Course Overview

This study guide summarizes the syllabus and policies for MAT 1314 College Algebra. The course covers foundational and advanced algebraic concepts, including equations, inequalities, functions, graphs, polynomials, rational expressions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and systems of equations. The syllabus also outlines course policies, grading, and expectations for student conduct and participation.

Course Content and Learning Objectives

Review Topics

• Exponents and Exponential Expressions

  • Simplify exponential expressions using the rules of exponents (positive and negative exponents).

  • Example:

• Rational Exponents and Radicals

  • Simplify expressions involving rational exponents.

  • Convert between rational exponents and radical expressions.

  • Simplify radical expressions.

  • Example:

• Polynomials

  • Classify, add, subtract, multiply, and divide polynomials.

  • Example:

• Rational Expressions

  • Simplify and combine rational expressions using their properties.

  • Example:

• Factoring Polynomials

  • Factor by greatest common factor, grouping, trinomials, and difference of squares.

  • Example:

Equations and Inequalities

• Linear and Rational Equations

  • Solve equations of the form and rational equations.

  • Example:

• Quadratic Equations

  • Solve by factoring, square root method, quadratic formula, and completing the square.

  • Quadratic Formula:

• Absolute Value, Radical, and Exponential Equations

  • Solve equations involving absolute values, radicals, and exponentials.

  • Example: or

• Inequalities

  • Solve linear and absolute value inequalities.

  • Example:

Functions and Graphs

• Graphing Equations

  • Graph by plotting points.

• Functions

  • Determine if a relation is a function.

  • Find the value and domain of a function.

  • Find intercepts from graphs and equations.

• Linear Functions and Lines

  • Calculate and interpret slope.

  • Graph lines given a point and slope.

  • Use point-slope and slope-intercept forms.

  • Find equations of lines given two points.

  • Identify slope and y-intercept from equations.

  • Find equations of parallel and perpendicular lines.

  • Form sum, difference, product, quotient, and composite of two functions.

  • Find the inverse of a function.

  • Use distance and midpoint formulas:

    • Distance:

    • Midpoint:

Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

• Exponential and Logarithmic Expressions

  • Convert between exponential and logarithmic forms.

  • Example:

• Evaluating and Manipulating Logarithms

  • Evaluate logarithmic functions.

  • Write logarithmic expressions as sums, differences, or single logarithms.

  • Properties:

  • Solve logarithmic and exponential equations.

Systems of Equations and Inequalities

• Solving Systems

  • Solve by substitution and addition (elimination).

  • Identify inconsistent systems (no solution).

  • Solve systems with three variables.

  • Decompose rational expressions into partial fractions.

Polynomial and Rational Functions

• Quadratic and Polynomial Functions

  • Graph quadratic functions.

  • Identify polynomials and their graph characteristics (end behavior, zeros).

  • Solve polynomial and rational inequalities.

Course Policies and Expectations

Attendance and Participation

• Attendance is based on assignment and test submissions, not logins.

• Missing a test or assignment deadline results in an absence.

• Four absences result in automatic withdrawal (WP or WF).

Deadlines and Late Work

• No late work or extensions for holidays, vacations, or work conflicts.

• Extenuating circumstances require immediate instructor contact and documentation.

Grading

• Grading Scale:

  • 90-100 = A

  • 80-89 = B

  • 70-79 = C

  • 60-69 = D

  • Below 60 = F

• Failure to take a proctored test/final exam results in a 0 and failing grade.

Academic Honesty

• All work must be your own; academic dishonesty results in failing the course.

• Show all work for assignments and tests as required.

• Examples of dishonesty: plagiarism, cheating, using unauthorized resources, impersonation.

Communication and Support

• Check Canvas announcements and email regularly.

• Contact the instructor for questions or clarifications.

• Use only your official college email for course communications.

Disability Accommodations

• Submit a Disability Accommodations Request and verify with the instructor.

Copyright and Course Materials

• Course materials are protected by copyright; do not share or distribute without permission.

Additional Information

• Proctored exams are required and must be scheduled appropriately.

• Technical issues must be reported immediately with documentation.

• Policy changes will be communicated via Canvas announcements or email.

Additional info: This summary is based on the official syllabus and is intended as a study guide for course structure and expectations. For detailed content, refer to the course textbook and resources provided in Canvas.