SOUTHWEST COLLEGE
Department of Mathematics
COURSE SYLLABUS

MATH 1314: College Algebra
Fall2013 / CRN 64948 /Online

INSTRUCTOR:

Eunice Kallarackal

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Eunice.kallarackal@hccs.edu

Webassign course key

hccs 6186 7242

Office location and hours: Stafford LUB Room 303.2, Mon -Thurs 11:300am- 12:30pm

Please feel free to contact me concerning any problems that you are experiencing in this course. You do not need to wait until you have received a poor grade before asking for my assistance. Your performance in my class is very important to me. I am available to hear your concerns and just to discuss course topics. Feel free to come by my office anytime during these hours.
Course Description
Topics include quadratics, polynomial, rational, logarithmic and exponential functions, system of equations, matrices and determinants. A departmental final examination will be given in this course.
Prerequisites
Must be placed into college-level mathematics or completion of MATH 0312.

Course Goal
This course is designed as a review of advanced topics in algebra for science and engineering students who plan to take the calculus sequence in preparation for their various degree programs. It is also intended for non-technical students who need college mathematics credits to fulfill requirements for graduation and prerequisites for other courses.
It is generally transferable to other disciplines as math credit for non-science majors.
Student Learning Outcomes
Course Objectives
1

1. Solve algebraic equations and inequalities involving linear and nonlinear expressions.

1.1

1.2
1.3

1.4

1.5
1.6
2. Examine and interpret the graphs of circles, and basic functions in Algebra and their transformations including polynomial functions, rational functions, exponential functions and logarithmic functions.

2.1
2.2

2.3

2.4

2.5

3. Apply the basic knowledge of a function in order to simplify functions, combine functions, and solve application problems involving linear and nonlinear functions.

2.6
3.1

3.2
4. Perform basic matrix operations.

4.1

Solve Quadratic Equations in one variable by the method of factoring, square root property, completing the square and the quadratic formula.
Solve radical equations, fractional equations, and equations of quadratic form.
Solve linear inequalities and linear equations involving absolute value, state the solution in interval notation, and graph the solution.
Solve non-linear (quadratic and rational) inequalities, state the solution in interval notation, and graph the solution.
Solve exponential and logarithmic equations.
Solve systems of linear and non linear in two variables. Find the distance and midpoint between two points in the Cartesian Plane.
Recognize the equation of a straight line, graph the equation of a straight line, find the slope and intercepts of a line, know the relationship between the slopes of parallel and perpendicular lines, and be able to determine the equation of a line from information such as two points on the line, or one point on the line and the slope of the line. Graph linear functions, quadratic functions, piecewise-defined functions, absolute value functions, polynomial functions, rational functions, exponential functions, and logarithmic functions.
Understand vertical and horizontal shifts, stretching, shrinking, and reflections of graphs of functions. Recognize the equation of a circle, sketch the graph of a circle, and find the equation of a circle.
Determine the rational zeros of a polynomial.
Apply the definition of a function, determine the domain and range of a function, evaluate expressions involving functional notation, simplify expressions involving the algebra of functions, graph functions by plotting points, use the definition of inverse functions, and given a function find its inverse.
Understand the inverse relationship