MAC1105 College Algebra Syllabus and Course Structure Overview

Course Overview

Course Description and Objectives

This course is a survey of college algebra, focusing on operational, symbolic, and graphical skills. Students will study equations, inequalities, functions, and their applications. The course emphasizes problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, and the use of technology for exploration and analysis.

• Equations and Inequalities: Linear, quadratic, absolute value, and rational equations and inequalities.

• Functions: Polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and piecewise-defined functions.

• Graphing: Techniques for graphing various types of functions and analyzing their properties.

• Applications: Real-world problems involving algebraic concepts.

Textbook and Materials

Required Textbook

• Textbook: Algebra & Trigonometry, 13th Edition, Sullivan, Pearson.

• Access: Students use Pearson eText and MyLab for assignments and practice.

Course Topics and Schedule

Expected Schedule of Lessons and Exams

The following table outlines the main topics covered throughout the semester, aligned with standard Precalculus chapters:

Date	Section	Topic
Jan 8	1.2-1.4	Quadratic Equations
Jan 10	1.5-1.6	Radical Equations, Equations Quadratic in Form
Jan 13	1.7-1.8	Systems of Linear Equations
Jan 15	1.9	Determinants and Cramer's Rule
Jan 17	2.1-2.2	Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities
Jan 20	2.3	Complex Numbers
Jan 22	Exam 1	Exam 1
Jan 24	2.4-2.5	Functions and Graphs
Jan 27	2.6-2.7	Library of Functions, Piecewise-Defined Functions
Jan 29	2.8	Transformations of Functions
Jan 31	2.9	Operations on Functions
Feb 3	2.10	Inverse Functions
Feb 5	Exam 2	Exam 2
Feb 7	3.1-3.2	Polynomial Functions
Feb 10	3.3-3.4	Rational Functions
Feb 12	3.5	Polynomial and Rational Inequalities
Feb 14	Exam 3	Exam 3
Feb 17	4.1-4.2	Exponential Functions
Feb 19	4.3-4.4	Logarithmic Functions
Feb 21	4.5	Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
Feb 24	Exam 4	Exam 4
Feb 26	5.1-5.2	Systems of Nonlinear Equations
Feb 28	Review	Review for Final Exam
Mar 2	Exam 5	Final Exam

Key Course Policies

• Homework: Regular MyLab assignments and multi-step column problems.

• Attendance: Required for all scheduled class activities.

• Academic Honesty: Strictly enforced; cheating may result in severe penalties.

• Grading: Standard scale (A: 90-100%, B: 80-89%, C: 70-79%, D: 60-69%, F: <60%).

• Support: MDC Tutoring and online resources available.

Major Precalculus Topics Covered

• Equations and Inequalities: Linear, quadratic, radical, absolute value, and rational equations and inequalities.

• Functions and Their Graphs: Definitions, properties, transformations, and operations on functions.

• Polynomial and Rational Functions: Graphing, solving, and analyzing polynomial and rational functions.

• Exponential and Logarithmic Functions: Properties, equations, and applications.

• Systems of Equations: Linear and nonlinear systems, including Cramer's Rule.

Example Equations and Concepts

• Quadratic Equation: $ax^2 + bx + c = 0$

• Absolute Value Equation: $|x| = a$

• Exponential Function: $f(x) = a^x$

• Logarithmic Function: $f(x) = ext{log}_a(x)$

• System of Linear Equations: $\begin{cases} a_1x + b_1y = c_1 \\ a_2x + b_2y = c_2 \end{cases}$

Additional Info

• Students are expected to use technology for homework and practice, including MyLab and online resources.

• Attendance and participation are essential for success in this course.

• Academic integrity is a core value; violations will result in disciplinary action.