Math 104 (Spring 2005)

                                 Radford University

Course information

Section: Math 104 Section 02

Instructor: William Andrew Case

Time and Place: 11:00-12:15 M W F in 179 Porterfield Hall

Textbook: College Algebra, Sullivan, Sixth Edition

Office: 211 Walker Hall

Phone: 831-5163

Email; wacase@radford.edu

Webpage: www.radford.edu/~wacase

Office Hours:    9:00-9:45 M W F  2:00-3:00 M
                          9:30-10:45 and 1:15-2:00 T TH
                          (Note: Special office hours can be arranged if needed)

Grading Policy:   There will be four exams, one cumulative final exam, and daily grade based upon quizzes and homework.  The tentative exam dates for the four exams will be February 4, March 1, March 31, and April 21   The final grade in the course will be determined as follows:

                               4 Exams--------------400 points
                               Daily Grade ---------100 points
                               Final Exam ----------100 points
                               Total points ---------600 points

Grading  Scale

                                   540 - 600 points  A  (90 %)
                                   480 - 539 points  B   (80 %)
                                   420 - 479 points  C   (70 %)
                                   360 - 419 points  D   (60 %)

Course prerequisites:

Math 104 or four credits of high school mathematics.

Attendance policy:    Class attendance is expected and strongly recommended.   Attendance will be taken every class meeting by passing an attendance sheet around for students to sign.  Keep in mind that your performance on tests could be affected by poor class attendance.  Make up exams and quizzes will be given only with the instructor’s permission.

Course Objective:

Detailed Description of Content of Course

I. Fundamental Concepts

A. Exponents
B. Radicals
C. Fractions
D. Factoring

II. Equations and Inequalities

A. Elementary equations with applications such as percentages, ratios, and velocity problems.
B. Equations of degree greater than one, with applications such as maximum-minimum problems.
C. Elementary inequalities.

III. Functions and Graphs

A. A study of functions and relations
B. Curve sketching for linear functions and polynomials and the reading of graphs.
C. Sketching and reading of the graphs for the conic sections.

IV. Systems of Equations

A. Method of Elimination
B. Matrix Methods

V. Polynomial and Rational Functions

A. Finding roots and factors
B. Graphing    

Radford University Honor Code:  By accepting admission to Radford University, each student makes a commitment to understand, support, and abide by the University Honor Code without compromise or exception. Violations of this academic integrity will not be tolerated. Refer to your Student Handbook for details. Each of these classes will be conducted in strict observance of the Honor Code.

Assignments