MATH 1050   COLLEGE ALGEBRA          Spring 2006


Cheryl Whitelaw, Office SC 210, Phone 865-8179
E-mail  whitelawcs@suu.edu
4 Credits
MATH 1050-02:   Daily   10:00 - 10:50  a.m.  ELC 310

(We will average 4 days per week with days off announced a week in advance).

Prerequisite:  a grade of C or better in MATH 1010 (Intermediate Algebra) or 
Math ACT score of 23 or higher.

Catalog description:  This course explores the concept of functions:  polynomial,
rational, inverse, logarithmic and exponential; with an emphasis on graphing. 
Solving systems of equations using matrix methods is covered along with conic
sections.  Other topics may include sequences, mathematical induction and the
binomial theorem.  The course involves the extensive use of graphing calculators.


A graphing calculator is required (examples:  TI-83, TI-85, TI-86, TI-89, TI-92, HP-48GX).
A pencil, lined paper, and graph paper will also be used throughout the semester.

Required text:  College Algebra, Seventh Edition, by Michael Sullivan.  Pearson Prentice 
Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey  07458.  2005.   ISBN:  0-13-143092-0.

This course may fulfill a general education mathematics requirement or the college algebra
requirement in many majors.  A grade of C or better is required in this course if it is used
as a prerequisite to calculus and business calculus courses.

Grading:  Final exam (150 points), chapter tests (approximately 5, about 100 points each),
possible chapter projects (10-25 points each), daily homework (total of 30 points).  No
homework or projects for a chapter will be graded after the test for that chapter.  There
may be a 10% penalty for late assignments (project deadlines and tests are announced 
several days in advance).   Last spring semester there were about 800 points possible.  
An assignment list that shows the topics and textbook assignments and chapters covered will
be handed out the first day of class.  The pace is about a section per day.  

Letter grades:  Approximately 90% - 100%, A-, A; 80% - 89%, B-, B, B+; 70% - 79%, C-, C, C+;
60% - 69%, D-, D, D+; Below 60% F or UW.

Attendance policy:   If a student chooses not to attend class sessions, he will still be 
responsible for knowing the test days, he must stay ahead of the class schedule, and he 
must contact me in person or by E-mail at least weekly.  An "unofficial withdrawal" UW 
grade is possible for a student who does not complete the course by the scheduled final 
examination day.

Monday, January 9        First day of class
Monday, January 16       Martin Luther King Holiday recess (no class)
Wednesday, January 18    Last day to drop without "W" on record 
Monday, February 20      Presidents' Day recess (no class)
Friday, March 10	 Last day to officially withdraw from class (with "W")
Mon-Fri, March 13-17     Spring Break Recess
Friday, April 14	 Good Friday Recess
Monday, April 17         Easter Recess
Friday, April 28         Last day of class
Monday, May 1            Study Day
Friday, May 5            9:00 a.m. - 12:50 p.m.  Final exam for 10:00 daily class

Course objectives:  Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to
   Accurately graph and interpret the graphs of polynomial, rational, exponential, and
   logarithmic functions.

   Solve polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic equations, including application
   problems.

   Accurately graph conic sections and find equations of conics.

   Use a graphing calculator to assist in the exploration and understanding of linear 
   functions, quadratic functions, polynomial functions, rational functions, exponential 
   functions, and logarithmic functions.

   Solve systems of equations using a matrix method (Gauss-Jordan, inverse matrix,
   determinant).

   Solve systems of inequalities and non-linear systems of equations.

   Identify and evaluate geometric and arithmetic sequences and series.

   Prove statements using mathematical induction.

   Evaluate a binomial coefficient and expand a binomial.

Assessment is usually by written, in-class examinations, but may also be determined by class
projects, homework, and in-class participation.

My office hours are generally whenever I am not in class:  After 1:00 most days or 
by appointment.  

Video cassettes are available in the Library and in the Tutoring Center.  The Learning Center
provides tutoring at no cost to the student, generally from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Samples of 
my previous tests are on file in the Tutoring Center.  

Dishonesty Policy:  A statement is required, but I just assume students are honest.  You might 
follow my three family rules:  (1)  Be honest.  (2)  Be polite.  (3) Don't ride motorcycles.

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic 
adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Southern Utah
University Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD), in Room 206F of
the Sharwan Smith Center, phone (435) 865-8022.  SSD determines eligibility for and 
authorizes the provision of these services.

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, 
and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate 
by the instructor.