MAT 120 College Algebra and Trigonometry (CRN: 39188) — Spring 2025

MAT 120 College Algebra and Trigonometry (CRN: 39188) — Spring 2025

This Section

Course Registration Number (CRN): 39188

Term: Spring 2025

Instructor

Name Alexander Kasiukov
Office Suffolk Federal Credit Union Arena (SFCUA), Room A-109
Email (preferred mode of communication) kasiuka@sunysuffolk.edu
Phone (631) 851-6484
Web Site http://kasiukov.com
Office Hours

Attendance of office hours is optional, but I encourage you to come. Office hours begin at the start of the second week of the class and continue until the final exams week.

Schedule and Modality

Modality on-campus face-to-face lecture
Regular Meetings
Final Exam Date Wednesday, May 14, 2025
This date may be changed due to class cancellations.
Last Meeting of Class Monday, May 19, 2025
This date may be changed due to class cancellations.

Textbook

This class will use an OER (Open Education Resources) textbook provided to you free of charge through SUNY partnership with LumenOHM. To access the textbook, use this button to or follow the steps:
  1. Go to https://ohm.lumenlearning.com/ohm/enroll.php
  2. Enter Course Id: 89221 and Enrollment Key: 76465 then click "Enroll".
  3. If you enrolled on the LumenOHM before, Sign In using your old Username and Password and click "Login"; otherwise Sign up and press "Submit".
  4. You should see the Course Name: MAT 120 - College Algebra and Trigonometry - Spring 2025 (CRN: 39188) as well as the Course Id and Course Enrollment Key you just entered, and the instructor's name. Click "Enroll".

Course Information

Course Stats

Title College Algebra and Trigonometry
Catalog Code MAT 120
Credit Hours 4
Contact Hours 4
Prerequisites C or better in MAT 111 (Algebra II) or the appropriate placement.
Grades A, B+, B, C+, C, D+, D, F (failed), FN (failed due to non-attendance), W (withdrawal)
Notes

Successful completion of both MAT 124 (Fundamentals of Precalculus I) and MAT 125 (Fundamentals of Precalculus II) is equivalent to MAT 126 (Precalculus Mathematics). Credit given for MAT 124 or MAT 126, but not both. You may not enroll in this course if you have completed MAT 126 with a passing grade.

Catalog Description

A comprehensive analysis of fundamental algebraic concepts. Topics include factoring, equations and inequalities, polynomials, complex numbers, rational expressions, absolute value, and trigonometry. Careful development of functions and their properties, operations, and graphs. Study of various standard functions, along with one-to-one, inverse, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Techniques for solving equations, inequalities and systems of equations. Exploration of related applications and models.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

  • use factoring, completing the square, or the quadratic formula to solve polynomial equations;
  • use operations with complex numbers and logarithms;
  • solve equations that involve absolute value, rational expressions, radical expressions, exponential expressions, and logarithms;
  • solve a system of equations in two or three variables;
  • solve inequalities that involve absolute value;
  • define and describe the concept of a function;
  • use graphing techniques to illustrate the solution set for a system of inequalities;
  • apply algebraic techniques to solve real-world problems;
  • graph trigonometric functions and solve applications using right triangle relationships.

