COLLEGE ALGEBRA

Instructor E-Mail Address

Phone Number Planning Time

COURSE DESCRIPTION
The student will demonstrate competency by integrating geometrical, statistical and
algebraic concepts. Calculators will be used in plotting functions, analyzing data,
simulating experiments, predicting series and sequence, and solving logarithmic
equations.

GRADING POLICY
30% Common Assessments, 10% Final, 30 % Homework, 30% Quizzes.
1. Common Assessments may be retaken once and the scores will be averaged. In
the case that the average is below 70%, the higher score will be taken up to 70%.
Students must complete any re-take within 7 days of the original test.
2. Final may be retaken only if the student scored below 60%. The student may
retake the final up to 70%.
3. Homework may be re-worked for full credit until the last 2 weeks of the class.
4. Quizzes may not be retaken.

Students will be required to:

Participate in learning activities
Keep a notebook
Attend class, and bring books and graphing calculator, graphing notebook.
Perform quality work in all areas; proficient on all standards

Units of study
1. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions: Graph growth functions, Graph
exponential decay functions, Use functions involving e, Evaluate logarithmic
and graph logarithmic functions, apply properties of logarithms, solve
exponential and logarithmic equations, Write and apply exponential and
power functions
2. Rational Functions: Model and inverse and joint variation, Graph simple
rational functions, graph general rational functions, multiply and divide
rational expressions, Add and subtract rational expressions, solve rational
equations.
3. Quadratic Relationships and Conic Sections: Apply the distance and mid
point formulas, Graph and write equations of parabolas, Graph and write
equations of circles, Graph and write equations of ellipses, Graph and write
equations of hyperbolas, Translate and classify conic sections, Solve
Quadratic systems.
 4. Sequence and Series: Define and use sequence and series, Analyze arithmetic
sequences and series, Analyze geometric sequence and series, Find sums of
infinite geometric series, Use recursive rules with sequence and functions.

Unit Standard Benchmark Assessments

Exponential and 1. Numbers (1-1), (1-2),(1-3) test
logarithmic functions Operations (2-2), (2-4)
and concepts (3-1)
2. Geometry (4-1), (4-2), (4-3), (4-4), (4-5)
3. Measurement
4. Algebra

Rational functions 1. Numbers (1-1), (1-2),(1-3) test

Operations (2-2), (2-4)
and concepts (3-1)
2. Geometry (4-1), (4-2), (4-3), (4-4), (4-5)
3. Measurement
4. Algebra

Analytical Geometry 1. Numbers (1-1), (1-2),(1-3) test

Operations (2-2), (2-4)
and concepts (3-1)
2. Geometry (4-1), (4-2), (4-3), (4-4), (4-5)
3. Measurement
4. Algebra

Sequence and Series 1. Numbers (1-1), (1-2),(1-3) test

Operations (2-2), (2-4)
and concepts (3-1)
2. Geometry (4-1), (4-2), (4-3), (4-4), (4-5)
3. Measurement
4. Algebra

Course Material and Resources

Textbook: Algebra and Trigonometry Structure and Method. Book 2,
McDougal Littell
Houghton Mifflin Company, 2000

Graphing Calculator (Ti-83 and newer. TI-84 plus is recommended)

State Standards and Benchmarks

1. NUMBER OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS

• Students will represent, use and apply numbers in a variety of forms.
• Students will apply the structure and properties of the real number
system
• Students will select and perform operations and evaluate the
reasonableness of results of number operations.
• Students will use proportional reasoning to solve problems.
2. GEOMETRY
• Students will use transformations, congruency, symmetry, similarity,
perpendicularity, and parallelism to solve problems.
• Students will communicate, using mathematical language to:
o Interpret, represent, or create geometric figures
o Draw or build figures from mathematical descriptions
o Analyze properties and determine attributes of 2 and 3
dimensional objects.
• Students will communicate the reasoning used in problem-solving
situations
• Students will solve problems involving the coordinate plane.
• Students will connect geometry with other mathematical topics
3. MEASUREMENT
• Students apply estimation and measurement using the appropriate
methods and units to solve problems involving length, weight/mass,
area, surface area, volume, and angle measure
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of both metric and U.S.
customary systems. Students will be able to convert within each
system
• Students will identify and apply scale, ratios, and proportions in
solving measurement problems.
• Students will solve problems of angle measure including those
involving polygons or parallel lines cut by a transversal.
• Students will solve indirect measurement problems

4. ALGEBRAIC CONCEPTS AND RELATIONSHIPS

 • Students will use algebraic concepts, symbols, and skills to represent
and solve real-world problems
• Students will write, model, and evaluate expressions, functions,
equations and inequalities.
• Students will graph linear equations and interpret the results in
solving algebraic problems.
• Students will solve, graph, or interpret systems of linear equations.
• Students will connect algebra with other mathematical topics

Performance Standards
In a problem-solving situation, using appropriate tools of technology, algebra, and
geometry, a proficient student will work independently to:
-Write ,model, and evaluate functions, equations, inequalities, and systems to
reach a solution or make a connection
-Represent, use, and apply numbers in a variety of forms
-Make connections in applying properties of numbers, logarithms , and conics to
complex situations
-Collect, organize, interpret, and present numerical information using tables,
graphs
-Solve problems using definitions and properties of logarithms, series, sequence,
and conics.
- Solve life-situation problems by applying knowledge of logarithms and draw
valid conclusions.
-Select and make appropriate use of scientific calculators, computers and
software.
Students who perform at a proficient or advanced level on all the content standards will
receive credit. Students who need help to achieve the standards will be tutored in after
school programs until they meet the standard or the school year ends.
Student and/or Parent Signature
I have read and I understand this syllabus.
Student _________________________ Date__________________

Parent__________________________ Date____________________

Parent e-mail address____________________________________