Winter Quarter 2010
Algebra II
1276_MATH085_05
BE4156
Daily 11:00am-11:50am |
The instructor reserves the right to reasonably adjust this
syllabus if deemed necessary.
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Blitzer, R. (2008), Introductory Algebra for College Students, 5th Edition, Chapters 6-10
Is available for purchase at the SCCC bookstore or you can lease an electronic online text
Reading Response Homework Packet
WAMAP: Online Homework Access
You will be registered automatically as a student in this class.
Please use your ‘first name_last name’ as your student name
and your pass code is the last four digits of your student number. |
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Imagination is more important than knowledge.Albert Einstein
The course goals provide a foundation to develop intellectual imagination. Success depends on your ability to respond to the challenges presented by new problems and new ideas. The course goals are to:
- stimulate your imagination
- enhance your understanding of mathematics at a conceptual level
- demonstrate and communicate your knowledge to others
- improve your use of self-assessment methods
- think critically
- develop effective study and group skills
- apply quantitative reasoning to real world contexts
- master the use of a scientific calculator as a tool for quantitative analysis
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The course objectives are the mathematical skills you should be able to demonstrate upon completion of this course:
- Understand basic rules of exponents and how to work with negative exponents
- Ability to add, subtract, and multiply polynomials (introduction to division of polynomials)
- Recognize and use a variety of factoring methods to solve and simplify polynomial polynomials
- Understand square root and know how to simplify radicals
- Apply quadratic formula to solve problems
- Understand how quadratic equations are related to parabolas
- Know how to graph a parabola accurately given its equation
- Know how to simplify simple rational expressions
- Solve application problems and explain the mathematics in the context of the problem
- Connect math with real world context
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As a student in this course, you are expected to attend all class sessions, arrive to class on-time and be prepared for the daily lesson. Being prepared means that homework assignments are complete and you have all the necessary supplies for full participation in the daily coursework, such as pencil, notebook paper, graph paper, straight-edge or ruler, and scientific calculator.
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Tests and Quizzes
Much of the learning in this class is done through group work, therefore group tests and quizzes are used to assess your understanding. This does NOT mean that you will get a group grade. Test problems are complex and require an explanation of your reasoning. The testing format provides an opportunity to discuss your solution process with group members prior to writing solution processes in your own words. A correct answer to a problem is sufficient for a passing grade (which is a 77% or a 2.2); however, if you wish to earn a higher grade, you must clearly communicate and demonstrate your solution process. The group work is designed to hone your communication skills (this is a course objective). The individual write-up is how you provide evidence of your understanding for a formal grade.
Partnership/Small Group/Whole Class Activities
Communication is an important aspect of this class, therefore you are responsible for providing evidence that you understand the material presented. One way to do this is to fully participate in small group and whole class activities. The small group format provides support to: (1) ease math anxiety, (2) learn to work collaboratively, (3) develop problem solving and critical thinking skills, and (4) clearly communicate your solution process to convince others that your answer is correct. It is important to contribute your thinking, questions, and insights to the collective process.
Homework
Completing and submitting homework on time is essential as it prepares you to be a full participant in the class activities. For each assigned section, you should:
Study the assigned chapter section
- take notes
- work through the sample problems
- work through some of the problems at the end of the section
- check your work with the answers at the back of the book or in your solution manual
- take notes during class
- attempt the in-class problems ahead of time
Reading Response: Respond to the questions about the readings that are in the course packet for the assigned section. Hand-in your reading responses on the day the section is listed on the Course Calendar. The reading responses are worth up to 10 participation points. To earn full points they must be complete and handed in when you arrive to class. If you are absent you can earn full points by handing it when you return to class. Late assignments will have points deducted. No points after test/quiz covering that section.
When you feel confident that you understand the material presented in the section and can perform the required skills then complete the on-line assignment. I strongly recommend that you do the assignment each night so that you are prepared for the daily in-class work.
On-line assignment: Go to WAMAP: log in using your ‘first name_last name’ as your student name and your pass code is your student number (with NO dashes). (If you have used WAMAP before, you may be registered using your former user name and pass code.) You can print the problems for an assignment and then work on them off-line (get help at the math lab, etc.). If you are NOT satisfied with the grade you receive, you can ask for a new problem. Once an assignment is submitted, the grade you receive is recorded. On-line assignments can be completed ahead of time; however the final submission date is midnight before the quiz/test.
