MTH 95 Syllabus

Course Description.

Introduces algebraic concepts and processes with a focus on factoring, functions, rational expressions, solving equations (quadratic, rational, radical, absolute value), and solving inequalities. Emphasizes number-sense, applications, graphs, formulas, and proper mathematical notation. Recommended: MTH 63 or MTH 65 or MTH 70 be taken within the past 4 terms. The PCC math department recommends that students take MTH courses in consecutive terms. Prerequisites: (MTH 63 or MTH 65 or MTH 70) and (RD 90 and WR 90) or IRW 90 or equivalent placement. Audit available. (For detailed information, see the Course Content and Outcome Guide.)

Course Outcomes.

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

1. Factor expressions and use factoring to simplify rational expressions and solve quadratic equations.

2. Solve absolute value, quadratic, rational, radical equations, and compound inequalities both symbolically and graphically.

3. Understand the definition of a function and use it to distinguish between function and non-function relationships.

4. Interpret information provided in function notation given a function expressed in graphical, symbolic, numeric, or verbal form.

5. Use variables to represent unknown quantities, create a function to model a situation, and use algebra and/or technology to find and interpret a result.

6. Interpret properties of functions and relations, such as the meaning of ordered pairs, domain and range, maximum and minimum values, and intercepts.

For more information, see the Course Content and Outcome Guide.

Instructional Approach.

This course is arranged chronologically and employs a modular design. Each week, you should complete all assignments listed in that week's lesson module. These modules are available by clicking the Content link in the course navigation bar.

Modules will start and end at 12:01AM on Mondays unless otherwise stated in the Course Calendar.  All WebWork assignments, discussion postings, and/or quizzes assigned that week will be do on Sundays at 11:59pm with the exception of the Module 0 introductory assignments.  That said, please start early and work often on these tasks.  They take time.

In each module, you will find links to the lecture outlines and videos for each section we will cover that week (usually either two or three sections).  Print out the lecture outlines and take notes on them/fill them in as you watch the videos.  You will submit these to D2L or show them to me when you take each exam.  Watch the videos and read the appropriate text book sections before you do the WebWork homework and discussion posting and/or quizzes. Doing a little bit each day is ideal.  If you do the discussion posting/s before Saturday, I will respond with feedback and give you a chance to improve your score if need be.  If you post on Sunday, there won't be an opportunity for that.  You should really strive to get the work done by Friday or Saturday at the latest.

Do use the open Q&A discussion threads to ask questions about any of the tasks/content for the week. You may also email me with any questions you have.

Assignments within the modules will direct students to use many of the tools contained in D2L, as well as other external resources such as YouTube and WeBWorK. All required tools will be accessible both from within the weekly content modules, as well as from the course navigation bar.  Also, I will post any announcements/reminders on the course homepage and usually do so at least weekly.

Instructional Materials.

Required Resources:

Textbook:

Open Resources for Community College Algebra (ORCCA) by Cary, Jordan, and Yao. You can access an interactive digital version of the textbook online, download a printable PDF version of the book, or order a physical printed copy from the PCC Bookstore

Calculator:

We will be using a free graphing calculator called Desmos. There is a free app for your phone too. There will be a portion of each exam where you will be allowed to use a calculator/technology like Desmos. However, you are still expected to write out all the algebraic solutions steps for some of those problems. It will be stated clearly in the assignment which problems those are. There will be portions of exams in which you are not allowed to use any calculator/technology.

Software/ Hardware/ Equipment/ Technical Skill Requirements:

Printer

to print lecture notes and worksheets. If you don't have one, make sure to take a look at all the printed materials so you know what is expected of you when taking notes and taking quizzes and the exams.

Scanner or Scanning App

to upload completed worksheetsAdobe Scan is a free app for scanning documents to a mobile device.

Web Browser:

Firefox, Chrome, or Safari

Upload:

You must be able to view files on your devices and upload files to Assignments folders in D2L.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements for most online classes include access to a computer with a modern operating system and a supported web browser.

Online Learning at PCC

Technical Requirements for Online Learning at PCC and Student Help Desk at PCC

Accessibility Resources for Required Course Activities:

WeBWorK:

Accessibility Guide for WeBWorK

Adobe Reader:

Accessibility Resources for Adobe Reader

Google Suite:

Accessibility Features for Google Products (including YouTube)