College Algebra Syllabus and Requirements
Mathematics Department of Missouri State University Course Syllabus with Dual Credit Provisions MTH 136 College Algebra 2020-2021
COURSE DESCRIPTION Prerequisite: Math ACT score of 22 or greater or an approved score on a departmental placement examination. Contents include the study of linear and quadratic equations; inequalities, and their applications; polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions; and systems of equations. A student who takes MTH 136 and MTH 138 receives credit toward graduation for MTH 138 only. This course will not count toward a mathematics major or minor. A grade of "C" or better is required in this course to take MTH 181, MTH 285, MTH 287. This course may not be taken pass/not pass.
PHILOSOPHY OF THE COURSE MTH 136 is designed as a broad comprehensive overview of college algebra. Since the future needs of students will vary, emphasis is placed on reasoning and problem solving.
PURPOSE OF THE COURSE MTH 136 is intended to satisfy the general education math requirement for degree seeking students, as well as prepare students for subsequent courses such as MTH 181 (Trigonometry), MTH 285 (Calculus for Business and Social Sciences), and MTH 340 (Statistical Methods).
OUTCOMES OF THE COURSE 1. Use linear, rational, quadratic, and absolute value equations to solve real world problems. 2. Use graphs to communicate solutions of both equations and inequalities – including linear, quadratic, and rational. 3. Understand the graphs of lines, parabolas, rational functions, polynomial functions, piecewise-defined functions, exponential and logarithmic functions. 4. Work with functions – their domains, ranges and graphs – including composition of functions and inverse functions. 5. Reason and communicate about exponential and logarithmic relationships while exploring real world applications. 6. Solve systems of equations, both linear and nonlinear.
OUTLINE OF THE COURSE Solving quadratic equations, complex numbers, solving radical equations and equations quadratic in form, solving absolute value equations and inequalities, graphs of lines, slope and average rate of change, variation, operations on and graphing functions, piece-wise defined functions, graphing by transformation, properties of linear functions and application, properties of quadratic functions and application, properties of polynomial functions and applications, properties of rational functions and applications, polynomial and rational inequalities, composite and inverse functions, properties and applications of exponential and logarithmic functions, systems of linear and non-linear equations in two variables and their applications.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Missouri State University is a community of scholars committed to developing educated persons who accept the responsibility to practice personal and academic integrity. You are responsible for knowing and following the university’s student honor code, Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures and also available at the Reserves Desk in Meyer Library. Any student participating in any form of academic dishonesty will be subject to sanctions as described in this policy, including suspension, expulsion, or an XF grade, among others.
DISABILITY: Students with documented disabilities filed with their high school may request accommodations for the final exam as indicated on the documentation and provided by the high school. Accommodations must be requested of the MSU liaison prior to scheduling the final exam.
NONDISCRIMINATION: Missouri State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution, and maintains a grievance procedure available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. At all times, it is your right to address inquiries or concerns about possible discrimination to the Office for Institutional Equity and Compliance, Park Central Office Building, 117 Park Central Square, Suite 111, (417) 836-4252. Other types of concerns (i.e., concerns of an academic nature) should be discussed directly with your instructor and can also be brought to the attention of your instructor’s Department Head. Please visit the OED website at www.missouristate.edu/equity/
Suicide Prevention, Available Suicide Programs and Related Procedures: As required by Missouri law, this policy is intended to advise Missouri State University students, faculty and staff of certain national, regional, and local suicide prevention programs available to students, faculty and staff on and off of Missouri State University’s campuses, the proper procedures for identifying and addressing the needs of students exhibiting suicidal tendencies or behavior, and the available University training regarding suicide prevention and response. More information can be found at https://www.missouristate.edu/policy/Op1_08-suicide-prevention-available-suicide-programs-and-relatedprocedures.htm
Special Provisions on Dual Credit Classes
1. In order to enroll in MTH 136 College Algebra a student must meet one of the following prerequisites: (a) receive an ACT Math score of 22 or higher; or (b) make an acceptable score on the Missouri State Math Placement Test.
2. There will be a comprehensive two-hour final exam to be administered and graded by MSU faculty. All students enrolled in a dual credit class must take the final exam whether they are dually enrolled or not. The final exam will be worth as at least 25% of the course grade. At the same time, homework, quizzes, projects, etc. will be worth for no more than 15% toward the course grade. The remaining 60% (or more) will be based on the regular tests given during the course.
3. The general grading scale is: A (90-100%); B (80-89%); C (70-79%); D (60-69%); F (under 60%). The percentages refer to total points possible during the semester. No +/- grades will be given.
4. Since the comprehensive final is the only instrument used by the Mathematics Department to measure a student’s overall understanding of the course material, the performance on this exam should be reflected on the semester grade in a significant way. As a result, there will be a minimum percentage required on the final exam to earn an appropriate MSU semester grade. They are as follows.
Final grade in course Minimum percent on final exam A 70% B 60% C 50% D 40%
5. These minimum scores (in #4) are set reasonably low to avoid an inadvertent impact on students. It must be emphasized that the minimum score requirement is in addition to the usual 90%- 80%-70%-60% scale mentioned above in determining an appropriate MSU semester grade.
6. The Mathematics Department at MSU will monitor the final exam scores to ensure the guidelines are followed. The Mathematics Department Head at MSU has the final authority for MSU grades.
7. Scientific calculators may be used on the final exam. No graphing or programmable calculators will be allowed.
8. The date for the final exam will be determined together by the high school instructor and the MSU Mathematics Department.