Daily in-class process
When you arrive in class, hand in your reading response sheet, pick up your file folder, and start working on the problems listed on the board.
The problems are chosen to represent the important concepts covered in the section. Share the work you did on your group’s problem first. When your group agrees on the solution process, have one person from the group put the solution steps on the board. Then discuss the other problems. As your group completes the other problems, either register your agreement with other groups’ solutions, or put up your own solutions. This process should only take 15—20 minutes of class time.
I will (1) share college announcements, (2) discuss the reading response questions handed in at the start of class, (3) take questions about procedures from the section, (4) discuss the in-class problem solutions posted on the board, and (5) introduce the mathematics concepts and procedures for that evening’s homework.
Grading
The proposed grade distribution is 50% quizzes and tests, 30% class participation & homework, and 20% WAMAP (on-line assignment).
- Quizzes and tests are given each week. Quiz and test problems are similar to the in-class problems worked on in class. Quizzes are worth 50 pts, tests are 100 pts. Since quizzes and tests are designed for working in groups, it is important that you make every effort to attend, arrive on-time, and be prepared. There are NO make-up tests or quizzes given after the answers have been discussed in class. The lowest test grade can be replaced with the grade received on the final exam.
- Final Exam is 100 pts and is a collection of problems, similar to the ones presented in the daily class work, that cover the material for the entire quarter. The final exam grade will replace the lowest test grade.
- Participation: You will receive 10 points for each day that you attend class. Points are deducted if you arrive late or leave early, are not able to attend a session, and for disruptive and disrespectful behavior. Also, up to an additional 10 participation points can be earned if you hand in a reading response sheet for the section covered that day before group time is over (within the first 15 minutes of class.) If you are absent and want to receive the 10 points for the reading response sheet, then that must be submitted (email is fine) before the class session or immediately upon your return to class.
- On-line homework is worth 10 homework points. Section problems are available on-line up until the day of the quiz/test (midnight before the quiz/test). Please check the Course Calendar for quiz/test dates.
If you feel that the grade distribution does not adequately reflect your understanding of the mathematics in this course, then I encourage you to make an appointment to discuss it with me during office hours. This must be done sometime before the last month of the quarter.
100 > 94% = 4.0 > 3.9 = A
93 > 90% = 3.8 > 3.5 = A-
89 > 87% = 3.4 > 3.2 = B+
86 > 84% = 3.1 > 2.9 = B
83 > 80% = 2.8 > 2.5 = B-
79 > 77% = 2.4 > 2.2 = C+
76 > 74% = 2.1 > 1.9 = C
73 > 70% = 1.8 > 1.5 = C-
69 > 67% = 1.4 > 1.2 = D+
66 > 64% = 1.1 > 0.9 = D
63 > 60% = 0.8 > 0.7 = D-
60% > = 0.7 > = E
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“NC” (No Credit) grades are NOT given under any circumstances. If you want to withdraw from the course, request a “W” grade before the published deadline. “I” (Incomplete) grades are only given in strict conformity with the college catalog. Specifically, a student must be in “good standing” to request an Incomplete. For this course, “good standing” will mean, at a minimum, a current grade of at least 2.0. “I” grades can only be requested in situations and circumstances that are out of the control of the student…please read the catalog for details. I reserve all rights about when and if an “Incomplete” will be issued. It is your responsibility to request and submit the signatures and paperwork required for “W” and “I” grades by the deadlines established by the college. |
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Late and Make-up Work
If you are unable to attend class contact me as soon as possible to explain the situation and discuss options. It is also important to notify your group members, as they will have to function without your input (you can also ask them to take notes during the classes that you cannot attend.)
Tutorial Assistance
I am available to help clarify or provide tutorial assistance. However, (since I have approximately 100 students each quarter) please discuss the problem with your group members first. Make an appointment to speak with me if your group members are unable to help you. I am also available to work with the whole group.
If you need tutoring assistance on a fairly regular basis, the math lab is in SAM106.
Individual Needs
For help with dealing with math phobia or test anxiety, please make an appointment to talk with me. We can discuss your particular issues and devise a plan to help you be successful.
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Students with documented disabilities, who need course accomodations, have emergency medical information, or require special arrangements for building evacuation should contact the instructor within the first week of class.
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The Course Calendar is not fixed, but rather is a working document which may change as we progress through the material. I will inform you of any changes to the calendar as they arise.
The homework site is at:
WAMAP
(You will be registered automatically as a student in this class.
