COURSE OUTLINE AND SYLLABUS
| COURSE NAME: Intermediate Algebra | COURSE NO.: DSPM 0850-770 |
| CREDIT HOURS: 3 | LECTURE: Videocourse |
| INSTRUCTOR: Jim Pack | OFFICE HOURS: 7-8 M,T,R. |
| OFFICE NUMBER: K-239 | OFFICE PHONE: (615) 353-3536 |
| FAX: (615) 353-3730 | E-MAIL: jim.pack@nscc.edu |
REQUIRED TEXT: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, 4th ed., by Lial, Hornsby, and McGinnis which is available in the NSCC bookstore
REQUIRED COURSE PACKET: DSPM 0850 Course Packet available in the NSCC Bookstore or download from ww2.nscc.edu/dspm. This course packet contains all test reviews that are required for the homework score.
CALCULATOR: Texas InstrumentsTI-82, TI-83, TI-83 Plus, TI-83 Plus Silver, OR TI-85/86
RECOMMENDED: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra Student's Solution Manual, 3rd ed. by Jeff Cole
COURSE DESCRIPTION: A second course in algebra emphasizes sets, the real number system, fundamental operations of algebraic factoring, algebraic linear equations and linear inequalities, stated problems, rational expressions and equations, exponents and radicals, inequalities, linear systems and graphing linear and quadratic equations.
OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
A. Write the equation
of a line given various conditions.
B. Solve literal algebraic equations.
C. Solve advanced word problems.
D. Graph Parabolas
E. Solve simultaneous linear equations.
F. Factor Polynomial (i.e., greatest common factor,
grouping, trinomials, difference of two squares and
cubes.)
G. Solve and graph inequalities.
H. Solve rational, quadratic, and radical equations.
I. Simplify expressions involving fractional exponents
or radicals.
J. Identify and evaluate functions.
K. Work effectively using the calculator.
INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES :The following briefly describes the instructional procedures required for this video course.
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In this video course, students are expected to view the video tapes, complete the assigned problems, turn in the review worksheets from the Course Packet, and take the tests by the dates on the Course Schedule . The videotapes are available from the Library at Nashville State Tech. |
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Tests and final exam are on file in the Testing Center of the Library and must be taken ON or BEFORE the final date listed on the Course Schedule. |
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Take tests per the schedule. The student can obtain test grades via email if the "Student Information Form" is completed and submitted to the instructor. |
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To be successful in this course all problems on the Class and Homework Assignments page should be completed. The assignments that will be scored for the homework component that weighs 15% of the course grade will the the Review Worksheets for Test 1, Test 2, Test 3, and the Final Exam. These worksheets are in the course packet that can be purchased in the NSCC bookstore or downloaded from ww2.nscc.edu/dspm. |
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Report course progress to your instructor every two weeks. |
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The student must have a final average of 70 or more for a passing grade. |
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Complete three (3) unit tests and a comprehensive final exam. |
MISCELLANEOUS: According to the college catalog, conduct of an unacceptable nature may be reason for dismissal from the college. Cheating is dishonest and constitutes unacceptable behavior. Students getting caught cheating in this course will be dismissed from the course with a grade of F. The last day to withdraw from this course without penalty is published in the academic calendar of the current catalog. Nashville State Tech complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you wish to request any accommodation(s) for this class, please notify the instructor as soon as possible.
GRADING: Grades for this course will be based on unit tests, homework, and the final exam as follows:
Unit Tests- 60 % or, 300 points
Homework- 15% or, 75 points ( 15 points for tests, 30 for the final
exam)
Final Exam- 25% or, 125 points
The three unit tests cover the materials as indicated in the course outline table below and must be taken in the NSCC Testing Center per the schedule as given in the course schedule table below. The homework score will be based on the Review Worksheet for Tests 1, 2, 3 and Final Exam that are in the DSPM 850 Course Packet. The Final Exam is comprehensive. The grading scale is:
| Total Points | Grade |
| 450-500 | A |
| 400-449 | B |
| 350-399 | C |
| Below 350 | F |
Note: The instructor will issue a student withdrawal/failing grade (WF) if the student misses the deadlines (dates) on the course outline without contacting the instructor. Students must also contact the instructor by phone or email to report progress once every two weeks beginning with the first day of class.
COURSE SCHEDULE: The schedule below provides pertinent information for test dates and homework due dates. The workshops are no longer held due to a lack of student participation. To receive the maximum score on tests and final exam, tests must be completed by the date as given. A ten point reduction in a test score will be taken on tests taken after the "maximum test date" but on or before the "reduction test date". No tests (i.e. grade of zero) will be administered after the "reduction test date". Test Reviews may be turned in to the Testing Center or directly to your instructor and are due no later than the "Reduced Score Test Date" as given.
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COURSE OUTLINE: The table below provides the course material by test(s), chapter/section and topic.
| Test(s) | Chapter/Section | Topic |
| Test1/Final | 4.2 | Summary Exercises on the Rules for Exponents |
| Test1/Final | 5.4 | Summary Exercises on Factoring |
| Test1/Final | 6.1 | The Fundamental Property of Rational Expressions |
| Test1/Final | 6.2 | Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions |
| Test1/Final | 6.3 | Least Common Denominator |
| Test1/Final | 6.4 | Adding and Subtracting Rational expressions |
| Test1/Final | Review for Test 1 | |
| Test2/Final | 6.6 | Solving Equations with Rational Expressions. |
| Test2/Final | 6.7 | Applications of Rational Expressions |
| Test2/Final | 7.1 | Review of Graphs and Slopes of Lines |
| Test2/Final | 7.2 | Review of Equations of Lines |
| Test2/Final | 7.3 | Functions |
| Test2/Final | 8.2 | Solving systems of Linear Equations by Substitution |
| Test2/Final | 8.3 | Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Elimination |
| Test2/Final | 8.5 | Applications of Systems of Linear Equations |
| Test2/Final | Review for Test 2 | |
| Test3/Final | 9.1 | Set Operations and Compound Inequalities |
| Test3/Final | 9.3 | Linear Inequalities in Two Variables |
| Test3/Final | 10.1 | Radical Expressions |
| Test3/Final | 10.2 | Rational Exponents |
| Test3/Final | 10.3 | Simplifying Radical expressions |
| Test3/Final | 10.4 | Adding and Subtracting Radical Expressions |
| Test3/Final | 10.5 | Multiplying and Dividing Radical Expressions |
| Test3/Final | 10.6 | Solving Equations with Radicals |
| Test3/Final | 10.7 | Complex Numbers |
| Test3/Final | Review for Test 3 | |
| Final | 11.1 | Solving Quadratic Equations by the Square Root Property |
| Final | 11.3 | Solving Quadratic Equations by the Quadratic Formula |
| Final | 11.6 | Graphs and Quadratic Functions |
| Final | 11.7 | More About Parabolas |
| Final | Review For Final Exam |