MATH116 DFN (Lecture Victory 212) Course Outline

Mathematics for Liberal Arts (SmartMath)

Fall 2024, Lecture: Tuesday: 11:40 – 1:40, Friday: 11:40 – 1:40
Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences
School of Liberal Arts

Instructor: Dr. Sanju Vaidya

Office: Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences, 114-8 Maher Hall, Dobbs Ferry

Office Hours: Tuesday: 2:00 – 2:30, Wednesday: 4:00 – 5:00, Friday: 2:00 – 2:30, or by
appointment

Office Phone: (914)-674-7536

E-mail: [email protected]

Course Description:
This course is intended for business, computer, mathematics and science majors. Emphasis is
placed on varied methods and manipulations. Algebraic techniques that have applications in
the student’s anticipated area of specialization are studied. Topics will include linear and
quadratic equations; inequalities; graphing; polynomials; factoring; operations with rational and
irrational expressions; systems of linear equations and others. 4 sem. hrs per week. 3 crs.

Prerequisites
Fundamental arithmetic skills are a prerequisite for this course. Opportunities to review these
skills are also provided. Basic computer skills are also required. Strong motivation and self-
directed learning are essential for success in this course.

Course Philosophy
This This course is designed on the following principles:
 Active learning through practice is more effective than passive learning through
listening.
 Students can progress at their own pace, studying ahead of scheduled topics and
meeting pre-set due dates.
 The learning process is conducted through a web-based application, requiring an
internet connection and a personal device for access.
 Learning materials are organized into modules that include readings, video clips,
practice exercises, assignments, and tests.
 Students receive immediate feedback on their work from the web application and can
also receive personalized assistance from instructors and/or peer tutors in the lab.

Learning Goals
 1. Algebraic Modeling: Utilize algebra to construct mathematical models that accurately
represent real-world scenarios.
2. Higher-Level Mathematics Preparation: Equip students with the necessary algebraic
foundation for advanced mathematics courses, such as pre-calculus, statistics, and
computer science.
3. Logical and Quantitative Skills Enhancement: Foster students' logical reasoning,
quantitative analysis, and critical thinking abilities through exposure to algebraic
problem-solving techniques.
4. Mathematical Understanding through Communication: Enhance students'
comprehension of mathematical concepts by incorporating writing assignments and oral
presentations.
5. Problem-Solving and Inquiry: Develop students' ability to formulate meaningful
questions that address mathematical problems and issues.
6. Reasonableness Assessment: Train students to evaluate and verify the plausibility of
mathematical results through estimation and reasonableness checks.
7. Symbolic, Visual, and Verbal Representation: Encourage students to represent
mathematical information using a variety of formats, including symbolic notation, visual
diagrams, numerical data, and verbal explanations.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to
 Perform symbolic manipulations essential for success in various mathematical domains.
 Graph linear and quadratic functions effectively, given the requisite information.
 Communicate mathematical ideas with clarity and precision, using appropriate notation
and vocabulary.
 Set up and solve word problems involving linear, quadratic, rational, and polynomial
expressions.
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Simplify and solve linear equations and expressions, including applications.
2. Solve inequalities, determine equations of lines, and solve application problems.
3. Perform operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) on various types
of polynomials.
4. Factor polynomials and simplify square roots.
5. Evaluate, simplify, multiply, divide, add, and subtract rational expressions, and solve
basic applications involving rational expressions.
6. Solve systems of equations.
7. Simplify radical expressions.
8. Solve quadratic equations and applications.
9. Solve rational equations and applications.
10. Solve functions (optional).

General Education Essential Transferrable Skills

In this course, we will work to various degrees on developing quantitative reasoning skills.
Quantitative reasoning involves the ability to use established methods of computation and
contemporary technology to analyze issues and answer questions germane to their
environment. At the completion of the General Education curriculum, students should be able
to:
1. Model relevant information into a mathematical representation.
2. Use calculations to solve problems.
3. Use quantitative information to support an argument or make an inference.
4. Analyze quantitative data to make judgments and draw conclusions.

Required Material
 Scientific calculator (TI-83+ graphing calculator is acceptable). Cell phone calculators are
strongly discouraged and prohibited during tests.
 Notebook and pen/pencil.
 ALEKS: This course utilizes McGraw-Hill's online program, ALEKS. The program link and
registration instructions will be provided on Mercy Blackboard. There's no need to
purchase a course or access code specifically for this class.

Description of Assignments and Assessments

This course's design follows a straightforward principle: "students learn mathematics by
engaging in mathematical activities." Students are expected to diligently complete and submit
their online assignments before the specified deadlines. It is mandatory for students to
maintain a written record of all assignment work in their notebooks, which must be presented
to the instructor upon request.

In general, assessments may include, but are not limited to, the following components:
o Weekly assignments in ALEKS
o Proctored Exam 1, 2, and 3
o Proctored cumulative final exam.

