MW 2 - 3:40 pm
Polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions and their graphs are studied in detail. Topics include the algebra of functions, symmetry and transformations, conic sections, equations (linear, absolute value, fractional, quadratic, polynomial, radical, exponential, and logarithmic), inequalities (linear, absolute value, and quadratic), and systems of equations. AAS: Mathematics elective.
Appropriate assessment score or MATH 1424 with a grade of C or better and completion of geometry requirement (MATH 1453 or one year of high school geometry with a grade of C or better) or High School Transitional Math: STEM pathway - 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
First 8 weeks: MW 11am-12pm, TTh 1-2pm
Second 8 weeks: MTWTh 11am-12pm
I will be avialable in my office during these times, no appointment necessary. You will need to make an appointment outside of those times.
Course Information
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Find all real and complex solutions for several types of equations and inequalities.
- Find domains and inverses for functions of one variable.
- Solve problems involving compound interest, exponential growth and decay, and half-life.
- Solve systems of non-linear equations.
- Identify important features of circles, and ellipses, and hyperbolas from their equations.
- Solve non-linear inequalities in one variable.
- Evaluate and apply composite functions.
- Transform Functions using common translation rules.
- Factoring Polynomials
- Complex Numbers
- Quadratic Equations
- Applications of Quadratic Equations
- Linear, Compound, and Absolute Value Inequalities
- More Equations and Applications
- Functions and Relations
- Linear Equations in Two Variables and Linear Functions
- Applications of Linear Equations and Modeling
- Transformations of Graphs
- Rational Expressions and Functions
- Analyzing Graphs of Functions and Piecewise-Defined Functions
- Algebra of Functions and Function Composition
- Quadratic Functions and Applications
- Introduction to Polynomial Functions
- Division of Polynomials and the Remainder and Factor Theorems
- Zeros of Polynomials
- Rational Functions
- Polynomial and Rational Inequalities
- Inverse Functions
- Exponential Functions
- Logarithmic Functions
- Properties of Logarithms
- Exponential and Logarithmic Equations and Applications
- Modeling with Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
- Circles
- Ellipses
- Hyperbolas
- Systems of Non-Linear Functions
Miller and Gerken, College Algebra with Corequisite Support, McGraw Hill Publishing (optional)
ALEKS 360 access code (required and comes with tuition)
Scientific calculator (TI-84 graphing calculator would be helpful but is not required)
This course will be evaluated by performance on homework (objectives), pie progress, quizzes, and a comprehensive final exam.
- Pie Progress = 10%
- Objectives/Modules = 15%
- Tests = 50%
- Final Exam = 25% of grade
Grading Scale:
Percentage | Final Grade |
90-100% | A |
80-89% | B |
70-79% | C |
60-69% | D |
0-59% | F |
Liberal Arts & Sciences
Dean, Jennifer Huggins; 815-802-8484; R310; jhuggins@kcc.edu; Division Office- W102; 815-802-8700
Attendance Policy: Attendance is expected and recorded daily. As with any class, attendance is vital to success. It is understood that conflicts arise forcing students to miss class from time to time. If a student must miss class, the student is responsible for the material covered during the missed period. There will be no extensions of deadlines.
Tutoring Policy: There is a tutor assigned to this course. If your grade drops below a 75% you will be required to meet with the tutor outside of class.
Pie Progress: As you master topics in ALEKS, you are completing the pie. Your goal is to complete at least 50% of the pie by the middle of the semester and 100% of the pie by the end of the semester.
Objectives: The objectives are divided up into 15 modules and are assigned and completed using ALEKS. As many opportunities as necessary are granted to achieve full credit, thus, persistence is the key. Homework is your opportunity to practice and master the material. The objectives are due on the time and date listed in ALEKS. NO late work is accepted. Occasionally you will be required to complete a knowledge check in ALEKS. ALEKS is checking to see how much of the recent topics you have retained. If you don’t do well, ALEKS will add those topics back to your homework. It would be a good idea to keep organized notes while working on the topics so you can refer to them when doing the knowledge checks.
Tests: There will be a test after every two modules (objectives). I will replace your lowest test score with your final exam grade so if you miss a test, you will have the opportunity to replace the zero with your final exam grade. The tests will be taken in class on paper. You are allowed a 3x5 inch notecard of notes during the tests. You can find copies of sample tests in Canvas. If you score below a 75% on a test, you will be required to meet with me or the tutor to go over the test.
Final Exam: The final exam will be taken in class on paper. It will be cumulative. You can find a final exam review in Canvas. You are allowed a full sheet of paper (8.5 x 11 in.), both sides, of notes during the exam.
| Week | Topic |
| 1 | Solving linear inequalities and absolute value equations |
| 2 | Factoring polynomials; operations with complex numbers; simplifying radical expressions |
| 3 | Solving quadratic equations |
| 4 | Circles and their equations; functions and relations; graphs of linear functions |
| 5 | Functions: linear, quadratic, cubic, absolute value, rational, radical; domain and range |
| 6 | Operations with rational expressions; Functions: inputs and outputs, domain and range, intercepts, slopes |
| 7 | Parallel and perpendicular lines; scatter plots and line of best fit; translating graphs of functions |
| 8 | Translating and transforming graphs of functions; symmetry; piecewise-defined functions; even and odd functions |
| 9 | Difference quotients; increasing, decreasing and constant intervals; local maxima and minima; average rate of change; composition of functions; quadratic functions |
| 10 | Polynomial functions: zeros, end behavior, graphs, properties, degree |
| 11 | Solving polynomial inequalities; finding inverse functions; exponential functions: graphing, translating, domain and range, transforming |
| 12 | Exponential functions and their applications; exponential and logarithmic equations; properties of logarithms, expanding logarithmic expressions |
| 13 | Solving logarithmic and exponential equations, exponential models and rate of change |
| 14 | Solving systems of equations; Ellipses and their equations and graphs |
| 15 | Hyperbolas and their equations and graphs; Systems of non-linear functions |
| 16 | Review |
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.