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College Algebra
I. Course Prefix/Number: MAT 140
Course Name: College Algebra
Credits: 3 (3 lecture; 0 lab)
II. Prerequisite
MAT 120 with minimum grade of C or appropriate score on Mathematics Placement Test, and MAT 053 or geometry proficiency.
III. Course (Catalog) Description
Course surveys algebraic and exponential functions. Content includes polynomial,
rational, exponential, logarithmic, and special functions systems of equations
and inequalities, sequences and series, and the binomial theorem.
IV. Learning Objectives
A. Understand the concepts of relation and function.
B. Understand the use of function notation.
C. Understand the relationship between a function and its inverse.
D. Graph and recognize the basic characteristics for the following functions: linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic.
E. Solve systems of linear and nonlinear equations and inequalities.
F. Apply the concepts of sequence and series.
G. Use technology for graphing and evaluating functions.
1. Generate the complete graph for the elementary functions.
2. Solve equations involving elementary functions.
B. Understand the use of function notation.
C. Understand the relationship between a function and its inverse.
D. Graph and recognize the basic characteristics for the following functions: linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic.
E. Solve systems of linear and nonlinear equations and inequalities.
F. Apply the concepts of sequence and series.
G. Use technology for graphing and evaluating functions.
1. Generate the complete graph for the elementary functions.
2. Solve equations involving elementary functions.
V. Academic Integrity
Students and employees at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate academic integrity
and follow Oakton's Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits:
• cheating,
• plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
• falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
• helping others to cheat,
• unauthorized changes on official documents,
• pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
• making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
• any other behavior that violates academic integrity.
There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton's policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.
Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.
• cheating,
• plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
• falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
• helping others to cheat,
• unauthorized changes on official documents,
• pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
• making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
• any other behavior that violates academic integrity.
There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton's policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.
Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.
VI. Sequence of Topics
A. Functions and their graphs
1. Operations on functions: combinations
2. Graphing techniques
3. Translations
4. Inverse functions
B. Polynomial Functions: Graphs and Zeros
1. Quadratic functions
2. Polynomial functions of higher degree
3. Remainder and Factor Theorems
4. Complex zeros of polynomial functions
5. Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
6. Applications
C. Rational functions and conic sections
1. Rational functions and their graphs
2. Conic sections
a. Center at origin
b. Translations D. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
1. Exponential functions and their graphs
2. Logarithmic functions and their graphs
3. Properties of logarithms
4. Solving exponential and logarithmic equations
5. Applications
E. Systems of Equations and Inequalities
1. Linear systems
2. Nonlinear systems
3. Systems of nonlinear equations and inequalities
4. Applications
F. Sequence and series
1. Fundamentals of sequences and series
2. Arithmetic sequences
3. Geometric sequences
4. Binomial Theorem
5. Applications
G. Technology
1. Generate the complete graph of each elementary function including setting a proper window, tracing and zooming.
2. Graphically locate the x-intercepts, the relative extrema and determine asymptotic behaviors.
3. Solve equations graphically, numerically and/or symbolically.
1. Operations on functions: combinations
2. Graphing techniques
3. Translations
4. Inverse functions
B. Polynomial Functions: Graphs and Zeros
1. Quadratic functions
2. Polynomial functions of higher degree
3. Remainder and Factor Theorems
4. Complex zeros of polynomial functions
5. Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
6. Applications
C. Rational functions and conic sections
1. Rational functions and their graphs
2. Conic sections
a. Center at origin
b. Translations D. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
1. Exponential functions and their graphs
2. Logarithmic functions and their graphs
3. Properties of logarithms
4. Solving exponential and logarithmic equations
5. Applications
E. Systems of Equations and Inequalities
1. Linear systems
2. Nonlinear systems
3. Systems of nonlinear equations and inequalities
4. Applications
F. Sequence and series
1. Fundamentals of sequences and series
2. Arithmetic sequences
3. Geometric sequences
4. Binomial Theorem
5. Applications
G. Technology
1. Generate the complete graph of each elementary function including setting a proper window, tracing and zooming.
2. Graphically locate the x-intercepts, the relative extrema and determine asymptotic behaviors.
3. Solve equations graphically, numerically and/or symbolically.
VII. Methods of Instruction
To be completed by instructor.)
Methods of presentation can include lectures, discussions, demonstrations, experimentation, audio-visual aids and regularly assigned homework. Calculators/computers will be used when appropriate.
Course may be taught as face-to-face, media-based, hybrid or online course.
Methods of presentation can include lectures, discussions, demonstrations, experimentation, audio-visual aids and regularly assigned homework. Calculators/computers will be used when appropriate.
Course may be taught as face-to-face, media-based, hybrid or online course.
VIII. Course Practices Required
(To be completed by instructor.)
Methods of presentation can include lectures, discussions, demonstrations, experimentation, audio-visual aids and regularly assigned homework. Calculators/computers will be used when appropriate.
Methods of presentation can include lectures, discussions, demonstrations, experimentation, audio-visual aids and regularly assigned homework. Calculators/computers will be used when appropriate.
IX. Instructional Materials
Textbook information for each course and section is available on Oakton's Schedule of Classes. Within the Schedule of Classes, textbooks can be found by clicking on an individual course section and looking for the words "View Book Information".
Textbooks can also be found at our Mathematics Textbooks page.
A graphics calculator is required. A TI-83 will be used for instructional purposes.
Textbooks can also be found at our Mathematics Textbooks page.
A graphics calculator is required. A TI-83 will be used for instructional purposes.
X. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
(To be completed by instructor.)
Evaluation methods can include grading homework, chapter or major tests, quizzes, individual or small group projects and a final exam.
Evaluation methods can include grading homework, chapter or major tests, quizzes, individual or small group projects and a final exam.
XI. Other Course Information
Individual instructors will establish and announce specific policies regarding attendance, due dates and make-up work, incomplete grades, etc.
If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the ASSIST office in the Learning Center. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.
If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the ASSIST office in the Learning Center. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.
