Course Description: This course provides a comprehensive exploration of algebraic concepts and functions, designed for students needing it for their degree as well as those continuing to Calculus. Topics will include equations, inequalities, radicals, functions and their graphs, polynomial functions, rational functions, logarithmic functions, exponential functions, systems of equations, and matrices. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: Course placement determined by Multiple Measures OR permission of instructor MEETS THE FOLLOWING MNTC GOAL AREAS: Goal 4: Mathematical/Logical Reasoning COURSE MEETING DAYS/TIME: Tuesday and Thursday 12:30-1:45pm MEETING DATES: August 25 to December 15, 2026 DELIVERY METHODOLOGY: in class CLASSROOM LOCATION: room 228
Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College 2101 14th Street Cloquet, Minnesota 55720 Office: W217 Phone: 218-879-0840 Email: ted@fdltcc.edu Fall 2026 Class Schedule: 8:00 - 8:50am _T_Th_ Office Hours W217 9:00 - 10:15am _T_Th_ Statistics 228 10:30 - 11:20am _T_Th_ Statistics Prep 228 12:00 - 12:20pm _T_Th_ Office Hours W217 12:30 - 1:45pm _T_Th_ College Algebra 228
Office Hours in Room W217: Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri ---- 8-9 ---- 8-9 ----- ---- 12-12:20 ---- 12-12:20 -----
Email me questions anytime. Check your email, and check class announcements on D2L. Pop in during office hours.
All class materials will be on D2L: this syllabus, handouts, homework, and sample exams as PDF documents.
College Algebra, by Jay Abramson (senior author) Openstax: college-algebra
From the textbook website you can view the textbook online using their viewer, you can download the entire book in PDF format, or you can download for Kindle. You can also download the entire textbook in PDF format from this local server directory:
You may have a calculator already, but make sure that it is a scientific calculator. If you need to buy one, I recommend a cheap calculator like a TI-30XS Multiview or a TI-36X Pro. These do what you need, and the FDLTCC bookstore sells at least one of them for under $20 . You need to have it available for all assignments. You do not need a more expensive graphing calculator, but, if you have one, that will be fine.
This free online function grapher is better than any graphing calculator one can buy.
This is software like Mathematica and Maple which can do symbolic algebra, graphing, and many other mathematical things. SageMath is free.
This is not a programming course, yet we will do a bit of programming in Python for some computational sections. SageMath is simply interactive Python with some special features added for mathematics.
These days we have to have these for some things, but one can survive without them for at least a few hours. In class, turn them off or mute the ringer, and put them away. Do not use PEDs for tests; use a calculator as above. Do not use AI to do homework.
3 tests 3x100 = 300 1 final 150 25 homework 4x25 = 100 ----------------------- 550 total 90-100% A 80-90% B 70-80% C 60-70% D 0-60% F Scores from tests are posted on D2L here: https://fdltcc.learn.minnstate.edu/The Course
This course addresses FDLTCC liberal education requirements (Competencies Across the Curriculum) in problem solving and technology. You should come to class everyday! This is the easy way to do well in any course, and it is especially true for math classes. There are exercises in the text for you to do, and these are usually answered at the end of each chapter. You will also get homework assignments on handouts, and you should complete then hand these in at the beginning of the next class. You homework grade is based on completing and turning in these homework handouts. You will also get sample exams which will be similar in length and content to the in-class exams. Let me know if there is are accommodations you need for the class.
The tentative schedule below shows class days. I'll post homework, materials, and sample tests on D2L under Materials >> Content.
You are required to do homework and tests on your own efforts without using other people or AI.
Assessments
Show your work on all your papers! Answers alone are not enough! Do not rewrite and tidy up your work for me, just leave it all there. Please make sure I can read it though. Also, if you choose to do homework on your own paper, label the paper, say "Homework 12", number each problem, and show enough of the problem statements from the homework sheet so that I can understand what you did.
The key to success on exams is doing the homework. (Exam problems will be very similar.) Do homework assignments as assigned.
