Video-based Supplemental Instruction

College Algebra
Student Manual

University of Missouri-Kansas City

The College of Arts and Sciences
The Center for Academic Development

July 2007 Edition

VSI College Algebra Manual

2007 Version
Sonny L. Painter, Assoc.VSI Coordinator and Curriculum Design
Center for Academic Development
University of Missouri-Kansas City
5100 Rockhill Road, SASS Building, Room 210
Kansas City, MO 64110-2499
(816) 235-1179
painters@umkc.edu
http://www.umkc.edu/cad/vsi
Copyrights by the Curators of the University of Missouri, 2007

Table of Contents

Contents
Syllabus for Course................................................................................................................... III
Suggested Homework...............................................................................................................VI
Lecture 1: Numbers..................................................................................................................... 1
Lecture 2: The Language of Mathematics................................................................................ 36
Lecture 3: The Powers that be - Exponents.............................................................................. 48
Lecture 4a: Polynomial Expressions......................................................................................... 82
Lecture 4b: Polynomial Expressions ..................................................................................... 115
Lecture 5: More Numbers and Geometry............................................................................... 146
Lecture 6: Graphs.................................................................................................................... 156
Lecture 7: Graphs.................................................................................................................... 174
Lecture 8: Graphs.................................................................................................................... 198
Lecture 9: Functions & Their Graphs..................................................................................... 229
Lecture 10: Functions & Their Graphs .................................................................................. 258
Lecture 11: Functions & Their Graphs .................................................................................. 289
Lecture 12: Functions & Their Graphs................................................................................... 309
Lecture 13: Functions & Their Graphs................................................................................... 337
Lecture 14: Functions & Their Graphs................................................................................... 350
Lecture 15: Equations in One Variable................................................................................... 366
Lecture 16: Equations in One Variable................................................................................... 388
Lecture 17: Equations in One Variable................................................................................... 414
Lecture 18: Equations in One Variable................................................................................... 422
p. 

Table of Contents
Lecture 19: Equations in One Variable................................................................................... 441
Lecture 20: Inequalities in One Variable................................................................................ 455
Lecture 21: Inequalities in One Varialbe................................................................................ 475
Lecture 22: Inequalities in One Variable................................................................................ 494
Lecture 23: Polynomial & Rational Functions....................................................................... 509
Lecture 24: Polynomial & Rational Functions....................................................................... 533
Lecture 25: Locating the Zeros of a Polynomial Function..................................................... 554
Lecture 26: Locating the Zeroes of a Polynomial Function................................................... 582
Lecture 27: Rational Functions............................................................................................... 595
Lecture 28: Exponential Functions......................................................................................... 625
Lecture 29: Logarithmic Functions......................................................................................... 644
Lecture 30: Logarithmic Functions......................................................................................... 663
Lecture 31: Exponential Functions......................................................................................... 685
Lecture 32: Systems of Linear Equations............................................................................... 700
Lecture 33- Systems of Linear Equations............................................................................... 726
Lecture 34: System of Non-Linear Equations........................................................................ 747
Lecture 35: Sequences............................................................................................................ 754
Lecture 36: Sequences............................................................................................................ 771
Lecture 37: Series & Induction............................................................................................... 787
Lecture 38: The Binominal Theorem . ................................................................................... 804

p. II

Syllabus
Syllabus for Course
The Center for Academic Development at The University of Missouri-Kansas City presents

Video-based Supplemental Instruction in

Math 110: College Algebra
Video Instructor: Richard Delaware,
UMKC Department of Mathematics and Statistics

