MATH 40 INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA

Your Prof: Hao-Nhien Vu

Email: haonhien@yahoo.com
MyMathLab Course ID: vu51067

Cypress College, Fall 2014

CRN: 10431
MW, 5:15-7:20pm, room SEM-209

COURSE SYLLABUS
Prerequisite:
MATH 020 C or Algebra I with a grade of "C" and the assessment process.
Description
This is a second course in algebra that includes the topics of sets, axioms for the real number system,
polynominals, solutions of linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, exponents and radicals, linear,
quadratic, exponential and logarithmic functions and their graphs, and systems of equations. This course
requires the use of a non-graphing scientific calculator. Students may not receive credit for both MATH
040 C and MATH 041 C.
Contacting me
I do not have an office on campus. The best way to get hold of me is by email at the address above. When
emailing me, remember to start the subject line with MATH 40. If you dont, I may think its spam and
delete it.
Textbook
All homework is done online at mymathlab.com, using the Course ID shown above. Our text is Elayn
Martin-Gay, Intermediate Algebra (6th Edition), but I dont require the printed book. You need to buy an
online access code, which will include an ebook online.
Calculator
This course requires the use of a non-graphing scientific calculator. Graphing calculators are not allowed.
You cannot use your phone calculator during exams and in-class quizzes. In general, any device that can
send/receive messages or otherwise connect with others will not be allowed.
Additional Supplies
You need reliable access to a computer and the Internet. You also need some graphing paper, a notebook
(or notebook paper with a loose-leaf binder), pens, no.2 pencils, erasers.
For exams, you will also need the Scantron 882-E form. These machine-graded forms are available in the
bookstore and in vending machines around campus.
The use of all electronic devices other than approved calculators (such as cell phones, electronic
dictionaries, PDAs, etc.) during class tests and exams is PROHIBITED, even if youre just using them as
calculators.
Student Services
All Student Support Services and contact information can be found in the 2012-2013 College Catalogue on
pages 32-38.
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Make-up Policy
Homework: Late homework loses 10% of the grade for each day late.
Quizzes: No make-up quizzes allowed.
Exams: No make-ups will be given unless you have an extreme extenuating circumstance that is agreed
to by the instructor BEFORE the scheduled time of the exam. Contact me by email BEFORE the exam. If
a make-up exam is not warranted, then you will receive a zero for the exam. No make-up allowed for
the Final Exam.
Instructional Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Translate between phrases written in English and equivalent expressions written in mathematical
symbols.
2. Solve linear, quadratic, logarithmic, and exponential equations. Solve linear and quadratic inequalities.
3. Graph linear, quadratic, logarithmic and exponential equations and functions on a rectangular
coordinate system. Graph linear inequalities on a rectangular coordinate system. Graph the conic
sections on a rectangular coordinate system.
4. Analyze and solve word problems.
5. Utilize a scientific calculator whenever appropriate.
6. Demonstrate the use of intermediate algebra skills and manipulative techniques involving the use of
equations and graphing.
Student Learning Outcomes
SLO1. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to evaluate and simplify linear, quadratic,
rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic expressions using the properties and rules of algebra at a
proficient level.
SLO2. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to solve linear, quadratic, rational, radical,
exponential and logarithmic equations and distinguish between actual and extraneous solutions at a
proficient level.
SLO3. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to graph and analyze linear and quadratic
functions at a proficient level.
SLO4. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to solve application problems using an
appropriate equation or system of equations and interpret the answer in the context of the problem at a
proficient level.
Academic Accommodations
A student who feels he or she may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should
contact Disabled Students Program & Services at 714-484-7104 or visit DSPS on the first floor of the
Cypress College Complex, Room 100. For students who have already been determined eligible for DSPS
services, please provide the instructor with the proper form from DSPS in a timely manner, at the
beginning of the semester and at least one week prior to the verified and identified need.

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Sexual Harassment/Discrimination Policy

Information on sexual harassment/discrimination policy can be found in the 2012-2013 College Catalogue
on page 46.
Classroom Standards
1. Arrive on time. To arrive late is disruptive and rude.
2. Unless you use your electronic device to take notes, you must turn off and put away all electronic
devices including cell phones, ipods, mp3 players, PDAs, and laptop computers. Do not text message
during class or you may be asked to leave.
3. Participate with the instructor in the activity of working problem solutions as they are presented.
4. No food or drink in the classroom (exception: bottled water with cap on).
5. Regular attendance is necessary and expected. Students who do not attend class and participate in
lecture on a regular basis tend to fail the course on a regular basis. You are responsible for all instruction
and announcements given in lecture whether you are present or not. Four (4) absences may warrant an
instructor-initiated drop.
Academic Honesty
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following: Cheating, Plagiarism, Collusion, and/or
other dishonest conduct. Students are expected to abide by ethical standards in preparing and presenting
material which demonstrates their level of knowledge and which is used to determine grades. Such
standards are founded on basic concepts of integrity and honesty. Students share the responsibility for
maintaining academic honesty and are expected to:
1. Refrain from acts of academic dishonesty.
2. Refuse to aid or abet any form of academic dishonesty.
3. Notify instructors and/or appropriate administrators about observed incidents of academic dishonesty.
Any act of academic dishonesty will result in an F on the assignment and referral to the dean. The
schools academic honesty policy can be found in the Cypress College catalog or online at
www.cypresscollege.edu. You will be held responsible for knowing and adhering to this information about
cheating and plagiarism.
Show your work
Except for multiple-choice questions and online assignments, in all homework, quizzes, exams, final exam,
you MUST SHOW HOW you got the answer. If you got it off a calculator, write down what you did on the
calculator. Getting the correct answer without showing how you got there will not receive full credit.
Homework
All homework for this class are expected to be done online, on MyMathLab.com. Homework is generally due 4
days from class, at 11:59pm. Any homework problem thats submitted after the due time will lose 10% of the
points for each day late.
Homework is essential to your success in the class. Homework grades count for toward your course grade
obviously but thats not the whole story. Chances are, if you dont do your homework, you probably wont
be able to do your quizzes, exams, or finals.

