES:
    Upon Successful completion of this course, you will have mastered the following basic competencies:

  • Analyze and interpret the behavior of functions, including end behavior, increasing and decreasing, extrema, asymptotic behavior, and symmetry.
  • Solve polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic equations analytically and graphically.
  • Find real and complex zeros of polynomial functions analytically and graphically.
  • Graph polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, power, absolute value, and piecewise-defined functions.
  • Determine domain and range of polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, power, absolute value, and piecewise-defined functions.
  • Use transformations to graph functions.
  • Perform operations, including compositions, on functions and state the domain of the resulting function.
  • Determine whether a relation is a function when represented numerically, analytically, or graphically.
  • Determine whether a function is one-to-one when represented numerically, analytically, or graphically.
  • Determine the inverse of a relation when represented numerically, analytically, or graphically.
  • Classify functions by name when represented numerically, analytically, or graphically.
  • Determine regression models from data using appropriate technology and interpret results.
  • Read and interpret quantitative information when presented numerically, analytically, or graphically.
  • Justify and interpret solutions to application problems.
  • Compare alternative solution strategies.
  • Calculate and interpret average rate of change.
  • Model and solve real world problems.
  • Solve systems of three linear equations in three variables.
  • Solve systems of linear inequalities.
  • Communicate process and results in written and verbal formats.
PVCC General Education Learning Outcome: Problem Solving

This course will help you meet PVCC’s General Education Problem Solving Outcome by enabling you to
define problems, collect and analyze quantitative information, develop reasonable interpretations and appropriate mathematical models to solve problems, compare alternative solution strategies, and communicate process and results. Your ability to use quantitative methods to analyze information and solve problems will be measured using PVCC’s cross-discipline rubric which measures the following dimensions of problem solving:
1. Define the problem.
2. Develop a plan to solve the problem.
3. Collect and analyze appropriate information.
4. Interpret findings to determine plausible solutions.
5. Evaluate the effectiveness of the problem-solving process and the results obtained.
6. Communicate the results.



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PVCC MATHEMATICS/COMPUTER SCIENCE DIVISION EXPECTED
STUDENT BEHAVIOR FOR SUCCESS
  • As a college student you need to discipline yourself as to your study habits and classroom behavior. Get to class at least a couple of minutes early. You are expected to at least be on time for each class and remain seated for the entire class. If you must leave early, it is considered only common courtesy to leave quietly and to have informed your instructor beforehand. Please leave beepers, iPods, cell phones and other electronic devices off. Inattentiveness, disruptiveness or extensive tardiness or absences may affect a student's grade.
  • If for some reason you decide to drop this course, you are advised to discuss it first with your instructor. If you are having difficulties, please see your instructor before giving up or dropping the class. You will not be automatically dropped. It is your responsibility to get the appropriate paperwork signed. A grade of W will be assigned if you drop before 49 calendar days from the start of class. If you are dropped after that date (your instructor has the right to refuse to drop you after this date) your drop grade will reflect your status at that time, you will get a W if you are passing and a Y if you are failing. If you are still on the class roster at the end of the semester, you will be assigned a grade of A, B, C, D or F, based on your class average.
  • Undergraduate study is time consuming. You can anticipate spending two or more hours of study, reading and research for every hour you spend in the classroom. To earn three hours of academic credit, classes must meet for a minimum of forty-five (45) classroom hours. Take these demands seriously as you plan your academic schedule.
  • Have your homework completed before class starts. Please feel free to contact me whenever you run into difficulty, and make use of the LSC.
  • Have questions ready from the previous night's homework and be seated when class begins.
  • Continuously self-test.
  • Make it a goal to attend all classes and stay the entire class period. There is a high correlation between regular class attendance, punctuality, and good grades. Even though you are absent for any reason, you are still responsible for all homework and material covered in class. Get notes from another student for classes missed.
  • Ask questions – participate, don't wait for someone else to ask questions.
  • Be prepared as if you expect a quiz every day.
  • It is the student's responsibility to understand and follow all of the policies found in the College Catalog and Student Handbook.
  • The student is responsible for all information contained in the syllabus.
  • Students are PROHIBITED from digitally recording classes without Dr. Nicoloff�s permission.
  • Make note of Article III, Section B, paragraph 15, page 171 in the PVCC Student Handbook regarding the college’s policy on the misuse of computer technology.
  • Make note of the college’s policy on Academic Misconduct Section 2.3.11 found on pages 149 through 150.
  • Students with disabilities who believe that they need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center in the Gina Kranitz Student Center, Room119 or call 602–787–7171
ALL PROVISIONS IN THIS SYLLABUS ARE SUBJECT TO REVISION BY THE INSTRUCTOR. SUCH REVISIONS, IF ANY, WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN CLASS AND POSTED ON THE INSTRUCTOR'S WEBSITE AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:
https://www2.paradisevalley.edu/~nicoloff/changes.html

