ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE AT FLORISSANT VALLEY

COURSE OF STUDY

MTH:160C

 

DEPARTMENT:                      Mathematics                             DATE:             Fall 2008

 

COURSE TITLE:  (160C)College Algebra

                             

CREDIT HOURS:       4      LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK:      4       LAB HOURS PER WEEK:       0    

 

During the first week of the semester, it is the responsibility of each instructor to furnish, in writing, the course objectives and a course syllabus.  The objectives are stated below.  The syllabus should include expected outcomes, requirements, the method of evaluation, ground rules for class participation, grading policy, and an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations statement.

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Computers or graphing calculators will be used to study: theory of equations, systems of equations, functions and graphs (including polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic), matrices, sequences and series, binomial theorem. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: MTH 160, MTH 160A, MTH 160B, MTH 160C, MTH 185.

 

COURSE PREREQUISITE:

MTH: 140 with a grade of “C” or better, or satisfactory score on placement test and Reading Proficiency.

 

TEXT and CALCULATOR REQUIREMENTS:

 

College Algebra: Graphs & Models, Bittinger, Beecher, Ellenbogen and Penna, Pearson Addison Wesley, 4rd edition.

 

The use of a TI 83/84 is required of every student in this course.

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

 

1.                  The student will learn the basic properties and applications of functions and their graphs, including linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions.

2.                  The student will learn elementary theory of equations, including zeros of polynomials, complex zeros, and the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra.

3.                  The student will use systems of linear equations and matrices to solve application problems.

4.                  The student will learn the equations, graphs, and applications of the conic sections.

5.                  The student will become adept in using a graphing calculator to explore algebra concepts through graphs and numerical tables, to analyze graphs, and to solve problems.


 

SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS:

 

1.                  Students may borrow a TI-83/84 Graphing Calculator from the Library.

 

 

COURSE OUTLINE:

                                                                                                Suggested Time Allotment

Topics                                                                                            (Number of Weeks)

 

Chapter 1:        Graphs, Functions, and Models                                                 1.5
            (Include an introduction to the TI-83/84 calculator.)*

 

 

Chapter 2:        More on Functions                                                                   1.0

                        2.1, 2.5 optional

           

Chapter 3:        Quadratic Functions and Equations: Inequalities                         1.0

                                               

 

Chapter 4:        Polynomials and Rational Functions                                           1.5

                                    4.6 optional

 

Chapter 5:        Exponential and Logarithmic Functions                                      2.0

 

 

Chapter 6:        Systems of Equations & Matrices                                              2.0

                                    6.6, 6.7, 6.8 optional

 

Chapter 7:        Conics                                                                                      2.0

 

 

Chapter 8:        Sequences, Series, and Combinatorics                                      2.0

                                    Choose from 8.1-8.8

 

Review and Exam                                                                                             2.0