College Algebra Syllabus and Learning Goals – Baruch College MTH 1030

Course Syllabus Overview

This syllabus outlines the structure, topics, and learning objectives for a College Algebra course. It provides a roadmap for students, including textbook information, required technology, and a detailed schedule of topics, readings, and exercises.

Textbook and Technology

1. Textbook: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, 7th Edition by Elayn Martin-Gay, Pearson.

2. Online Platform: MyMathLab is required for homework and assignments.

3. Calculator: A scientific calculator is required; graphing calculators are not permitte d.

Course Topics and Schedule

The course is organized into chapters and sections, each focusing on foundational concepts in College Algebra. Below is a summary of the main topics, corresponding textbook pages, and associated exercises.

Section	Topics	Read Pages	Exercises (MyMathLab)
10.1	Exponents and Polynomials	P. 356–361	MML 10.1
10.2	Factoring	P. 362–375	MML 10.2
10.3	Functions and Range	P. 526–535	MML 8.1
10.4	Graphing Functions	P. 536–543	MML 8.2
10.5	Rational Expressions	P. 544–554	MML 8.3
10.6	Radical Expressions	P. 624–628	MML 10.8
BrSp	Interlinear Forms (BrSp)	P. A.4: 1–4 (all)
11.1	Quadratic Equations	P. 692–699	MML 11.1
11.2	Completing the Square	P. 700–706	MML 11.2
11.3	Quadratic Equations by Using the Quadratic Formula	P. 707–712	MML 11.3
11.4	Quadratic Inequalities	P. 713–717	MML 11.4
11.5	Graphs of Quadratic Functions	P. 697–707	MML 11.5
12.1	Composite Functions	P. 713–717	MML 12.1
12.2	Inverse Functions	P. 718–725	MML 12.2
12.3	Exponential Functions	P. 726–738	MML 12.3
12.4	Exponential Growth and Decay	P. 739–748	MML 12.4
12.5	Properties of Logarithms	P. 749–756	MML 12.5
12.6	Common, Natural Logarithms	P. 757–765	MML 12.6
12.7	Exponential and Logarithmic Equations and Applications	P. 766–786	MML 12.7
13.1	Circles	P. 783–786	MML 13.1
BrSp	Tangent Lines (Help)	P. A.4: 1–4 (all)
13.3	Solving Nonlinear Systems of Equations	P. 787–800	MML 13.3

Learning Goals of the Course

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Perform algebraic manipulations on polynomials.

• Factor polynomials and solve quadratic equations.

• Manipulate rational expressions.

• Determine the domain and range of a function.

• Solve non-linear inequalities.

• Graph quadratic functions and solve related applied problems.

• Compute functions.

• Solve non-linear systems.

• Find an equation for a circle in the plane with a given center and radius.

• Use "completing the square" to find the center and radius of a circle.

Key Concepts and Formulas

• Quadratic Formula: $x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}$

• Factoring Quadratics: $ax^2 + bx + c = a(x - r_1)(x - r_2)$

• Equation of a Circle: $(x - h)^2 + (y - k)^2 = r^2$

• Exponential Function: $f(x) = a \cdot b^x$

• Logarithmic Function: $y = \log_b x \iff x = b^y$

Additional Info

• This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of College Algebra topics, including exponents, polynomials, functions, graphing, rational and radical expressions, quadratic equations, exponential and logarithmic functions, conic sections, and systems of equations.

• Students are expected to use MyMathLab for assignments and to follow the reading and exercise schedule for success in the course.