DESCRIPTION:
VSI in Math 110 is a small group approach to College Algebra. This course uses video lectures of Richard
Delaware with small group interactive discussions, problem solving practice, and directed study to learning
algebra effectively and efficiently. You will have the opportunity to earn high grades in this rigorous class while
you gain study strategies which transfer to similar classes.
LINKED COURSE:
This course links College Algebra (Math 110) with Critical Thinking in the Arts and Sciences (A&S 103c.)
Both courses carry 3 hours of college credit; therefore, by taking VSI in Math 110, you will receive 6 hours
credit. See also A&S 103c syllabus.
TEXTS:
Sullivan and Sullivan, College Algebra: Enhanced with Graphing Utilities, 4th Ed. Prentice Hall, Upper
Saddle River, NJ, 2000. ISBN #0-13-149104-0.
Note: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Editions may also be used.
GRAPHING CALCULATORS:
You will need a graphing calculator for this course. The most preferred models are the Texas Instruments TI-83
(or TI-82), the Sharp EL-9600 (or EL-9300), or the Hewlett Packard HP-38G. Other calculators that are acceptable, but contain more features than you will need, are the TI-86 (or TI-85) and the Hewlett Packard HP-48G
(or HP-48GX). Calculators that are not to be used, due to the advanced computer algebra systems they possess,
are the Texas Instruments TI-89 or TI-92.
COURSE CONTENT:
Unit 0
Basics: Remembrance of Things Past
Unit 1
Graphs
Unit 2
Functions and Their Graphs
Unit 3
Equations and Inequalities
Unit 4
Polynomial and Rational Functions
Unit 5
Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Unit 6
Systems of Equations
Unit 7
Some Discrete Topics

p. III

Syllabus
HOMEWORK:
Assigned homework problems are your individual responsibility. Some, but not all of the assigned problems
will be looked at in class. It is to your benefit to work the suggested problems to ensure yourself of having
learned the material. Quizzes in order to check for understanding may be given at the discretion of the
facilitator.
EXAMS:
There will be in-class hour examinations (written by the instructor) and one 2-hour comprehensive final exam
(written by the UMKC Department of Mathematics and Statistics.) All exams are will be closed book and
closed notes. The most damaging exam score from Exams #1 5 will be dropped. Make-up exams will
ordinarily not be given.
The exam coverage will be as follows:
UMKC Campus Exams
Exam #1 Unit 0
Lectures 1-5

High School Exams

Exam #1
Unit 0
Lectures 1-5

Exam #2

Exam #2a

Unit 1

Lectures 6-8

Exam #2b

Unit 2

Lectures 9-14

Units 1 & 2

Lectures 6-14

Exam #3

Unit 3

Lectures 15-22

Exam #3

Unit 3

Lectures 15-22

Exam #4

Units 4 & 5

Lectures 23-31

Exam #4a

Unit 4

Lectures 23-27

Exam #4b

Unit 5

Lectures 28-31

Exam #5

Units 6 & 7

Lectures 32-38

Exam #5

Units 6 & 7 Lectures 32-38

FINAL

Units 1 - 7

Lectures 4-38

FINAL

Units 1 - 7

Lectures 4-38

Answers on exams must be supported by evidence on your paper that you understand the methods used to arrive
at your solution. SHOW YOUR WORK!!! You will receive no credit for unsupported answers; however, the
supporting calculations may earn you substantial partial credit, even if you do not obtain the correct answer.
Graphing calculators may be used on Exams #1 - 5; however, they may not be used on the Final Exam.
The Final Exam is a combination of multiple choice questions and short answer and is common to all sections
of College Algebra offered on or off campus. An archive of previous final exams for practice are given on the
Department of Mathematics and Statistics website. It is to your benefit to work as many of these problems in
multiple choice format as possible.

p. IV

Syllabus
POINT DISTRIBUTION:
UMKC Campus
Five Exams (100 pts each; drop lowest)
Final Exam
Total Possible

High School
400 Seven Exams (100 pts each; drop lowest)
100 Final Exam
500 Total Possible

600
100
700

ROLE OF VIDEO COURSE INSTRUCTOR:

The role of the course instructor is to:
- present lectures by video
- prepare exams
- supervise the grading of exams
- assign content grade
ROLE OF VSI FACILITATOR:
The role of the VSI facilitator is to:
- get you actively involved with the content
- expect you to be prepared for each class session
- plan a schedule with you which complements the syllabus
- assist you as you develop the learning strategies necessary to master the content
- assign written homework
- assessment of knowledge through quizzes
- prepare students for final exam through review sessions and practice finals
- monitor your progress/grade for the A&S 103c grade
ROLE OF VSI STUDENT:
The role of the VSI student is to:
- come prepared to class
- do homework nightly
- participate in class (ask questions, work problems, talk & explain with peers)
- understand that visitors will come to class to assist VSI staff as we educate the public about VSI
CONTACT:
Center for Academic Development - VSI Program
University of Missouri - Kansas City
SASS Building, Room 210
5100 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, MO 64110
(816) 235-1178
http://www.umkc.edu/cad/vsi

p. 

