MW 9:15-10:55 am
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
College Algebra is a prerequisite course for many other math courses, including Finite Math, Calculus for Business and Social Sciences, and Calculus and Analytic Geometry I. The knowledge from this course will help with success in the subsequent courses.
Faculty Contact Information
11-12 MTWThF
Email: aharwood@kcc.edu, This is the best way to reach me.
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
Graphing Calculator: TI-84 Plus preferred; The library has a set available to borrow for the semester, for free. Please take advantage of this program and let your professor know if you have any questions.
ALEKS course code: primary way to get homework assignments. This code has been paid for when you registered for the class, so no need to buy a new code
Financial Aid Code, provided first day--can be used for first 2 weeks, but then ALEKs 360 code needs to be purchased
Homework: Homework is an essential part of any math class. The homework for this class will be given via ALEKs and will usually be due before the assessment (quiz or test). ALEKs homework requires working through 3 examples of each objective in order to show mastery.
Quizzes: There will be quizzes given throughout the semester. The quizzes will be taken in class and the lowest score will be dropped at the end of the semester. There will be NO makeup quizzes.
Exams: There will be exams given throughout the semester, always during class periods. 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. Each student can make up (not retake) 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 can be made in person, by phone, 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
Exams will not be returned to the class until all makeup exams have been taken and graded.
Final Exam: There will be a comprehensive final exam given during the 17th week. There are no makeup opportunities for the final exam. The final exam represents 20% of your final grade.
Grading Scale by percentage
90-100 A
80-89 B
70-79 C
60-69 D
Below 60 F
Liberal Arts & Sciences
Dean, Jennifer Huggins; 815-802-8484; R310; jhuggins@kcc.edu; Division Office- W102; 815-802-8700
Attendance: Attendance is mandatory. To be successful in this course, a student must attend class every day. You are responsible for work missed due to absence. There will be no distinction between “excused” and “unexcused” absences. Attendance will not be counted for a grade, but will factor into your overall success in the class. Most class, we'll be working on homework and having mini-lectures. This time will be invaluable.
**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. **
This course is designed to get students ready for a variety of different higher math courses, including Calculus, Business Calculus, and Finite Math. As such, be prepared to delve into various areas of math, some of which may be brand new to you.
Cell Phones, Other Distractions: Please refrain from using cell phones for calls, texting, etc… while in class. If it is an emergency, please leave 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 the guidelines below.
Cheating/Plagiarizing: Students found cheating on any assessments will earn a grade of zero on the assessment after the first occurrence and a grade of F for the entire course after the second occurrence. Using AI tools, such as ChatGPT and photomath, will be considered cheating and will be subject to the cheating/plagiarizing guidelines.
Calculator Usage: Graphing calculators will be necessary throughout this course, except on specific items chosen by your instructor. You cannot share calculators during quizzes or exams. You do not need to purchase a graphing calculator for this course but may use one if you already have one. There are graphing calculators available in the library to borrow for free.
Respect and integrity are expected at all times in this class. Please let me know if there are issues before anything gets out of hand.
Course Calendar
| Week | Topics |
| 1 | Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations |
| 2 | Applications of Quad. Equations, More equations and applications |
| 3 | Functions and Relations |
| 4 | Linear equations in Two Variables and Linear Functions, Applications of Linear Equations and Modeling |
| 5 | Transformations of Graphs, Analyzing graphs of Functions and Piece-wise Defined Functions |
| 6 | Algebra of Functions and Function Composition Polynomial and Rational Functions; Quadratic Functions and Applications |
| 7 | Introduction to Polynomial Functions; Division of Polynomials and the Remainder and Factor Theorems |
| 8 | Zeros of Polynomials; Rational Functions |
| 9 | Polynomial and Rational Inequalities Exponential and Logarithmic Functions |
| 10 | Inverse Functions; Exponential Functions |
| 11 | Logarithmic Functions, Properties of Logarithms |
| 12 | Exponential and Logarithmic Equations and Applications; Modeling with Exponential and Logarithmic Functions |
| 13 | Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables and Applications; Systems of Linear Equations in Three Variables and Applications |
| 14 | Systems of Nonlinear Equations in Two Variables |
| 15 | Conic Sections |
| 16 | Conic Sections and Review for Final Exam |
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.