Tuesday, Thursday from 12pm - 2pm in R306 from Tuesday, June 2nd to Thursday, July 23rd
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.
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
In-Person: TTH 11am – 12pm in R303
Virtual: MW 11am - 12pm via email or Canvas message or previously scheduled Zoom meeting
Kaitlin Burgess, email: kburgess@kcc.edu
Embedded Tutor: Heidi Ostrowski, email: hostrowski@kcc.edu
Hours to be announced
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 (included in tuition)
Scientific calculator required, graphing Calculator optional, TI 84 preferred. Miner Memorial Library has TI-84s available for loan for free for the entire semester.
This course will be evaluated as follows:
ALEKS Homework: 20%
Pie Progress on ALEKS: 5%
In-Class Activities and Attendance: 5%
Exams: 50%
Final Exam: 20%
Grading Scale by Percentage:
90 – 100 A
80 – 89 B
70 – 79 C
60 – 69 D
Below 60 F
Attendance Policy:
You are considered attending when you attend the scheduled classes and when you log into ALEKS. If you miss a class, you are responsible for the material covered during the missed period.
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 or instructor 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.
ALEKS Homework:
The objectives are divided up into 7 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.
Quizzes:
There will be a quiz after the completion of each module (objective). I will replace your lowest quiz score with your final exam grade so if you miss a quiz, you will have the opportunity to replace the zero with your final exam grade. The quizzes will be taken in class on paper. You are allowed a half sheet of paper or a 3x5 inch notecard during each quiz.
Final Exam:
The final exam will be given during the last class of the semester so Thursday, July 23rd, 2026. The final exam will be done 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), both sides, during the exam.
Calculator Usage
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!
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.
Liberal Arts & Sciences
Dean, Jennifer Huggins; 815-802-8484; R310; jhuggins@kcc.edu; Division Office- W102; 815-802-8700
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!
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.
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.
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 | Assignments Due or Important Dates |
| Week 1: | Introduction to the Course Solving linear inequalities and absolute value equations; factoring polynomials; operations with complex numbers; simplifying radical expressions Test over Module 1 on Thursday, June 4th |
| Week 2: | Solving quadratic equations; circles and their equations; functions and relations; graphs of linear functions Test over Module 2 on Thursday, June 11th |
| Week 3: | Functions: linear, quadratic, cubic, absolute value, rational, radical; operations with rational expressions; functions: inputs & outputs, domain & range, intercepts, slope Test over Module 3 on Thursday, June 18th |
| Week 4: | Parallel and perpendicular lines; scatter plots and line of best fit; translating and transforming graphs of functions; symmetry; piecewise-defined functions; even and odd Test over Module 4 on Thursday, June 25th |
| Week 5: | Difference quotients; increasing, decreasing and constant intervals; local maxima and minima; average rate of change; composition of functions; quadratic functions; polynomial functions: zeros, end behavior, graphs, properties, degree Test over Module 5 on Thursday, July 2nd |
| Week 6: | Solving polynomial inequalities; finding inverse functions; exponential functions: graphing, translating, domain & range, transforming, applications; exponential and logarithmic equations; properties of logarithms; expanding logarithmic expressions Test over Module 6 on Thursday, July 9th |
| Week 7: | Solving logarithmic and exponential equations; exponential models and rate of change; solving systems of equations; ellipses and their equations and graphs Test over Module 7 on Thursday, July 16th |
| Week 8: | Review for Final Exam SEI extra credit Final Exam: Thursday, July 23rd |
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.