Topics

  1. Equations and Inequalities (3 weeks)
    1. Polynomial equations
      1. Complex Roots
        1. definition of complex numbers
        2. sum, difference and product of complex numbers
        3. division of complex numbers
      2. Solution by factoring
      3. Solution by square root property
      4. Completion of the square
      5. Quadratic formula
      6. Use of the discriminant to identify the number and the type of solutions
    2. Rational equations
    3. Equations with radicals
    4. Applications (variation, work, motion)
    5. Absolute value
      1. Definition of absolute value
      2. Equations with absolute value in one variable
      3. Compound inequalities involving "or" and "and"
        1. Graph the solution set on a number line
        2. Write the solution set in interval and in set-builder notation
      4. Inequalities with absolute value in one variable
  2. Concept of a Function (2 weeks)
    1. Introduction to a function and function notation
    2. Definition of the graph of a function and the vertical line test
    3. Domain and range
    4. Standard functions and their graphs: constant, identity, linear, square, cubic, square root, cube root, reciprocal, absolute value, piece-wise defined
    5. Function operations and composition
    6. One-to-one functions and the horizontal line test
    7. Inverse functions
  3. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions (3.5 weeks)
    1. Definition and evaluation of exponential and logarithmic expressions
    2. Conversion between an exponential and a logarithmic statement $a^b = c \Leftrightarrow \log_{a} c = b$
    3. Theorem of Inverses: $a^{\log_{a} b} = b$; $\log_{a} a^{b} = b$
    4. The Euler number $e$ and the natural logarithm $\ln( x )$
    5. Properties of exponents
      1. $a^{x + y} = a^x \cdot a^y$
      2. $a^{x - y} = \frac{a^x}{a^y}$
      3. $a^{x \cdot y} = (a^x)^y$
      4. $(a \cdot b)^x = a^x \cdot b^x$
      5. $\left( \frac{a}{b} \right)^x = \frac{a^x}{b^x}$
    6. Properties of logarithms
      1. $\log_{a}( b \cdot c ) = \log_{a} b + \log_{a} c$
      2. $\log_{a}\left( \frac{b}{c} \right) = \log_{a} b - \log_{a} c$
      3. $\log_{a}\left( b^c \right) = c \cdot \log_{a} b$
      4. Change of Base Theorem $\log_{a} b = \frac{\log_{c} b }{ \log_{c} a }$
    7. Logarithmic and exponential equations
    8. Applications (compound interest, growth, and decay)
  4. Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities (2.5 weeks)
    1. Find and graph the solution set for an inequality in two variables
    2. Find and graph the solution set for a system of inequalities
    3. System of linear equations in two and three variables
      1. Use the elimination technique to find the solution
      2. Use the substitution technique to find the solution
      3. Independent and dependent equations
      4. Consistent and Inconsistent system
      5. Applications
  5. Introduction to Trigonometry (3 weeks)
    1. Angles
      1. Degree and radian measure
      2. Standard reference angles
    2. Unit circle trigonometry
      1. Define the six trigonometric functions
      2. Pythagorean Theorem - distance formula
      3. Applications
    3. Graphs of trigonometric functions
      1. Domain and range
      2. Amplitude, period, and frequency
  6. Review and Cumulative Final Examination (1 week)

Policies and Procedures

General Requirements

This class will be conducted in the traditional format of face-to-face lectures. When taking this class, students must:

  • attend the class, as scheduled;
  • actively participate in class work;
  • prepare assigned reading;
  • submit assigned homework;
  • take and pass all the in-class quizzes and the final exam.

Grading

The course average will be computed as a weighted sum:

  • 75% – quizzes: pop quizzes will be given in class throughout semester; they will last no more than 20 minutes each and will cover current material;
  • 25% – final exam: final exam will be given at the end of the course; it will cover all topics of the course.

No test grade will be dropped. If a test (i.e. a quiz or the final exam) is missed, then the grade 0 is assigned for that test.

Letter Grade Necessary and Sufficient Conditions
A Course average 90 and above.
B+ Course average 85–89.
B Course average 80–84.
C+ Course average 75–79.
C Course average 70–74.
D+ Course average 65–69.
D Course average 60–64.
F (failed) Course average below 60. The course must be repeated.
FN (failed due to non-attendance) May be given at the discretion of the instructor if you stop attending the class without communication with the instructor. The course must be repeated.
W (withdrawal)

You withdraw from the class in accordance with the Course Withdrawal Policy. The course must be repeated.

Course Withdrawal Policy

The College's Course Withdrawal Policy is outlined on the Academic Policies page (click the "Withdrawal" link under the "Academic Standing" header). The Course Withdrawal Form, instructions and deadlines are on the Withdraw from Course page.

Make-ups

Make-up tests will be given only for documented emergencies, and then only at the instructor's discretion and convenience. However, if you have a good reason, please do ask for consideration.

Calculator Policy and Technology Use

Non-Graphing Calculator
as a standalone device (not an app on a phone, tablet or a computer)
Calculator
as an app on a phone, tablet or a computer
Phone, Tablet, Computer, ...
used as a distraction (making or receiving calls, answering SMS, browsing Internet, ...)
Phone, Tablet, Computer, ...
used for class activities (taking notes, looking up information related to class, using computer modeling, ...)
Regular Class
Permitted
but not recommended
Permitted
but not recommended
Prohibited
Repeated use is a sufficient reason for your removal from the class for the remainder of the class session.
If someone needs to contact you urgently when you are in class, you should discreetly leave the room before answering. Keep your phone on vibrate or turn it off when in class.
Test
(i.e. a quiz or final exam)
Strictly prohibited, even if not used
Having such devices in the open when taking a test is a sufficient reason for an immediate failing grade for that test.
If you use computers for taking notes, please make arrangements for an alternative way to access those notes during a test, if you need them.

