IOWA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Course Syllabus Information

Intermediate Algebra Fall 2015
I. Faculty Information:
Instructor: Mel Abueg

e-mail Address: mabueg@iwcc.edu

Phone: (402)427-0622
Office: Adjunct Faculty Room
Office Hours: Available by appointment only.

II. Course Information:

Course Prefix/No.
MAT 10204

Course Name
Intermediate Algebra

Credits
4

Course Description
Intermediate Algebra will prepare the student for College Algebra and Trigonometry or other equivalent
coursework. Topics include properties of real numbers, linear and quadratic equations, graphs of polynomial
functions, systems of equations, polynomial and rational expressions, inequalities, integral and rational
exponents, radicals and logarithms.
Prerequisites
Minimum Math placement score of 40 on COMPASS Algebra or 18 on ACT Math; or a grade of "C" or
higher in College Preparatory Math.
Course Meeting Times
August 17 December 10, 2015

Course Location
Kinney Hall 173

Required Textbook
ALEKS Higher Education Access to Miller/O'Neill/Hyde: Intermediate Algebra (2015), 3rd Ed.
Internet access required.
Materials and Supplies to be Furnished by Student
Scientific calculator (graphing calculators are not allowed), pencil(s), 1 or 2 notebooks, graph paper.
Course Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to do the following:
A. Solve and graph linear equations and inequalities including applications
B. Classify and solve systems of linear equations including applications
C. Perform operations and solve equations involving polynomial, rational, and radical expressions
D. Graph and solve quadratic equations including applications

E. Apply properties, solve, and graph exponential and logarithmic equations

Course Practices:
This section contains the kinds of practices expected of students.
1. Attendance Requirements
Attendance is required. There are due dates for discussions, unit topic completion, quizzes, and exams.
It is recommended you work in ALEKS five days per week. If an absence occurs, you are responsible
for anything that is due that day. Checking the News and Announcement posts and your IWCC email
account is required and should to be checked most days.
2. Standards for written work
All answers submitted electronically using ALEKS must have the correct syntax to receive credit.
All hand-written work on ALL exams MUST be given to the instructor immediately after taking
the exam. Each problem must be labeled with the problem number or no credit will be given. All
required correct work leading to the correct solution must be shown (and be legible) to receive full
credit on a problem.
3. Late Assignments
This is not a self-paced course. There are VERY FIRM due dates for each discussion, section and unit
completion, quizzes, and exams.
Topic completions, quizzes, or discussions will NOT be accepted late for ANY reason. Items in
ALEKS are typically due by 11:59 pm Central Time. Due dates are listed with the assignments.
Plan for technical difficulties and unexpected events!! Dont wait to get it done late is late,
regardless of the reason. It is recommended that you submit all work early. If you wait until the last
minute to submit something, you are taking a risk. Crises/personal problems/illnesses may arise
suddenly, or home computers/Internet connections/Websites may not work for a variety of reasons. If
connection problems occur, you should try to access the course from a caf, library, or other location
with which you may obtain Internet access.
4. Missed Exams and Quizzes
Quizzes may NOT be made up for any reason. You may take them early if needed.
There may be an opportunity to make-up ONE missed exam. You must contact the instructor to arrange
a date and time outside of normal classroom hours when the instructor is available. It should be
completed within one week from the missed exam date.
If it is necessary for you to be absent for an IWCC sponsored event, you will only be allowed to
make up the quiz or exam BEFORE the absence is to occur. If these conditions are not met, you will
be placed under the same policies as the rest of the class listed under the previous two bullets.
NO ONE IS GUARANTEED A MAKE-UP. Note also: A make-up may not count for full credit.
5. Extra Credit
Updating your Joule profile is worth up to 4 points and there will be three forums (discussion boards)
worth up to 4 points each. There will be 5 final review quizzes worth up to 1 point each.
6. Participation
There will not be any points awarded directly for participation, but it can benefit your grade to contribute
and participate in class activities. If you have a question, please ASK!!!
7. Classroom Management, Behavior and Respect
You are expected to be mindful of netiquette as you share thoughts, ideas, and interact with others in
the online environment. Problems or concerns should be reported immediately to the instructor.

Inappropriate messages may be forwarded to the Vice President of Academic Affairs and the online
administrator. Offensive messages may result in expulsion from the course. The following link offers
information on netiquette: Albion Netiquette Website.( http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html)

8. Communication with Instructor

The best way to contact the instructor is via email. Most messages will be returned the same day or the
next day. If you do not receive a response within two days (not including weekends or holidays), please
email the instructor again.
Topic completion and quizzes receive immediate feedback. Exam results are available for review after
their due date.
Grading - Components included in the Semester Grade
1. Section Completion (ALEKS pie) 38 @percentage of goal topics complete when due 2.76 points
2. Unit Completion (ALEKS pie) 9 @percentage goal topics complete when due 218 points
3.
4.
5.
6.

