Stephen Slampa, MS

Term:	Spring 2003	Instructor:	Mr. Stephen Slampa
Course:	DEVS 0330 Intermediate Algebra	Office:	AEC, x4622 (793-4622)
Prereq:		Home phone:	(915) 690-9740
Text:	Intermediate Algebra 3rd ed., Larson Hostetler	Office Hours:	See Schedule
E-mail:	slampas@mcmurryadm.mcm.edu	Tutor Schedule:	See Schedule

 

COURSE OBJECTIVE:  

1. To review the fundamentals of Algebra.
2. To review exponents, radicals, factoring, and rational expressions.
3. To learn about many types of functions and properties of these functions, including linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and other special functions.
4. To understand how to solve applied problems dealing with the aforementioned functions.
5. To learn about shifting, reflecting, and stretching graphs.
6. To learn how to solve systems of linear equations by different methods and to be able to solve some applied problems by setting up and solving a system of linear equations.
7. To learn about radicals and complex numbers.

 

IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT ANY ACADEMIC DISHONESTY (attempted or successful cheating) CAN RESULT IN A FAILING GRADE AND REMOVAL FROM THE COURSE AT INSTRUCTOR'S DISCRETION

ATTENDANCE: Students are expected to attend every class. A cumulative absence in excess of 5 hours of class or an absence of more than three consecutive hours will result in the student’s name being reported to the Dean of Student Services for possible withdrawal from the course. Any absence can be made up by viewing a videotape of the missed material!! The videotapes are available for your viewing pleasure at the AEC. Tapes should be viewed as soon as possible to enable the student to understand the material in the next chapter.

 

CALCULATOR POLICY

 The TI-83+ is recommended for this course. The TI-83+ is also very useful in Statistics if that is required for your degree plan (i.e. don't sell it). It can also be used for College Algebra. I will specifically demonstrate how to use the TI-83+ in class. Some homework and test problems may require the use of a graphing calculator. There may be calculator and non-calculator problems on the tests. See Calculator Link!!!! It's Easy!!

 

PREPARATION, PARTICIPATION & GROUP WORK: The student is expected to read the material and attempt the assigned topic before class.  You will be called upon to work problems at the board and present your homework solutions to the class. You will be required to work in small groups to help each other understand the material by completing group assignments after lectures. You will be graded based on your participation as well as your group's work.
 

TUTORIAL SOFTWARE: Videotapes that follow the outline of the College Algebra textbook are available for your viewing pleasure at the Academic Enrichment Center!! Take a peek at the Practice Tests!!!!  Take a look at the Student Solutions Guide in the AEC!!!!
 

QUIZZES:  Students should be prepared to take a quiz every class. There will be no make-up quizzes. Quizzes missed due to an absence will receive a grade of 0. Arriving to class after the quiz is over will also result in a grade of 0. Quizzes will be during the first two minutes of class, so don't be late!

EXAMS: All exams will be closed-book (no textbook, no notebook) and each exam will be cumulative. The final exam will cover all course material. See the Study Tips!!!!  

 

GRADING: All work will be graded and will contribute to your course grade based on the following weights:
 

READING ASSIGNMENTS:  (The assigned reading is the chapter after what is covered in class.)
 

EXAM REVIEWS: Will be provided before all tests. May be verbal or written. Review homework!!!

Physics Joke of Last Week!

 

Two atoms were walking down the street.

One turns to the other and says,

"Oh, no! I think I dropped an electron!"

The other responds, "Are you sure?!?"

"Yes, I'm positive!"

 Physics Funnies of the Week!

 

 

 

TEST III REVIEW:

INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA TAKE-HOME TEST III.   Due Tuesday May 6th by 5:pm

HOMEWORK:   Homework will be assigned and should be completed before the next class to prepare you for the quiz. You must show your work to receive any credit because the answers to most of the assigned problems are in your textbook. You may check your work with the back of the book or the Student Solutions Guide in the AEC!!!!

PRACTICE PROBLEMS

 

Last Update:  3/07/2003  10:00am