Monday, Wednesday 2:00pm - 4:00pm in L373 from 1/12/26 - 5/14/26
The course presents the basic principles of algebra and its application. Topics include the study of properties of real numbers, equations and inequalities of one variable, introduction to graphing, systems of equations in two variables, and operations and factoring of polynomials. Skills for success in more advanced courses are emphasized; consequently, the student must have a strong working knowledge of arithmetic before entering this course.
MATH 0974 with a grade of C or better or appropriate assessment score - Must be completed prior to taking this course.
General Education Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors that students are expected to develop as a result of their overall experiences with any aspect of the college, including courses, programs, and student services, both inside and outside of the classroom. The General Education Outcomes specifically learned in this course are:
- Critical Thinking
Faculty Contact Information
MW 1pm – 2pm, TTH 11am – 1pm, 2:30pm – 3:30pm, F 11am – 12pm in R303
Course Information
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Apply properties of real numbers to simplify expressions.
- Solve quadratic equations by factoring.
- Solve linear equations and inequalities.
- Solve a word problem using an equation.
- Graph linear equations and interpret slope as a rate of change.
- Write a linear equation to describe a given situation.
- Solve system of linear equations in two variables.
- Apply laws of integer exponents to simplify expressions.
- Perform the four basic arithmetic operations on polynomials.
- Factor polynomials.
- The Set of Real Numbers
- Fractions
- Intro to Algebra and the set of real numbers
- Exponents, square roots, and order of operations
- Operations of real numbers
- Properties of real numbers and simplifying expressions
- Linear Equations and Inequalities
- Properties of equality
- Solving linear equations
- Clearing fractions and decimals in linear equations
- Applications of linear equations: intro to problem solving
- Applications involving percents
- Formulas and applications of Geometry
- Mixture applications and uniform motion
- Graphing linear equations in two variables
- Rectangular coordinate system
- Linear equations in two variables
- Slope of a line and rate of change
- Slope-intercept form of a linear equation
- Point-slope formula
- Applications of linear equations and modeling
- Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables
- Graphing method
- Substitution method
- Addition method
- Applications of systems of linear equations
- Polynomials and Properties of Exponents
- Multiplying and dividing expressions with common bases
- More properties of exponents
- Definitions of zero and negative exponents
- Scientific notation
- Addition and subtraction of polynomials
- Multiplication of polynomials and special products
- Division of polynomials
- Factoring Polynomials
- Greatest common factors and factoring by grouping
- Factoring trinomials of the form x2 + bx + c
- Factoring trinomials: AC-method
- Difference of squares and perfect square trinomials
- Sum and difference of cubes
- Solving equations using the zero product rule
- Applications of quadratic equations
- Supplementary factoring topics
Beginning and Intermediate Algebra 6th ed by Miller, O’Neill, and Hyde, published by McGraw-Hill.
ALEKS access code – included in course fees and also involves eText.
This course will be evaluated as follows:
ALEKS Homework: 30%
In-Class Activities and Attendance: 10%
Quizzes: 10%
Exams: 30%
Final Exam: 20%
Liberal Arts & Sciences
Dean, Jennifer Huggins; 815-802-8484; R310; jhuggins@kcc.edu; Division Office- W102; 815-802-8700
ALEKS Homework:
Homework is an essential part of any math class. The homework for this class will be given via ALEKS which is connected to our Canvas course. There are many topics in each section and your grade will be based on the number of topics completed (mastered) in the section. Each topic requires 2 – 3 correct questions in a row to master a topic. If you do not complete all the topics in a particular section, they may appear during your next section, so completing all topics in a section on time is a key to being successful. The due dates for each section are in ALEKS. Extensions may be given at the discretion of the instructor.
Additionally, there may be homework that will be turned in on paper, written by hand. The points for these assignments will be determined as the course progresses.
In Class Activities and Attendance:
Attendance is mandatory. To be successful in this course, a student must attend every scheduled class. You are responsible for work missed due to absence. You must contact your instructor before class has started to be marked as excused. If you come in after class has started, you may be marked absent. Leaving early from class will also be noted.
Attendance will count as a small portion of your grade combined with sporadic in-class activities. Note: Math can be taught in the classroom, but can only be learned through practice, critical thinking, and more practice. Please ask questions to help further your understanding, either in class or during office hours.