Tentative Schedule
Tue aug25 1 1.1 real numbers 1.2 exponents and scientific notation Thu aug26 2 1.3 radicals and rational expressions Tue sep01 3 1.4 polynomials 1.5 factoring polynomials Thu sep03 4 1.6 rational expressions Tue sep08 5 2.1 Cartesian plane 2.3 models and applications Thu sep10 6 2.4 complex numbers 2.5 quadratic equations Tue sep15 7 2.7 linear and absolute value inequalities Wed sep17 8 Review Test 1 Tue sep22 9 Test 1 Thu sep24 10 3.1 Functions 3.2 domain and range 3.4 composition 3.5 tranformation 3.7 function inverses Tue sep29 11 4.1 Linear Functions 4.2 modeling with linear functions Thu oct01 12 4.3 fitting linear models to data Linear Regression Calculator Review: Test 2 Tue oct06 13 Test 2 Thu oct08 14 5.1 quadratics 5.2 polynomials 5.3 graphs of polynomial functions Tue oct13 15 5.4 dividing polynomials 5.6 rational functions Thu oct15 NC No Classes Tue oct20 16 Conic Sections: parabola and ellipse, graphing with Desmos.com NASA Maven Mars Kepler's Laws Orbits Halley's comet Thu oct22 17 6.1 exponential functions 6.2 graphs of exponential functions Tue oct27 18 6.3 logarithmic functions 6.4 graphs of log functions Thu oct29 19 6.5 properties of logs calculation with logarithms, and uses of Wed nov03 20 6.6 exponential and log equations radio-carbon dating 6.7 exponential and log models and applications Thu nov05 21 7.1 systems of linear equations in 2 variables Tue nov10 22 7.2 systems of linear equations in 3 variables triangulation in games T3 review Thu nov12 23 Test 3 Tue nov17 24 7.5 matrices and operations 7.7 matrix algebra and inverses, solving systems Thu nov19 25 7.8 determinants and Cramer's rule Tue nov24 26 8.1 The Ellipse Conic Sections: circle, parabola, ellipse, hyperbola Thu nov27 NC No Classes Tue dec01 27 9.1 sequences and series 9.2 arithmetic sequences Thu dec03 28 9.3 geometric sequences and series 9.5 counting Tue dec08 29 9.6 binomial theorem 9.6 binomial probabilities Applications of the binomial theorem Thu dec10 30 Final exam review Tue dec15 T1 Math 1010 11:00am - 12:50pm room 228 Math 1030 9:00am - 10:50am room 228 Wed dec17 T2 Thu dec18 T3 Fri dec19 T4
LEARNING GOALS and OUTCOMES (This information can be found in the Master Course Outline) At FDLTCC we have 4 Competencies Across the Curriculum (CAC) areas. They are as follows: A. Information Literacy (the ability to use print and/or non-print tools effectively for the discovery, acquisition, and evaluation of information.) B. Ability to Communicate (the ability to listen, read, comprehend, and/or deliver information in a variety of formats.) C. Problem Solving (the ability to conceptualize, apply, analyze, synthesize, and/or evaluate information to formulate and solve problems.) D. Culture (knowledge of Anishinaabe traditions and culture, knowledge of one’s own traditions and culture, knowledge of others’ traditions and cultures, culture of work, culture of academic disciplines and/or respect for global diversity.) Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to: Learning Outcomes Competencies (CAC) Cultural Standards 1. Solve applications by C 1,4,5 modeling with linear, quadratic, polynomial, logarithmic and exponential functions. 2. Analyze and graph linear, C quadratic, polynomial, logarithmic and exponential functions. 3. Convert between C geometric descriptions and standard quadratic forms of conic sections. 4. Solve systems of C equations . WINHEC Cultural Standards: 1. GIKENDAASOWIN – Knowing knowledge: To develop human beings who value knowledge, learning, and critical thinking and are able to effectively use the language, knowledge, and skills central to an Ojibwe-Anishinaabe way of knowing. 2. GWAYAKWAADIZIWIN – Living a balanced way: To develop balanced human beings who are reflective, informed learners who understand the interrelatedness of human society and the natural environment, recognize the importance of living in harmony with creation, and are able to apply a systems approach to understanding and deciding on a course of action. 3. ZOONGIDE'EWIN – Strong hearted: To increase the students’ capacity to live and walk with a strong heart, humble and open to new ideas and courageous enough to confront the accepted truths of history and society. 4. AANGWAAMIZIWIN – Diligence and caution: To develop students’ capacity to proceed carefully, after identifying, discussing, and reflecting on the logical and ethical dimensions of political, social, and personal life. 5. DEBWEWIN – Honesty and integrity: To increase students’ capacity to think and act with honesty and integrity as they understand and face the realities of increasingly interdependent nations and people. 6. ZAAGI' IDIWIN – Loving and Caring: To encourage students' acceptance of the diversity within their school, community, and environment by developing healthy, caring relationships built on respect for all. 7. ZHAWENINDIWIN – Compassion: To expand students' knowledge of the human condition and human cultures and the importance of compassion especially in relation to behavior, ideas, and values expressed in the works of human imagination and thought.Academic Honesty and Integrity
The primary academic mission of Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College is the exploration and dissemination of knowledge. Academic honesty and integrity are integral to the academic process. Academic dishonesty, cheating, plagiarism, and collusion are serious offenses which undermine the educational process and the learning experience for the entire college community.