Course Grade Scheme

Class participation 5%
Assignments 30%
Proctored Test 1, 2, 3 30%
Final exam 35%
Total 100%

Letter Grade Distribution

 A: 94–100, A-: 90 – 93.99, B+: 87 – 89.99, B: 83 – 86.99, B-: 80 – 82.99, C+: 77 – 79.99, C:
73 – 76.99, C-: 70 – 72.99, D: 60 – 69.99, F below 60

Class Attendance and Punctuality Policy

 Students are permitted two absences during the semester for courses that meet twice
weekly in person or synchronously online. For online asynchronous classes, students
 must log in to the Mercy Blackboard at least three times weekly and complete the
weekly discussion questions on Mercy Blackboard.
 Exceeding the permitted number of unexcused absences may result in automatic course
failure. In the event of an absence due to illness, students must provide a medical note
to the instructor during the next class session.
 Chronic unexcused lateness to class can disrupt the learning environment and negatively
impact the tardy student's grade. Each instance of entering class after the start of the
session will be counted as a late mark. Accumulating three late marks will be equivalent
to one full absence, subject to the aforementioned penalties.
 Early departure from class is not permitted. Once students enter the classroom, they
must remain until the end of the session unless they receive prior approval from the
instructor.
 Participation in class discussions is an essential component of the learning process.
Students are encouraged to actively engage by asking or answering questions posed by
their peers or the instructor.

Academic Dishonesty
Students are expected to adhere to the Mercy University Academic Integrity Policy, which can
be found at the end of this syllabus. Academic integrity entails conducting scholarly activities in
an honest, truthful, and responsible manner. Students must maintain honesty and ethical
conduct in all aspects of their academic work and obligations. Dishonest actions in academic
pursuits will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty jeopardizes the University's educational
mission and the student's personal and intellectual development. In cases of academic
dishonesty, the University imposes penalties ranging from failing an assignment to suspension
or expulsion, depending on the severity and recurrence of the offense(s). Aside from deceiving
fellow classmates, dishonest academic work, including plagiarism, deprives students of the
course's benefits and significantly impacts their overall grade. If you are unsure whether your
work constitutes academic dishonesty, please contact the instructor for clarification. Students
should be aware that plagiarism is readily detectable through various resources available to
university professors.

Students with Disabilities

Mercy University is committed to the availability of its academic offerings to all qualified
students, in compliance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with
Disability Act (ADA). The University is committed to achieving equal educational opportunities
and full participation for persons with disabilities. It is our practice to create inclusive learning
environments. If a disability is presenting barriers to your inclusion or access to the class and
instructional materials—such as inaccessible web content or the use of non-captioned videos—
please notify the instructor as soon as possible. Students are also welcome to contact the Office
of Accessibility at 914-674-7523 or [email protected]. For more information, visit our
website at mercy.edu/student-affairs/access. The Office of Disability Services coordinates
disabilities services, including the provision of auxiliary services. Students whose disabilities
may require some type of accommodation must self-identify and complete a “Request for
Accommodations” agreement. An intake interview with the Director for Disabilities Services
may be required. Both the request for accommodation and the interview should be completed
one month prior to the academic term. Reasonable accommodation will be made upon receipt
of medical documentation of the disability, which supports the request and need for the
accommodation. Appropriate modifications of accommodation will be worked out on a case-by-
case basis. Requests for testing with accommodations should be made to the director for
Disabilities Services two weeks in advance of need. Students with a disability for which they are
or may be requesting an accommodation are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability
Services as soon as possible in the term.

Student Counseling Services

Mercy University offers counseling services to students, including for issues related to stress,
depression, and anxiety as well as concerns about academic progress, daily living, adjustment
to college, and relationships with others. Please visit Counseling Services at:
mercy.edu/student-affairs/counseling-services. You may also call 914-888-5150 or email
[email protected]

Lost Class Time Policy

This policy addresses lost class time due to an official university or campus closing and other
instances in which a faculty member cancels a specific class session when the university is open
and operates on a normal schedule. Lost class time is to be made up so that the university is in
compliance with Federal and New York State Education Department requirements specifying
that the number of contact hours per course credit must be met. This policy also reinforces the
university’s commitment to providing our students with the depth and quality of education that
they expect and deserve and maintaining faculty autonomy with regard to curriculum and
teaching. See the full policy here: http://catalog.mercy.edu/content.php?
catoid=3&navoid=120#lostclasstimepolicy

Additional Assistance Beyond Class Time

 Students may seek additional assistance by visiting the instructor during designated
office hours, sending an email to the instructor, or scheduling a virtual meeting with the
instructor online.
 Students may also seek tutoring services at the Learning Center (Center for Academic
Excellence and Innovation, CAEI), which is located within the library facilities.
 Finally, students may engage in discussions with classmates within the Weekly
Discussion forum on Mercy Blackboard.

