Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2026

Intermediate Algebra (Face-to-Face)

MATH 1010-08

Course: MATH 1010-08
Credits: 4
Term: Fall Semester 2026
Department: Mathematics
CRN: 31107

Course Description

The traditional topics of intermediate algebra are covered: graphing linear equations and inequalities, absolute value equations and inequalities, factoring, rational expressions, exponents, radicals, quadratic equations, exponential and logarithmic functions, and an introduction to sets, functions and complex numbers. (This course does not fill the requirement for General Education.) (Fall, Spring, Summer) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): MATH 0990 or MATH 0970 or adequate test score within the last two (2) years - Prerequisite Min. Grade: B- Prerequisite Test: Act Math Subscore or Accuplacer Elementary Algebra or ALEKS PPL - Prerequisite Test Score: 18 or 060 or 30 Registration Restriction(s): Intensive English Program majors may not enroll

Required Texts

Intermediate Algebra, by Turner and McKeague.  See https://www.xyztextbooks.com/catalog/product/turner_intermediate_algebra


Learning Outcomes

This class is NOT a general education class.  Regardless, we will strive to be mindful of the general education Qualitative Literacy learning outcomes.

1.2.1. Communicate: Use correct terminology and proper notation to explain quantitative or mathematical relationships (equations, graphs,  diagrams, tables, data) and to support an argument, assertion, or purpose using quantitative or mathematical evidence. (This will be emphasized when we learn about the necessity for and the arithmetic of different kinds of numbers, i.e. fractions, radicals and logarithms/exponents.  This will also be prominent when we learn about linear and quadratic relations and their associated vocabulary.)

1.2.2. Mathematization: Convert quantitative or mathematical information into appropriate mathematical representations and/or models such  as equations, graphs, diagrams, or tables, including making and evaluating important assumptions as needed. (This will be emphasized when we learn about linear relations where we will see how the same relation can be represented by an equation, graph, or a set of specific values.  We will see how being able to represent linear equations and inequalities visually can greatly simplify optimization analysis, and more generally help us to see what solutions to a problem are possible under given constraints.  Throughout the course a consistent theme will be that very often there is a number we don't know, but we know something about it, and we can write what we know about the number as an equation or inequality that can be solved or analyzed.)

1.2.3. Calculation: Use algebraic skills and techniques to solve problems, including the ability to identify and correct errors in calculations and understanding the role and proper use of technology in assisting with calculations.  (This will be emphasized in the arithmetic of fractions, radicals, and logarithms with a strong emphasis on how these last two relate to rules for exponents.  Regarding the proper use of technology, it will be seen when working with exponents/logs and quadratic functions how rounding errors can compound to give results that are clearly wrong, so we need to ensure that the technology is computing what we actually want it to.) 

1.2.4. Analysis: Draw appropriate conclusions through quantitative or mathematical analysis of data or models, including understanding and  evaluating important assumptions in order to recognize the limits of the analysis. (This will be emphasized when we look for patterns in the arithmetic of radicals and logarithms, e.g. the common rules for both depend on the assumption that the arguments are positive numbers and sometimes we can get false solutions to equations even though we did everything according to accepted rules.  When working with exponents it can be seen that we can arrive at incorrect results even when every individual step is correct.  Time permitting we'll consider imaginary numbers, which are radicals and for which some of the established rules break down.  Additionally, when we learn about quadratics, we'll see how analysis of the graphs of these using technology leads us to formulas that compute values of interest.)

1.2.5. Application / Creation: Solve concrete and abstract problems across multiple disciplines. (This will be emphasized when we see how we need the concept of radicals to measure distances, we need the concept of logarithms to know the timeline of an exponential process, we use systems of inequalities to describe possible configurations of a system, polynomial multiplication and division can be used to count configurations as well as to understand annuities and amortized loans, rational functions include the "harmonic mean" which is a more meaningful notion of average in many situations, and quadratics model the trajectory of an object in free fall, and profits made when there is a perfect negative correlation between cost and demand.  We'll also see how to compute square roots by hand and how to resolve some infinite nested radicals and infinite continued fractions.  On the last day of class we'll put ideas from nearly every chapter together to derive a closed for expression for the Fibonacci sequence; just for fun. )

Course Requirements

For this class there are daily classwork assignments that will contribute 20% to the final grade.  There will also be individual book homework assignments given on a weekly basis that will contribute 10% to the final grade. For the book homework there needs to be an appropriate amount of relevant working that leads to the answer indicated for each problem.  If you copy the answers out of the back of the book or otherwise show no process, then it is likely that that will receive no credit.  