Pie Completion (ALEKS pie) 1 @percentage goal topics complete when due 66 points
Unit Quizzes (combination of 4 attempts in ALEKS) 8 @10 points each and 1 @20 points..100 points
Unit Exams (in ALEKS) 5 @100 points each .500 points
Comprehensive Final Exam (in ALEKS)...100 points
(All topics, sections, units, quizzes, or exams not attempted will receive a score of 0 points.)
Final grades will be based on the percentage of total points earned out of 800 on all work.
90-100% A, 80-89.99% B, 70-79.99% C, 60-69.99% D, Below 60% F

Final grades are viewable on ROC, Self-Services Menu, Students, Academic Record the Tuesday after the
end of the semester.
Important Dates
Thursday, Sept. 3:
Thursday, Sept. 17:
Thursday, Oct. 8:
Thursday, Nov. 5:
Monday, Nov. 9:
Thursday, Nov. 19:
Tuesday, Dec. 10:

50 minute Units 1-2 Exam

50 minute Unit 3 Exam
50 minute Units 4-5 Exam
50 minute Units 6-7 Exam
Last day to withdraw with a grade of W *
50 minute Unit 8 Exam
100 minute Comprehensive Final Exam

IOWA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Course Syllabus Information
Intermediate Algebra Fall 2015
*If a student decides to withdraw from this course (and receive a W) they must do so officially through
the registrars office. If this is not done by the above date, the grade recorded will be an F.
Problem Resolution
If you have a conflict with me, concerns about my teaching and/or course material, please discuss this
first with me. If we cannot resolve the difficulty, contact Lori Robeson, Program Chair, in Kinney 131 or
at 712-325-3301.
Notice of Class Cancellation
1. Emergency closing of entire campus such as for weather Students will be notified through the Reiver
Alert system. Students must register for this service; find Reiver Alert on your ROC homepage.
2. Emergency cancellation of a class session such as for faculty illness Students will be notified
through an announcement on the ROC course page if possible.

Course of Study
(eBook sections covered in each unit)
Unit 1: Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities
Linear Equations in One Variable Applications of Linear Equations in One Variable Applications to
Geometry and Literal Equations Linear Inequalities in One Variable Compound Inequalities
Absolute Value Equations Absolute Value Inequalities
Unit 2: Graphing Linear Equations and Inequalities
Linear Equations in Two Variables Slope of a Line and Rate of Change Equations of Lines
Applications of Linear Equations and Modeling Relations and Applications Introduction to Functions
Linear Inequalities in Two Variables
Units 1-2 Exam
Unit 3: Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities
Solving Systems of Linear Equations by the Graphing Method Solving Systems of Linear Equations by
the Substitution Method Solving Systems of Linear Equations by the Addition Method Applications of
Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables Systems of Linear Inequalities in Two Variables
Unit 3 Exam
Unit 4: Polynomials
Properties of Integer Exponents Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials Multiplication of
Polynomials Division of Polynomials
Unit 5: Factoring
Greatest Common Factor and Factoring by Grouping Factoring Trinomials and Perfect Square
Trinomials Factoring Binomials Including Sum and Difference of Cubes Solving Equations and
Applications of Factoring

IOWA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Course Syllabus Information
Intermediate Algebra Fall 2015
Units 4-5 Exam
Unit 6: Rationals
Rational Expressions and Rational Functions Multiplication and Division of Rational Expressions
Addition and Subtraction of Rational Expressions Complex Fractions Solving Rational Equations
Applications of Rational Equations and Proportions
Unit 7: Radicals
Definition of an nth Root Rational Exponents Simplifying Radical Expressions Addition and
Subtraction of Radicals Multiplication of Radicals Division of Radicals and Rationalization Radical
Equations and Applications Complex Numbers
Units 6-7 Exam
Unit 8: Quadratics
Square Root Property and Completing the Square Quadratic Formula and Applications Equations in
Quadratic Form Graphs of Quadratic Functions Vertex of a Parabola: Applications and Modeling
Unit 8 Exam
Unit 9: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Exponential Functions Logarithmic Functions Properties of Logarithms Exponential Equations and
Applications Logarithmic Equations
Semester Review
COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM
Tips to Help You Succeed
PARTICIPATE IN EVERY SCHEDULED DAY, WATCH THE VIDEOS AND COMPLETE ALL OF
THE TOPICS!!!!!!!!!! It may sound simple but these things are the major keys to your success.
DO NOT FALL BEHIND OR PROCRASTINATE!!!! This course is going to be VERY demanding.
You will need to spend at least a couple of hours a day reading, watching videos, and working
problems.
DO EXTRA EXAMPLES by going to the Review button and choose topics you have completed from
the Objectives View. You can also go to the Assignments button and click on the Homework for the
Unit Topics you want more practice in.
Believe it or not, it will be very helpful to actually READ the eBook! Reading math textbooks may
take some time and may be more difficult because it is online, but it is time well spent.
Use the ACADEMIC SUPPORT CENTER on the Council Bluffs campus or SMARTHINKING for
free tutoring!!!!
See the INSTRUCTOR during OFFICE HOURS if you are on or near the Council Bluffs campus,
and/or contact the instructor via E-MAIL if you have any questions!!!!