Some Suggestion for Success

 It is more effective to complete assignments for two hours each day rather than
attempting to complete ten hours of work in a single day.
 Ensure that all assignments are submitted on time.
 Maintain detailed notes and records of your work.
 Strive to earn partial credit on tests.
 Maintain regular communication with your instructor.
  Avoid providing excuses for not completing assignments.

Most importantly,
 Show Your Work: The methodology employed to arrive at a solution is of equal
significance to the solution itself. In all assignments, students must demonstrate the
thought process leading to the answer, not merely provide the answer. This practice
enables students to receive partial credit even if the final answer is incorrect, provided
that the reasoning is sound.
 Keep Your Work: Retain all your work in a notebook, as reviewing it later serves as an
excellent method of preparation for subsequent tests and the final examination.

Course Calendar & Contents

Week 1 Part 1 (11 Topics, due on 09/10/2024 11:59 PM)

 Operations with absolute value: Problem type 2 (4m)
 Computing the distance between two integers on a number line (2m)
 Exponents and signed fractions (7m)
 Order of operations with integers and exponents (7m)
 Using distribution with double negation and combining like terms to
simplify: Multivariate (6m)
 Product rule with positive exponents: Multivariate (5m)
 Introduction to the power of a power rule of exponents (2m)
 Introduction to the power of a product rule of exponents (3m)
 Power rules with positive exponents: Multivariate products (5m)
 Simplifying a ratio of univariate monomials (5m)
 Quotient of expressions involving exponents (5m)

Week 1 Part 2 (11 Topics, due on 09/13/2024 11:59 PM)

 Graphing a linear inequality on the number line (3m)
 Graphing a compound inequality on the number line (5m)
 Translating a sentence into a multi-step equation (6m)
 Set-builder notation (5m)
 Set builder and interval notation (7m)
 Simplifying a ratio of multivariate monomials: Advanced (4m)
 Power and quotient rules with positive exponents (7m)
 Evaluating an expression with a negative exponent: Whole number
base (3m)
 Evaluating an expression with a negative exponent: Negative integer
base (3m)
 Rewriting an algebraic expression without a negative exponent (4m)
 Introduction to the product rule with negative exponents (3m)

Week 2 Part 1 (13 Topics, due on 09/17/2024 11:59 PM)

 Quotient rule with negative exponents: Problem type 1 (4m)
 Power of a power rule with negative exponents (3m)
  Power rules with negative exponents (6m)
 Power and quotient rules with negative exponents: Problem type 1
(6m)
 Power, product, and quotient rules with negative exponents (8m)
 Scientific notation with a positive exponent (4m)
 Scientific notation with a negative exponent (3m)
 Multiplying numbers written in scientific notation: Basic (4m)
 Dividing numbers written in scientific notation: Basic (3m)
 Square root of a perfect square monomial (3m)
 Finding nth roots of perfect nth powers with signs (5m)
 Finding the nth root of a perfect nth power fraction (3m)
 Converting between radical form and exponent form (3m)

Week 2 Part 2 (13 Topics, due on 09/20/2024 11:59 PM)

 Rational exponents: Unit fraction exponents and bases involving signs
(6m)
 Rational exponents: Negative exponents and fractional bases (8m)
 Rational exponents: Product rule (4m)
 Rational exponents: Quotient rule (5m)
 Rational exponents: Power of a power rule (4m)
 Rational exponents: Powers of powers with negative exponents (6m)
 Introduction to simplifying a radical expression with an odd exponent
(3m)
 Simplifying a higher radical expression: Multivariate (6m)
 Square root addition or subtraction with three terms (4m)
 Simplifying a sum or difference of radical expressions: Multivariate
(6m)
 Introduction to square root multiplication (3m)
 Simplifying a product of radical expressions: Multivariate (5m)
 Simplifying products or quotients of higher radicals with different
indices: Univariate (4m)

Week 3 Part 1 (12 Topics, due on 09/24/2024 11:59 PM)

 Degree and leading coefficient of a univariate polynomial (3m)
 Degree of a multivariate polynomial (4m)
 Simplifying a sum or difference of multivariate polynomials (8m)
 Multiplying a multivariate polynomial by a monomial (8m)
 Squaring a binomial: Univariate (5m)
 Squaring a binomial: Multivariate (5m)
 Multiplying binomials with negative coefficients (5m)
 Multiplication involving binomials and trinomials in two variables (9m)
 Greatest common factor of three univariate monomials (4m)
 Greatest common factor of two multivariate monomials (4m)
 Factoring out a monomial from a polynomial: Multivariate (8m)
 Factoring out a binomial from a polynomial: GCF factoring, basic (3m)
Week 3 Part 2 (11 Topics, due on 09/27/2024 11:59 PM)
 Special products of radical expressions: Conjugates and squaring (9m)
 Factoring a multivariate polynomial by grouping: Problem type 1 (5m)
 Factoring a quadratic with leading coefficient greater than 1: Problem
type 1 (7m)
 Factoring a quadratic in two variables with leading coefficient greater
than 1 (6m)
 Factoring a quadratic with a negative leading coefficient (6m)
 Factoring a perfect square trinomial with leading coefficient greater
than 1 (4m)
 Factoring a perfect square trinomial in two variables (4m)
 Factoring a difference of squares in two variables (3m)
 Factoring a polynomial involving a GCF and a difference of squares:
Multivariate (5m)
 Factoring a product of a quadratic trinomial and a monomial (7m)
 Factoring a sum or difference of two cubes (6m)

