College Algebra

Class
In-depth study and applications of polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions, and systems of equations using matrices. Additional topics such as sequences, series, probability, and conics may be included. This course includes the study of linear, quadratic, polynomial, logarithmic, and exponential functions and their graphs; characteristics of other basic functions, graphing techniques, and operations on functions; systems of equations; and matrices. (Attendance policy is included in this section).

Competencies

  1. To demonstrate competency in recognizing and applying linear and quadratic functions, a student should be able to:
    1. Solve linear equations.
    2. Solve quadratic equations using factoring, square root property, completing the square, the quadratic formula, and substitution. Include complex solutions.
    3. Use the discriminant to describe solutions to quadratic equations.
    4. Solve applied problems involving linear and quadratic equations.
    5. Add subtract, multiply, divide, and simplify complex numbers.
    6. Solve rational and radical equations.
    7. Solve quadratic and rational inequalities.
  2. To demonstrate competency in demonstrating and applying knowledge of properties of functions, including domain and range, operations, compositions, and inverses, a student should be able to:
    1. Define and identify relations and functions.
    2. Determine the domain and range of a function.
    3. Evaluate functions using function notation.
    4. Graph linear functions using points, intercepts, and slope.
    5. Find the slope of a line and interpret slope as an average rate of change.
    6. Determine the intervals for which a function is increasing, decreasing, or constant.
    7. Determine the intervals for which a function is continuous.
    8. Find the average rate of change between two values of a function.
    9. Use functions to model data.
    10. Identify characteristics and evaluate piecewise-defined functions.
    11. Graph basic functions using translations.
    12. Identify symmetry of the graph of a function.
    13. Determine whether a function in even or odd.
    14. Find the sum, difference, product, and quotient of functions.
    15. Determine the difference quotient.
    16. Find the composition of functions and determine the effect on domain.
  3. To demonstrate competency in recognizing and applying polynomial and rational functions, a student should be able to:
    1. Determine domain and range.
    2. Identify increasing, decreasing, and constant functions.
    3. Graph quadratic functions.
    4. Find and use the vertex of a quadratic function in an application.
    5. Use long division and synthetic division algorithms for polynomials.
    6. Determine zeros and factors of functions using a variety of algebraic techniques.
    7. Determine the value of a polynomial function using the remainder theorem.
    8. Sketch the graph of a polynomial function.
    9. Use the intermediate value theorem for polynomial functions.
    10. Determine the asymptotes of a rational function.
    11. Sketch the graph of a rational function.
    12. Create a polynomial function given zeros of the function.
  4. To demonstrate competency in recognizing and applying exponential and logarithmic functions, a student should be able to:
    1. Identify characteristics and determine the inverse of a function.
    2. Evaluate exponential and logarithmic functions.
    3. Expand and condense expressions using logarithmic properties.
    4. Relate logarithmic and exponential functions.
    5. Determine the graph of logarithmic and exponential equations.
    6. Solve exponential and logarithmic equations.
    7. Solve problems consisting of exponential and logarithmic applications.
  5. To demonstrate competency in recognizing, solving and applying systems of linear equations using matrices, a student should be able to:
    1. Solve linear and non-linear systems of equations using algebraic techniques.
    2. Solve systems of equations using the Cramer's Rule.
    3. Determine the solution of a system of inequalities.
    4. Relate solving equations and inequalities to linear programming applications.
    5. Solve application problems using systems of equations.
    6. Apply properties of matrices and perform basic operations.
  6. (Optional) To demonstrate competency in sequences and series, a student should be able to:
    1. Find elements of sequences and series.
    2. Evaluate a finite and convergent infinite series.
    3. Find elements of an arithmetic and geometric series.
    4. Find the sum of terms in an arithmetic and geometric series.
    5. Solve application problems using sequences and series.
  7. (Optional) To demonstrate competency in conics and probability, a student should be able to:
    1. Identify characteristics and forms of equations of parabolas, ellipses, and hyperbolas.
    2. Graph and give the domain and range of horizontal parabolas, ellipses, and hyperbolas.
    3. Write the equations for parabolas, ellipses, and hyperbolas.
    4. Apply the fundamental principle of counting, permutation formulas, and combination formulas.
    5. Discuss basic concepts of probability including outcomes and sample spaces.
    6. Illustrate probability concepts using Venn diagrams.
    7. Determine the probability of single events, unions of events, and binomial experiments.

Campus Resources for Students

Weatherford:
The Academic Support Center is a free public tutoring service provided by the college, offered in LART- LL Room 2, 817-598-6278

Instructional videos

Computer assisted instruction

Instructor’s office hours

Course Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the students will:

  1. Recognize and apply Linear and Quadratic Functions and solve related equations.
  2. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of properties of functions, including domain and range, operations, compositions, and inverses.
  3. Recognize and apply Polynomial and Rational Functions and solve related equations.
  4. Recognize and apply exponential and logarithmic functions and solve related equations
  5. Recognize, solve and apply systems of linear equations using matrices.
  6. (Optional) Sequences and Series.
  7. (Optional) Conics and Probability.
Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the students will:

  1. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of properties of functions, including domain and range, operations, compositions and inverses.
  2. Recognize and apply polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions and solve related equations. and solve related equations.
  3. Apply graphing techniques.
  4. Evaluate all roots of higher degree polynomial and rational functions.
  5. Recognize, solve and apply systems of linear equations using matrices.
Lab Fee
$24
Required Textbooks
College Algebra, 12th Ed., Lial, Hornsby, Schneider, and Daniels, Pearson-Addison-Wesley, 2017. ISBN# 0-13-421745-4. MyNotes workbook and MyLabsPlus access code. See Instructor. Purchase of MyLabsPlus access code is required.

Required Supplies

Some sections in Chapter 4 will require a calculator: The calculator will not be used for the final exam.
Evaluation Standards

These course learning outcomes and course competencies will be assessed through the administration of a minimum of 3 in-class exams (65%), quizzes and/or homework (including MyLabsPlus) (15%), and a comprehensive, departmental final exam (20%). No calculators will be allowed on the final exam. All final exam answers will be exact.

Notes, textbooks, note cards, formula sheets, or any other additional materials will NOT be approve for use on exams. Any use will be an academic integrity violation.

Grading Standards

A - Student’s work is exceptional and consistently above average.
B - Student’s work is above average. Required assignments were completed in a timely manner and have met at least the minimum required standards.
C - Student’s work is acceptable. Majority of assignments meet the minimum required standards.
D - Student’s work fails to meet the minimum requirements for a grade of "C." Overall performance was sub-standard in comparison to normal expectations for this class.
F - Student’s work is clearly unacceptable. Student either did not attempt the work or failed to meet any of the minimum required standards.

To enroll in the next higher mathematics course that has a College Algebra prerequisite, a student must earn a grade of C or better in this course. A student can take the Compass test to also indicate competency for placement in a higher mathematics course.

Required Institutional Core Learning Outcomes

Communication (COM), Critical Thinking (CT), Empirical & Quantitative Reasoning (EQR)

Disabilities

ADA Statement:

Any student with a documented disability (e.g. learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) may contact the Office on the Weatherford College Weatherford Campus to request reasonable accommodations. Phone: 817-598-6350 Office Location: Office Number 118 in the Student Services Building, upper floor. Physical Address: Weatherford College 225 College Park Drive Weatherford, TX.

Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity is fundamental to the educational mission of Weatherford College, and the College expects its students to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct. Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials including unauthorized use of Generative AI. Departments may adopt discipline specific guidelines on Generative AI usage approved by the instructional dean. Any student who is demonstrated to have engaged in any of these activities will be subject to immediate disciplinary action in accordance with institutional procedures.
Hope Statement
Any student who faces challenges securing basic resources such as food, clothing, or housing and believes this may affect their performance in their course of study is urged to contact the Director of Student Resources, Dr. Deborah Cregger, for support at (817) 598-6444. Her office is on the first floor of Student Services. If the student prefers, they may contact their instructor, who can reach out on their behalf. Weatherford College also provides the Coyote Pantry. The Pantry maintains boxed and canned foods for students in need. The location of the Coyote Pantry is two blocks west of the Weatherford campus at the Baptist Student Ministry (118 E. Park Ave., Weatherford). Pantry hours are Mon-Thurs. 8:30 am-4:30 pm and Fri. 8.30 am-12:00 pm (817-599-6586).
Grading Key

100-90 = A
89-80 = B
79-70 = C
69-60 = D
59-below = F

Revised
Fall 2021
Last Modified
Friday, September 10, 2021, 3:20 PM