SYLLABUS **Last Updated 3/12/02**

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University


Course Number: MA 106

Course Title: Basic Algebra and Trgonometry
(3 Semester Hours)

Required Text:
McKeague, Charles P., Intermediate Algebr w/Trig Supplement. (6th ed.). New York, NY: Harcourt College Publishers.

Supplemental Material:
World Wide Web Sites:
http://www.interdigm.com/mwarner/MA106/ (class bulletin board)
http://www.comlab.ox.ac.uk/oucl/users/jonathan.bowen/algebra/algebra.html
http://math.psu.edu/dna/graphics.html
http://www.mathsoft.com
http://www.sisweb.com/math/tables.htm
http://www.ncsa.uiuc.edu/Edu/Fractal/Fractal_Home.html
http://www.geom.umn.edu/apps/gallery/html

Student Resources:

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Library Resources: [On-line]. Available: http://www.embryriddle.edu/libraries/
Resident Center Riddle Aviation Collection (RAC). Available at the Resident Center.
Extended Campus Videotape Library. Available at the Resident Center.
Guide to Library Resources (Area Libraries). Available at the Resident Center.
Extended Campus Student Handbook: [On-line]. Available: http://www.ec.erau.edu/cce/faculty/studhndbk.shtml
Resident Center computer(s) for academic support. Available at the Resident Center.
Bender, A. R., Schultz, J. T., & Landgren, E. W. (Eds.). (2001). Guide to the graduate research project.(5th ed.). Daytona Beach, FL: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
American Psychological Association. (2001). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

Course Description:
A study of the basic laws of fractions, exponents, radicals, inequalities, quadratic equations, complex numbers and the elements of trigonometry.
Suggested prerequisite: None.

Goals:
This course is designed to provide the fundamentals of Algebra and Trigonometry necessary for advanced college mathematics courses encountered by the student of aviation.

Performance Objectives:
Upon course completion, students will be able to:
1. Identify, add, subtract, multiply, and divide different types of real numbers.
2. Solve linear equations and problems in one unknown and solve formulas for a specific unknown.
3. Solve and graph inequalities and solve problems involving inequalities.
4. Use integers as exponents in multiplication, division and raising a power to a power and use of scientific notation.
5. Identify, add, subtract, and multiply polynomials.
6. Factor polynomials by identifying and using common factors, special products, grouping and trial and error methods.
7. Solve equations and problems whose solutions require factoring.
8. Divide polynomials by separation of terms and by long division methods.
9. Simplify, add, subtract, multiply and divide rational expressions.
10. Solve equations and problems involving rational expressions.
11. Graph linear equations using tables and intercept methods.
12. Simplify rational expressions and expressions involving rational exponents.
13. Simplify, add, subtract, multiply and divide radical expressions, as well as, rationalize denominators.
14. Solve equations containing a radical term.
15. Add, subtract, multiply and divide complex numbers.
16. Solve quadratic equations by use of the quadratic formula, as well as, solve problems involving quadratic equations.
17. Solve problems involving right triangles, as well as, finding decimal approximations for trigonometric functions of any acute angle by using a calculator.
18. Demonstrate an increase in computing, critical thinking, speaking and writing skills in this course, as mutually agreed upon by the student and instructor.

Grading:

The course grade will be determined from the results obtained from four area content quizzes, a student report and presentation of an instructor approved research paper, assigned in-class/homework, participation, an a final exam using the following weights:
AreaGrade PointsGrade Scale
Class participation10 PTS10%
Quizz40 PTS40%
Individual Research Report/Presentation15 PTS 15%
In-Class/Homework Assignments10 PTS10%
Final Exam25 PTS25%
Total: 100 PTS100%

Grade Points
Grade PointsGradePercentages
90-100 PTSA (Superior)90-100%
80-89 PTSB (Above Average)80-89%
70-79 PTSC (Average)70-79%
60-69 PTSD (Below Average)60-69%
00-59 PTSF (Failure)59-00%

  Click here to return to Classes

Teaching Methods:
Class meetings will be comprised of lectures and discussions of assigned material, sample solutions to representative problems, board work, graphing calculator and computer lab demonstrations, and testing for understanding. Class participation is expected with emphasis on aviation related applications.

Class Policy:

Assignments: Assignments contained herein, and as augmented at instructor's discretion, will be completed prior to the next scheduled class session or as assigned and will not be accepted beyond that date without prior instructor approval. Assignments constitute minimum coverage of the required lessons and the student is encouraged to complete additional study/research of related material to promote mastery of the objectives. Course content may vary from this syllabus to meet the needs of this particular class composition.

Guidelines for Project:
The Individual Research Report and presentation topic will be selected by mutual agreement between the student and instructor by the third week of class. A report outline (in bullet format) will be submitted, preferably by email, to the instructor by the sixth week of class. A rough draft of the report will be due by the end of week seven of the class. The ten minute oral presentation will be delivered to the class during the eighth/ninth week and the written report will by due following the presentation. The report should be four to six pages in length, double space typed, with a minimum of three references of which no more than two shall be online sources. The style shall conform to ERAU's Guige to the Graduate Research Project (2001), formatting.