Week 4 Part 1 (12 Topics, due on 10/01/2024 11:59 PM)

 Restriction on a variable in a denominator: Linear (3m)
 Simplifying a ratio of factored polynomials: Linear factors (5m)
 Simplifying a ratio of polynomials using GCF factoring (6m)
 Simplifying a ratio of polynomials by factoring a quadratic with leading
coefficient 1 (4m)
 Simplifying a ratio of polynomials: Problem type 1 (7m)
 Multiplying rational expressions involving multivariate monomials (6m)
 Multiplying rational expressions involving linear expressions (6m)
 Multiplying rational expressions involving multivariate quadratics (6m)
 Dividing rational expressions involving multivariate monomials (6m)
 Introduction to the LCM of two monomials (4m)
 Finding the LCD of rational expressions with linear denominators:
Common factors (5m)
 Finding the LCD of rational expressions with quadratic denominators
(8m)

Week 4 Part 2 (11 Topics, due on 10/04/2024 11:59 PM)

 Writing equivalent rational expressions with polynomial denominators
(5m)
 Adding rational expressions with common denominators and quadratic
factoring (5m)
 Adding rational expressions with different denominators and a single
occurrence of a variable (6m)
 Adding rational expressions with multivariate monomial denominators:
Basic (6m)
 Adding rational expressions with linear denominators without common
factors: Basic (6m)
 Adding rational expressions with denominators ax-b and b-ax (4m)
  Complex fraction: GCF factoring (6m)
 Complex fraction: Quadratic factoring (5m)
 Complex fraction made of sums involving rational expressions:
Problem type 1 (5m)
 Complex fraction made of sums involving rational expressions:
Multivariate (5m)
 Simplifying a quotient involving a sum or difference with a square root
(5m)

Test 1 (Review opens between September 28th and October 8th in ALEKS, the test will be
held on October 8th)

Week 5 Part 1 (12 Topics, due on 10/11/2024 11:59 PM)

 Additive property of equality with signed fractions (5m)
 Multiplicative property of equality with signed fractions (5m)
 Solving a multi-step equation given in fractional form (4m)
 Solving a linear equation with several occurrences of the variable:
Variables on both sides and two distributions (8m)
 Solving a linear equation with several occurrences of the variable:
Fractional forms with monomial numerators (6m)
 Solving a two-step equation with signed fractions (8m)
 Solving a linear equation with several occurrences of the variable:
Variables on both sides and fractional coefficients (7m)
 Solving equations with zero, one, or infinitely many solutions (9m)
 Solving a proportion of the form (x+a)/b = c/d (5m)
 Solving for a variable in terms of other variables using addition or
subtraction: Basic (3m)
 Solving for a variable in terms of other variables using multiplication or
division: Basic (4m)
 Solving for a variable in terms of other variables using addition or
subtraction with division (5m)

Week 5 Part 2 (11 Topics, due on 10/15/2024 11:59 PM)

 Solving for a variable inside parentheses in terms of other variables
(4m)
 Solving for a variable in terms of other variables in a linear equation
with fractions (6m)
 Solving a rational equation that simplifies to linear: Denominator x+a
(5m)
 Solving a rational equation that simplifies to linear: Denominators a, x,
or ax (5m)
 Solving a rational equation that simplifies to linear: Like binomial
denominators (5m)
 Solving a rational equation that simplifies to linear: Unlike binomial
denominators (6m)
  Solving for a variable in terms of other variables in a rational equation:
Problem type 1 (4m)
 Restriction on a variable in a denominator: Quadratic (5m)
 Solving a rational equation that simplifies to linear: Factorable
quadratic denominator (5m)
 Solving an equation written in factored form (4m)
 Finding the roots of a quadratic equation with leading coefficient 1
(4m)

Week 6 Part 1 (9 Topics, due on 10/18/2024 11:59 PM)

 Solving a word problem with two unknowns using a linear equation
(8m)
 Solving a decimal word problem using a linear equation with the
variable on both sides (10m)
 Writing a multi-step equation for a real-world situation (10m)
 Solving a value mixture problem using a linear equation (15m)
 Solving a distance, rate, time problem using a linear equation (12m)
 Finding a side length given the perimeter and side lengths with
variables (8m)
 Finding the perimeter or area of a rectangle given one of these values
(11m)
 Finding the sale price given the original price and percent discount
(7m)
 Solving a percent mixture problem using a linear equation (18m)

