CRN 06427

Math 96 - Intermediate Algebra and Geometry

MW, 7:35-10:00pm, MS420

Instructor: Max Velado

mvelado@sdccd.edu or mvelado.mesa@gmail.com
Office Room: MS222H
Office Hours: MW, 4:50pm-5:50pm

Course Description: Intermediate algebra and geometry is the second of a two-course inte-
grated sequence in algebra and geometry. This course covers systems of equations and inequalities,
radical and quadratic equations, quadratic functions and their graphs, complex numbers, nonlinear
inequalities, exponential and logarithmic functions, conic sections, sequences and series, and solid
geometry. The course also includes application problems involving these topics. This course is
intended for students preparing for transfer-level mathematics courses.

Prerequisite(s): Math 46 (Elementary Algebra and Geometry), with a grade of ”C” or better,
or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Level M50.

Course Materials: Elementary and Intermediate Algebra (7th ed.) by Bittinger with MyMath-
lab (provides homework, extra problems, test practices, and chapter reviews for students. The
eBook for this class is found in MyMathLab). Scientific calculator required. Three-ring binder
with four divisors required for notebook assignments.

Math Department Statement: The goal of the Mathematics Department at Mesa College
is to provide all students the opportunity for a safe, fair and effective learning environment. The
instructors are dedicated professionals who facilitate your learning in a student-focused classroom
by setting high expectations while providing multiple avenues for learning. Students are expected
to respect teachers, other students and themselves in order to enhance a positive and successful
learning experience.

Student Learning Objective: The student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the ap-
plication of an exponential function including the growth/decay constant, population at a specified
time, the time required to achieve a specified population, and the doubling time.

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Course Objectives:
At the completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Perform the basic arithmetic operations with rational expressions, solve rational equations
and application problems, including variation.
2. Perform the basic arithmetic operations with radical expressions, and solve radical equations.
3. Perform the basic arithmetic operations with complex numbers.
4. Solve and graph quadratic functions.
5. Identify and graph conic sections.
6. Solve nonlinear inequalities.
7. Solve system of linear equations in two and three variables using a variety of methods.
8. Solve systems of nonlinear equations and inequalities.
9. Identify one to one functions and find their inverses.
10. Use the properties of and relationship between exponential and logarithmic functions to solve
a variety of application problems.
11. Apply the correct notation when identifying, simplifying, using arithmetic and geometric
series and sequences.

ATTENDANCE: Regular attendance is expected. It is the student’s responsibility to drop all

classes in which he/she is no longer attending. It is the instructor’s discretion to withdraw a student
after the add/drop deadline August 31, 2018 due to excessive absences. The last day of attendance
will be the date of your last quiz or test. Students who remain enrolled in a class beyond October
26, 2018 will receive an evaluative letter grade in this class. If you miss class, make arrangements
with a classmate to keep you informed on lecture topics, handouts and assignments.

ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATION: Any student who may need an academic accommo-

dation should discuss the situation with me during the first week.

BEHAVIOR: Students are expected to respect and obey standards of student conduct while in
class and on the campus. The student Code of Conduct, disciplinary procedure, and student due
process (Policy 3100, 3100.1 and 3100.2 ) can be found in the college catalog, and at the office of
the Dean of Student Affairs. Charges of misconduct and disciplinary sanctions may be imposed
upon students who violate these standards of conduct or provisions of college regulations. As your
instructor, I have the following expectations:

1. Promote a courteous learning atmosphere by exhibiting mutual respect and consideration of

feelings, ideas, and contributions of others.

2. Demonstrate respect for your work, as well as the work of others, by recognizing and acknowl-
edging strengths and improvements.

3. Demonstrate respect for tools, equipment and supplies in the classroom.

4. All cell phones, pagers, etc. should be turned to vibrate or else turned off during class.

5. Cheating, plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty are not acceptable and will not
be tolerated. Violations of standards of academic honesty will be reported to the school dean
for appropriate action. The assignment, test or quiz will receive a grade of zero and cannot
be dropped.

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Homework:
Homework will be provided with the MyMathLab companion for the book. A set of assignments
will be given prior to each exam and will be due on the Firday of the week of each exam.

Notebooks: Notebooks should have four divisors and will be turned in and graded on each exam
day. Notebooks need to be separated in the following order: (1) Review Worksheets (optional),
(2) Glossary, (3) Lecture Notes, and (4) Graded Exams. You must have the latter three divisors
up-to-date prior to the exam day in order to receive full credit.

