Great Falls College Montana State University
COURSE TITLE:
College Algebra
COURSE NUMBER: M 121-‐80, M 121-‐81
NUMBER OF CREDITS:
3
SEMESTER/YEAR: Fall 2013
INSTRUCTOR:
Ronald Yates
Email: ronald.yates2@gfcmsu.edu
Office Hours: By appointment
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course presents concepts, principles and methods of college-‐level algebra. Topics to be covered include polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions and their graphs, and real and complex numbers.
II. COURSE MATERIALS:
Textbook: College Algebra: Graphs and Models, Fifth Edition, by Bittinger/Beecher/Ellenbogen/Penna, published by Pearson
Access Code: MyMathLab access code is packaged within new textbooks or may be purchased
separately.
Calculator: A scientific calculator is required. A TI-‐83/84 (or equivalent) graphing calculator
is strongly recommended. A calculator with a symbolic manipulator (TI-‐89, TI-‐
92, etc.) will not be allowed for testing.
III. COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of the course, the student will demonstrate a minimum competency level of 70% in the following areas: 1. Manipulate real and complex numbers. 2. Manipulate polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions of a real variable.
3. Graph polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions of a real variable. 4. Find inverse functions for selected polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions of a real variable. 5. Use polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions of a real variable to model real-‐world phenomena and solve applied problems.
Revised August 2013
IV. COURSE OUTLINE:
(See Addendum for Detailed Calendar)
Chapter 1: Graphs, Functions, and Models Chapter 2: More on Functions Chapter 3: Quadratic Functions and Equations; Inequalities Chapter 4: Polynomial and Rational Functions Chapter 5: Exponential & Logarithmic Functions
V. COURSE CALENDAR – See Addendum
This schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the course instructor to accommodate instructional and/or student needs.
VI. COURSE EVALUATION – See Addendum for Details