MATH 101: Intermediate Algebra


Outcomes

  1. Acquire a deeper understanding of the role algebra plays in solving problems, modeling real-world behavior, and enhancing analysis.
  2. Develop a more robust skill set for dealing with absolute value, linear, quadratic, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
  3. Set up and solve quantitative problems requiring systems of linear equations.
  4. Build a more solid understanding of the following:
    1. order of operations (both simplifying and solving).
    2. extracting roots, completing the square, quadratic formula.
    3. polynomial factoring, solving rational and radical equations.
    4. long division and synthetic division of polynomials.
    5. checking the reasonableness of solutions by testing the results and watching out for extraneous solutions that may occur.
  5. Become acquainted with complex numbers and the four fundamental operations applied to the complex.
  6. Polish understanding and skill working with the definition of a function that will be vital for the next level of mathematics beyond this course.

Description

This course will enable students to strengthen their understanding and skills in the algebraic, graphic, and numeric venues of slopes, intercepts, linear and quadratic functions, variation, polynomial and rational functions, systems of equations, powers and roots, exponential and logarithmic functions, curve fitting and general mathematical modeling within real-world contexts. (Math 101 may not be taken for credit if FDMAT 110 has been completed with a grade of B or higher.)

This class uses Intermediate Algebra by Lumen Learning as the interactive text and as the homework, quiz, and exam engines. All of this is built into the course. The cost for this is $12. You cannot opt out of using Intermediate Algebra by Lumen Learning as this is how almost all coursework is completed. If you stay in the course past the drop date the BYUI Bookstore will just bill your BYUI account for this cost. You don't need to worry about purchasing anything. If you drop before the drop date, you won't be billed for this cost.

Learning Model Architecture

The learning model for this class is as follows:

  1. Pre-tests help the students identify areas to focus on and help prepare the student for learning.
  2. Homework allows the student to prepare and ponder on the mathematical principles and techniques which they are learning. Videos are provided which will help the students learn the material.
  3. Group Homework allows the student to work with other students in a 'Teach One Another' fashion.
  4. Projects allow students to apply or prove principles learned.
  5. Quizzes and exams give the students the chance to prove the principles and techniques they've learned and evaluate how well they have progressed in their studies.
  6. Intructors which can aid the students in understanding the material and the course, and they evaluate student progress.

Prerequisites

Students will need to successfully complete Math 100B or equivalent. Students scoring less than an 18 on the ACT mathematics or 430 on the SAT mathematics test will need a score of 38 or higher on the ALEKS placement exam. See BYU-Idaho: Math Placement Exam (ALEKS) for more information.

Required Materials

  1. A working Windows or Apple computer (preferably 6-years-old or newer).
  2. A webcam and a microphone.
  3. A reliable internet connection.

Grading Policies

Weighted Grades

Grades are weighted for MATH 101. This means that each category of graded items is given a certain weight towards the overall grade. The points of the graded items in the category matter towards the category but not directly towards the final grade.

Algorithmic Problems

The problems that you will take in this class are algorithmically generated. This means that you will not likely see any two problems exactly alike, and you and a classmate will likely never see the same questions.

Exams: 50%

There are four exams and a final in this category. The exams include questions from the previous modules, although most questions will be from the module tested. This is to give you incentive to retain what you have studied, so the you will be prepared for the final, and for future classes. Each exam, including the final, is worth 100 points.

Quizzes: 14%

There is a quiz for each module; there is one module per week. This is to give you a chance to review how well you are doing, and to give you experience in performing the mathematics that you are learning.

Homework: 14%

There are problem sets for each mathematical principle and technique you will learn in the class. Because these problem sets were designed to give the practice necessary to learn algebra students are encouraged to take each problem set up to 5 times. Because they are algorithmically generated, you will get new problems each time you take a problem set.

Group Assignments: 12%

Group work is an important part of the BYU-I learning model and for good reason. Group work has been shown to almost double the likelihood of getting an A or a B in a difficult class.

Projects: 5%

You will be given the opportunity to work on 2 projects that will help you apply some of the math that you are learning. You will be shown the projects in week 2 of the semester, and can work on them whenever you would like, but they are due in specific weeks during the semester.

Pretests: 5%

Pretests are given to help you see what parts of the module you need to work on the most. You can take them up to five times, if you would like. Research shows that testing on something before studying increases the rate of retention, so you may want to take the pre-test before going through the module’s material.

Grading Scale

A    (score ≥ 93%)

A-   (90 ≤ score < 93%)

B+  (87 ≤ score < 90%)

B    (83 ≤ score < 87%)

B-   (80 ≤ score < 83%)

C+  (77 ≤ score < 80%)

C    (73 ≤ score < 77%)

C-   (70 ≤ score < 73%)

D+  (67 ≤ score < 70%)

D    (63 ≤ score < 67%)

D-   (60 ≤ score < 63%)

F     (score < 60%)

Disclaimers

The instructor reserves the right to change any part of this syllabus at any time during the semester in order to adapt to changing course needs. You will be notified prior to any changes that may take place.