Course Syllabus

Independent Study in Idaho

ISI Website | indepst@uidaho.edu | 208-885-6641

MATH 1080 Intermediate Algebra

Sponsoring Institution: University of Idaho

3 Credits

Instructor Information

Course Instructor: Ann Abbott 

  • Email: aabbott@uidaho.edu
  • Office Hours: send questions via email 
  • Copy the ISI office at indepst@uidaho.edu on all communications. 

Course Description

Review of algebra including factoring, rational expressions, exponents, radicals, quadratic equations, equations of lines. UI students: carries no credit after Math 137 [Algebra with Applications] or 1143 [Pre-calculus Algebra and Analytic Geometry]. Does not satisfy general education requirement. Polya Math Center unavailable for ISI students.

Mathematics is essential in nearly all aspects of your life. This course introduces you to specific problem-solving techniques. Also, you will learn strategies to help you solve problems that don’t fit the “cookie-cutter” mold usually seen in textbooks.

Course Learning Outcomes

The primary objective of this course is to help you become competent (and confident) at solving algebra problems both in the textbook setting and a “real-life” setting. Additionally, the course will prepare you for higher math courses.

Required Materials

Lial, Margaret L., John Hornsby, and Terry McGinnis. Intermediate Algebra. 8th ed. Boston. Pearson Education, Inc., 2005 or 2006. ISBN: 0321279204 ISBN-13: 978-0321279200

Course Rules and Requirements

This course is divided into 15 lessons. Each lesson contains a reading assignment with practice problems and self-study problems. The practice and self-study problems are not submitted for grading. There is also a written assignment for each lesson. Written assignments are submitted for grading. There are four regular exams and a final exam.

I expect my students actually to read the reading assignment! Most people who have ever taken a math course listen to the instructor lecture then go immediately to the exercises at the end of each section or chapter and get to work solving problems. Unfortunately, you don’t have an instructor to listen to. This means you must learn how to read a math textbook as well as how to do the math. While this may seem a bit intimidating at the moment, be patient with yourself. It’s not as bad (or as difficult) as you may think.

Assignment Guidelines

Complete the written assignments in pencil only. Neatness and completeness are essential. Show all your work. Written assignments that contain only answers will not be graded. Please use the following format:

  • 15 graded assignments, 5 self-study practice exams, 5 proctored exams
  • Students may submit up to 3 assignments at a time/6 per week.
  • Keep a copy of every lesson submitted.
  • Complete all assigned readings.
  • Set a schedule allowing for completion of the course one month prior to your desired deadline. (An assignment submission log is provided for this purpose.)
  • Do the practice and self-study problems. It’s very easy to ignore these because they are not graded and you think you understand the material. I can just about guarantee those students who do the practice and self-study problems will have much more success and fun during the course than those who do not! You can find answers to old numbered problems in the back of the book. Answers to even-numbered practice problems and the self-study problems are provided for you at the back of this course guide. Check your solutions for the practice problems and the self-study problems against the solution If you cannot come up with the correct solution, then you may request a full, written explanation for each problem by email from your instructor.
  • Show your work!!! I will not give credit for correct answers if there is no work. Mathematics (in my opinion) is not just about getting the right answer. It is also about demonstrating how you got that In other words, show your work.
  • Complete the written assignments in pencil only. Neatness and completeness are essential. Show all your work. Written assignments that contain only answers will not be graded. Please use the following format:
    • Write the original problem statement down except for story problems.
    • Write out the necessary steps to solve it.
    • Work vertically (top to bottom) on the page.
    • No more than two columns per page.
    • Circle your answer.
    • Check your work!
    • It would be nice if you could leave room for me to make suggestions and/or corrections.
    • Contact me by email if you are having trouble. My job is to help you learn not just to grade assignments and tests. UI students: Polya math tutors are not available for Independent Study in Idaho courses.

Exam Guidelines

  • You must wait for grades and comments on lessons prior to taking each subsequent exam.
  • For your instructor’s exam guidelines, refer to the letter sent in your registration packet.
  • Show your work!! I will not give credit for correct answers if there is no work. Mathematics (in my opinion) is not just about getting the right answer. It is also about demonstrating how you go that answer.
  • There will be 4 one-hour examinations in this course, and a comprehensive, two-hr final examination.
  • Each of the hour exams will consist of problems from the three lessons preceding it. The problems will be similar to the problems you have completed in the practice, self-study, and written assignments.
  • The final exam will be similar to the one hour exams except that it is two hours long and will be comprehensive (covering material from the entire course).
  • Scientific calculators are allowed but not necessary. Graphing calculators are NOT allowed.
  • All exams require a proctor. You will need to approve your proctor with the ISI office beforehand, please allow up to two weeks for this process. You can submit your Proctor Information Form online via the ISI website.
  • Practice Exams: There are chapter tests in the textbook with answers. I have also included practice exams for you in this course guide. Answers to the practice exams are at the back of the course guide. These are for you and should not be submitted for grading.

Grade Information

The course guide will be based upon the following considerations:

  • 5 Written Lessons (30 pts each) = 150 pts
  • 4 Exams (100 pts each) = 400 pts
  • 1 Final Exam = 200 pts

750 total points possible

A letter grade will be assigned upon completion of the course as follows:

Grading Scale
Points Grade
675-750 A
600-674 B
525-599 C
450-524 D
0-449 F

The final course grade is issued after all assignments and exams have been graded.

Acts of academic dishonesty, including cheating or plagiarism, are considered a very serious transgression and may result in a grade of F for the course.

Course Policies

Refer to the ISI Policies for the most current policies and procedures, including information on setting up accounts, student confidentiality, exams, transcripts, course exchanges, refunds, academic integrity, library resources, disability support and other services.