Week 6 Part 2 (8 Topics, due on 10/22/2024 11:59 PM)

 Finding simple interest without a calculator (4m)
 Word problem on proportions: Problem type 1 (7m)
 Using i to rewrite square roots of negative numbers (4m)
 Simplifying a product and quotient involving square roots of negative
numbers (9m)
 Adding or subtracting complex numbers (3m)
 Multiplying complex numbers (5m)
 Dividing complex numbers (7m)
 Simplifying a power of i (4m)

Week 7 Part 1 (7 Topics, due on 10/25/2024 11:59 PM)

 Pythagorean Theorem (7m)
 Word problem involving the Pythagorean Theorem (5m)
 Finding the roots of a quadratic equation of the form ax 2 + bx = 0 (3m)
 Finding the roots of a quadratic equation with leading coefficient
greater than 1 (6m)
 Solving a quadratic equation needing simplification (6m)
 Solving a word problem using a quadratic equation with rational roots
(14m)
  Using the Pythagorean Theorem and a quadratic equation to find side
lengths of a right triangle (15m)

Week 7 Part 2 (7 Topics, due on 10/29/2024 11:59 PM)

 Solving a quadratic equation using the square root property: Exact
answers, basic (4m)
 Solving a quadratic equation using the square root property: Exact
answers, advanced (6m)
 Applying the quadratic formula: Exact answers (9m)
 Solving a quadratic equation with complex roots (10m)
 Discriminant of a quadratic equation (6m)
 Applying the quadratic formula: Decimal answers (8m)
 Solving a word problem using a quadratic equation with irrational roots
(15m)

Week 8 Part 1 (9 Topics, due on 11/01/2024 11:59 PM)

 Introduction to solving an absolute value equation (2m)
 Solving an absolute value equation: Problem type 1 (3m)
 Solving an absolute value equation of the form |ax+b| = |cx+d| (6m)
 Solving for a variable in terms of other variables in a rational equation:
Problem type 3 (8m)
 Word problem involving multiple rates (6m)
 Solving a distance, rate, time problem using a rational equation (14m)
 Solving an equation using the odd-root property: Problem type 1 (3m)
 Solving a rational equation that simplifies to quadratic: Denominator x
(4m)
 Solving a rational equation that simplifies to quadratic: Binomial
denominators, constant numerators (6m)

Week 8 Part 2 (9 Topics, due on 11/05/2024 11:59 PM)

 Solving a rational equation that simplifies to quadratic: Factorable
quadratic denominator (4m)
 Introduction to solving a radical equation (2m)
 Solving a radical equation that simplifies to a linear equation: One
radical, basic (4m)
 Solving a radical equation that simplifies to a linear equation: Two
radicals (4m)
 Solving a radical equation that simplifies to a quadratic equation: One
radical, basic (4m)
 Solving an equation with a root index greater than 2: Problem type 1
(3m)
 Solving an equation with exponent 1/a: Problem type 1 (3m)
 Solving an equation with a positive rational exponent (8m)
 Solving an equation that can be written in quadratic form: Problem
type 1 (6m)
Test 2 (Review opens between October 30th and November 5th in ALEKS, the test will be held
on November 5th)

Week 9 Part 1 (10 Topics, due on 11/08/2024 11:59 PM)

 Reading a point in the coordinate plane (3m)
 Plotting a point in the coordinate plane (3m)
 Distance between two points in the plane: Exact answers (8m)
 Midpoint of a line segment in the plane (5m)
 Finding x- and y-intercepts given the graph of a line on a grid (3m)
 Finding a solution to a linear equation in two variables (4m)
 Graphing a linear equation of the form y = mx (5m)
 Graphing a line given its equation in slope-intercept form: Integer slope
(7m)
 Graphing a line given its equation in slope-intercept form: Fractional
slope (6m)
 Graphing a line given its equation in standard form (6m)

Week 9 Part 2 (9 Topics, due on 11/12/2024 11:59 PM)

 Evaluating functions: Linear and quadratic or cubic (8m)
 Evaluating a rational function: Problem type 1 (5m)
 Evaluating functions: Absolute value, rational, radical (11m)
 Finding x- and y-intercepts of a line given the equation: Basic (5m)
 Finding x- and y-intercepts of a line given the equation: Advanced (5m)
 Classifying slopes given graphs of lines (2m)
 Finding slope given the graph of a line on a grid (5m)
 Finding slope given two points on a line (6m)
 Finding the slopes of horizontal and vertical lines (6m)

Week 10 Part 1 (10 Topics, due on 11/15/2024 11:59 PM)