Quizzes:
There will be numerous quizzes given throughout the semester. The quizzes will be given in class and the lowest quiz score will be dropped at the end of the semester. Makeup quizzes will be allowed at the discretion of the instructor.
Exams:
Exams will be completed in class on paper. They will consist of short answer questions that cover the material presented in class and/or homework and possibly some multiple choice questions. An exam is worth 100 points.
You may use the calculator on your cell phone on non-quiz/exam days if you do not have a calculator. A non-cell phone calculator must be used on quiz/exam days.
Each student can make up one exam per semester. In order to make up an exam, you will need to inform your instructor of your desire to make up the exam before the exam is given. Notification to your instructor can be made in-person or by email. Makeup exams will take place in the Testing Center (D218) and will be subject to the Testing Center’s schedule. Be sure to bring a valid student ID in order to make up any exams.
Testing Center website: https://www.kcc.edu/academics/exam-makeups/
Exams will not be returned to the class until all makeup exams are finished and graded.
Final Exam:
The final exam will be given during week 17 of the semester so Monday, May 11th from 2pm - 3:50pm in normal classroom. The final exam will be done on paper. It will be cumulative. There will be a final exam review guide for the final exam. You will be allowed a cheat sheet, both sides of a normal 8.5” by 11” piece of paper, where you can write any notes that you would like to use during the exam. A formula sheet will be provided during the exam as well which you will be able to see the week before the exam.
Calculator Usage
You will want some type of calculator, but it doesn't have to be a graphing calculator. Graphing calculators may be used throughout this course. The TI-84 is the preferred graphing calculator. Remember, you can always borrow one from the library for free for the whole semester!
Accommodations:
Students must have an official letter from the Office of Disability Services for any accommodations. If students have this letter, please send to the instructor immediately. Accommodations can only be in effect if given to the instructor at least 24 hours before an assessment. Accommodations cannot be applied after a student has completed an assessment.
Cell Phones or Other Distractions:
Please try to refrain from using cell phones for call, texting, etc while in class. If it is an emergency, please take calls outside the classroom. Using cell phones or other electronic devices on or during the taking of tests/quizzes will be considered cheating and will be subject to academic integrity guidelines below.
Artificial Intelligence:
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a resource that you can use to help you learn concepts. If you are using AI to complete all of your homework for you, then you are not utilizing it as a resource, but as a crutch. You will not learn anything from this course if you do not struggle through the homework until you understand what you are doing.
If you are found to be using AI for solutions to homework questions, then you get a warning to not continue using AI to find answers. If you continue using AI, then you will receive a zero for the assignment or possible removal from the course.
Academic integrity:
Cheating will not be tolerated. Infractions will follow the Student Code of Conduct and may result in a zero in the assignment/assessment and/or removal from the class.
| Week and Dates | Topics | Assignments Due or Important Dates |
Week 1: Monday, 1/12 Wednesday, 1/14 | Syllabus Section 1.1: Fractions Section 1.2: Intro to Algebra and the Set of Real Numbers Section 1.3: Exponents, Square Roots, and Order of Operations | Connect ALEKS account Complete Pre-Test on ALEKS Start working on first homework Chapter 1 Part 1 |
Week 2: Monday, 1/19 Wednesday, 1/21 | Section 1.4: Addition of Real Numbers Section 1.5: Subtraction of Real Numbers | Monday, 1/19 – No class and college closed for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Chapter 1 Part 1 Homework due Wednesday, 1/21 by 11:59PM |
