Course Information

Course Number: MAT 1275CO

Course Title: College Algebra & Trigonometry

Course Outline: Official course outline prepared by the Mathematics Department.

Course Description: An intermediate and advanced algebra course. Topics include quadratic equations, systems of linear equations, exponential and logarithmic functions; topics from trigonometry, including identities, equations and solutions of triangles.

Credits / Hours: 4

Section Number: D010

Prerequisites: CUNY proficiency in math OR credit for MAT 1190/MAT 1190CO.

Textbooks:

1) Intermediate Algebra, by Lynn Marecek and Andrea Honeycutt Mathis. It’s free! Click here to download.

2) Algebra and Trigonometry, by Jay Abramson. It’s also free! Click here to download.

Online Spaces

  • OpenLab: This website will be the online home for our class. The site contains important information about the course, and will be used in various ways throughout the semester. https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/sirelson1275cod010fall2023/
  • WeBWorK:  Much of the homework for this class will be completed on the WeBWorK system.  You will be provided with more information in the first week of class. [This needs to be set up.]  To go to our class WeBWorK site click here.
  • Blackboard: This will work in parallel with OpenLab. Somethings are better with BlackBoard and some better with OpenLab.
    You will be submitting your assignments through BlackBoard.
    • On the Blackboard menu “Units”, the first item will be the Upload site.
    • In order to turn in an assignment, you need to scan, rename, and upload a PDF file. Multiple pages must be submitted in one file. 
    • All this can be done by using the Notes app if you have an iPhone! Alternatively: Download the CamScanner app. There is a free version that works quite well. 

Faculty Information

Professor Name: Victor Sirelson

Office Hours/Information: Office Hours are scheduled for Tuesday at 10:00-11:00

Contact Information

  • Email: vsirelson@citytech.cuny.edu

Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes: At the end of the semester, students will be able to

  1. Solve
  • Linear and fractional equations
  • One-variable quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square, and the quadratic formula
  • Radical and exponential equations
  • Systems of equations
  • Perform operations with and simplify polynomial, rational, radical, complex, exponential, and logarithmic expressions.
  • Apply their knowledge of algebra and trigonometry to solve verbal problems
  • Solve problems involving right and oblique triangles.
  • Prove trigonometric identities.
  • Solve trigonometric equations
  • Graph the sine and cosine functions

General Learning Outcomes

     1.Understand and employ both quantitative and qualitative analysis to solve problems.
     2 Employ scientific reasoning and logical thinking
     3 Communicate effectively using written and oral means.
     4 Use creativity to solve problems.

Technology Requirements

  • A scientific calculator is required. I recommend the TI-84 Plus CE

Schedule

A detailed schedule of topics can be found on the Schedule page.

Percent/Letter Grade conversion

A = 93.0 — 100
A- = 90.0 — 92.99
B+ = 87.0 — 89.99
B = 83.0 — 86.99
B- = 80.0 — 82.99
C+ = 77.0 — 79.99
C = 70.0 — 76.99
D = 60.0 — 69.99
F = 0 — 59.99

Grading Policy

The grading policy for the course appears on the Grading Policy page.

Class Etiquette & Netiquette

Our class is scheduled to meet in person. However, it may be necessary to meet online. Please adhere to the following rules when engaging in class online:

  • Have your microphone and camera turned off while the instructor is speaking.
  • Be ready to turn on your microphone in case your instructor asks you a question.
  • You are expected to attend class virtually as if you are in a regular classroom. This means paying attention, taking notes, working on the problems that are assigned, and asking questions should they arise.

Attendance/Participation

Attendance will be taken. Latenesses and students leaving before the end of the class will be recorded. If these become excessive, the student may be asked to withdraw from the course. Students who participate in the session for less than 40 minutes will be marked absent. In order to do well, attendance is highly recommended. In addition, it is the student’s responsibility to keep up with the material from missed class.

It is important that you arrive promptly and attend all classes.  If you wish to withdraw from the course, you must do so officially on CUNY First or with the Registrar. Students who stop attending the class without officially withdrawing from the course will receive a WU grade. The WU grade counts as an F in the computation of the GPA in credit bearing course and adversely affects the financial aid.

[Secret Code: 3535]

Academic Integrity Policy

Your work MUST be your own. Use of online or smartphone math solvers is strictly prohibited. I know the types of solutions and work that these apps display, and I will consider it a serious offense if anyone is suspected of using these apps, websites, or programs. Any one suspected to be in violation of this policy will be dealt with by the Academic Integrity Committee.

Students and all others who work with information, ideas, texts, images, music, inventions and other intellectual property owe their audience and sources accuracy and honesty in using, crediting and citation of sources. As a community of intellectual and professional workers, the college recognizes its responsibility for providing instruction in information literacy and academic integrity, offering models of good practice, and responding vigilantly and appropriately to infractions of academic integrity. Accordingly, academic dishonesty is prohibited in The City University of New York and is punishable by penalties, including failing grades, suspension and expulsion. More information about the College’s policy on Academic Integrity may be found in the College Catalog. 

Homework:

Homework is required. This class uses WebWork.

Quizzes:

Quizzes count as part of your course grade. They are intended to be easy, but only if you have prepared the material. Quizzes are to see if you are familiar and comfortable with the material so they may occur without warning. Be prepared.

Exams: 

There will be 3 exams plus the final exam.

Final Exam:   

 The Final Exam is scheduled for the week December 15-21.  The Final Exam is a comprehensive, cumulative, departmental exam. There are no make-ups for the Final Exam.

 

Homework (with Quizzes, Class participation and special assignments) (25%):

The homework will be available on “WebWork”. Link: http://mathww.citytech.cuny.edu/webwork2

Daily work is expected.

Midterm Exams (3 @ 15%): A sample exam will be posted prior to the exam. Anyone who misses an exam with a documented medical or family emergency may arrange to take a makeup exam to be completed 2 class days after returning. The makeup exam will be given outside of the normal class time and an automatic 10 point deduction is applied, e.g., a score of 70 would be lowered to 60.

Final Exam (30%): This will be a departmental exam. The exam procedure will be posted near the end of the semester..A sample exam will be posted prior to the exam. If you miss the final exam and have been failing the course, you will receive a WU or F. Otherwise, if you have a documented illness or emergency, you will have opportunity to take a makeup final exam (small fee).