Extra Credit Worksheets:

There may be worksheets for each chapter. They will cover additional practice on the material
covered. You should treat the worksheets as homework. They will be counted as extra credit
towards the exam.

Grade Distribution:
Your grade will be determined using six tests, homework, notebook, and the final. There are no
make-up tests unless arrangements are made with the instructor before the test and the make-up
test must be taken before the next class. Lowest test score (except the final) will be dropped. The
final will be comprehensive. Your final grade is based on the following:

Homework 15%
Notebooks 10%
Exams 50%
Final Exam 25%

Letter Grade Distribution:

A 90% - 100%
B 80% - 89%
C 70% - 79%
D 60% - 69%
F below 60%
Academic Honesty Policy Summary:
Introduction
In addition to skills and knowledge, San Diego Mesa College aims to teach students appropriate
Ethical and Professional Standards of Conduct. The Academic Honesty Policy exists to inform
students and Faculty of their obligations in upholding the highest standards of professional and
ethical integrity. All student work is subject to the Academic Honesty Policy. Professional and
Academic practice provides guidance about how to properly cite, reference, and attribute the
intellectual property of others. Any attempt to deceive a faculty member or to help another
student to do so will be considered a violation of this standard.
Instructor’s Intended Purpose
The student’s work must match the instructor’s intended purpose for an assignment. While
the instructor will establish the intent of an assignment, each student must clarify outstanding
questions of that intent for a given assignment.
Unauthorized/Excessive Assistance
The student may not give or get any unauthorized or excessive assistance in the preparation of

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 any work.
Authorship
The student must clearly establish authorship of a work. Referenced work must be clearly
documented, cited, and attributed, regardless of media or distribution. Even in the case of work
licensed as public domain or Copyleft, (See: http://creativecommons.org/) the student must
provide attribution of that work in order to uphold the standards of intent and authorship.
Declaration
Online submission of, or placing one’s name on an exam, assignment, or any course document is a
statement of academic honor that the student has not received or given inappropriate assistance
in completing it and that the student has complied with the Academic Honesty Policy in that
work.
Consequences
An instructor may impose a sanction on the student that varies depending upon the instructor’s
evaluation of the nature and gravity of the offense. Possible sanctions include but are not limited
to, the following: (1) Require the student to redo the assignment; (2) Require the student to
complete another assignment; (3) Assign a grade of zero to the assignment; (4) Assign a final
grade of “F” for the course. A student may appeal these decisions according to the Academic
Grievance Procedure. (See the relevant section in the Student Handbook.) Multiple violations of
this policy will result in a referral to the Conduct Review Board for possible additional sanctions.

The full text of the Academic Honesty Policy is in the Student Handbook.

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Tentative Course Outline:
The weekly coverage might change as it depends on the progress of the class. However, you must
keep up with the assignments and notes.

Week Content
8/20 - 8/22 • R.1-R.6
• Finish R.6
8/27 - 8/29 • Review for Exam #1 (Chapter R)
• Chapter 8.1-8.4

9/3 - 9/5 • HOLIDAY: Labor Day on 9/3

• Exam #1 on 9/5
• Chapter 8.5-8.6, 8.8
9/10 - 9/12 • Review for Exam #2 (Chapter 8)
• Chapter 9.1-9.2

9/17 - 9/19 • Chapter 9.3-9.4

• Exam #2 on 9/19
9/24 - 9/26 • Chapter 10.1-10.5

10/1 - 10/3 • Chapter 10.6-10.8

• Review for Exam #3 (Chapters 9, 10)

10/8 - 10/10 • Chapter 11.1-11.3

• Exam #3 on 10/10
10/15 - 10/17 • Chapter 11.4-11.8
• Chapter 11.9
10/22 - 10/24 • Review for Exam #4 (Chapter 11)
• Exam #4 on 10/24
10/29 - 10/31 • Chapter 12.1-12.5

11/5 - 11/7 • Chapter 12.6-12.7

• Review for Exam #5 (Chapter 12)

11/12 - 11/14 • HOLIDAY: Veteran’s Day on 11/12

• Exam #5 on 11/14
11/19 - 11/23 • THANKSGIVING BREAK

11/26 - 11/28 • Chapter 13.1-13.4

• Chapter 14.1-14.2

12/3 - 12/5 • Review for Exam #6 (Chapters 13, 14)

• Exam #6 on 12/5

12/10 - 12/12 • Review for Final Exam

• FINAL EXAM on 12/12

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