Please use your ‘first name_ last name’ as your student name
and your pass code is the last 4 digits of your student number.
Full credit for online homework is only given
when responses are received before midnight, before the test/quiz.
Reading Response Questions are listed on the day they are due.
Course Calendar
| Week |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
| 1 |
M1 |
T1 |
W1 |
Th1 |
F1 |
| 2 |
M2 |
T2 |
W2 |
Th2 |
F2 |
| 3 |
M3 |
T3 |
W3 |
Th3 |
F3 |
| 4 |
M4 |
T4 |
W4 |
Th4 |
F4 |
| 5 |
M5 |
T5 |
W5 |
Th5 |
F5 |
| 6 |
M6 |
T6 |
W6 |
Th6 |
F6 |
| 7 |
M7 |
T7 |
W7 |
TH7 |
F7 |
| 8 |
M8 |
T8 |
W8 |
TH8 |
F8 |
| 9 |
M9 |
T9 |
W9 |
TH9 |
F9 |
| 10 |
M10 |
T10 |
W10 |
TH10 |
F10 |
| 11 |
M11 |
T11 |
W11 |
TH11 |
F11 |
| 12 |
M12 |
T12 |
W12 |
TH12 |
F12 |
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Section |
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Mon.
Jan.4 |
Course intro and admin stuff |
Complete WAMAP tutorial and MATH084 Review by 5pm Friday |
Tues.
Jan.5 |
Service Learning
Explained
6.1 Adding and
subtracting
polynomials
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- Explain the definition and provide an example for the following
vocabulary: degree of a polynomial, like terms
- Explain what conditions are necessary to add terms, and then
provide an example where terms can be added and when they cannot.
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Weds.
Jan.6 |
6.2 Multiply
polynomials
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- Describe the following rules in your own words and provide an example
for each: Product Rule, Power Rule (Power to Power), and Products to
Power Rule
- Provide an example of polynomial multiplication using an area model.
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Thurs.
Jan.7 |
6.3 Special
Products
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- Provide an example for multiplying the sum and difference of two terms
using the F.O.I.L. method, and then do the same multiplication using the
vertical method.
- Provide an example of the short-cut for finding the square of a binomial
sum, and the square of a binomial difference.
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Fri.
Jan.8 |
6.1-6.3
Quiz Review
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Bring the solution of these problems to class and be prepared to share
them with your group and the class.
p.348 #99, 101; p.359 # 103, 104; p.367 #101, 102
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Section |
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Mon.
Jan.11 |
6.1-6.3 Quiz
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Turn in Review problems for hmwk credits.
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Tues.
Jan.12 |
Go over Quiz
6.4 Polynomials in
several variables
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What does it mean to evaluate a polynomial in several variables?
Provide an example.
- Describe how to determine the degree of a polynomial that has more
than one variable, and provide an example.
- Show how to add/subtract polynomials with more than one variable.
- Show how to multiply polynomials with two variables.
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Weds.
Jan.13 |
6.5 Dividing
Polynomials
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- Describe the Quotient Rule for exponents and provide an example.
- Describe the Zero-Exponent Rule and provide an example.
- Describe the Quotients-to-Powers Rule.
- Explain how you can divide a polynomial by a monomial, provide an
example
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Thurs.
Jan.14 |
6.7 Negative exponents and
scientific notations
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- Describe the Negative Exponent Rule, provide an example.
- Describe what it means to simplify an exponential expression, and provide
an example.
- Describe how to convert from scientific to decimal notation and
from decimal to scientific notation, provide an example for each
(one should use very large numbers and the other should use
very small numbers.)
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Fri.
Jan.15 |
Ch.6
Test Review
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Bring the solution of these problems to class
be prepared to share them with your group and the class.
p.405 #149, #151; p.367 #117;
p.373 #77; pp.410-11 #67, 83, 85
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Section |
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Mon.
Jan.18 |
No School
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Martin Luther King's Birthday
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Tues.
Jan.19 |
Ch.6
Test
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Turn in Review problems for hmwk credits.
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Weds.
Jan.20 |
Go over Ch.6 Test
7.1 GCF & factoring
by grouping
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- Describe how factoring a polynomial is like undoing the distributive
property, and provide an example.
- Describe what is meant by factoring by grouping and provide
an example.
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Thurs.
Jan.21 |
7.2 Factoring
trinomials whose
leading coefficient
is one
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- Explain how to factor a trinomial with a leading coefficient of one.