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College students are expected to understand and adhere to the concept of academic integrity and to the standards of conduct prescribed by the college’s policy on Academic Honesty. Students are expected to assume responsibility for their work, and student materials submitted in fulfillment, of course, program, and college academic requirements must represent students’ own efforts. Any act of academic dishonesty attempted by a student at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
Violations of academic integrity or other forms of misconduct may result in serious consequences. These can include receiving a failing grade ("F") for the course and may also lead to additional disciplinary actions as outlined by Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College and the Minnesota State system. For full details, please refer to the Student Code of Conduct Policy.
Accessibility Services Notice
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students. The Minnesota Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower (RISE) Act requires our college to clearly write the process and rights of each student in plain language making self-disclosure by a student with a sufficient disability to start the interactive process. The RISE Act still honors and follows the Federal Disabilities laws- ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. FDLTCC provides students with disabilities (e.g., mental health, attentional, learning, chronic health, sensory or physical) reasonable accommodation to participate in educational programs, activities, or services. Students must contact Trish Berger, our Accessibility Coordinator, to create an accommodation plan with reasonable accommodations. The student will decide which courses the accommodations will be used for and give permission for the instructors to receive the accommodations. The student will then have a discussion with the instructor to activate these accommodations. Students requiring accommodations must first complete an intake form and meet with Trish Berger, Accessibility Coordinator, to establish an accommodation plan. She can be reached at trish.berger@fdltcc.edu or 218-879-0864. For more information, please visit https://fdltcc.edu/student-support/accessibility-services/Sexual Violence
Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College (FDLTCC) is committed to providing an environment free of all forms of discrimination and sexual harassment, including sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, gender or sex-based bullying and stalking. If you or someone you know has experienced gender or sex-based violence (intimate partner violence, attempted or completed sexual assault, harassment, coercion, stalking, etc.), know that you are not alone. FDLTCC has staff members trained to support survivors in navigating campus life, accessing resources, providing accommodations, assistance completing with protective orders and advocacy. For more information regarding the Campus Security Report, the following link will give you a report on the Clery Compliance and Security Report at FDLTCC: https://fdltcc.edu/admissions/about-us/policies-reports/campus-security-policies-reports/. Please be aware that all FDLTCC employees are required to report any incidents of sexual violence and, therefore it cannot guarantee the confidentiality of a report, but it will consider a request for confidentiality and respect it to the fullest extent possible. If you wish to report sexual misconduct or have questions about school policies and procedures regarding sexual misconduct, please contact Lori Driscoll, Executive Human Resources Officer at 218-878-0879/lori@fdltcc.edu or Jesse Stirewalt, Director of Housing and Student Activities at 218-590-3345/jstirewalt@fdltcc.edu.Student Success—North Star Communication Platform
Student success is at the heart of what Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College staff, faculty and administration strive to achieve. To help support our students in their educational journeys, FDLTCC uses a communication platform called North Star. Students can raise their hands for support, set up appointments with staff and faculty, and communicate seamlessly with instructors. The college encourages ALL FDLTCC students to use the North Star webpage link to watch video tutorials and to log into the platform to start using its features.Use of Generative AI
Option 1: No Use of Generative A.I. Allowed Generative AI policies may differ from one course to another. In this course, the use of generative AI tools (ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, DALL-E, etc.) is prohibited for all assignments, exams, and projects in this course. All submitted work must be your own. Using generative AI at any stage of your work constitutes a violation of FDLTCC’s academic honesty policy.One cannot avoid AI completely these days. AI is pushed at everyone by search engines and ordinary applications such as a word processor-- and pushed very hard too! Rather, do not use AI to solve any math problems you present as your work. This is your essential skill to develop in this course: solving problems.
Content is neither approved nor reviewed by FDLTCC.