Attendance Policy

The class will be conducted in real time, face-to-face, in the format of a traditional lecture,

You are expected to attend every class session. You are responsible for all that transpires in class (including content, course requirements, tests and assignments) whether or not you are in attendance, even if your absence is the result of late registration, add/drop activity at the beginning of a term as permitted by College policy, or religious observance.

Arriving late, leaving early or taking unreasonably long breaks counts as partial absence.

The College defines excessive absence or lateness as more than the equivalent of one week of class meetings during the semester. Excessive absence or lateness may lead to failure in, or removal from, the course. You may be required to drop or withdraw from this course when, in the judgment of the instructor, your absences have been excessive.

Religious Observance

In accordance with the New York State Education Law §224-a, any student who is unable to register or attend class on a particular day because of religious observance will be excused from any examination, study or work requirement scheduled for that day. Students must notify the professor, via College email (or otherwise in writing), at least one week prior to their absence due to a religious observance. In that case, students shall be given an equivalent opportunity to make up any examination, study, or work requirements within a reasonable amount of time of the religious observance. Please refer to the Religious Observance Policy for additional information.

Extra Help

  • Don't hesitate to ask a question right away while in class — this class will encourage and facilitate immediate feedback.
  • Come to the instructor's office hours.
  • Use free online or in-person tutoring at the Academic Tutoring Centers. All tutoring sessions are offered by appointment only. Appoimtments are done online through WCOnline system.
    1. To create a WCOnline account: go to https://sunysuffolk.mywconline.net/register.php, and complete the registration form using your Suffolk email address and a 10-plus character password (other than the one you use for SUNY Suffolk).
    2. To make an appointment:
      1. Login to your WCOnline account at https://sunysuffolk.mywconline.net/index.php;
      2. Select Math Tutoring - Spring 2025 from the "AVAILABLE SCHEDULES"; The schedule is color-coded as follows: 
        • White blocks = Available;
        • Dark blue blocks = Not available;
        • Bright blue blocks = Other appointments;
        • Yellow blocks = Your in-person appointments;
        • Green blocks = Your Zoom appointments.
      3. Click on a white box of your choice. Each white box is a 30-minute or 45-minute session depending on the subject. Complete the appointment pop-up form by choosing whether you would like a Zoom or in-person session. You can also upload any documents you would like to share with the tutor.
      4. Click ‘CREATE APPOINTMENT’. If prompted, use the course MAT120 – College Algebra and Trigonometry and instructor Alexander Kasiukov.
      5. After scheduling an appointment, check your Suffolk email for confirmation. 
      6. Be on time. Please allow time for technical difficulties and contact us if they occur. If you scheduled a Zoom appointment, the tutor will email you the Zoom information before the session. In-person appointments will meet at your scheduled time at the Academic Tutoring Center located in the Learning Resource Center (LRC-149) on the Grant Campus. Vaccination is required for in-person tutoring.
    3. To join the waiting list: if a session you would like to attend is filled, you can join the waiting list. Click on the link link at the bottom right of each day on the schedule  and fill in the pop-up form. If an appointment opens up, a notification will be sent to you via text or email.
    4. To cancel an appointment
      1. Login to your WCOnline account at https://sunysuffolk.mywconline.net/index.php;
      2. Click on your appointment box and click on the 'CANCEL' button. As a courtesy to your tutor and other students, we ask that you cancel appointments at least 2 hours before the session. This will allow time for another student to schedule that session.  If you do not cancel within that time, it will be counted as a missed (no show) appointment. After 3 no shows, your account will be deactivated. 
    5. To contact the Center: email at tutoringcenterwest@sunysuffolk.edu or call (631) 851-6369.

    In-person tutoring takes place in Learning Resource Center, Room 149. Up to 8 people can be scheduled for the same in-person time slot.