- Describe the steps needed to factor a trinomial completely.
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Fri.
Jan.22 |
7.3 Factoring
trinomials whose
leading coefficient
is not one
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- Describe a strategy to factor a trinomial whose leading coefficient is not one.
- Describe the process for factoring by grouping.
- Give an example to show that you know how to use the Box Method
- Describe how the Box Method is the same/different than factoring by grouping
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Section |
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Mon.
Jan.25 |
7.1 & 7.3
Quiz Review
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Bring the solution of these problems to class and
be prepared to share them with your group and the class.
p.428 #77; p.436 #71, 73; p.469 #7, 9
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Tues.
Jan.26 |
7.1-7.3 Quiz
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Turn in Review problems for hmwk credits.
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Weds.
Jan.27 |
7.4 Factoring special forms
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- Describe the pattern for knowing how to factor the difference of two squares.
- Describe the pattern for factoring perfect square trinomials.
- Describe the pattern for factoring the sum and difference of two cubes.
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Thurs.
Jan.28 |
No Class
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SAM Retreat
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Fri.
Jan.29 |
No Class
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Conference
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Section |
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Mon.
Feb.1 |
7.5 A general
factoring strategy
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In your own words, describe a strategy for determining the method
to use to factor a polynomial.
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Tues.
Feb.2 |
7.6 Solving quadratic
equations by factoring
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Describe the zero-product principle and why it is helpful when solving
a quadratic equation.
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Weds.
Feb.3 |
Ch.7
Test Review
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Bring the solution of these problems to class
be prepared to share them with your group and the class.
pp. 464-465 #80, 81, 87; p. 470 #93; p.471 #29, 30
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Thurs.
Feb.4 |
Ch.7 Test
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Turn in Review problems for hmwk credits.
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Fri.
Feb.5 |
Go over Ch.7 Test
8.1 Rational
expressions and
their simplification
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- Describe what is meant by a rational expression, and provide a couple
of different examples.
- Describe what would make a rational expression undefined.
- Describe the Fundamental Principle of Rational Expressions.
- Describe what it means to simplify a rational expression.
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Section |
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Mon.
Feb.8 |
8.2 Multiplying and
dividing rational
expressions
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- Describe how to multiplying rational expressions and multiplying fractions
are the same/different, and provide an example.
- Explain how dividing rational expressions and dividing fractions are the
same/different and provide an example
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Tues.
Feb9 |
No Class
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Winter Quarter In-Service
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Weds.
Feb.10 |
8.1 & 8.2
Quiz Review
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Bring the solution of these problems to class and
be prepared to share them with your group and the class.
p.481 # 15, 17; p.489 #29, 31; p.490 #76
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Thurs.
Feb.11 |
8.1 & 8.2
Quiz
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Review problems are due today.
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Fri.
Feb.12 |
Go over Quiz
8.3 Adding and
subtracting rational
expressions with
same denominator
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Explain how adding/subtracting rational expressions with the same
denominator is the same/different than adding/subtracting like
fractions, provide examples.
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Section |
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Mon.
Feb.15 |
No School
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President's Day
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Tues.
Feb.16 |
8.4 Adding and
subtracting rational
expressions with
different denominators
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Explain how adding/subtracting rational expressions with different
denominators is the same/different than adding/subtracting fractions
with different denominators. Provide examples.
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Weds.
Feb.17 |
Ch.8
Test Review
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Bring the solution of these problems to class and
be prepared to share them with your group and the class.
p.489 # 51 & 53;
p.498 # 73 and what is the range of widths for a skull 6 inches long
for it to be considered a medium skull or a long skull?
p. 508 # 101 & 102
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Thurs.
Feb.18 |
Ch.8 Test
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Review problems are due today.
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Fri.
Feb.19 |
Go over Ch.8 Test
9.1 Finding roots
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- What is meant by a square root, explain and provide an example.
- Describe the Principle nth root of a real number and provide a couple
of examples
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Section |
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Mon.
Feb.22 |
9.2 Multiplying and
dividing radicals
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- Describe the Product Rule for Square Roots, and provide an example.
- Describe how to simplify square roots with variables to even powers,
and provide an example.
- Describe how to simplify square roots with variables to odd powers.
- Describe the Quotient Rule for Square Roots, and provide an example.
- Describe the Product and Quotient Rules for nth roots and provide
an example.
