MATH 1424 Intermediate Algebra Syllabus 010 Spring 2026

Credit Hours 4.00 Lecture Hours 4 Clinical/Lab Hours 0
Type of Credit
CIP Code
32.0104
Course Meeting Time

TTH 9 am - 10:40 am

Course Description

Topics include sets, real numbers, factoring, functions, expressions (polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and radical), equations (linear, absolute value, rational, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, and radical) and inequalities (linear and absolute value). Systems of three equations and complex numbers are introduced. Word problems are studied in detail. Skills for success in transfer-level mathematics courses are emphasized.

Prerequisites

MATH 1414 with a grade of C or better or appropriate assessment score - Must be completed prior to taking this course.

General Education Outcomes

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:

  1. Critical Thinking
Explanation of Course Alignment

Prerequisites: MATH 1414 with a grade of C or better or an appropriate assessment score. Topics include sets, real numbers, factoring, functions, expressions (polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and radical), equations (linear, absolute value, rational, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, and radical), and inequalities (linear and absolute value). Systems of equations and complex numbers are introduced. Word problems are studied in detail. Skills for success in transfer-level mathematics courses are emphasized. AAS: Mathematics elective

Faculty Contact Information

Faculty Name
Jorge R. Gavillan
Faculty Email
Faculty Office Number
R303
Faculty Student Support Hours

MW: 8 am -9 am

TTH: 8 am - 9 am

Faculty Information

Jorge R. Gavillan, M.S.

email:jgavillan@kcc.edu

Course Information

Course Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Find the domain of rational and radical functions.
  2. Solve and graph inequalities in two variables.
  3. Solve simple rational equations and identify extraneous solutions.
  4. Simplify radical and rational exponent expressions.
  5. Solve quadratic equations using the quadratic formula.
  6. Perform basic operations on exponential and logarithmic functions.
  7. Solve exponential and logarithmic equations including the natural logarithm and the exponent e.
  8. Solve application problems using a wide variety of techniques.
Topical Outline
  1. Review of Factoring
  2. Rational Expressions and Equations
    1. Intro to rational expressions
    2. Multiplication and division of rational expressions
    3. Least Common Denominator
    4. Addition and subtraction of rational expressions
    5. Complex fractions
    6. Rational equations
    7. Applications using rational expressions and proportions
  3. Relations and Functions
    1. Intro to relations and functions
    2. Graphs of functions
    3. Algebra of functions and composition
    4. Variation
  4. More Equations and Inequalities
    1. Compound inequalities
    2. Polynomial and rational inequalities
    3. Absolute value equations and inequalities
    4. Linear inequalities and systems of linear inequalities
    5. 3 x 3 systems of equations
  5. Radicals and Complex Numbers
    1. Definition of an nth root
    2. Rational exponents
    3. Simplifying radical expressions
    4. Addition, subtraction and multiplication of radicals
    5. Division of radicals and rationalization
    6. Solving radical equations
    7. Complex numbers
  6. Quadratic Equations and Functions
    1. Square root property and completing the square
    2. Quadratic formula
    3. Equations in quadratic form
    4. Graphs of quadratic functions
    5. Vertex of parabola: applications and modeling
  7. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions and Applications
    1. Inverse functions
    2. Exponential functions
    3. Logarithmic functions and their properties
    4. The irrational number e and change of base
    5. Logarithmic and exponential equations and applications
Textbook/s and Course Materials

Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, 6th ed by Miller, O’Neill, and Hyde, published by
McGraw-Hill. ALEKS 360 access code required. The ALEKS code is included in your Course Materials fee. You do not need any additional code. You will be able to access ALEKS through the Canvas course. Scientific calculator required; graphing calculator optional; TI-84 preferred. Miner Memorial Library has TI-84s available for free loan for the entire semester.

Methods of Evaluation

5% Pass Quiz

10% Homework

5% Pie Progress
25% Chapter Quiz
25% Midterm
30% Final

Academic Division

Liberal Arts & Sciences

Dean, Jennifer Huggins; 815-802-8484; R310; jhuggins@kcc.edu; Division Office- W102; 815-802-8700

Course Policies

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.
Resources
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.
Copyright & Syllabus Disclaimer
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.
 

Expectations for Classroom and Online Behavior

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful, professional, and responsible manner in all classroom and online learning environments. This includes arriving prepared, participating appropriately, and communicating respectfully with the instructor and classmates.

In the classroom, students should arrive on time, remain engaged, and minimize distractions by silencing or using electronic devices appropriately. Respectful dialogue and collaboration are expected at all times.

In online settings, students are expected to use professional language in emails, discussion boards, and virtual interactions, follow netiquette guidelines, and respect diverse perspectives.

Disruptive or inappropriate behavior, whether in person or online, may result in academic consequences or referral to appropriate college offices in accordance with institutional policies.

Course Calendar
DateDayClass Meeting?TopicHomework / AssessmentsNotes
January 13, 2026TuesdayYesIntroduction & 6.1 Chapter 6 Factoring Review
January 15, 2026ThursdayYes6.2 - 6.3  
January 20, 2026TuesdayYes6.4 - 6.5  
January 22, 2026ThursdayYes6.6  
January 27, 2026TuesdayYes7.1 - 7.2 Chapter 7 Rational Expressions and Equations
January 29, 2026ThursdayYes7.3 - 7.4  
February 03, 2026TuesdayYes7.5 - 7.6  
February 05, 2026ThursdayYes7.7  
February 10, 2026TuesdayYes8.1 Chapter 8: Relations and Functions
February 12, 2026ThursdayYes8.2  
February 17, 2026TuesdayYes8.3  
February 19, 2026ThursdayYes8.4  
February 24, 2026TuesdayYes8.5  
February 26, 2026ThursdayYes9.1 Chapter 9: Inequalities and Absolute Value
March 03, 2026TuesdayYes9.2  
March 05, 2026ThursdayYes9.3  
March 10, 2026TuesdayNo  Spring Break – No Classes (College open until 5 p.m.)
March 12, 2026ThursdayNo  Spring Break – No Classes (College open until 5 p.m.)
March 17, 2026TuesdayYes9.4  
March 19, 2026ThursdayYes9.5  
March 24, 2026TuesdayYesMidtermMidterm Due 
March 26, 2026ThursdayYes10.1 - 10.2 Chapter 10: Radicals and Complex Numbers
March 31, 2026TuesdayYes10.3 - 10.4  
April 02, 2026ThursdayYes10.5 - 10.6  
April 07, 2026TuesdayYes10.7 - 10.8  
April 09, 2026ThursdayYes11.1 - 11.2 Chapter 11: Quadratic Equations and Functions
April 14, 2026TuesdayYes11.3 - 11.4  
April 16, 2026ThursdayYes11.5  
April 21, 2026TuesdayYes12.1 - 12.2 Chapter 12: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
April 23, 2026ThursdayYes12.3  
April 28, 2026TuesdayYes12.4  
April 30, 2026ThursdayYes12.5  
May 05, 2026TuesdayYes12.6  
May 07, 2026ThursdayYesFinal Review  
May 12, 2026TuesdayYesFinal  
May 14, 2026ThursdayYesFinalFinal Due 

College Policies, Resources and Supports

College Policies

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. 

Resources

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.