Week 3: Monday, 1/26 Wednesday, 1/28 | Section 1.6: Multiplication and Division of Real Numbers Section 1.7: Properties of Real Numbers and Simplifying Expressions | Chapter 1 Part 2 Homework due Monday, 1/26 by 11:59PM |
Week 4: Monday, 2/2 Wednesday, 2/4 | Section 2.1: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division Properties of Equality Section 2.2: Solving Linear Equations | Chapter 1 Part 3 Homework due by Monday, 2/2 by 2:00PM (before class starts) Chapter 1 Test on Monday, 2/2 during class |
Week 5: Monday, 2/9 Wednesday, 2/11 | Section 2.3: Linear Equations: Clearing Fractions and Decimals Section 2.4: Applications of Linear Equations: Introduction to Problem Solving Section 2.5: Applications involving Percents | Chapter 2 Part 1 Homework due by Monday, 2/9 by 11:59PM |
Week 6: Monday, 2/16 Wednesday, 2/18 | Section 2.6: Formulas and Applications of Geometry Section 2.7: Mixture Applications and Uniform Motion Section 2.8: Linear Inequalities | Chapter 2 Part 2 Homework due by Monday, 2/16 by 11:59PM |
Week 7: Monday, 2/23 Wednesday, 2/25 | Section 3.1: Rectangular Coordinate System Section 3.2: Linear Equations in Two Variables Section 3.3: Slope of a Line and Rate of Change | Chapter 2 Part 3 homework due by Monday, 2/23 by 2:00PM (before class starts) Chapter 2 Test on Monday, 2/23 during class |
Week 8: Monday, 3/2 Wednesday, 3/4 | Section 3.4: Slope-Intercept Form of a Linear Equation Section 3.5: Point-Slope Form Section 3.6: Applications of Linear Equations and Modeling Review | Chapter 3 Part 1 Homework due by Monday, 3/2 by 11:59PM Hand out Chapter 3 Take Home Test due after Spring Break |
Spring Break Monday 3/9 – Friday, 3/13 | No classes this week! | |
Week 9: Monday, 3/16 Wednesday, 3/18 | Section 4.1: Solving Systems of Equations by Graphing Method Section 4.2: Solving Systems of Equations by Substitution Method Section 4.3: Solving Systems of Equations by Addition Method Section 4.4: Applications of Linear Equations in Two Variables | Chapter 3 Part 2 Homework due by Monday, 3/16 by 11:59PM Chapter 3 Take Home Test due in class on Monday, 3/16 |
Week 10: Monday, 3/23 Wednesday, 3/25 | Section 5.1: Multiplying and Dividing Expressions with Common Bases Section 5.2: More Properties of Exponents | Chapter 4 homework due by Monday, 3/23 by 2:00pm before class starts Chapter 4 Test on Monday, 3/23 during class |
Week 11: Monday, 3/30 Wednesday, 4/1 | Section 5.3: Definition of Zero and Negative Exponents Section 5.4: Scientific Notation Section 5.5: Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials | Chapter 5 Part 1 homework due by Monday, 3/30 by 11:59PM |
Week 12: Monday, 4/6 Wednesday, 4/8 | Section 5.6: Multiplication of Polynomials and Special Products Section 5.7: Division of Polynomials | Chapter 5 Part 2 Homework due by Monday, 4/6 by 11:59PM |
Week 13: Monday, 4/13 Wednesday, 4/15 | Section 6.1: Greatest Common Factor and Factoring by Grouping Section 6.2: Factoring Trinomials of the Form | Chapter 5 Part 3 Homework due by Monday, 4/13 by 2:00pm before class starts Chapter 5 Test on Monday, 4/13 during class |
Week 14: Monday, 4/20 Wednesday, 4/22 | Section 6.4: Factoring Trinomials: AC Method Section 6.5: Difference of Squares and Perfect Square Trinomials Section 6.6: Sum and Difference of Cubes | Chapter 6 Part 1 Homework due by Monday, 4/20 by 11:59PM |
Week 15: Monday, 4/27 Wednesday, 4/29 | Section 6.7: Solving Equations using the Zero Product Rule Section 6.8: Applications of Quadratic Equations | Chapter 6 Part 2 Homework due by Monday, 4/27 by 11:59PM |
Week 16: Monday, 5/4 Wednesday, 5/6 | Review for Final Exam | Chapter 6 Part 3 Homework due by Monday, 5/4 by 11:59PM |
| Week 17 (Finals Week): | Monday, May 11th from 2pm - 3:50pm in L373 (normal classroom) | Final Exam over chapters 1 - 6 |
College Policies, Resources and Supports
For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide.
KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:
- Clubs and organizations
- Counseling and referral services
- Office of disability services
- Student complaint policy
- Transfer services
- Tutoring services, etc.
The materials on this course are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course. Further information regarding KCC's copyright policy is available at https://kcc.libguides.com/copyright.
|Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.