9. Students who do not take the final exam with the rest of the class will receive a zero for the exam. Any exception to this must be approved by the coordinator of the Mathematics Department.
COURSE DESCRIPTION Prerequisite: Math ACT score of 22 or greater or an approved score on a departmental placement examination. Contents include the study of linear and quadratic equations; inequalities, and their applications; polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions; and systems of equations. A student who takes MTH 136 and MTH 138 receives credit toward graduation for MTH 138 only. This course will not count toward a mathematics major or minor. A grade of "C" or better is required in this course to take MTH 181, MTH 285, MTH 287. This course may not be taken pass/not pass.
PHILOSOPHY OF THE COURSE MTH 136 is designed as a broad comprehensive overview of college algebra. Since the future needs of students will vary, emphasis is placed on reasoning and problem solving.
PURPOSE OF THE COURSE MTH 136 is intended to satisfy the general education math requirement for degree seeking students, as well as prepare students for subsequent courses such as MTH 181 (Trigonometry), MTH 285 (Calculus for Business and Social Sciences), and MTH 340 (Statistical Methods).
OUTCOMES OF THE COURSE 1. Use linear, rational, quadratic, and absolute value equations to solve real world problems. 2. Use graphs to communicate solutions of both equations and inequalities – including linear, quadratic, and rational. 3. Understand the graphs of lines, parabolas, rational functions, polynomial functions, piecewise-defined functions, exponential and logarithmic functions. 4. Work with functions – their domains, ranges and graphs – including composition of functions and inverse functions. 5. Reason and communicate about exponential and logarithmic relationships while exploring real world applications. 6. Solve systems of equations, both linear and nonlinear.
OUTLINE OF THE COURSE Solving quadratic equations, complex numbers, solving radical equations and equations quadratic in form, solving absolute value equations and inequalities, graphs of lines, slope and average rate of change, variation, operations on and graphing functions, piece-wise defined functions, graphing by transformation, properties of linear functions and application, properties of quadratic functions and application, properties of polynomial functions and applications, properties of rational functions and applications, polynomial and rational inequalities, composite and inverse functions, properties and applications of exponential and logarithmic functions, systems of linear and non-linear equations in two variables and their applications.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Missouri State University is a community of scholars committed to developing educated persons who accept the responsibility to practice personal and academic integrity. You are responsible for knowing and following the university’s student honor code, Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures and also available at the Reserves Desk in Meyer Library. Any student participating in any form of academic dishonesty will be subject to sanctions as described in this policy, including suspension, expulsion, or an XF grade, among others.
DISABILITY: Students with documented disabilities filed with their high school may request accommodations for the final exam as indicated on the documentation and provided by the high school. Accommodations must be requested of the MSU liaison prior to scheduling the final exam.
NONDISCRIMINATION: Missouri State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution, and maintains a grievance procedure available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. At all times, it is your right to address inquiries or concerns about possible discrimination to the Office for Institutional Equity and Compliance, Park Central Office Building, 117 Park Central Square, Suite 111, (417) 836-4252. Other types of concerns (i.e., concerns of an academic nature) should be discussed directly with your instructor and can also be brought to the attention of your instructor’s Department Head. Please visit the OED website at www.missouristate.edu/equity/
Suicide Prevention, Available Suicide Programs and Related Procedures: As required by Missouri law, this policy is intended to advise Missouri State University students, faculty and staff of certain national, regional, and local suicide prevention programs available to students, faculty and staff on and off of Missouri State University’s campuses, the proper procedures for identifying and addressing the needs of students exhibiting suicidal tendencies or behavior, and the available University training regarding suicide prevention and response. More information can be found at https://www.missouristate.edu/policy/Op1_08-suicide-prevention-available-suicide-programs-and-relatedprocedures.htm
Special Provisions on Dual Credit Classes
1. In order to enroll in MTH 136 College Algebra a student must meet one of the following prerequisites: (a) receive an ACT Math score of 22 or higher; or (b) make an acceptable score on the Missouri State Math Placement Test.
2. There will be a comprehensive two-hour final exam to be administered and graded by MSU faculty. All students enrolled in a dual credit class must take the final exam whether they are dually enrolled or not. The final exam will be worth as at least 25% of the course grade. At the same time, homework, quizzes, projects, etc. will be worth for no more than 15% toward the course grade. The remaining 60% (or more) will be based on the regular tests given during the course.
3. The general grading scale is: A (90-100%); B (80-89%); C (70-79%); D (60-69%); F (under 60%). The percentages refer to total points possible during the semester. No +/- grades will be given.
4. Since the comprehensive final is the only instrument used by the Mathematics Department to measure a student’s overall understanding of the course material, the performance on this exam should be reflected on the semester grade in a significant way. As a result, there will be a minimum percentage required on the final exam to earn an appropriate MSU semester grade. They are as follows.
Final grade in course Minimum percent on final exam A 70% B 60% C 50% D 40%
5. These minimum scores (in #4) are set reasonably low to avoid an inadvertent impact on students. It must be emphasized that the minimum score requirement is in addition to the usual 90%- 80%-70%-60% scale mentioned above in determining an appropriate MSU semester grade.
6. The Mathematics Department at MSU will monitor the final exam scores to ensure the guidelines are followed. The Mathematics Department Head at MSU has the final authority for MSU grades.
7. Scientific calculators may be used on the final exam. No graphing or programmable calculators will be allowed.
8. The date for the final exam will be determined together by the high school instructor and the MSU Mathematics Department.
9. Students who do not take the final exam with the rest of the class will receive a zero for the exam. Any exception to this must be approved by the coordinator of the Mathematics Department.