Intermediate Algebra (Math 113) Syllabus and Course Structure – Wayne County Community College District

Course Overview

Course Description

Math 113: Intermediate Algebra is designed to extend students' understanding of algebraic concepts beyond the introductory level. The course covers a range of topics including exponents, polynomials, rational expressions, functions, radicals, quadratic equations, and more. The emphasis is on both conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills.

Prerequisites

• Completion of Mat 112 (Introductory Algebra) or equivalent

Textbook

• Intermediate Algebra for College Students, 6th Edition by Robert Blitzer

Course Topics and Weekly Schedule

The following chapters and sections will be covered sequentially throughout the semester. All sections are included unless otherwise noted by the instructor.

Week	Topic	Chapter(s)
1	Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying, and Dividing Polynomials	5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.5, 5.7
2	Factoring Polynomials (GCF, Grouping, Trinomials)	6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.5
3	Solving Quadratic Equations (Factoring, Completing the Square, Square Root Property, Quadratic Formula)	6.6, 11.1, 11.2
4	Exam 1 and Homework Due	June 11, 2026
5	Simplifying, Multiplying, Dividing, Adding, and Subtracting Rational Expressions	7.1-7.4
6	Complex Rational Expressions and Solving Rational Expressions	7.5, 7.6
7	Functions	8.1-8.4
8	Exam 2 and Homework Due	July 9, 2026
9	Radical Expressions, Rational Exponents, Multiplying and Simplifying Radical Expressions	10.1-10.3
10	Adding, Subtracting, and Dividing Radical Expressions, Solving Radical Expressions, Complex Numbers	10.4-10.7
11	Quadratic Functions and Graphs	11.3, 11.4
12	Final Exam and Homework Due	August 11, 2026

Chapters Covered

• Chapter 5: Exponents and Polynomials

• Chapter 6: Factoring Polynomials

• Chapter 7: Rational Expressions

• Chapter 8: Basics of Functions

• Chapter 10: Radicals, Radical Functions, and Rational Exponents

• Chapter 11: Quadratic Equations and Functions

Assessment and Grading

Assessment Methods

• Tests: Two semester exams (30% of grade). If one is missed, 70% of the other is used as a replacement. No make-ups or rescheduling.

• Homework: Worth 30% of grade. Must be submitted on time, in a specific format (no more than two sheets, front and back, stapled). No late, early, or mailbox submissions. Homework is collected at the end of class.

• Final Exam: Worth 40% of grade. No make-ups or rescheduling.

Grade Calculation

• Homework: $(h_1 + h_2 + \ldots + h_L) \times 0.30$

• Tests: Formula not fully visible in source; likely average of test scores times 0.30

• Final Exam: $\text{grade} \times 0.40$

• Final Grade: $\text{homework points} + \text{test points} + \text{final exam points}$

Grading Scale

Score Range	Letter Grade
90 – 100	A
80 – 89	B
70 – 79	C
60 – 69	D
0 – 59	E

Course Policies and Expectations

Attendance

• Attendance is required and recorded daily.

• Failure to attend at least one class before the deadline results in a zero for attendance verification and removal from the course.

• Students not on the class roster will not receive a final grade.

Homework and Notebook Requirements

• Homework must be submitted as specified; no exceptions for late or early work.

• A designated, bound composition book is required for lecture notes. Not having the correct notebook results in a deduction from the final grade.

• Instructor lecture notes are not provided; students must obtain notes from classmates if absent.

Calculator Policy

• Calculators are not allowed during class or exams.

Classroom Behavior

• Disruptive or inappropriate behavior (e.g., use of electronics, loud talking, rudeness) will result in a deduction of 10 points from the next homework assignment.

• Only registered students may attend; children are not allowed in the classroom or college facilities.

• Eating and drinking are prohibited in classrooms and labs.

Academic Integrity

• Cheating: Includes copying, unauthorized materials, collaboration without permission, impersonation, bribery, and misrepresentation.

• Plagiarism: Representing another's work as your own without acknowledgment.

• Collusion: Unauthorized assistance or material exchange between students.

• Compromising Materials: Unauthorized acquisition or tampering with instructional/testing materials.

Withdrawal and Incomplete Grades

• Students are responsible for officially dropping the course if needed.

• "W" (Withdrawal) and "XW" (Walk-away) grades are assigned based on timing and attendance.

• Incomplete grades are at the instructor's discretion and require a passing grade, a contract, and a documented emergency.

Student Support Services

• Disability Support Services are available, including accommodations, note-takers, interpreters, and adaptive equipment.

• Contact: [phone] for assistance.

Summary of Key Algebra Topics Covered

• Exponents and Polynomials: Operations with polynomials, laws of exponents, and polynomial expressions.

• Factoring: Techniques such as greatest common factor (GCF), grouping, and factoring trinomials.

• Quadratic Equations: Solving by factoring, completing the square, using the square root property, and the quadratic formula.

• Rational Expressions: Simplifying, performing operations, and solving equations involving rational expressions.

• Functions: Understanding the definition, notation, and properties of functions.

• Radicals and Rational Exponents: Simplifying radical expressions, operations with radicals, and converting between radical and rational exponent forms.

• Quadratic Functions and Graphs: Analyzing and graphing quadratic functions.

Important Dates

• Exam 1: June 11, 2026

• Exam 2: July 9, 2026

• Final Exam: August 11, 2026

Additional Information

• No extra credit is available.

• Tests and homework are returned at the next class; uncollected assignments are disposed of and not discussed until the class before the final exam.

• Student feedback is collected via online surveys near the end of the term.