Instructor: Mrs. Autrey

Office BB – 216

e-mail: cautrey@westga.edu

web page: http://www.westga.edu/~cautrey

Text:  Pre-Calculus, 3rd Edition, by Robert Blitzer, Prentice-Hall 

  The deadline to drop to this class without penalty (you receive a W) is Monday, March 3rd.

Courses Description:

 This course is a functional approach to algebra that incorporates the use of technology.  Emphasis will be placed on the study of functions, and their graphs, inequalities, and linear, quadratic, piece-wise defined, polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions.  Appropriate applications will be included.

Learning Outcomes:

 Students should be able to demonstrate:

1. An understanding of the equations of circles and lines 

2. An understanding of functions and how to graph functions

3. An understanding of operations on functions including function composition

4. An understanding of polynomial and rational graphs, including intercepts and asymptotes

5. An understanding of how to find the zeros of a polynomial and how to factor polynomials

6. An understanding of inverse functions and how to find them graphically and algebraically

7. An understanding of the properties of exponential and logarithmic equations

8. An understanding of how to solve exponential and logarithmic equations

9. An understanding of how to solve a system of equations

Attendance Policy

I will pass around a sign-up sheet each class until the drop deadline.  If you miss more than 5 classes by March 3rd, I will drop you from the class rolls.

Grading Method: 

There will be 4 major tests and a final exam.    The major tests will make up 80% of your grade.  The final exam will be weighted the same as the major tests and will result in 20% of your final grade.  The final exam is comprehensive. Your final average grade will come from the percentage of total points accumulated divided by the total possible points.  Grades are assigned on a 10% point scale format:

       90% < A < 100%

       80% < B < 89%

       70% < C < 79%

       69% < D < 60%

       59% < F

Example:  Suppose you score on the 4 tests the following grades:  T#1 = 70%; T#2 = 85%; T#3 = 65%; T#4 = 90%. On your final you score 80%.  Your final average for the course will be computed as follows:

 I do reserve the right to offer extra credit on the tests and the final exam at my discretion.

 ***NO MAKE-UP TEST WILL BE GIVEN AFTER THE SCHEDULED DAY. 

·          In the case of hospitalization or death of a close family member your grade for that test will come from the corresponding questions on the Final Exam. 

·          If you know ahead of time due to sports or significant school activity you can take your tests a class day early. 

·          Proof will be required.

Cell Phone Policy:

Because of past experience, I ask that you mute or turn off your cell phone at the beginning of my class.  This is a courtesy to your fellow students and me. 

How to Succeed in this Math class:

1. Come to every class. 
2. Ask questions, respectfully, when you don’t understand.  I will gladly restate or rephrase the instruction.
3. Study by working through the exercises I suggest to you in class.
4. Take advantage of the office hours or the Math Tutor lab offered by this department.
5. Apply yourself in the beginning so you don’t have to make up ground later.