Solving Problems is a practical art, like swimming, or skiing, or playing the piano; 
you can learn it only by imitation and practice.
George Polya

Carol Lanfear
Temporary Instructor
Mathematics Department
Central Michigan University
 

Office:  PE 206 I
Phone:  774-3920 
Email:   Carol.Lanfear@cmich.edu


MTH 105  intermediate Algebra 3(3-0) F, Sp 
Algebraic expressions, functions, factoring, graphing, linear and quadratic equations, linear inequalities, systems of linear equations, rational expressions, radical, negatives and rational exponents. 
Prerequisite:  placement test score; or successful completion of MTH 055 or equivalent.


What about Competency?
If you have a good background in math and don't need to take any more math, you may qualify to take the Math Competency Exam.  It only costs $20 (much cheaper than three hours of tuition).  Click here to see if you qualify.  If you are interested call Mary Jo at 1092 to set up an appointment for the exam.  It will be given in the Testing Center whose new location is IET 142N.  The Old Competency Exam covers Elementary Algebra topics.  The New Competency Exam overs Intermediate Algebra topics.  For further info see http://www.cmich.edu/cbptc/
A sample test is available at http://www.cmich.edu/cbptc/mathcomp.htm

Are you in the right class?
To determine whether or not you are in the right level math class, you can take the Math 105 Diagnostic Test.  Take it without use of a calculator and use the guidelines provided to assess your level.



 
Grading
Grade 
Breakdown
Daily   Work
Breakdown
Tests 50% (100 pts each) HW, Quizzes 80 %
Final Exam 25%  (150 points) Attendance 10 %
Daily Work 25 %  (150 points) Projects 10 %
Total 100 %

Final Percentage Expected Grade
90%-100% A-, A
80%-89% B-, B, B+
70%-79% C-, C, C+
60%-69% D-, D, D+
0%-59% E

 
Test Schedule
Exam 1 Mon/Tues, Feb 4/5 chapters   1, 2, and 3
Exam 2 Wed/Thurs,  Feb 27/28 chapters  4.1 through 6.4
Exam 3 Tues/Wed, Apr 8/9 chapters    6.5 through 8.6
Comprehensive
Final Exam 		 MW section
TR section		 Mon, Apr 28 from 2:00-3:50
Tues, Apr 29 from 2:00-3:50
If you are taking this class on a CR/NC basis you will receive
CR for C or higher work and  NC for C- or lower work.  
This is standard for all university courses offered on a CR/NC basis.
In order to receive math competency you need a C or higher.


Click here to see set-ups for some
Rate Problems

Click here for the Factoring Steps 
Chart with examples

Click here for the Parabola 
Analysis Problem (It is a pdf file.)

Click here for the answers to the
Parabola Analysis Problem  
Homework Schedule
and
MathXL

Homework will be done on MathXL online homework management system. To register go to  http://www.MathXL.com and register with the access code that came with your textbook.  You will also need the school's zip code.  It is 48859.

Once you are registered, only use Internet Explorer on a PC or new Mac with an intel chip.  The first time you log in to MathXL you will have to run the Wizard to set up your computer properly.  Don't worry--it is easy.

If you have an older Mac, it won't work. You need to use the PCs in the Stats lab in PE 403 when there are no classes held in that room.  You may also use the computers in PE 400.  

If you get stuck setting up your computer, you can call the MathXL tech support at 1-800-677-6337.

You must watch the movie on how to enter your answers before you start your homework.  This is found in various places but the first place to look is www.MathXL.com then the Tours and Training tab at the top, then click the link in the "For Students" box.

We will be following the schedule given by the units listed below.
Unit 1      Unit 2        Unit 3      Unit 4
Tentative Projects

 
Literal Equations 
(due Thursday Jan 25, 
submit in MathXL )

 

Tennis Racket Project 
(due Tuesday Feb 20, 
submit in MathXL)
Click here for the Shoemaker Problem 
(example linear programming problem 
I did in class)

Joseph in the Pit
(due Tuesday Apr 24,
submit in MathXL)


Advice from Former Students

New:  For comic relief when 
you are tired of studying,
watch this little movie. 25.wmv

If you like to see domino pattern
collapse, You'll like this little movie.
DominoPoolFinal.wmv
Someone obviously has too much 
time on his hands.

A spoof on a computer help desk 
movie is here.  Help Desk.