MAT 104

Course Description: (4 hours,3 credits.) Rational expressions, integer and rational exponents, quadratic formula, complex numbers, exponential and logarithmic functions, conic sections. Trigonometry.  

Prerequisites: A passing Math Placement Score and placement by the Department. 

Text & Materials: Aufmann & Lockwood, Algebra: Beginning and Intermediate, Cengage Learning 2nd or 3rd Edition. Course lectures will be based on the material in this text. 

About the Course: This is a college level algebra class designed to provide the student with the skills necessary to succeed in higher level courses that are to follow this course. To master the material presented, be prepared to spend a lot of time outside of class reviewing your notes and working on problems. Attending the lectures is not enough if you want to understand the material. You must make this class a priority for the entire semester. 

Communication. Communication is essential to succeeding in this course – this cannot be stressed enough. After identifying topics that may be giving you trouble, please communicate this information to me. It is my goal to create a comfortable environment best conducive for learning. 

Getting Help. There are three places that you can (and should) go to for help:  

1. Me. I will be holding office hours, checking my email regularly, and hanging around the department often.  

2. Math Lab. The Math and Computer Science Learning Center is located in GI 222. It is open five days a week and staffed with qualified tutors.  

3. Your Classmates. Your classmates are a valuable resource to ask questions to and exchange information with. 

Accommodating Disabilities: Lehman College is committed to providing access to all programs and curricula to all students. Students with disabilities who may need classroom accommodations are encouraged to register with the Office of Student Disability Services. For more info, contact the Office of Student Disability Services, Shuster Hall, Room 238, 718-960-8441. 

Course Objectives: At the end of the course, students will be able to:  

1. Graph lines and parabolas. (a,b,c)  

2. Solve linear equations/inequalities in one variable. (a,c)  

3. Factor, add, subtract, multiply, and divide polynomials. (a,b,c)  

4. Evaluate functions or expressions and apply the quadratic formula. (a,b,c)  

5. Manipulate formulas involving radicals, exponentials, and logs. (b,e)  

6. Compute lengths and angles in triangles using trigonometric functions. (a,b,c) 

Your Final Grade. Provided that you attend class regularly and on time, your final course grade will be calculated as follows: 

Homework/Quizzes 

10% 

Exam #1 

20% 

Exam #2 

20% 

Final Exam 

50% 

Homework/Quizzes. Homework will be assigned, collected, and graded about once every week. Quizzes will be announced in advance and will consist of problems previously assigned for homework. 

Exams. There will be 2 exams given in class and a Final exam. A Uniform Final Exam will be given to all sections of College Algebra during Finals Week covering the entire course especially topics needed in future courses. Students who fail this final will fail the course. Your instructor may also add additional personalized questions for your section to determine grades in the class. 

Notes.  

1. Without reasonable documented excuse, there will be:  

• NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS ACCEPTED  

• NO MAKE-UP QUIZZES/EXAMS GIVEN  

1.  Students with excessive unexcused lateness/absence may fail the course.  

2.  Excellent attendance/participation will benefit students with border-line grades.