Faculty Syllabus

Please note: This is not the syllabus in its entirety, please see the pdf syllabus provided to you in your course. The full detailed pdf syllabus can be viewed via Professor McCullough's website after Wednesday 5/24/2026. 

Grade Components

Tests: 70%

Written Homework: 10%

MyLab Math Quizzes: 10%

MyLab Math Homework: 10%

Grading Scale

A: >89.5

B: 79.5 – 89.4

C: 69.5 – 79.4

D: 59.5 – 69.4

F: <59.5

Required Materials 

This is a First Day™ class. The cost of required course materials, including an online version of the textbook and software access, has been added to your tuition and fees bill. 

Textbook: College Algebra with Modeling & Visualization, 6th Edition by Rockswold. Pearson Publishing (MyLab software) ISBN: 9780134763828

Calculator: Students should familiarize themselves with the Desmos calculators. The link to the Desmos Scientific Calculator and Desmos Graphing Calculator will be provided in the first question of each test. Handheld calculators are not permitted during exams.

Other Technology: Access to a webcam and microphone are required for this course. Eligible students can check out required technology at https://www.austincc.edu/students/student-technology-services.

Course Description

Credit Hours: 3, Contact Hours: 3

MATH 1314 College Algebra (3-3-0). A course designed for students who need College Algebra but do not need to take Precalculus (MATH 2412) or Calculus (MATH 2413). In-depth study and applications of polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions, and systems of equations using matrices. This course does not meet the prerequisite for Precalculus (MATH 2412).

Course Rationale

This course is designed to teach students the functional approach to mathematical relationships that they will need for a business calculus sequence. Other courses, such as MATH 1332, or MATH 1342 are more appropriate to meet a general mathematics requirement.  Check with your degree plan as to what math course your college requires.

Common Course Objectives

Functions:

• Use and interpret function notation.
• Find the domain of polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
• Find a symbolic representation of the sum, difference, product, quotient, and composition of two functions.
• Evaluate the sum, difference, product, quotient, and composition of two functions at a given value of the respective domain for functions represented symbolically, graphically, and numerically.
• Find the inverse of a function represented symbolically, graphically, or numerically.
• Interpret the graphs of functions.

Graphing functions:

• Sketch the graphs of the following functions: Lines, x2, ax, and logax
• Identify and sketch transformations of the graphs of the following functions: x2, x3, x1/2, 1/x, 1/x2, |x|.
• Describe the end behavior of polynomial functions.
• Approximate the zeros of a function from its graph.
• Solve an inequality involving a function from its graph.
• Graph a piece-wise defined function.

Symbolic Adeptness:

• Solve polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic equations symbolically.
• Use the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
• Find the vertex of a parabola written in standard form by using the formula  h = -b/2a.
• Convert an exponential equation to logarithmic form, and a logarithmic equation to exponential form.
• Evaluate exponential and logarithmic functions using the change of base formula and a calculator.
• Use the properties of logarithms to expand a logarithmic expression, and to write an expanded logarithmic expression as a single logarithm.
• Solve a system of linear equations using Gaussian elimination.
• Evaluate the sum, difference and scalar multiplication of matrices.

Applications

• Recognize and use applications of linear functions.
• Recognize and use applications of quadratic functions, including falling object problems and extrema problems.
• Recognize and use applications of rational functions. 
• Recognize and use applications of exponential and logarithmic functions, including exponential growth and decay, doubling time, and half-life problems.
• Recognize and use applications of systems of linear equations.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, a student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of properties of functions, which include domain and range, operations, compositions, and inverses.
2. Recognize and apply polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions and solve related equations.
3. Apply graphical, symbolic and numeric techniques.
4. Evaluate all roots of higher degree polynomial and rational functions.
5. Recognize, solve and apply systems of linear equations using matrices.

General Education Competencies

1. Communication Skills: Develop, interpret, and express ideas and information through written, oral, and visual communication that is adapted to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.
2. Critical Thinking: Gather, analyze, synthesize, evaluate, and apply information for the purposes of innovation, inquiry, and creative thinking.
3. Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Apply mathematical, logical, and scientific principles and methods through the manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions.