College Algebra

I. Course Description:
Covers the structure of complex number systems, polynomials, rational expressions,
graphing, systems of equations and inequalities and functions , quadratic and rational
equations and inequalities. Lecture 3 hours per week.

II. Prerequisites:
Math 04 (Algebra II) or a satisfactory score on an appropriate proficiency examination or
placement test or equivalent.

III. Instructional Materials:
Textbook: Algebra for College Students, by Kaufman and Schwitters; 8^th Edition.

IV. Overall Objectives:
1. Review basic definitions and properties of algebra
2. Solve linear , quadratic, absolute value, rational, radical, exponential and
logarithmic equations in one variable.
3. Solve linear, quadratic, and absolute value inequalities
4. Graph linear , quadratic, exponential and logarithm functions and linear
inequalities
5. Review rational expressions and their operations
6. Simplify and convert between rational exponents and radicals
7. Solve systems of equations in two variables
8. Convert between exponential and logarithmic forms
9. Simplify logarithms using their properties

V. Attendance Policy:
It is expected that you will attend every class session. Mathematics is a comprehensive
subject and builds on itself. If you are unable to attend a session, contact the instructor or
a classmate to find out what was missed. You are responsible for reading the sections
covered that day and completing the assignments listed on the syllabus. More than 20%
absences of the class sessions for the semester constitutes unsatisfactory attendance and
will place you in jeopardy of being withdrawn from class.

VI. Supplements: (Available in the Learning Lab and/or Math Lab )
1) Videotapes review problem solving methods and guide students through
practice problems. Videotapes are available in the Library and on the CD
that comes with the book.
2) Software allows students to practice and tests their skills, pinpoints and
corrects weak areas. It also tutors students by working example problems and
displaying annotated, step-by-step solutions to missed problems. The
software is available in the Math Lab and on the CD that comes with the book.

VII. Disability Services Policy:
Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with disabilities, provided those
students have registered with the Office of Disability Services. Present your teacher with
the documentation.

TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
CLASSROOM AND LABORATORY
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR FACULTY

In the event of a bomb threat, tornado, or fire, students and staff may be asked to
evacuate the building or move to a secure location within the building. Evacuation
routes for movement to an external location or to a shelter within the building are
posted at the front of the room. Students should review the maps and make sure
that the exit route and assembly location for the building are clearly understood. If
you have a disability that may require assistance during an evacuation, please let
your faculty know at the end of the first class.

Course Outline --Math 158 – College Algebra
Text: Algebra for College Students, by Kaufman and Schwitters; 8^th Edition

1. BASIC CONCEPTS AND PROPERTIES.
Sets, Real Numbers, and Numerical Expressions. Operations with Real Numbers.
Properties of Real Numbers and the Use of Exponents. Algebraic Expressions. Summary.
Review Problem Set. Test.

2. EQUATIONS, INEQUALITIES, AND PROBLEM SOLVING.
Solving First-Degree Equations. Equations Involving Fractional Forms. Equations
Involving Decimals and Problem Solving. Formulas . Inequalities. More on Inequalities
and Problem Solving. Equations and Inequalities Involving Absolute Value. Summary.
Review Problem Set. Test.

3. POLYNOMIALS.
Polynomials: Sums and Differences. Products and Quotients of Monomials. Multiplying
Polynomials. Factoring: Use of the Distributive Property . Factoring: Difference of Two
Squares and Sum or Difference of Two Cubes . Factoring Trinomials . Equations and
Problem Solving. Summary. Review Problem Set. Test. Cumulative Review Problem Set
(Chapters 1-3).

4. RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS.
Simplifying Rational Expressions. Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions.
Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions. More on Rational Expressions and
Complex Fractions . Dividing Polynomials . Fractional Equations. More Fractional
Equations and Applications. Summary. Review Problem Set. Test.

5. EXPONENTS AND RADICALS.
Using Integers as Exponents. Roots and Radicals. Combining Radicals and Simplifying
Radicals That Contain Variables. Products and Quotients Involving Radicals. Equations
Involving Radicals. Merging Exponents and Roots. Scientific Notation. Summary.
Review Problems Set. Test.

6.QUADRATIC EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES.
Complex Numbers. Quadratic Equations. Completing the Square. Quadratic Formula.
More Quadratic Equations and Applications. Quadratic and Other Nonlinear Inequalities.
Summary. Review Problem Set. Test. Cumulative Review Problem Set (Chapters 1-6).

7. LINEAR EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES IN TWO VARIABLES.
Rectangular Coordinate System and Linear Equations. Graphing Nonlinear Equations
Linear Inequalities in Two Variables. Distance and Slope . Determining the Equation of a
Line. Summary. Review Problem Set. Test.

8. FUNCTIONS.
Concept of a Function. Linear Functions and Applications. Quadratic Functions. More
Quadratic Functions and Applications. Transformations of Some Basic Curves.
Combining Functions . Direct and Inverse Variation. Summary. Review Problem Set.
Test.

10. EXPONENTIAL AND LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS.
Exponents and Exponential Functions. Applications of Exponential Functions. Inverse
Functions. Logarithms. Logarithmic Functions. Exponential Equations, Logarithmic
Equations, and Problem Solving. Summary. Review Problem Set. Test. Cumulative
Review Problem Set (Chapter 1-10).

11. SYSTEMS OF EQUATIONS.
Systems of Two Linear Equations in Two Variables. Systems of Three Linear Equations
in Three Variables. Matrix Approach to Solving Linear Systems. Determinants. Cramer's
Rule . Partial Fractions. Summary. Review Problem Set. Test.

Math 158: College Algebra
Homework problems
Text: Algebra for College Students, by Kaufman and Schwitters; 8^th Edition