Make-Up of Classes/Examinations: The faculty of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University affirms the importance of prompt and regular attendance on the part of all students. Quality instruction clearly depends upon active student participation in the classroom or its equivalent learning environment. Your participation is particularly important in this course, since each class constitutes a significant percentage of the total course. All absences, regardless of reason, require a make-up assignment, mutually arranged between the instructor and the student. If an absence is anticipated, the student should notify the instructor, preferably in advance. Students are encouraged to assist each other with access to class notes for missed classes.

Academic Honesty And Integrity: Academic honesty is the expected mode of behavior. All honesty violations will be treated seriously as prescribed by the University.Plagiarism is perhaps the most common and misunderstood form of academic dishonesty. It involves the taking of ideas, writings, etc. from another and passing them off as one's own. Plagiarism includes the use of any source to complete academic assignments without proper acknowledgment of the source.

Proprietary Information: While the UniversityŐs teaching/learning model emphasizes the sharing of professional experiences in the context of analyzing relevant course materials, it is against the policy of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for students and/or faculty members to share information about present or past employers that would be considered to be "proprietary," "confidential," "company sensitive," or "trade secret."

Harassment and Unethical Behavior: All employees and students have a right to an environment free of discrimination, including freedom from sexual harassment. It is the policy of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University that no employee or student may sexually harass another. The intent of this policy is not to create a climate of discomfort but to foster responsible behavior in an academic and working environment free of discrimination. The University sexual harassment policy can be found in ERAU Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual (APPM) section 8.3.4 at http://www.db.erau.edu/appm/policy/8-3-4.html

Student Preparation and Participation: As a MINIMUM, all students are EXPECTED to have READ and thought about the information provided in the assigned chapters BEFORE class commences! This is a professional responsibility to yourself and your classmates. Active participation in class discussions is an important element of a collegiate program; it is evaluated by instructors and is reflected in the assignment of course grades. Participation includes the quantity and quality of comments and class discussions, lively fellowship, positive contributions to group assignments, ability to respond to questions by classmates and the instructor and ability to work as a member of a group. Students are expected to synthesize, analyze and integrate all reading assignments. It is obvious that consistent attendance and being on time is an essential ingredient of participation.

Computing, Critical Thinking, Speaking and Writing Across the Curriculum

In addition to the specific content of this course, there will be a concentration on the development of the studentsŐ computing, critical thinking, speaking and writing skills:
(1) Computing: Students will be expected to use computer technology in this course. Use of word-processing to compose and edit course papers, PowerPoint or HTML to make class presentations, and E-mail to communicate with other students and the instructor is the recommended class standard,
(2) Critical Thinking: Students will be encouraged to form their own opinions and analysis of the relevant course topics and information. Throughout the course, they will be encouraged to use clear, logical thinking. The ability to analyze situations using sound, scientific reasoning will be emphasized,
(3) Speaking: Students will be expected throughout this course to express themselves orally. Their opinions will always be sought on a voluntary basis. Each student will have an opportunity to make presentations in the course, and
(4) Writing: The required reports are recommended to be written in ERAU Graduate Research Project (GRP) format and style, using the GRP Guidelines and the American Psychological Association (APA) format. The GRP/APA format uses citations in the text, when citing another authorŐs work, and a reference list at the end with all the sources. GRP/APA is very formal, third person, uses no contractions and has a very specific style. Development of writing skills is considered an essential element of this course.

  Click here to return to Classes

Course Schedule:
WEEK/
SESSION
DATESTOPIC(S)ASSIGNMENT(S)
1TBAIntroduction/Syllabus Overview
Class Discussion: Overview of Basic Properties and Definitions
Read Syllabus
Read/Review Text Sections 1.1-1.4 and 2.1-2.4,
Problems as assigned
2TBAClass Discussion: Linear Equations and Inequalities in One Variable, Quiz #1
Read/Review Text Sections 3.1-3.3,
Problems as assigned
3TBAClass Discussion: Exponents and PolynomialsRead/Review Text Sections 4.1-4.2,
Problems as assigned,
Individual Research Topic Selection due
4TBAClass Discussion: Rational Expressions, Quiz #2
Read/Review Text Sections 5.1-5.7,
Problems as assigned
5TBAClass Discussion: Equations and Inequalities in two variablesRead/Review Text Sections 6.1-6.6
Problems as assigned
6TBAClass Discussion: Rational Exponents and Roots, Quiz #3
Read/Review Text Sections 7.1-7.7,
Problems as assigned,
Individual Research Project outline due
7TBAClass Discussion: Quadratic EquationsRead/Review Text Section 8.2,
Problems as assigned,
Individual Research Project rough draft due
8TBAClass Discussion: Trigonometry, Quiz #4
Read/Review Text Trig Supplement
Problems as assigned
9TBAProject Presentations and Final Exam
Research Project/Presentation due, Final Exam

For questions contact Instructor: E-mail.

  Click here to return to Classes

  Click here to go to Home Work Assisgnments

  Click here to go to Class Bulletin Board

  Click here to return to Home Page