IOWA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Course Syllabus Information
Intermediate Algebra Fall 2015
III. College Policy/Information
Honor Code Academic Honesty
Upon enrolling at Iowa Western Community College, each student assumes an obligation to conduct
her/his academic affairs in a manner compatible with the standards of academic honesty established by
the College and its faculty. If this obligation is neglected or ignored by the student, disciplinary action
will be taken.
****Specifically, each student is expected to do his/her own work in this course, including all forums,
homework, quizzes, and exams. Academic dishonesty may lead to a deduction of points, failure of an
assignment, or being dropped from the course with an F, depending on the circumstances.****
Diversity Statement
Iowa Western Community College values diversity and supports learning experiences that promote
intellectual growth and human enrichment.
American with Disabilities Act Statement
If you are an individual with a disability who requires an accommodation to fully participate in academic
programs or campus activities, please email disabilityservices@iwcc.edu or call 712-325-3299.
Accommodations are arranged through the Student Success Office, on the second floor of the Student
Center on the Council Bluffs campus. Please allow for adequate time to implement your
accommodations.
Any student with mobility impairments should prepare for an emergency ahead of time by instructing
faculty and/or classmates on how to assist in case of an evacuation.
FERPA
Student rights concerning access to educational records are spelled out in Federal Public Law 98-380 as
amended by Public Law 93-568 and in regulations published by the Department of Education. The law
and regulations require educational institutions to limit the disclosure of information from the students
record to those who have the students written consent or to officials specifically permitted within the law.
Students who wish to grant access to their class schedule, transcript of final grades, and progress reports
may do so by submitting an Access to Student Information Consent Form to the Records and Registration
Office. Access to information is only given at the Records and Registration Office.
For more information, including the full Access to Student Information policy, refer to the Iowa Western
Community College General Catalog or contact the Records and Registration Office.
Cyber-Library and Academic Support

IOWA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Course Syllabus Information
Intermediate Algebra Fall 2015

Students can access books, magazines, journals, newspapers, films and audio books 24/7 through
the Cyber-Library by clicking on the Cyber Library under Academics in ROC.
For questions about finding information at your campus or center, email cyberlibrary@iwcc.edu
or call 712-325-3247 for the Council Bluffs Campus or 712-542-5117 for the Clarinda Campus.
You can find the library hours posted on ROC.
FREE tutoring and academic assistance are available through the Academic Support Center,
located on the second floor of the Student Center on the Council Bluffs campus in a variety of
core, general requirement classes.
o One-on-one assistance is available on a walk-in basis
o Group tutoring is available, but must be scheduled in advance.
FREE online tutoring is available through SMARTHINKING on ROC, to access
SMARTHINKING, locate Online Tutoring next to My ROC Classes.
For more information about tutoring services or help in your classes, email tutoring@iwcc.edu or
call 712-388-6841. A full tutoring schedule is posted by subject area on ROC.

Dropping Classes
While we encourage you to do everything you can to complete your classes, it is always better to drop a
class than to fail it. If it becomes necessary for you to drop a class you can drop a class online through
ROC up to the last day to drop. We recommend that you always talk to your advisor and financial aid
before you drop a class. For more information on dropping classes see the Advising Information Site in
ROC under the Academics tab.
Personal Electronic Devices
To provide an environment conducive to learning, Iowa Western Community College requires that
cellular phones, pagers, and other personal electronic devices be turned off or set to vibrate when entering
classrooms, computer labs, library, offices, auditoriums, or arena areas. Cellular phones with picture
taking capabilities are not allowed in bathrooms, locker rooms, or other areas where there is a reasonable
expectation of privacy. Faculty members do have the right to prohibit the use of any electronic device in
their classroom.

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY AND NON-HARASSMENT

Iowa Western Community College is committed to a policy of equal educational opportunity. Therefore the College
prohibits discrimination on the basis of unlawful criteria such as race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin,
ancestry, genetic information, physical or mental disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression,
pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, AIDS/HIV status, citizenship, or medical condition, as those terms are
defined under applicable laws, in admitting students to its programs and facilities and in administering its admissions
policies, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic programs, and other institutionally

IOWA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Course Syllabus Information
Intermediate Algebra Fall 2015
administered programs or programs made available to students. In keeping with this policy of equal educational
opportunity, the College is committed to creating and maintaining an atmosphere free from all forms of harassment.

Please Note: The syllabus serves as a contract between the faculty and the students. This syllabus is
your guide to the course, but all items are subject to change at the instructors discretion.