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CLASS ATTENDANCE:
  Attendance and punctuality is required!! Read the school catalog to become familiar with policies on withdrawals and incompletes. There will be no make-up tests, students must be present on test days.
ASSIGNMENTS:
  Assignments are required and will be due at the beginning of class. They will be worth 100 pts. toward the final grade. The assignments will consist of the problems on My Math Lab. Late homework will not be accepted. Late homework is defined to be any homework that is completed after the beginning of class on the day it is due.
TESTING:
  There will be up to 10 unannounced quizzes worth 100 pts. (10 pts. each) There will be 5 - 100 pt. tests during the semester to cover all chapters studied, and a final exam, worth 150 pts.
GRADING:
 
Quizzes 100 A=90-100% 765-850 pts
Homework 100 B=80-89% 680-764 pts
Tests 500 C=70-79% 595-679 pts
Final Exam 150 D=60-69% 510-594 pts
Total 850    
 
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
DATE OF CLASS MEETING SECTIONS TO BE COVERED TOPICS TO BE COVERED ASSIGN # DUE DATE
(M) 1/18 Introduction
1.1
1.2
Introduction
Numbers, Data, and Problem Solving
Visualizing and graphing Data
#1 1/20
(R) 1/20
1.3
1.4
1.5
Functions and Their Representations
Types of Functions
Functions and Their Rates of Change
#2 1/25
(M) 1/25 2.1
2.2
Linear Functions and Models
Equations of Lines
#3 1/27
(R) 1/27 2.3 Linear Equations #4 2/8
(M) 2/1 REVIEW REVIEW
(R) 2/3 TEST I CHAPTER 1 & SECTIONS (2.1 & 2.2)
(M) 2/8

2.4
2.5

Linear Inequalities
Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities
#5 2/10
(R) 2/10 3.1
3.2
Quadratic Functions and Models
Quadratic Equations and Problem Solving
#6 2/15
(M) 2/15 3.3
3.4
Complex Numbers
Quadratic Inequalities
#7 2/17
(R) 2/17 3.5
4.1
Transformations of Graphs
More Nonlinear Functions and Their Graphs
#8 2/22
(M) 2/22 4.2 Polynomial Functions and Models #9 3/3
(R) 2/24 REVIEW REVIEW
(F) 2/25 LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW WITHOUT INSTRUCTOR’S SIGNATURE
(M) 3/1 TEST II SECTIONS (2.3 - 2.5) & CHAPTER 3
(R) 3/3 4.3
4.4
Division of Polynomials
Real Zeros of Polynomial Functions
#10 3/8
(M) 3/8 4.5
4.6
The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
Rational Functions and Models
#11 3/10
(R) 3/10 4.7
4.8
More Equations and Inequalities
Radical Equations and Power Functions
#12 3/22
(M) 3/15 NO CLASS SPRING BREAK
(R) 3/17 NO CLASS SPRING BREAK
(M) 3/22 5.1 Combining Functions #13 3/31
(R) 3/24 REVIEW REVIEW
(M) 3/29 TEST III CHAPTER 4
(R) 3/31
5.2
5.3
Inverse Functions and Their Representations
Exponential Functions and Models
#14 4/5
(M) 4/5 5.4
5.5
Logarithmic Functions and Models
Properties of Logarithms
#15 4/7
(R) 4/7
5.6
5.7
Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
Constructing Nonlinear Models
#16 4/12
(M) 4/12

6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4

Functions and Systems of Equations in Two Variables
Systems of Inequalities in Two Variables
Systems of Linear Equations in Three Variables
Solutions to Linears Systems using Matrices
#17 4/19
(R) 4/14 REVIEW REVIEW
(M) 4/19 TEST IV CHAPTER 5
(R) 4/21

7.2
7.3

Ellipses
Hyperbolas
#18 4/26
(R) 4/21
LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW WITH INSTRUCTOR’S SIGNATURE
(M) 4/26
8.1
8.2
Sequences
Series
#19 4/28
(R) 4/28 REVIEW REVIEW
(M) 5/3
TEST V CHAPTERS (6, 7 & 8)
(R) 5/5 REVIEW REVIEW
(M) 5/10
COMPREHENSIVE
FINAL EXAM
7:30 AM-9:20AM


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STUDENT INFORMATION/SYLLABUS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM
Course Prefix & Number______________
Semester__________________________
Lecture Section Number______________
Phone # (_____)-___________________
e-mail address_________________________________
I have received a copy of the syllabus, and I understand the following:
 
A) The instructor contact information and the most appropriate way to use this information.
B) I am responsible for all course material and preparation for class.
C) All of the policies and procedures for this course, especially the Grading, Attendance and Withdrawal Policies.
D) I am responsible for knowing all of the information that pertains to my legal rights that are contained in the current Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) Student Handbook and College Catalog.
E) In order to receive any special accommodations for this class I must register myself with the PVCC Disability Resource Center.
F) The class syllabus is subject to change, and it is my responsibility to know the changes.
 
__________________________________________________________________
Student Printed Name
 
__________________________________________________________________
Student Signature
____________________________
Date
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Last updated Thursday, March 10, 2011 10:49 AM
Paradise Valley Community College
URL-http://www.pvc.maricopa.edu/~nicoloff/151syl20112.html
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