 Graphing a line given its slope and y-intercept (5m)
 Graphing a line through a given point with a given slope (5m)
 Finding the slope and y-intercept of a line given its equation in the
form y = mx + b (4m)
 Finding the slope and y-intercept of a line given its equation in the
form Ax + By = C (6m)
 Graphing a line by first finding its slope and y-intercept (7m)
 Writing an equation of a line given its slope and y-intercept (3m)
 Writing an equation in slope-intercept form given the slope and a point
(8m)
 Finding slopes of lines parallel and perpendicular to a line given in
slope-intercept form (5m)
 Finding slopes of lines parallel and perpendicular to a line given in the
form Ax + By = C (6m)
 Identifying parallel and perpendicular lines from equations (10m)
Week 10 Park 2 (9 Topics, due on 11/19/2024 11:59 PM)
 Finding the initial amount and rate of change given a graph of a linear
function (5m)
 Writing equations of lines parallel and perpendicular to a given line
through a point (17m)
 Interpreting the parameters of a linear function that models a real-
world situation (4m)
 Application problem with a linear function: Finding a coordinate given
two points (16m)
 Solving a linear equation by graphing (6m)
 Finding the zeros of a quadratic function given its equation (6m)
 Finding zeros of a polynomial function written in factored form (5m)
 Finding zeros and their multiplicities given a polynomial function
written in factored form (5m)
 Finding x- and y-intercepts given a polynomial function (8m)

Week 11 Part 1 (8 Topics, due on 11/22/2024 11:59 PM)

 Finding a polynomial of a given degree with given zeros: Real zeros
(5m)
 Polynomial long division: Problem type 1 (9m)
 Synthetic division (12m)
 The Factor Theorem (8m)
 Identifying direct variation equations (6m)
 Identifying direct variation from ordered pairs and writing equations
(8m)
 Writing a direct variation equation (7m)
 Word problem on direct variation (6m)

Week 11 Part 2 (7 Topics, due on 11/26/2024 11:59 PM)

 Interpreting direct variation from a graph (9m)
 Writing an inverse variation equation (6m)
 Identifying direct and inverse variation equations (8m)
 Identifying direct and inverse variation from ordered pairs and writing
equations (10m)
 Word problem on inverse variation (7m)
 Writing an equation that models variation (6m)
 Word problem on combined variation (15m)

Week 12 Part 1 (9 Topics, due on 12/03/2024 11:59 PM)

 Graphically solving a system of linear equations (11m)
 Using a graphing calculator to solve a system of linear equations: Basic
(6m)
 Identifying solutions to a system of linear equations (11m)
 Classifying systems of linear equations from graphs (6m)
  Graphically solving a system of linear equations (11m)
 Using a graphing calculator to solve a system of linear equations: Basic
(6m)
 Solving a system of linear equations using substitution (8m)
 Solving a system of linear equations using elimination with addition
(7m)
 Solving a system of linear equations using elimination with
multiplication and addition (8m)
 Solving a system of linear equations with fractional coefficients (7m)
 Solving a system of linear equations with decimal coefficients (7m)

Week 12 Part 2 (8 Topics, due on 12/06/2024 11:59 PM)

 Solving a 2x2 system of linear equations that is inconsistent or
consistent dependent (12m)
 Solving a word problem involving a sum and another basic relationship
using a system of linear equations (10m)
 Solving a word problem using a system of linear equations of the form
Ax + By = C (14m)
 Solving a word problem using a system of linear equations of the form
y = mx + b (13m)
 Solving a value mixture problem using a system of linear equations
(14m)
 Solving a percent mixture problem using a system of linear equations
(16m)
 Solving a distance, rate, time problem using a system of linear
equations (17m)
 Solving a tax rate or interest rate problem using a system of linear
equations (17m)

Test 3 (Review opens between November 27th and December 6th in ALEKS, the test will be
held on December 3rd)

Week 13 Part 1 (7 Topics, due on 12/10/2024 11:59 PM)

 Graphically solving a system of linear and quadratic equations (11m)
 Solving a system of linear and quadratic equations (7m)
 Solving a word problem involving geometry using a system of
nonlinear equations (12m)
 Identifying solutions to a linear inequality in two variables (8m)
 Graphing a linear inequality in the plane: Vertical or horizontal line
(4m)
 Graphing a linear inequality in the plane: Slope-intercept form (6m)
 Graphing a linear inequality in the plane: Standard form (9m)

Week 13 Part 2 (6 Topics, due on 12/13/2024 11:59 PM)

 Graphing a quadratic inequality: Problem type 1 (10m)
  Graphing a system of two linear inequalities: Basic (11m)
 Graphing a system of three linear inequalities (15m)
 Graphing a system of nonlinear inequalities: Problem type 1 (10m)
 Writing a multi-step inequality for a real-world situation (7m)
 Solving a word problem using a system of linear inequalities: Problem
type 1 (18m)

Final Exam (Review opens between December 11th and December 20th in ALEKS, the test will
be held on December 17th)

Academic Integrity Policy

Academic integrity is the pursuit of scholarly activity in an honest, truthful and responsible
manner. Students are required, to be honest, and ethical in carrying out all aspects of their
academic work and responsibilities.

