Michael J. Grant Campus
MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
Fall 2009 Syllabus — Algebra I
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Name: Alexander Kasiukov
Office: Academic
wing of the
Phone: (631) 851-6484
Email: kasiuka@sunysuffolk.edu
Web Page: http://www2.sunysuffolk.edu/kasiuka/
Office
Hours: See schedule. Additional tutoring is available in the Center
for Academic Excellence, Room MA 129
COURSE INFORMATION
Name of
Course: Algebra I
Catalog Number: MAT 007 (MA 07)
Section Number: 93322
Number of Credits: 0
Number of Contact
Hours:
4
Prerequisite: Successful completion of
Developmental Math Skills or
appropriate results on the College Placement Test.
Grading: Graded on an SA-SB-SC-R-U-W basis.
Meets: Monday, Wednesday: 3:30—5:10 PM, Room MA 114
Final Exam: Monday, December 14, 2009
Textbook: Aufmann, Barker, Lockwood: Beginning Algebra With Applications,
Houghton Mifflin, 7th Edition
Note: Does not fulfill requirements for any degree or certificate.
Course Philosophy:
Introduction to basic concepts of algebra. Equivalent to
first-year high school algebra. Topics include language of algebra, order of
operations, signed numbers, linear equations, simultaneous equations,
factoring, solving quadratic equations by factoring, application of algebra to
selected verbal problems.
Topic Outline:
I. The Fundamental Operations of Real
Numbers
1.
Mathematical symbols and notation
2.
Sets of numbers
3.
Basic properties (axioms) of real numbers
4.
Operations of signed numbers
5.
Graphing of signed numbers
6.
Order of operations
7.
Absolute value
II.
Linear Equations and Inequalities
1.
Solving linear equations
2.
Solving verbal problems/applications
3.
Solving simple linear inequalities
III.
Graphing and Systems of Linear Equations
1.
The Cartesian coordinate system
2.
Graphs of linear equations
3.
Definition of slope, parallel lines
4.
Solving linear systems by graphing
5.
Solving linear systems by addition/subtraction
6.
Applications involving linear systems
IV.
Operations with Polynomials
1.
Naming and evaluation of polynomials
2.
Addition and subtraction of polynomials
3.
Properties of exponents
4.
Multiplication of polynomials
5.
FOIL method and special products
6.
Division of polynomials (binomials and monomials)
V.
Factoring Polynomials
1.
Common factors
2.
Difference of two squares and perfect squares
3.
Factor trinomials by inspection of coefficients
VI.
Algebraic Fractions
1.
Multiplication and division
2.
Addition and subtraction
3.
Solving equations containing fractions
4.
Solve applied problems (which translate into proportions)
VII.
Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring
VIII.
Common Roots and Radicals
1.
Definition
2.
Properties
3.
Simplification and rationalization of denominators
Learning
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
1.
Demonstrate an
understanding of the use of variables as representatives of real numbers, the
use of the order of operations to evaluate algebraic expressions, and the
meaning of terms, expressions, and factors;
2.
Demonstrate an
understanding of the arithmetic properties of real numbers (associative,
commutative, identities, inverses, and distributive properties) and be able to
apply these properties in manipulating algebraic equations;
3.
Solve linear equations and
inequalities in one variable and apply these techniques to simple models;
4.
Solve systems of linear
equations in two variables using the techniques of graphing lines, algebraic
substitution method, and the algebraic elimination method, and apply these
techniques to simple models; moreover, the methods of graphing a line should be
done using table of values, intercepts, and incorporating the slope of the
line;
5.
Perform polynomial
addition, subtraction, multiplication, division by a monomial, and factoring;
polynomial equations that can be factored, should be solved and these
techniques applied to simple models;
6.
Simplify and perform basic
operations on rational expressions; moreover, be able to solve rational
equations using factoring techniques and apply these techniques to simple
models;
7.
Demonstrate an
understanding of radicals and simplify expressions involving radicals.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Procedures for accomplishing the Course
Objectives:
·
Individual
work of a student
·
Participation
in problem solving in class
·
Preparation
of the assigned homework and reading
·
Instructor's
office hours.
·
Utilization
of free tutoring and supplementary materials available in the
Student Requirements for completion of
the course:
Students must attend class, do homework assignment, take all
the quizzes and the comprehensive final exam.
Grading:
There will be approximately 15 — 20 quizzes, given regularly
(at least once a week) in class. They will last no more than 20 minutes each
and will cover current material. There will be a final exam at the end of the
course. It will cover all the material of the course. If a test (i.e. a quiz or
the final exam) is missed, then the grade 0 is assigned for that test.
Final score of a student =
sum of all quiz scores (out of 75
possible)
+
the final exam score (out of 25
possible).
Letter grade of a student =
SA, if the final score is 90 and above;
SB, if the final score is 80 — 89;
SC, if the final score is 70 — 79;
R, if the final score is 60 — 69 (the
course must be repeated);
U, if the final score is below 60;
W, if the student withdraws officially,
by returning a withdrawal slip with my signature to the Registrar's Office
before mid-semester (as defined by the academic calendar).
Attendance:
All students are expected to
attend every session of each course for which they are registered. Students are
responsible for all that transpires in class whether or not they are in
attendance. The College defines excessive absence or lateness as more than the
equivalent of one week of class meetings during the semester. Excess absence or
lateness may lead to failure in a course or removal from the class roster.
Make-ups:
Make-up tests will be given
only for documented emergencies, and then only at my discretion and
convenience. However, if you have a good reason, please do ask for
consideration.
Disruptions:
Disruptive behaviors, as
defined by the Student Handbook, will not be tolerated. College policy allows
for the removal of disruptive students from class for the remainder of a class
session in progress. Repeated disruptions in the classroom will lead to
disciplinary action as specified in the Student Handbook. Pagers and cell
phones are to be turned off at all times. If anyone wishes to reach you in an
emergency, he or she should call the Mathematics Department Secretary (see the
phone number above).
Use of Calculators and Computers:
Calculators are permitted in this
course. We will extensively use computers in the class.
Students with special needs:
If you are a student who has a
disability and need reasonable accommodations, then please give me an advance
notice about your special needs. If you have specific questions about obtaining
these accommodations, you can call the