Suggested Homework
Suggested Homework
Lecture Time

Material

Assignments
(Second Edition)

Assignments
(Third Edition)

Assignments
(Fourth Edition)

1
1

1
11

none
p.18 # 1-10,13-20

none
p.18 # 1-10,13-20

none
p.18 # 1-10,13-20

20

p.19 # 31-32

p.19 # 31-32

p.19 # 31-32

1
1
1
2
3
3

24
8
11

p.45 # 1-20
p.46 # 21-50
p.18 # 21-30

p.45 # 1-20
p.46 # 21-50
p.18 # 21-30

p.45 # 1-20
p.46 # 21-50
p.18 # 21-30

13

12

p.65 # 1-4
p.65 # 5-20; p.151 #
1-19,21-42
p.153 # 1-5; p.158 #
1-10; p.42 # 21-50
p.158 # 11-30

p.65 # 1-4
p.65 # 5-20; p.151 # 119,21-42
p.153 # 1-5; p.158 # 110; p.42 # 21-50
p.158 # 11-30

p.65 # 1-4
p.65 # 5-20; p.151 # 1-19,2142
p.153 # 1-5; p.158 # 1-10;
p.42 # 21-50
p.158 # 11-30

21

4a

21
19
20

p.165 # 1-27; p.168

# 1-31
p.65 # 21-53 p.70 #
1-43
p.78 # 1-60
none

p.165 # 1-27; p.168 #

p.165 # 1-27; p.168 # 1-31
1-31
p.65 # 21-53 p.70 # 1-43 p.65 # 21-53 p.70 # 1-43

4a
4a

p.78 # 1-60
none

p.78 # 1-60
none

4a

27

p.83 # 1-54; p.90 # 1-69

10

4b

24

p.83 # 1-54; p.90 #

1-69
p.90 # 1-33 using
complete the square
p.96 # 21-36

p.83 # 1-54; p.90 # 1-69

4a

p.90 # 1-33 using complete the square

p.96 # 21-36

p.90 # 1-33 using complete

the square
p.96 # 21-36

19

p.176 # 1-47

p.176 # 1-47

p.176 # 1-47

20

p.180 # 1-26

p.180 # 1-26

p.180 # 1-26

6
6
6
6
7

12
18
7
18
26

Introduction
Sets of Objects and Natural
Numbers
Integers, Rational Numbers
and Irrational Numbers
Real Numbers
Real Numbers, cont.
Real Numbers, cont.
Language of Mathematics
Integer Exponents
Operations with Integer
Exponents
Square Roots; A Pair of
Equal Factors
Nth Roots and Rational
Exponents
Operations With Rational
Exponents
What is a Polynomial?;
Adding and Subtracting
Multiplying Polynomials
A Common Error and
Handy Polynomial Products
Un-Multiplying (Factoring)
Polynomials
Completing a Perfect
Square
Dividing Polynomials:
Rational Expressions
Beyond Real Numbers:
Complex Numbers
Some Area Formulas and
The Pythagorean Theorem
Rectangular coordinates
Distance btwn points
Midoint of segment
Graphing device
Graphs of Equations

p.10 # 1-8
p.12 # 21-44
p.13 # 49-58

p. 97 # 1-8
p. 98 # 21-44
p. 98 # 49-58

p. 97 # 11-18
p. 98 # 31-54
p. 98 # 55-64

p.28 # 47-56; p.26 #

11-21

p.108 # 1-6; p.109 #

19-22

p.110 # 77-80

p. VI

12
31

Suggested Homework
Lecture Time

Material

Assignments
(Second Edition)

Assignments
(Third Edition)

Assignments
(Fourth Edition)

7
7

12
15

Intercepts
Symmetry of Graphs

p.108 # 7-18
p. 262 # 1-34

p. 224 # 11-22parts(b)
p. 224 # 11-22parts(c )

7
8

34
23

Defining Slope
Lines & their Equations

p. 176 # 1-12
p. 177 # 27-30, # 35-46

p. 176 # 7-18
p. 177 # 33-36, # 41-52

8
8
8
8
9
9
9
9
10

12
14
28
18
27
20
20
17
26

p.27 # 31-46parts(a)
p.26 # 1-10,3146parts(b), 57-75
p.79 # 1-22
p.80 # 23-26,3142,55-85,93-99
p.80 # 27-28,43-48
p.80 # 29,30,49-54
p.88 # 1-38,43-44
on tape
manual, p.110 # 1-12
manual
p.112 # 49-62
p.110 # 13-20
p.111 # 37-48,75-78

23

10

19

10

20

11

21

p. 177 # 31, 32, 47-52

p. 177 # 33, 34, 53-58
p. 184 # 1-24
on tape
manual
manual
p. 210 # 33-46
p. 210 # 13-20
p. 211 # 47,48, p. 212 #
61-66
p. 273 # 1-6, # 1120part(c )
p. 273 # 7-10, p. 274 #
21-24, # 51-58
p. 273 # 11-20part(d), p.
274 # 37-48
manual, p. 283 # 1-8

p. 177 # 37, 38, 53-58

p. 177 # 39, 40, 59-64
p. 185 # 5-30
on tape
manual
manual
p. 217 # 47-60
p. 217 # 39-46
p. 224 # 9, 10, p. 225 # 23-28

10

11

20

p. 283 # 19-28

p. 263 # 29-38

11
12

11
14

p. 296 Exercise 3.4

p. 275 Section 2.7

12

14

p. 296 Exercise 3.4

p. 275 Section 2.7

12

13

p. 296 Exercise 3.4

p. 275 Section 2.7

12

15

p. 296 Exercise 3.4

p. 275 Section 2.7

12

17

p. 296 Exercise 3.4

p. 275 Section 2.7

12
12
12
12
13

8
6
12
12
17

Parallel Lines
Perpendicular Lines
Circles & their Equations
Exercises Explained
Central Idea
Language and Notation
More on Domains
Notation Practice
Visualizing Functions:
Graphs of (x,f(x)) pairs
Increasing and Decreasing p.173 # 9-24, 67-70
Functions
Local Maximums and Local p. 173 # 67-70
Minimums
Even and Odd Functions
p. 173 # 9-24 part c,
41-52
Library of Important Func- manual, p.172 # 1-8
tions
Piecewise Defined Funcp.174 # 25-28, 55-62
tions
Some Exercises Explained p.177 # 79-82
Graphing Techniques: Ver- p.189 # 19-20, 29-32
tical Shifts
Graphing Techniques: Hori- p.189 # 17-18, 33-36
zontal Shifts
Graphing Techniques:
p. 189 # 23, 37-40
Vertical Compressions and
Stretches
Graphing Techniques: Hori- p. 189 # 24,
zontal Compressions and
Stretches
Graphing Techniques: Rep.189 # 21-22, 41-46
flections Across the Axes
Putting it all Together
p.188 # 1-12, 25-28
Putting it all Together
p.188 #47-66, 69-74
Putting it all Together
Putting it all Together
Algbra of Functions
p.198 #1-12

p. 296 Exercise 3.4

p. 296 Exercise 3.4
p. 296 Exercise 3.4
p. 296 Exercise 3.4
p. 306 #1-10

p. 275 Section 2.7

p. 275 Section 2.7
p. 275 Section 2.7
p. 275 Section 2.7

p. 237 # 11-16, # 21-28part(c

)
p. 237 # 17-20, p. 238 # 2932, # 42-52
p. 237 # 21-28part(d), p. 238
# 33-44
manual, p. 263 # 9-16

p. VII

Suggested Homework
Lecture Time

Material

Assignments
(Second Edition)

Assignments
(Third Edition)

Assignments
(Fourth Edition)

13

24

A New Operation

p.198 #13-60

p. 307 #31-44

p. 402 # 11-20

15

18

15

p.253 #63-68

p. 397 # 63-68

p. 380 # 73-78

15

15

16

15

23

15

13

16

12

16

12

16

50

17

17

15.5

19

14

19

15

19

20
20

20
17

20
21

19
17

21

21

27

22

12.5

Solving Equations with a

Graphing Device and IVT
Solving Equations with a
Graphing Device and IVT
Solving Equations with a
Graphing Device and IVT
Solving Equations with a
Graphing Device and IVT
Solving Linear Equations:
The Linear Formula
Solving Non-linear Equations that lead to linear
equations
Solving Quadratic Equations: Factoring or Graphing
Complex Reminder and the
Principle Square Root
Solving Quadratic Equations: Quadratic Formula &
Discriminant
Some Linear & Quadratic
Exercises Explained
Some Linear & Quadratic
Exercises Explained
Solving Radical Equations
Solving Equations Quadratic in Form
Solving Factorable Equations
Properties of Inequalities
Solving Inequalities in
general
Solving Linear Inequalities
Solving Quadratic Inequalities
Solving Higher-Degree
Polynomial Inequalities
Solving Rational Inequalities
When Absolute Value Appears: Equations

p. VIII

p. 38 #1-42

p. 110 # 29-48
p. 110 # 49-76

p. 121 # 11-44

p. 262 #1-69

p. 406 #1-44

p. 132 # 9-46

p.137 #13-24

p. 126 #77-94, p. 406

#65-70

p. 122 # 45-62, p. 122 #

75-80

manual

manual

manual

manual Tape 18

manual Tape 18

manual Tape 18

p.38 #43-58

p. 147 # 1-30

p. 139 # 9-46

p. 148 # 31-62

p. 139 # 47-78

p. 125 # 37-60
p. 64 #17-30, 75-84

p. 160 #29-42

p. 160 #39-52

p. 64 #31-60
p.299 #1-15

p. 160 #43-72
p. 372 #1-16

p. 160 #53-82
p. 365 #3-18

p.299 #16-39

p. 372 #17-36

p. 372 #19-34

p.299 #37-58

p. 372 #37-58

p. 372 #35-56

p.38 #61-72

p. 148 #63-84

p. 139 #79-100

Suggested Homework
Lecture Time

Material

Assignments
(Second Edition)

Assignments
(Third Edition)

Assignments
(Fourth Edition)

22

17

p.64 #61-74

p. 161 #73-92

p. 161 #83-102

22
23

15
20

practice problems
p. 137 #25-32,37-54

p. 235 #1-8

p. 312 #11-18

23

16

p. 235 #13-30

p. 312 #19-34

23

23

24

p. 329 #1-16

p. 331 #23-36

24

16

24

42

25

13

p. 396 #11-22

p. 379 #21-32

25

13

25

17

25

22

p. 396 #23-28

p. 379 #33-38

25

25

21

26

15

27
27
27

15
18
26

p. 287

p. 354

p. 344

27

11

p. 287

p. 354

p. 344

27

20

28
28

15
27

p. 320
p. 331

p. 429
p. 441 #11-36

p. 416
p. 431 #29-52

28

29
29

24
24

When Absolute Value Appears: Inequalities

More Exercises Explained
Degree 2: Quadratic Functions
Graphing Quadratic Functions
Graphing Quadratic Functions
Degree n: General Polynomial Functions
Special Case: Power Functions and their Graphs
Graphing General Polynomial Functions
How MANY Zeros are
There?
How Many Zeros are
REAL?
How many Zeros are POSITIVE? NEGATIVE?
WHERE (on what interval)
are all the Real Zeros?
How Can You Geuss the
Locations of Real Zeros?
How Can You REDUCE
the Number of Real Zeros?
Strategy & Tools: A Partial
Checklist
General Rational Functions
What is an Asymptote?
Finding Asymptotes of
Rational Functions
Finding Asymptotes of
Rational Functions
Graphing Rational Functions
One-to-One Functions
Exponential Functions &
Their Graphs
The Natural Exponential
Function
Inverse Functions
Logarithmic Functions and
Their Graphs

p. 321
p. 343

p. 430 #21-54
p. 454 #53-84

p. 417 #37-70
p. 445 #67-90

p. 219 #1-9
p.230 #17-35

p. 269 #1-15

p. 253 #11-27

p. 253 #29 - 45

p. IX

Suggested Homework
Lecture Time

Material

29

30
30

17
15

30

21

31

15

31
32

20

32

21

33
34

30
15

35

30

35
35

8
17

36
36
37

19
31
26

38

11

38
38

19
32

Natural Logarithmic Function

Properties of Logarithms
All Logarithms are Natural
(or Common)
Solving Logarithmic Equations
Solving Exponential Equations
Models
Systems of Linear Equations in General
Solving A System of 2 or 3
Linear Equations in 2 or 3
Variables
Some Exercises Explained
Solving A System of 2
Non-Linear Equations in 2
Variables
Infinite Sequences: Functions with Domain N
Factorial Symbol: !
Adding the First n Terms of
a Sequence
Arithmetic Sequences
Geometric Sequences
Geometric Series and Their
Infinite Sums
The Binomial Coefficient
Symbol
Pascals Triangle
The Binomial Theorem:
How to expand (x+a)^n

p. 

Assignments
(Second Edition)

Assignments
(Third Edition)

Assignments
(Fourth Edition)

p. 354

p. 465 #25-58

p. 456 #31-64

p. 361

p. 471 Exercise 6.5

p. 461 Section 4.6

p. 361

p. 471 Exercise 6.5

p. 461 Section 4.6

p. 410

p. 520 # 1-4

p. 418

p. 521 #9-30, p. 527

#3-16

p. 516 #17-40, #41-54

p. 652

p. 750 #21-30

p. 641 #27-44

p. 506

p. 622 #1-12, #21-34

p. 659 #17-28, #37-50

p. 506

p. 623 #35-44, #55-66

p. 659 #11-16
p. 659 #51-60, #71-82

p. 513
p. 527

p. 630 Exercise 8.2

p. 640 Exercise 8.3
p. 640 Exercise 8.3

p. 667 Section 7.2

p. 675 Section 7.3
p. 675 Section 7.3

p. 527

p. 653 Exercise 8.5

p. 687 Section 7.5

p. 653 Exercise 8.5

p. 687 Section 7.5

p. 541

Lecture 1: Numbers
Preview Activity
Sets of Objects
Process Activity (1)
Real Numbers
Process Activity (2)
The Real Line: Distance Between Points
Review Activity

Preview Activity
1. When you thing of numbers, there are many terms used to describe numbers. Make
a list of terms usually associated with numbers.

p. 

Notes

p. 

Notes

p. 

Notes

p. 

Notes

p. 

Notes

p. 

Notes

p. 

Notes

p. 

Notes

p. 10

Notes

p. 11

Notes

p. 12

Notes

p. 13

Process Activity (1)

1. List the prime factors of the following numbers:
a.) 128

b.) 93

c.) 250

d.) 359

2. Classify which set of number the following numbers belong to:

a.) 1.1

b.)

27
56

c.)

13

d.)

16

p. 14

Notes

p. 15

Notes

p. 16

Notes

p. 17

Notes

p. 18

Notes

p. 19

Notes

p. 20

Notes

p. 21

Notes

p. 22

Notes

p. 23

Notes

p. 24

Notes

p. 25

Process Activity (2)

1. Graph on a number line the following inequalities:

a.) x 25

c.) > x >

b.) 1 < x 13.5

d.) 10 x 15

2. Describe the number line in interval notation.

a.)

-3

b.)

-3

d.)
-3

p. 26

c.)

-3

Notes

p. 27

Notes

p. 28

Notes

p. 29

Notes

p. 30

Notes

p. 31

Notes

p. 32

Notes

p. 33

Notes

p. 34

Review Activity
1. Give five examples of each type of number.
a.) Integers:
b.) Rational Numbers:
c.) Natural Naumbers:
d.) Real Numbers:
e.) Irrational Numbers:
2. Graph on a number line the following inequalities and write in interval notation.
1
> x > 3
3

a.) x 5

c.)

b.) 1 x < 14

d.) x 2

p. 35