Dishonest acts in a student’s academic pursuits will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty
undermines the University’s educational mission as well as the student’s personal and
intellectual growth. In cases where academic dishonesty is uncovered, the University imposes
sanctions that range from failure of an assignment to suspension and expulsion from the
University, depending on the severity and reoccurrence of the case(s).

Examples of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, obtaining
an unfair advantage, and falsification of records and official documents.

Cheating is the unauthorized use or attempted use of material, information, notes, study aids,
devices, communication, or artificial intelligence tools during an academic exercise. Examples of
cheating include, but are not limited to:
 Copying from another student during an examination or allowing another to copy your
work
 Providing assistance to acts of academic misconduct.
 Unauthorized collaboration on a take-home assignment or examination
 Using notes during a closed book examination
 Submitting another’s work as your own.
 Submitting material generated or altered by chatbots and/or artificial intelligence tools
as your own.
 Unauthorized use during an examination of any electronic device, such as cell phones,
computers, or internet access to retrieve or send information.
 Allowing others to research or write assigned papers for you or to complete your
assigned projects.

Plagiarism is the act of presenting ideas, research, or writings created by other people or
artificial intelligence tools as your own.
Examples of plagiarism include, but are not limited to:
 Copying another person’s actual words or images without the use of quotation marks
and citations attributing the words to their source
 Presenting another person’s ideas or theories in your own words without
acknowledging the source
 Engaging in plagiarism, via the Internet or other web-based or electronic sources, which
includes (but is not limited to) purchasing of, downloading term papers or other
assignments and then submitting that work as one’s own, copying text generated by a
chatbot or artificial intelligence tool, or copying or extracting information and then
pasting that information into an assignment without citing the source, or without
providing proper attribution

Self-Plagiarism is the act of turning in one’s own work (papers, exams, cases, etc.) in its original
form or with only minor modifications in more than one course for academic credit. Self-
Plagiarism is a violation of this policy.

Obtaining an unfair advantage is any action taken by a student that gives that student an unfair
advantage, or through which the students attempt to gain an unfair advantage in their academic
work over another student. Examples of obtaining an unfair advantage include, but are not
limited to:
 Gaining advance access to examination materials by stealing or reproducing those
materials
 Retaining, purchasing, sharing, or posting examinations, or the students’ written work,
like cases, papers, etc., without explicit faculty permission
 Intentionally obstructing or interfering with another student’s work

Falsification of Records and Official Documents include, but are not limited to, acts of forging
authorized signatures or falsifying information on an official academic record.

Consequences for Policy Violation

A student who is found to be dishonest in the submission of their academic assignments or
other work, or in carrying out their academic responsibilities may receive a warning, a zero for
the submitted assignment or exam, a failing grade for the course, or may be subject to further
suspension or expulsion from the University, depending on the severity of the offense(s).
Regardless, all incidents of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Academic Unit Head and
School Dean and may be retained by the University in the student’s records.

Academic Integrity – Process to Report and Appeal

The process to report or to appeal an academic integrity violation is as follows:

A faculty member who suspects that a student has committed a violation of the Academic
Integrity Policy shall review with the student the facts and circumstances of the suspected
violation whenever feasible.
Should the faculty member conclude that there has been an incident
of academic dishonesty, they shall complete the Academic Integrity Reporting Form (located on
Mercy Connect under the faculty tab) and submit it. This form will include a sanction.

The form will be submitted electronically to the Dean and Associate Dean of the appropriate
School, and an initial notification of violation will be sent to the student. The student may
appeal to the Dean or Associate Dean of the School through email within one week of the date
of notification. The Dean or Associate Dean will then ask the student and faculty member to
submit evidence and may request to meet with both parties separately. After a review of the
evidence, the Dean or Associate Dean shall decide to either uphold or overturn the charge and
communicate the decision through an email to the student within one week of the appeal.

Should the student appeal, the Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs shall request evidence from
the student and the faculty member. After a review of the evidence, the Associate Provost for
Faculty Affairs shall determine if there is enough evidence to convene the Academic Appeals
Committee and send a letter to the student within one week to inform the student of this
determination. Should the case go to a full review, the Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs shall
assemble the Academic Appeals Committee to review the case.

At this point, all parties will be permitted to participate and are permitted to submit any
additional documentation they believe is necessary including written statements and
documentary evidence. The Academic Appeals Committee shall convene within two weeks of
the filing of the appeal submission. and shall issue a written decision of its finding within one
week of convening. The Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs shall send copies of its decision to
the accused student, the faculty member, and the appropriate Dean and Associate Dean for
archiving in the student’s confidential academic integrity record. Unless the resolution
exonerates the student, the Student Violation of the Academic Integrity Form shall be placed in
a confidential academic integrity file created for the purposes of identifying repeat violations,
gathering data, and assessing and reviewing policies.

