DSMP0850-  Intermediate Algebra

In the successful completion of this course, the student will:

1. Reduce rational expressions to lowest terms; add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational expressions; simplify complex fractions; solve equations with rational expressions.
2. Review operations with polynomials and factoring of polynomials.
3. Solve linear inequalities.
4. Solve equations containing one absolute value term.
5. Graph linear equations on the rectangular coordinate system by various methods.
6. Define and determine the slope of a line.
7. Write the equation of a line given a point on the line and slope; or given two points.
8. Discuss the characteristics of parallel and perpendicular lines.
9. Graph linear inequalities in two variables.
10. Solve linear systems of two equations by graphing, elimination, and substitution.
11. Solve quadratic equations by the method of factoring and by the quadratic formula.
12. Apply the above skills to real-world applications.

This course requires in class participation.
In order to successfully complete this course, students must be present to complete in class group work and presentations.  No late or out side work will be allowed to make up this portion of the course.

Name:

• 2 Scantron sheets
• Graphing Calculator TI 83+ is required

These are general recommendations for accessing any of the services that Southwest offers on the Web (e.g. My. Southwest, WebCT, etc.).

• minimum 650 or higher Pentium III processor (recommended)
• CD-ROM or DVD drive
• floppy drive, zip drive, or CD-RW drive
• Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device
• at least 256 MB of RAM (recommended)
• (optional) printer

The software listed below in the "General Software Requirements" are recommended for any student accessing Southwest services through the internet.

General Software Requirements

• Operating System:
  • Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP (recommended)
  • Mac OS 8.6/9.1/X
  • Linux
• Current Anti-Virus protection
• Reliable Internet connection (broadband recommended but not required)

Tests

1. There will be four unit tests during the semester.
       Each test will count 120 points, for a total of 480 points.
      This is 48% of your course grade.
       Test questions will be similar in format to problems on the unit review.
2. All questions pertaining to test material must be asked prior to taking the test.
       Students may leave when finished with a test.
3. Students should NOT leave during a test and then return to class.
       This is disruptive to others who are testing.
4. Only ONE MAKEUP TESTwill be allowed.
       a. The makeup test will be given on the last day of classes.
       b. Makeup tests will be different from the ones given in class.
       c. If a second exam is missed, an equivalent score based on the Final exam will be used.
       d. If a third or fourth exam is missed, a score of ZERO will be used.
5. One RETAKE TEST. Only students who have NOT missed any exams may retake ONLY ONE test
       to improve a score.
       a. A retake test will be given on the last day of classes.
       b. Retake tests will be different from the original given in class.
       c. There are NO MAKE UPS for a retake test.
   NOTE: The grade received on this test WILL REPLACE previous test score regardless of
   whether the score is higher or lower.  Do not take this test without studying.

Final Exam

1. Final Exam is 120 points and 12% of course grade.
2. Final Exam is written partly by the department.
3. No make-ups or late finals are given.
   Documentation will be required to take the Final the first week of the following semester and a
   Change of Grade will be made if applicable.
   

Homework

1. A class homework and testing schedule will be provided. This schedule is tentative.
   Changes may occur if it becomes necessary.
2. For homework, students should read their textbook, work the assigned problems, and do additional problems if needed.
   Doing homework is ESSENTIAL to success in this course.

In-Class Participation Assignments

1. Twelve (12) written in-class assignments are required.
2. Assignment sheet with the required problems will be given in class.
3. All assignments are due at the END of each class period.
4. NO LATE WORK will be accepted as this grade is based on your class participation.

In-Class Calculator/Application Participation Assignments

1. Four (4) in-class assignments requiring the use of a graphing calculator.
2. Assignment sheet with the required problems will be given in class.
3. All assignments are due at the END of each class period.
4. NO LATE WORK will be accepted as this grade is based on your class participation.
5. 10 points will be deducted if you do not have your own graphing calculator.

Podcasting

1. Create and post a Podcast
2. Podcast will count 120 points or 12% of the course grade.
3. More details will be presented in class

Application Presentation

1. Create and present an application problem.
2. Presentation will count 60 points or 6% of the course grade.
3. More details will be presented in class

Conduct

1. Students are expected to abide by the policies given in the Student Handbook for Southwest.
2. Failure to do so could result in removal from class.

Attendance

1. Role will be taken each class and lab period. You must attend both lectures and labs.
2. More than 4 absences will result in a grade of F. It is recommended that your drop the course if you can not attend class.

The Tennessee Board of Regents requires mandatory attendance for all students in developmental classes.
The following rules apply:

1. A student may fail a developmental class, regardless of prior course grades, after missing the equivalent of two weeks of class. Failing a course may adversely affect VA benefits, financial aid, insurance benefits, dependency status, scholarship eligibility etc.
2. Individual instructors determine specific make-up policies. Students absent from a developmental class might not be allowed to make up missed tests, writing assignments, or other graded work. Missed work will adversely affect final course grades.

Failing the Course:
One unsuccessful attempt of this course can result in being placed on academic probation. Two unsuccessful attempts of this course can be grounds for suspension.

Misuse of Computers:
Computers in Southwest Tennessee's computer labs, the Academic Resource Center and the Learning Center are to be used for educational purposes only.

Beepers or Telephones:
The volume of telephones and beepers must be turned off if you have these items with you in class. The noise is distracting not only to the instructor but to your classmates as well.Unauthorized

Unauthorized Attendance:
No children or other unauthorized individuals are allowed in the classroom. No student will be allowed to attend class until his/her name is on the official class roll or he/she has proper documentation from the Records Office.

Each student has been provided a Southwest e-mail account. Please do not email your classmates unless the topic relates specifically to this course. E-mails that contain advertisements, solicitations, personal interests, etc. are strictly forbidden.

Below are a few guidelines that you should keep in mind when sending email:

• Always include a subject line.
• Typing in all CAPS is considered SHOUTING in Cyberspace. So please use upper and lower case characters when sending e-mails.
• Remember, without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your e-mails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.
• Use standard fonts.
• Do not send large attachments without permission.

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https://apps.southwest.tn.edu/my-southwest-content/HelpDesk/Ticket.asp

When requesting help please provide as much information as possible, such as, your name and a full detailed explanation of the problem.

If you are experiencing difficulty with this Web site, please contact your instructor.

Using the My.Southwest Student Technical Support Request is the quickest way to receive an answer to your technical support question. When leaving a request for help, please leave detailed information so that we may provide you the best service possible.