Handout 1

TEXT.   The text is College Algebra, Third Edition, by Beecher, Penna, and Bittinger; Addison-Wesley, 2008 . Available at the bookstore for optional purchase is a student solutions manual, with worked-out solutions for all the odd-numbered problems; some students find it very useful. 

CONTENT.  The mathematics in the course consists of functions and graphs; polynomial and rational functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; and sequences and series. This is most of the material in the book.  This course is included in the logical systems category of the University Studies program.  

PREREQUISITES:  MA095 (Intermediate Algebra) or MA096 (Developmental and Intermediate Algebra) with a minimum grade of C.   Any required developmental mathematics courses must be completed before enrolling in this course. [Top].

GRADES and TEST DATES. The course grade in MA134 will be based on the following :

 

	Three 75-minute exams, for 100 points apiece, tentatively scheduled for the 5th week, the 9th week, and the 13th week  for about	45% of the final grade.
	A comprehensive two-hour final exam, on Monday, May 5 at 10am (10:00 section) and on Wednesday, May 7 at 10am (11:00 section) for . . .	30% of the final grade.
	On-line homework  (MathXL) for about . . .	15% of the final grade.
	Paper homework exercises; pop quizzes (at any time) or scheduled quizzes; and other assignments, together averaged in as about . . .	10% of the final grade.

Cutoffs for A, B, C, D will be semester averages of about 91%, 81%, 71%, 61%.  An unexcused absence from an examination or a quiz will result in a score of 0.  [Top.]

SOME EXPECTATIONS.

Workload.   Some students find this class challenging; others find it not too bad. To do acceptable work in MA134, you need three things:  

• First, you need a solid understanding of the prerequisite course:  Intermediate Algebra (or high school equivalent). It's possible to make up for some weaknesses in your background by investing extra time; but if the weaknesses are large enough, it may be necessary to retake or audit the required material. If you feel you may have been placed at the wrong level, see me.

   

• The second component is average-to-good logical ability -- i.e., you don't have to be a rocket scientist, but you do need to be fairly logical.

   

• The third and most important component -- the equalizer -- is good work habits:   Start early on assignments; keep your notes, handouts, homework papers, and computer files well-organized; and be prepared to invest a moderate amount of time outside of class. Keep up with the homework. Some outside help will be available, from me or at the Technology Learning Center ( "TLC" -- Johnson 112), or from special tutoring (see the Mathematics Department secretary) or workgroups you may set up yourself; but the primary factor in doing well in College Algebra is that you be willing and able to invest sufficient time and effort.   See lengthy comments on "What You Have to Do" at the end of this handout. [Top.]

Attendance.   You are expected to attend each class meeting. If you miss class for a good reason, you may write a note and turn it in with any late work for which you hope to receive credit. If you miss an exam you are expected to call me (651-2772) within 24 hours. The university's answering service is available at all times. An unexcused absence from an exam or a quiz will result in a score of 0.   [Top]

Plagiarism.   It is assumed that each student does his or her assignment individually .  You  may get help from me, from a lab assistant, from a tutor, from another student, or from others , but any work with your signature must be your own. Of course, copied work or copied-and-edited work will receive a reduced score, and may receive a 0 -- both the copy and the original: You are responsible for the security of any paper or electronic version of your homework.

Technology.  We will be using calculators and computers in this class. Every student is expected to have a graphing calculator -- a very commonly-used calculator is the TI-83;  but any graphing calculator will do -- and every student is expected to have access to the World-Wide-Web.   Access is available on campus at any of the open labs (Crisp, Dempster, Kent, McGill, Towers) or in the Technology Learning Center ("TLC")  in Johnson 112. .

MathXL is the online homework system that is a significant component of this course.  We use it in two ways:  (1) At any time, any person can explore or practice or review old assignments by signing on to MA134 -- Rowdy's Workout -- 2007-2008.  [Directions:  At http://www.mathxl.com, log on as student "Rowdy0708"  with password  "r0wdy0708" (“0” -- “zero”  instead of  “o” -- “oh”) ,  then click “Enter MathXL”, then click on the course name,  then “Homework and Tests”, then select an assignment, and go.]    (2) Students enrolled in this class will have frequent MathXL assignments to be completed by given deadlines, to be graded.  These problem sets are organized in  MA134-04,05 Keeping Score.  We will distribute access codes during the second or third week of class.  [Top.]

              Office: Johnson 204, inside 201.                                           Web:  cstl-csm.semo.edu/twallgren/ma134/index .htm

              Phone: (573) 651-2772                                                        Office Hours:  9:00 M,F;  4:15 M,W;  8:30 T,Th; just after class;

                                                                                                            and by appointment.  You are welcome to call or drop by at any time.

              email: twallgren@semo.edu 

Go to  Top or to T. Wallgren or to the Mathematics Dept or to Semo.

August 2000; January 13, 2008