INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Intermediate Algebra is designed to give students the algebra skills and
understanding necessary in fulfilling their university QL requirement. A grade of a C or better is
required in order to take any QL course.

PREREQUISITES: An ACT math score of at least 23; OR a passing grade in
MATH 0900; OR a passing score on the math placement Exam.

TEXT: Intermediate Algebra, Tenth Edition, by Lial, Hornsby, andMcGinnis (Older texts won’t work)

TOPICS COVERED: Topics of study include linear equations and inequalities; introduction to
functions; quadratic equations; polynomial and rational expressions; radicals and complex numbers;
exponential expressions (negative and rational exponents) and logarithmic expressions; linear systems
of equations; parabolas and circles. Graphing will be done by hand. Real world applications of
algebra will be addressed throughout the course.

ATTENDANCE: (5% of your grade) Attendance in class is crucial. Class-time will be spent
answering question about homework and discussing new material. Students are encouraged to ask and
answer questions and to participate in classroom discussions and activities. It should be noted that it is
impossible to cover textbook material in the same depth that it is presented in the textbook itself.
Students are expected to study the textbook to learn information not presented in class. Students who
must miss class are responsible for contacting the instructor in advance, making arrangements to turn
in assignments that are due, and getting notes for missed lectures. Students who miss class repeatedly
or fail to consult with the instructor will be referred to the director, Nazih Al-rashid.

HOMEWORK: (100 pts) This is your best preparation so make it count. Homework (HW) will be
assigned and collected daily.

• HW is due the NEXT CLASS MEETING after it is assigned.
• Your NAME should appear at the top.
• HW IS EXPECTED TO BE NEAT AND EASY TO READ. If it is hard to read, it will receive
a NO CREDIT. (Erase mistakes – don’t “scratch” them out.)
• SHOW ALL STEPS. Showing NO WORK will receive NO CREDIT
• Start with (copy) the original question you are asked to work.
• Answer all questions that are asked.
• Staple multiple pages together.
• No loose edges torn from a spiral notebook.
• Your four lowest written HW scores will be “dropped”
• LATE HOMEWORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. NO EXCUSES.

WEEKLY QUIZZES: (10 pts each) IN-CLASS QUIZZES will be given frequently without
advance notice. Your 10 best quiz scores will be counted. These cannot be made up except in
documented emergencies.

EXAMS: (100 pts each) Four midterm exams and a departmental comprehensive final exam will be
given. Make-up exams will NOT be given except in emergencies, and then you must obtain prior
consent from the instructor. Calculators of any kind are NOT allowed on exams.

Test Corrections: (25 pts each ) All students are required to do corrections on every exam. These will
be due one week after the exam is returned. Complete instructions for doing test corrections will be
given when the first exam is returned. In the past, students have found this to be a valuable learning
experience. It is also motivation to do well on the exam so that the correction process is minimized.

FINAL EXAM: (200 pts) The common final exam emphasizes chapters 9, 10, & 11(~50%) as well as
a comprehensive review of major topics covered earlier. The final will count 25% of your grade.

GRADING: Attendance - 5%, Homework - 10%, Quizzes - 10%, Midterm Exams - 40%, Test
Corrections - 10% and Final Exam - 25%.

DROP POLICY: The USU Drop Policy has changed. See the General Catalog and Schedule Bulletin
for more details. Students who fail to attend classes the first five days of school may be dropped
from that class by the instructor. It is still the student’s responsibility to add the class again, or
drop a class they do not attend.

SPECIAL NEEDS: If you have a disability that will likely require accommodation for this course
(relating to attendance, pedagogy, exams, alternate format – large print, audio, diskette, Braille, etc.),
contact Mrs. Donigan immediately (first week of class) AND you must document the disability
through the Disability Resource Center. All such requests must be discussed with and approved by
Mrs. Donigan .

CELL PHONES, BLACKBERRYs, IPODs, MP3 PLAYERS, etc.
The policy of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics is that, unless an examination requires a
specific technology device, no electronic devices can be activated and positioned where they can be
seen or used during a test. In particular, cell phones must be turned off and placed inside bags, or
left with the instructor. Cell phones should not be in pockets or attached to belts during a test. The
same is true of any wireless capable device. Furthermore, headphones cannot be worn. A student
found to be violating this policy would automatically receive a score of zero on that test and may
be subject to further disciplinary action.