This course is intended primarily for students going on to Trigonometry, Math 1060, most of whom will take calculus, either Math 1210 or Math 1215. Students are expected to already have the basic algebra skills contained in the Appendix; even much of Chapters 1 and 2 should be a review.

College Algebra focuses on algebraic functions, especially polynomials and rational functions; systems of equations with various applications; and exponential and logarithmic functions with various applications. It emphasizes the application of basic concepts to solving "word" or "story" problems.

Homework is assigned every day, although it will not be collected or graded. The homework enables the student to learn to work the same kinds of problems that will appear on the exams. Answers to odd-numbered problems are found in the back of the textbook; all serious students are expected to know how to work all problems in each problem set. A short quiz is given the last day of each week when there is no exam in order to assist the student in self-evaluation (and motivation).

Each student is recommended to have a graphing calculator. Any graphing calculator is acceptable, but the most popular choices seem to be the TI-83 and the HP-48G. The textbook is designed for students to have their own graphing calculator; so are the exams.

Free tutoring is available for students in the Mathematics Center, between JWB and LCB.   See math tutoring  for more detailed information.

Five class exams, nine quizzes, and one final exam determine a grade for the quarter, with the lowest class exam and the lowest two quiz scores to be eliminated.  Hence the relative weights are:
                                Class Exams              400 points
                                Quizzes                     100
                                Final Exam                200
                                                                 700

No notes or books are allowed for the exams; a graphing calculator is strongly recommended. Class exams cover the following material:
                   Sep 15                 Exam I                 Ch. A, 1
                   Oct 6                   Exam II                Ch. 2
                   Oct 27                 Exam III               Ch. 3
                   Nov 12                Exam IV               Ch. 7
                   Dec 3                   Exam V                Ch. 8, 9.1-9.3

No makeup exams or quizzes are permitted.  A comprehensive final, given on Tuesday, December 14, in JFB 103, 8:00-10:00am, is based on Chapters 1-3 and 7-9. Until September 24 you may withdraw with no one's approval; afterwards all withdrawals require permission from the appropriate dean.

The American with Disabilities Act requires that reasonable accomodations be provided for students with physical, sensory, cognitive, systemic, learning, and psychiatric disabilities.  Please contact me at the beginning of the semester to discuss any such accommodations for the course.