Math 104- Algebra II: Mathematical Modeling

 

CLASS MEETINGS:      1:00 – 2:10 pm MTWTh in Juniper 1

 

PREREQUISTE:            Algebra I:  Fundamentals (Math 101 or Math 100B) or a course equivalent to one year of high school algebra or recommending placement exam score

 

INSTRUCTOR:             Laurel Grindy                       Office hours:

 Office:  Juniper 3                 MW:  11:30 am – 12:30 pm

588-5147                       TTh:  10 - 11 am

                                        F:   8:30 – 9:30 am                                       

e-mail address:  grindyl@yosemite.edu

web page:         http://columbia.yosemite.edu/grindyl

 

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

  • Text:    Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, the Language and Symbolism of Mathematics, 2nd edition  2008   by Hall and Mercer
  • Graphing calculator (I strongly recommend TI-83 or 84 if you are purchasing a new calculator)

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

The course will provide a student with opportunities to learn and understand the concepts, notations and representations of functions.  Recognizing and characterizing linear, quadratic, power, polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions will be the primary focus of this course. Appropriate and efficient use of technology will be practiced as we explore the meaning of mathematical actions in problem solving. Using multiple perspectives (verbal, graphical, numerical and algebraic) provides an environment for practicing:

  • Technical reading skills
  • Inductive and deductive reasoning
  • Communication skills both written and oral
  • Conventional vocabulary and notation
  • Abstraction of mathematical ideas into algebraic language
  • Interpretive skills
  • The use of technology as a complimentary tool for investigation and confirmation of algebraic processes
  • Elementary algebra skills in an expanded context
  • The development of multiple strategies for successful learning

These skills are continually practiced through the development of the function concept.

 

STUDENT RESPONSIBLITIES:

It is each student’s job to learn.  Learning mathematics is an active endeavor; I can only guide you in your efforts to learn.  With this job you have the responsibility to:

§  Prepare for class by reading text sections, work problem sets and review class notes (expect to spend 8-12 hours per week, in addition to class time)

§  Participate in class discussions; ask relevant questions

§  Seek help when needed.

§  Submit assignments when they are due.

§  Keep a homework journal for each chapter that is readable and complete.

 

To gain a strong understanding of the course material, I encourage you to rely on a combination of studying class notes, reading and referring to your textbook, participating in class discussions and working with classmates outside of class. 

 

 

 

 

There are numerous places to get help:

§  My office hours are available to you or make an appointment.

§  Tutorial services through the Academic Achievement Center by arrangement

§  Our Mathematics Center will be open 8:30 – 3:00 MTWThF

§  Student solutions manual, text specific videos and practice CDs are available on reserve in the library

 Do not wait until you feel you are in trouble.  When you seek help, it is to your advantage to be well organized, with relevant questions ready.

 

HOMEWORK:

Homework will be assigned for each section of each chapter and posted on my web page with due dates.  It will be up to you to maintain a homework journal.  It is essential that you practice enough problems to develop connections among concepts presented as well as building basic vocabulary, notation and working skills with new material presented. Time will be given during each class for questions that arise from working with problems sets.  I will not require that you turn in your homework journal, but I will offer an optional-homework grade that is averaged for all assignments given during the semester (4 lowest grades dropped- no late homework accepted).  This grade can be substituted for a lower test grade.  If you choose a homework grade, I will ask you to use the following guidelines:

§  Begin each section on a new page.  Work neatly and carefully in pencil on 8.5” x 11” paper, leaving space between problems.  Circle your answers with a highlighter or colored pencil.  .  Fold your paper in half- lengthwise with the following heading written on the outside:                                                                                                                                               
                                                        Your Name

Math 104- Grindy

Chapter section number

Due date

§  How you arrive at your conclusions should be made clear by showing the original problem and all intermediate work. 

§  Use a straight edge and label information on your graphs.  If you are using a graphing calculator, copy significant information onto your paper to show what you are viewing for drawing conclusions.

§  Your work must be organized, easy to read and complete, with appropriate strategies and notations applied and an understanding of central ideas, concepts and skills demonstrated.

Homework Grading Scale

10-       excellent demonstration of above qualities

 9-        good work with minor corrections needed

 8-        satisfactory progress shown on most problems

 7-        suggest more work on indicated problem areas

 6-        needs significant improvement; suggest seeking help with this material

<5        shows little effort, considerable work missing

 

Homework assignments will be posted on my web page by chapter with due dates for each section.     Homework quizzes will generally be given each week.  You may use class notes and homework journals for quizzes.

     

GRADES:

The semester grade average will be weighted with these components:

Average of 4 mid-semester tests                                     60%

Cumulative final exam                                                    20%

Weekly homework quizzes          (2 dropped)                   20%

           

The final course letter grade is based on the overall weighted average and the following scale:

            90 < A

79 < B < 90      

68 < C < 79

                        50 < D < 68     

                               F < 50                   * Maintain a personal record of all of your grades.

 

 

Calendar Notes

 

 

Class is NOT in session these days:

                Monday, September 1

Monday, November 10

Thursday, November 27   

Last day to elect pass/no pass grading:     

Tuesday, September 23

Last day to withdraw from any course:

Thursday, November 13

Final Exam:          Wednesday, December 10   11:00 am – 1:00 pm

                                 
Tentative Outline of Topics:

 

Week                                        Topics

 

1                                            Intro and Review section, 6.1, 6.2

 

2                                            6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 

 

3                                            6.5, 6.6, Review Ch.6, Test Ch. 6

 

  4                                            7.1, 7.2, 7.3

 

5                                            7.3, 7.4, 7.5

 

6                                            7.5, 7.6, 7.7, Review Ch. 7

 

7                                            Test Chapter 7, 8.1, 8.2

 

  8                                            8.3, 8.4, 8.5

 

9                                                           8.6, review Ch 8, Test Chapter 8

 

10                                                        9.1, 9.2, 9.3      

 

11                                                        9.4, 9.5, review Ch 9

 

12                                                        Test Chapter 9, 10.1, 10.2

 

13                                                        10.2, 10.3, 10.4,              

 

14                                                        10.5, 10.6, 10.7

 

15                                                        Review Ch.10 and prepare for final exam

 

16                                                        Final exam- Wednesday, December 10  11:00am  - 1:00 pm