Fall 2014. MATH1320. Section 030.

College Algebra

Instructor: Luan Thach Hoang
Office: MA 208. Phone: (806) 834-3060 Fax: (806) 742-1112
Email address: luan.hoang@ttu.edu
Homepage: http://www.math.ttu.edu/~lhoang/
Office hours: TWR 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Time and Classroom: TR 9:30am - 10:50am Mathmematics Building 114

Course website: http://edugen.wileyplus.com/edugen/class/cls408369/
Updates about the course and other related announcements will be posted on this webpage.

Prerequisite: B in MATH/TSI 0302, C in a college level math, 3 on MPE, 610 on SATM, or 26 on ACTM.

Text: College Algebra, 3rd edition by C. Young, published by Wiley and Sons, 2012.
The link below allows students to buy either the access code for WileyPlus alone which comes with the eBook or the textbook with access code at much lower price than in the bookstore: www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/Section/id-819694.html

Course Description: Topics include: Real numbers, inequalities, matrices and determinants, theory of equations, binomial theorem, progressions, mathematical induction, polynomial functions, exponential and logarithmic functions.

Course Outline:

Expected Learning Outcomes:

  1. Apply arithmetic, algebraic, geometric, statistical and/or logical reasoning to solve problems. Students will develop skills to: (1) solve linear, quadratic, rational, logarithmic and exponential equations; (2) graph and interpret functions; (3) formulate and solve problems that involve real world applications; (4) perform simple counting and probability computations. Student mastery of problem solving skills will be assessed through homework exercises, in-class quizzes, and examinations.
  2. Represent and evaluate basic mathematical and/or logical information numerically, graphically, and symbolically. Students will learn how to adequately communicate mathematical information in writing, verbally and graphically, by using words, numerical answers, algebraic expressions, logical sentences, as well as graphs and diagrams.
  3. Use mathematical and logical reasoning to evaluate the validity of an argument. Students will learn how to identify, understand and apply mathematical and logical reasoning to theoretical and applied problems. In particular, attention will be devoted to the principle for constructing proofs by mathematical induction.
  4. Interpret mathematical and/or logical models such as formulas, graphs, tables and schematics, and draw inference from them. Students will learn to identify and interpret mathematical information contained in formulas, graphs and tables, in particular: (a) formulas containing linear, polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions; (b) applications that model real world problems via linear systems; (c) discrete arithmetic formulas and equations.

Methods of Assessment of Learning Outcomes: Assessment of the learning outcomes will be achieved through homework assignments, three midterm exams, and a final exam.

Homework Assignments: Online homework will be assigned weekly. The student must register and have access to the course website (with address provided above) on www.WileyPlus.com

Grading Policy: Homework will count for 25% of the grade. The lowest score of homework will be dropped. There will be three midterm exams in class, each will count for 15% of the grade. The mandatory final exam will count for 30% of the grade. Missing the final exam will result in "F" grade. All in-class exams are closed-book. No make-up exams are given unless legitimate documents for excuses are presented to the instructor at least a week in advance. Grading Scale: A: 90%-100%, B: 80%-89%, C: 70%-79%, D: 60%-69%, F: below 60%

Calculators: Only scientific calculators are allowed in exams. These calculators can calculate the values of the standard algebraic, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions. Graphing calculators and calculators that can do symbolic manipulations are not allowed.

Attendance Policy: Students must go to lectures and attendance will be taken. If you miss no more than four lectures, a bonus of three points will be added to your final grade.

Examination Schedule:

Critical Dates:

Academic Misconduct: Academic dishonesty is intolerable and will be punished to the full extent allowed by the University policy.

Civility in the Classroom: Texas Tech University endeavor to foster a classroom climate of mutual respect among students and between students and teacher. Students are expected to maintain a classroom environment that is conducive to learning. In order to assure that all students have the opportunity to gain from time spent in class, unless otherwise approved by the instructor, students are prohibited from engaging in any other form of distraction. Students must attend class on time and are not allowed to leave the class before the end of the hour without authorization. During class time students are not allowed to eat, smoke, drink alcohol, text, chat, sleep, play games, read newspapers, wear earphones, play with smart phones or tablets, etc. Please put silent mode to all your electronic devices. Inappropriate behavior in the classroom shall result, minimally, in a request to leave class.

Students with Disabilities: Any student who because of a disability may require special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has a disability that may require special accommodations. I am sure we can work out whatever arrangements are necessary. Please see me during my office hours. Student Disability Services office is in 335 West Hall (phone: 806-742-2405).

Advice: Come to class regularly, work on homework problems. Ask questions in class and get help from the Tutoring Center (Math Building 106, starting Tuesday, September 2, open M-F from 9:00am - 5:00pm) or from the instructor during the office hours. Since a lot of material will be covered, students have to master them quickly and do not wait too late until the midterms or the final exam. Students are encouraged to give feedbacks to the instructor during the semester.

NOTE: When needed, the instructor will communicate with the students using their TTU email addresses. At the beginning of the semester, the instructor will send an email to confirm the students' email addresses. If a student does not receive this message by the time of the second class, he/she must contact the instructor immediately.

WileyPlus Help: Wednesday 1-4PM and Thursday 9-12PM (Aug. 27, 28), in Math room 106 (Tutoring Center).

Handouts: