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This week in Section 1.2 we’ll be talking about graphing equations, finding intercepts, and testing an equation for symmetry. Although each of these things can be done by hand or algebraically, you can use your graphing calculator to verify results and save time. In Section 1.3, many of the equations you will be asked to solve cannot be solved algebraically and must be solved using the graphing calculator.

I have put together a set of short calculator tutorials for these sections. Each is under 5 minutes in length. They can be found by clicking on the Calculator button on the main page. If anyone has any suggestions for additional calculator videos, I'd be happy to take requests.

The section 1.2 homework will be due on Tuesday, the section 1.3 homework will be due on Thursday, and the quiz will be due on Saturday. 

There will be no required discussion board postings this week in order to allow you time to focus on becoming familiar with the calculator.  There will, however, be a forum for general questions but this will be optional.

This week we will be finishing up with the review material (Section  A.9: Rational Exponents) and starting with new material in Section  1.1. The section A.9 homework will be due on Tuesday, the section 1.1 homework will be due on Thursday, and the week 4 quiz will be due on Saturday.

One of the topics covered this week will be the TI-83 (or TI-84) graphing calculator that is required for the course. You may purchase, borrow, or rent a calculator through Massasoit for $20 per semester. If you are interested in renting, please contact me and I will send you a rental form.

I want to remind you that if you have any questions during the week, you can post your question to the discussion board, use the “Ask My Instructor” button next to each problem, or schedule a time in the online classroom to work with me. Even though this is an online course, help is always available!

This week we will have our first test. The test has two parts: an online part and a written part.

The online part can be found by clicking on the "Take a  Quiz/Test" button on the Course Compass main page, and there is no time limit.  There are no restrictions as to the number of times that you can
get into the test, so you can do a little at a time. The online part must be completed by Saturday, February 20 at 11:59 p.m.

The written part can be found by clicking on the “Written Tests” button on the main page. You should print the test, complete the test by showing all of your work, and then scan it and send it to me via email as an attachment. The file must be in pdf format because I will be correcting it using software that
allows me to annotate pdf files using my tablet pc. If you do not have a scanner, you should be able to go to an office supply store such as Staples or Office Depot and they will scan it for you for a small fee. The written part is also due on Saturday, February 20 at 11:59 p.m.

I am building in a 24-hour grace period to address any technical difficulties that you may have with regards to the tests. If you have any technical difficulties submitting your test, you must email me as soon as you realize that you have a problem before 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, February 20. I will help you troubleshoot the problem on Sunday, February 21. Any test submitted after Sunday evening will be marked down 25% per day late, even if the reason is technical difficulties.

If you have any questions with regards to the test, please let me know. All of the work that you do should be your own; you should not have outside assistance.