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Tues.
Feb.23 |
9.3 Operations with
radicals
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- Explain what is meant by like radicals and give an example.
- Explain how to add/subtract like radicals and provide examples.
- Describe what is meant by a conjugate and provide an example.
- Explain how to multiply conjugates and provide an example.
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Weds.
Feb.24 |
9.1-9.3
Quiz Review
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Bring the solution of these problems to class and
be prepared to share them with your group and the class.
p.571 #89, p.572 #92, p.596 # 11, p.597 #41. 43. 45
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Thurs.
Feb.25 |
9.1-9.3 Quiz
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Review problems are due today.
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Fri.
Feb.26 |
Go over Quiz
9.4 Rationalize
the denominator
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- Describe what is meant by rationalizing the denominator, and provide
an example
- Explain when you would use a conjugate to rationalize a denominator
and provide an example
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Section |
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Mon.
Mar.1 |
9.5 Radical equations
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Describe in your own words, the steps used to solve a radical
equation, provide an example.
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Tues.
Mar.2 |
9.6 Rational
exponents
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- What is a rational exponent?
- How is it the same/different than a regular exponent?
- Provide examples.
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Weds.
Mar.3 |
Ch.9
Test Review
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Bring the solution of these problems to class and
be prepared to share them with your group and the class.
p.578 #75, 79; p.585 #45, 47; p.592 #53, 54, 57
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Thurs.
Mar.4 |
Ch.9 Test
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Review problems are due today.
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Fri.
Mar.5 |
Go over Ch.9 Test
10.1a Solving
quadratic equations
using square
root property
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- Describe the Square Root Property and provide an example.
- Describe the Pythagorean Theorem and show how it can be used to find
the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle.
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Section |
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Mon.
Mar.8 |
10.1b Solving
quadratic equations
using square
root property
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Describe the distance formula and how it is related to the Pythagorean
Theorem. Provide an example.
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Tues.
Mar.9 |
10.2 Solving
quadratic equations
by completing
the square
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- What is meant by "Completing the Square"?
- Describe how to use the Completing the Square process to solve a
quadratic equation.
- Provide an example.
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Weds.
Mar.10 |
10.1-10.2
Quiz Review
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Bring the solution of these problems to class and
be prepared to share them with your group and the class.
p.607-608 #67, 70; p.608 #79; p.613 #29, 33
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Thurs.
Mar.11 |
10.1-10.2 Quiz
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Review problems are due today.
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Fri.
Mar.12 |
Go over Quiz
10.3 Quadratic
Formula
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- What is the Quadratic Formula and why is it important?
- Show how to use the Quadratic Formula to solve a quadratic
equation.
- If you are given a quadratic equation, how do you determine what
method to use to solve it?
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Section |
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Mon.
Mar.15 |
10.5 Graphs
of quadratic
equations
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- Explain how to find the x- and y-intercepts for a parabola from its
equation, provide an example.
- From the equation, describe how to find the vertex of a parabola,
provide an example.
- Describe how you know whether parabola opens upward or
downward, provide an example.
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Tues.
Mar.16 |
Ch.10
Test Review
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Bring the solution of these problems to class and
be prepared to share them with your group and the class:
p.607 #67, 69; p.623 #53; p.640 #50, 51
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Weds.
Mar.17 |
Ch.10 Test
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Review problems are due today.
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Thurs.
Mar.18 |
Go over Ch. 10 Test
Course Evaluation
Finals Review
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Bring in your solutions to these problems to discuss in class:
p.367 #117, 118; p.382 #47, 51; p.404 #147, 149;
p.470 #93, 95; p.607 #68; p.640 #51
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Fri.
Mar.19 |
Finals Review
Continued
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Scientific Notation:
- Multiply and divide very large or very small numbers that are written in scientific notation
- Determine the appropriate number of significant digits
- Convert standard notation to scientific notation and the reverse
- Compare two numbers in scientific notation to determine a percentage
Simplify Rational Expressions
Polynomial Equations:
- Factor and Evaluate Polynomials to solve for the dimensions of a three-dimensional object
- Create a polynomial to determine area given expressions for length and width
- Evaluate the polynomial to explain answer in context
Solve and Simplify Radical Expressions
Quadratic Equations:
- Solve when y=0
- Calculate max/min
- Explain answer in the context of the problem
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Mon.
Mar.22 |
Final Exam
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10:30am-12:30pm
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