  • Use the college library online or in person.
  • Use computers available in the Academic Computing Centers / Computer Labs.
  • Get counseling and advising at the Counseling Centers. The Grant Campus Counseling Center is located in Caumsett Hall, Lower Level, Room 20 and can be reached at (631) 851-6250.
  • If you need support related to your psychological, emotional or social well being, Mental Health and Wellness Services provide free and confidential counseling. You can contact the Services at mentalhealth@sunysuffolk.edu or call to speak with a Michael J. Grant Campus counselor at (631) 851-6876. The Grant Campus office is located Sagtikos Building, Room 122.

Disruptions

Disruptive behaviors, as defined by the Student Handbook, will not be tolerated. In case of violations, the college policy allows the instructor "to remove a student from a class for one class meeting, and, in those cases where the continued presence of the student poses a substantial threat or would be disruptive to the class, request that the Associate Dean of Student Services impose an interim suspension pending a disciplinary hearing."

Academic Integrity

Suffolk County Community College provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge by submitting coursework that is uniquely theirs and giving proper attribution to the work of others. Participating honestly in the SCCC academic community ensures that students can take pride in their education and their contributions to scholarship. Without academic integrity, students gain unfair advantage over others and prevent their own intellectual progress. As a student in this class, you are expected to uphold the SCCC core value of integrity and understand the Special Procedures for Academic Dishonesty (section P. starting on page 23 of the Student Code of Conduct). Specifically, when academic integrity is violated, the college policy allows the instructor to "initiate student conduct action through the Campus Associate Dean of Student Services. The faculty member may impose any of the following penalties: require that the student repeat the assignment or the exam; give the student a failing grade for the assignment or exam; or give the student a failing grade for the course. Should the student believe that s/he has been wrongly or unfairly accused of academic dishonesty, the student shall have the right to pursue the matter though the Course Grade Grievance Procedure."

The Code prohibits academic misconduct, which includes any action that results in students giving or receiving unauthorized assistance in an academic exercise, or receiving credit for work that is not their own. Academic exercise includes all forms of work submitted for credit. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to, the following behaviors:

  • cheating — unauthorized use of textbooks, notes, mobile devices, artificial intelligence tools or any other sources;
  • plagiarism — use of another person's work or ideas without crediting them, including using material generated by artificial intelligence tools for an assignment without instructor authorization;
  • complicity — giving help to, or receiving help from, someone engaged in academic misconduct;
  • multiple submissions — submitting the same work for credit in more than one course without the instructor's permission;
  • falsification and forgery — making up information or falsifying your own or someone else's identity.

Information about the Student Code of Conduct, plagiarism and the citation process can be found on the Academic Integrity Procedures webpage. To learn more about academic integrity, college policies and expectations in this area, and proper ways to avoid possible violations, see the Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Guide.

Disability Services

Suffolk County Community College provides reasonable accommodations to registered students with disabilities who have self-identified and been approved by the Office of Disability Services. Once approved for reasonable accommodations, such students will be provided with an Accommodation Letter, describing the specific accommodations. Students must present this letter to each of their professors before accommodations can be provided.

Students who have, or think they may have, a disability are invited to contact Office of Disability Services for a confidential consultation. You can call the Office at (631) 851-6355, contact it via email disabilityG@sunysuffolk.edu, or stop by to make an appointment in Caumsett Hall, Lower Level, Room 20.

Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses

When You're Sick

CDC's Respiratory Virus Guidance (updated March 1, 2024) recommends that if you have symptoms of common respiratory viruses — such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV — that aren't better explained by another cause, you may be contagious and should stay home and away from others. You may return to normal activities when your symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours, and — if you had a fever — when your fever has been gone without use of fever-reducing medication for at least 24 hours. After returning to normal activities, you should continue to take added precaution using prevention strategies such as

  • wearing a well-fitting mask for the next 5 days,
  • enhancing hygiene practices,
  • keeping a distance from others, and/or
  • testing when you will be around other people indoors.

When You Tested Positive

If you never had symptoms but tested positive for a respiratory virus, you may be contagious and should take the same added precautions for the next 5 days when you will be around other people indoors. If you develop a fever or start to feel worse after you have gone back to normal activities, the CDC recommends that you follow again the stay-home precaution outlined above before returning to normal activities.


Spring 2025