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Directed Learning Activities and Workshops

You are required to complete at least four MATH 40-related DLAs in the Math Learning Center. Each
eligible DLA is worth 10 points for a total of 40 points. You can attend MATH 40-related workshops and
earn additional points at 10 points each up to an additional 20 points.
Quizzes
There will be quizzes given from time to time. Quizzes may be unannounced (pop). If you miss class
when a quiz is given, you will get zero for that quiz. THERE ARE NO MAKE-UP QUIZZES.
Many quizzes in this class will be over materials from Basic Algebra related to our class. Be ready for those!
Exams
There will be 4 exams given on the dates indicated in this syllabus. THERE ARE NO MAKE-UP TESTS except
for extreme extenuating circumstances.
Final Exam
Final Exam will be given on the last day of class. THERE WILL BE NO MAKE-UP FINAL, so do not plan on
missing class on that day.
Drops/Withdrawal
It is the students responsibility to confirm a drop with Admissions and Records. If you have not dropped
by the last date to drop with a W, you will be issued a grade for the course. However, four (4) unexcused
absences may result in an instructor-initiated drop. Being tardy and/or leaving class early may be counted
as an absence.
Tips for Success
Summer classes are vicious! Plus Intermediate Algebra is the hardest class of the whole transfer math
sequence. That means, study EVERY DAY, set aside LOTS of hours for this class.
Look over the materials BEFORE coming to class. You dont need to understand everything; just get an
idea of what it is we will be learning. That way, you set your mind and wont be surprised or frustrated.
Do your homework. Do your homework. Do your homework.
Ask questions and participate in class. As you do your homework, anything you dont quite understand
or have trouble figuring out, write a note so you remember to ask about it in class.
IMPORTANT WEB SITES:
My Gateway:
Blackboard for quizzes and handouts:
MyMathLab for homework:

mg.nocccd.edu
cypresscollege.blackboard.com
mymathlab.com (Course ID: vu51067)

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GRADING
Potential maximum grades for each category are as follows. Any assignment that may go over the maximum
will count as extra-credit and can help raise your semester percentage.
Homework
DLAs
Quizzes
Exams
Final exam

20pts each set for 24 sets

4 required at 10 pts each
Varying point varlues
100 pts each, 4 exams
100 pts

480 points
40 points
up to 120 pts
400 pts

For your semester overall percent, quiz and exam grades are multiplied by 2 and final exam grades are
multiplied by 3.
You need 90% for an A, 80% for a B, 70% for a C, 60% for a D. Below 60% is F.
DAY-TO-DAY SCHEDULE
This schedule is TENTATIVE and may change as the class progresses. In particular, that includes: EXAM DATES
MAY CHANGE, AND MATERIALS TESTED IN THE EXAMS MAY ALSO CHANGE. You are responsible for coming to
class and keeping up with any changes.
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

Monday
8/25
9/1
9/8
9/15
9/22
9/29
10/6
10/13
10/20
10/27
11/3
11/10
11/17
11/24
12/1
12/8

Sections covered
1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1
LABOR DAY
2.7, 3.1
3.2, 3.3
3.7, 4.1
5.3, 5.4, 5.5
TEST 2
6.2, 6.3
6.6, 6.7
7.3, 7.4
7.7, 8.1
VETERANS DAY
8.4, 8.5
9.5, 9.6
10.1, 10.2
SEMESTER REVIEW

Wednesday
8/27
9/3
9/10
9/17
9/24
10/1
10/8
10/15
10/22
10/29
11/5
11/12
11/19
11/26
12/3
12/10

Sections covered
2.2, 2.3, 2.4
2.4, 2.5, 2.6
TEST 1
3.4, 3.5
4.3, 5.1, 5.2
5.6, 5.7
5.8, 6.1
6.4, 6.5
7.1, 7.2
7.5, 7.6
TEST 3
8.2, 8.3
8.6, 9.3
9.7, 9.8
TEST 4
FINAL EXAM

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