MATH 171 - College Algebra

JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
MATH DIVISION
MATHEMATICS
COURSE OUTLINE

 

Title: College Algebra Effective Term: Spring 2009
Number: MATH 171 Credit Hours: 3 Contact Hours: 3
Course Type: Transfer Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0

Description:

This course focuses on the study of functions and their graphs, techniques of solving equations and the recognition and creation of patterns. Students will analyze and graph functions, including constant, linear, absolute value, square root, polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions and non-functions; solve equations and inequalities, including polynomial equations, exponential equations, logarithmic equations, systems of linear equations and systems of linear inequalities; and analyze and create algebraic and numerical patterns. 3 or 5 hrs./wk. This course may be offered as a Learning Communities (LCOM) section, see current credit schedule for LCOM details.

Associated Costs: These are additional (out-of-pocket) expense considerations that students should expect in addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks. $0 to $100.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisite: MATH 116 Intermediate Algebra
with a grade of "C" or higher
or
MATH 134 Technical Mathematics II
with a grade of "C" or higher
or appropriate score on the math assessment test

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

  1. Analyze functions and their graphs.
  2. Sketch the graphs of functions, including constant, linear, absolute value, square root, polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic.
  3. Solve polynomial, exponential and logarithmic equations.
  4. Solve systems of linear equations and systems of linear inequalities.
  5. Create mathematical models to solve application problems.
  6. Analyze numeric and algebraic patterns; generate numeric and algebraic patterns.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Analysis and graphing of functions and non-functions
   A. Use function notation.
   B. Recognize equations of functions and non-functions.
   C. Use concepts of symmetry, intercepts, left to right behavior,
asymptotes, and transformations to sketch graphs of functions (constant,
linear, quadratic, absolute value, square root, cubic, polynomial,
rational, exponential, and  logarithmic) and non?functions (circles).
   D. Determine the domain and range of a function.
   E. Write the equation of a function (constant, linear, quadratic,
absolute value,  square root, cubic, polynomial, rational, exponential,
and logarithmic) or non-function (circle) given its description.
   F. Use graphing calculator or computer-generated graphs of functions
for analysis.
   G. Find combinations and composites of functions.
   H. Find inverses of functions.

II. Solutions of equations and inequalities
   A. Solve polynomial equations.
   B. Solve exponential equations.
   C. Solve logarithmic equations.
   D. Apply exponential and logarithmic equations to problems, e.g.,
growth and decay.
   E. Solve systems of linear equations using substitution, elimination,
graphing, and at least one matrix method ( Gaussian elimination,
Gauss-Jordan elimination, inverse matrices, or Cramer’s Rule ).
   F. Graph systems of linear inequalities .
	
III. Analysis and creation of algebraic and numerical patterns
   A. Generate sequences and sums.
   B. Determine formulas that create sequences and sums.
   C. Recognize arithmetic and geometric sequences.
   D. Find specified terms of sequences.
   E. Calculate sums of sequences.
   F. Perform binomial expansions using the binomial theorem.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Unit Exams, Unit Papers and/or Unit Projects   40% - 80%
Homework, Quizzes and/or Small Projects         0% - 50%
Final Exam**                                   10% - 40%

**The final exam must count at least as much as any unit exam, unit paper
or unit project. In any course where unit exams are not proctored, the
instructor may require that the student score at least a 70% on the final
exam to earn a ‘C’ for the course. At the instructor's discretion, the
grade on all or any part of the final exam may replace any lower test
score.

Caveats:

  1. The majority of mathematics courses are sequential. Students must earn a grade of C or higher in a prerequisite mathematics course to progress to its subsequent mathematics course.
  2. In accordance with the assertion made on your billing statement, during the first two weeks of the semester, if a student is found not to have successfully fulfilled the prerequisite(s) for this course, the student will be dropped from the course. He/she will be allowed to enroll in the appropriate lower level math course on a space available basis with an even exchange of tuition. After the first two weeks, students who have not met the prerequisite(s) will be dropped from the course with no refund of tuition.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.