There will be three midterms this semester, and each will account for 17.5% of your grade.  The final exam will account for another 17.5% of the grade.  
 
The classwork assignments are done in groups with everyone in the group getting the same grade.  The main reason for this is that I allow you to submit the assignments before they are due to get feedback in time to resubmit, and it is impractical to grade so many assignments for so many students.  Because of this it is very important for you to be in attendance regularly so that you can contribute to your group's effort.  If you miss a day sometimes that's probably fine, but if you are regularly not in class and it becomes obvious to me that you are not doing the assignments on your own, then you will have past grades changed to zero and you may be put into a group consisting of just yourself for the remainder of the semester.  It is expected that issues that prevent you from being in class for an extended period are communicated in a timely manner. 

Final grades will be determined according to the following scheme:

  | A 93 – 100  | A-  90 – 92 | B+  87 – 89  | B  83 – 86  | B-  80 – 82 | C+  77 – 79  | C  73 – 76  | C-  70 – 72 | D+  67 – 69  | D  63 – 66  |          D+  60 – 62 | F  Below 60  |   

Course Outline

Numbers: Exam 1 available 10/5 - 10/9 in the testing center
  • Chapter 1: Fractions, prime factorization, positive and negative whole number exponents.
  • Chapter 7: Radicals, fraction exponents.
  • Chapter 9: Exponential functions and logarithms.
Linear Relations: Exam 2 available 11/2 - 11/6 in the testing center
  • Chapter 2: Linear equations and inequalities in one variable.
  • Chapter 3: Linear relations between two variables.
  • Chapter 4: Linear equations and inequalities in two variables.
Polynomials and Rational Functions: Exam 3 available 11/30 - 12/3 in the testing center
  • Chapter 5: Polynomials.
  • Chapter 6: Rational Functions.
Final Stretch: 12/1, 12/3, 12/8, 12/10
  • Chapter 8: Quadratics
Final Exam: 12/15 - 12/16 in the testing center.
  • Contains content from the entire semester.

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Not accepted except in cases of ``excused absences'' such as school sponsored activities (sports, etc.) or medical emergencies.  Instead of accepting late work my policy is that two classwork assignments and one homework assignment are dropped at the end of the semester.  The reason for this policy is that I don't want to have to make the decision regarding what is and is not valid.  

Exams will be given in the testing center and you will have many days to do them.  You must find time in your schedule for these. 

There is no flexibility whatever regarding the time you take the final exam except in cases of extreme circumstances (e.g. medical emergencies, car crash on the way to school).  This does NOT include things like you have plane tickets for the day before to go home for Summer break or Winter break.


Attendance Policy

It is expected that students will attend each scheduled day.   We have daily assignments that you are expected to be in attendance for; see "Course Requirements" above for more information.


Course Fees

$5

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Religious / Conscience Belief Accommodation

RELIGIOUS / CONSCIENCE BELIEF ACCOMMODATION: In accordance with SUU Policy 6.7 Student Belief Accommodation, students may request, in writing, that their faculty accommodate their sincerely held religious or conscience beliefs. Students should provide their faculty with sufficient advanced notice, if possible within the first five (5) business days of the semester or session, or thereafter with good cause for requesting an accommodation after the first five (5) business days.

Faculty must provide a schedule accommodation or excuse an absence, in any course, for students to observe or participate in religious holidays or an organized activity conducted under the auspices of the student’s religious tradition or religious organization.

In courses that are required for graduation or for an academic major, a faculty member may accommodate a religious or conscience belief by modifying an assignment or examination if its content conflicts with the student’s belief. Faculty may decline the accommodation if it would fundamentally alter the course requirements. If declined, the student may request review by a neutral arbiter using the Belief Accommodation Request Form: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv&layout_id=5

Questions go to Assistant Provost Jake Johnson at johnsonj@suu.edu.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.