If the Academic Appeals Committee finds that no violation occurred, the Office of the Provost
shall remove all material relating to that incident from the student’s confidential academic
integrity file and destroy the material. The Dean or Associate Dean shall work with the faculty
member to remove the sanction in the course.

This policy applies to all course delivery modalities including online courses.

If a faculty member believes that the appropriate sanction is academic in nature (e.g., a reduced
grade) and the student does not contest either their guilt or the particular reduced grade that
the faculty member has chosen, then the student shall be given either a warning or the reduced
grade, unless the student is a repeat offender, in which case a sanction more severe than a
warning should be applied by the Dean/ Associate Dean. The reduced grade may apply to the
particular assignment where the violation occurred or to the course grade, at the faculty
member’s discretion. A reduced grade may be an “F”, or another grade that is lower than the
grade that the student would have earned but for the violation. If a faculty member determines
that a student has committed an act of cheating or plagiarism, and the student withdraws from
the course, that student will receive an “FW” for the course regardless of the time of
withdrawal. The faculty member shall inform the Dean/ Associate Dean of the resolution via
email and the Dean/ Associate Dean shall update the applicable Student Violation of
the Academic Integrity Policy Form to reflect that resolution.

In a case where a student admits to the alleged academic dishonesty but contests the
academic sanction imposed by the faculty member, or in a case where a student denies the
academic dishonesty, the student may appeal by following the process described below.

A student who is found to be dishonest in the submission of academic assignments or other

work, or in carrying out their academic responsibilities may receive a warning, a zero for the
submitted assignment or exam, a failing grade for the course, or may be subject to further
suspension or expulsion from the University, depending on the severity of the offense(s).
Regardless, all incidents of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Academic Unit Head and
School Dean/ Associate Dean and may be retained by the University in the student’s records.

Reporting Violations and Student Appeal Processes

The process to report or to appeal an academic integrity violation is as follows:
1. A faculty member who suspects that a student has committed a violation of
the Academic Integrity Policy shall review with the student the facts and circumstances
of the suspected violation whenever feasible.
2. Should the faculty member conclude that there has been an incident
of academic dishonesty, the faculty member shall complete submit the Academic
Integrity Reporting Form (located on Mercy Connect under the faculty tab). The faculty
member must indicate the sanction for the student violation of the policy on the form.
3. The Academic Integrity Form will be submitted electronically to the Dean and Associate
Dean of the appropriate School, and an official notification of violation will be sent to
the student. The student may appeal to the Dean or Associate Dean of the School
through email within one week of the date of notification. The Dean or Associate Dean
will then ask the student and faculty member to submit supporting evidence and may
request to meet with both parties separately. After a review of the evidence, the Dean
or Associate Dean shall decide to either uphold or overturn the violation and
communicate the decision through an email to the student within one week of the filed
appeal.
4. Should the student choose to appeal the Dean’s/ Associate Deans’ decision, the
Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs shall request the evidence examined by the Dean/
Associate Dean. After a review of the evidence, the Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs
shall determine if there is enough evidence to convene the Academic Appeals
Committee and send a letter to the student, within one week of requesting an appeal, to
inform the student of this determination. If the Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs
believes that further review is warranted, the Academic Appeals Committee will be
convened to review the case.
 5. If the Academic Appeals Committee is convened, the Dean/ Associate Dean, faculty
member, and student will be permitted to participate. The faculty member and student
are permitted to submit any additional documentation they believe is necessary,
including written statements and documentary evidence. The Academic Appeals
Committee shall convene within two weeks of the filing of the appeal submission and
shall issue a written decision of its finding within one week of convening. The Associate
Provost for Faculty Affairs shall send copies of the Committee’s decision to the student,
the faculty member, and the appropriate Dean/ Associate Dean for archiving the
student’s confidential academic integrity record. Unless the resolution exonerates the
student, the Student Violation of Academic Integrity Form shall be placed in a
confidential academic integrity file created for the purposes of identifying repeat
violations, gathering data, and assessing and reviewing policies.
6. If the Academic Appeals Committee finds that no violation occurred, the Office of the
Provost shall remove all material relating to that incident from the student’s confidential
academic integrity file and destroy the material. The Dean/ Associate Dean shall work
with the faculty member to remove the sanction in the course.

Judicial Sanctions
In a case where the allegation of cheating or plagiarism is severe, or where the student has a
history of violations of the Academic Integrity Policy which conduct warrants suspension or
expulsion from the University, the school Dean shall impose a sanction in addition to or in lieu
of academic sanctions, as they deem is warranted under the circumstances. If the student
contests the judicial sanction imposed, the student may appeal to the Associate Provost for
Faculty Affairs.