MATH 122: College Algebra

Introduction

This course is a first and introductory course in mathematic. After completing this course students should have a working knowledge of algebra.

Objectives

1.  To develop an understanding of the concepts principles required as background to the study of pre-calculus.
2.  To develop the skills basic required to Model Real World problems including a foundation in the real number system, algebraic expressions, equations and inequalities, coordinates and graphing, the concept of function with an emphasis on polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions and be able to work with systems of equations and inequalities. .
3.  To develop an appreciation for the role of mathematics in a variety of real-life applications.
4.  To establish a foundation for further study in the student’s area of interest.

Topics

Homework

Academic Dishonesty

The cheating policy is defined in Pacific Stuff & the Pacific Catalog as well as the Academic Policy that each of you signed upon entering Pacific University. Be sure you read or reread this policy carefully. The solutions should be an individual effort unless otherwise specified on the assignment. While high level concepts may be discussed, do not discuss specific homework problems or solutions. If you have any question as to whether or not what you are about to do constitutes cheating, ask the instructor.

Any breach of standards for academic honesty as defined in the Pacific University catalog will be reported to the Assistant Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and will carry a penalty of a grade of “F” for the course.

Course Policies

• Homeworks are to be submitted by 2 pm on the day in which they are due (unless otherwise specified).  Late assignments will not be accepted. Start your assignments early.
• Grade Complaints: If you have a complaint regarding a grade on a quiz, exam, or homework, write a one paragraph description of why you feel the grade is incorrect and deliver it to the instructor. The paragraph must be delivered to the instructor within one calendar week of when the graded material is returned to the student.
  
• No early or late exams/finals will be given.
• No incompletes will be given.
• The instructor reserves the right to raise or lower a student's grade based on class participation and attendance.
• I do not want to hear any electronic devices go off during lecture; therefore, make sure you silence these devices before lecture starts.
• Class starts promptly at 2 pm. Your attendance is expected at each class meeting. It is in your own best interest to attend class, as your grade will certainly suffer if you choose not to attend. Of course, excused absences (sickness, family emergencies, varsity athletic participation) will not be held against you. Scheduled absences should be communicated to me well in advance. If you must miss a class, be sure to check with me or another student to get what you missed. Exams will be given in class on the day scheduled and may not be made up. The material in the course is, by necessity, cumulative. Be warned that if you fall behind, you will not be able to catch up easily.
• If you have a documented disability covered under the ADA then services and accommodations are available from LSS (Learning Support Services). If you need reasonable accommodations to fully participate in course activities or meet course requirements, you must contact Edna K. Gehring, Director of LSS , at X2107. She will meet with you, review the documentation of their disabilities, and discuss the services Pacific offers.

Calculator

A calculator may be used during the latter half of the class. Work during the first few weeks of the course will need to be done by hand.

Important Dates