Mathematics 187A

Syllabus

Spring 2005

Instructor:                                                                                         Daniel Arce.    Ext #536

Lecture:                                                                                             Tuesday & Thursday 6:00 - 7:50 PM

Textbook:                                                                                         Elementary and Intermediate Algebra

                                                                                                                        by Mark Dugopolsky.                                    

Course:

This course is an introduction to Basic Arithmetic and is divided in two halves, each with its own grade.  We will cover Whole Number Operations : Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division and Exponents.  We will study Order of Operations Fractions and do some operations on Decimals.  My main goal in this class is to give you a solid foundations for future math courses and to fill you with confidence so that you may successfully complete any future Math classes.

By now most of you know that there is no 'Royal Road to Mathematics'. It is only learned through hard and consistent work. You should also know by now that even the most intimidating concepts can be learned and then mastered by anyone who puts in the time.

Do Not fall behind.  Most of the concepts we will study are based on previously learned material.  Unless you are clear on previous lessons, you will find it almost impossible to learn the new material. If you see yourself falling behind, let me know.

I will help you catch up.  So please KEEP UP WITH THE COURSE.

Missing a single day of math has been known to be fatal.

It is important that you are always willing to interrupt class with questions.  Even if your questions have to do with previous classes.  We will all appreciate it.

Stupid qustions do exist, but never about math.

Course Objective:

The successful student will:

                1) Exhibit a proficiency in the topics covered in the course.

                2) Engage in logical and critical thinking.

                3) Read technical information.

4) Demonstrate the solution to problems by translating written language into mathematical statements, interpreting information, sketching relevant diagrams, analyzing given information, formulating appropriate math statements, and checking and verifying results.

Homework:

I will collect homework at the end of every section. You may turn it in late.  It is worth 15% of your grade.  Know that doing homework is the way to learn math.  There is simply no way to do well and not do the homework.  The homework assigned is what I consider the bare minimum.  I encourage you to work out and turn in more problems than assigned.  You will also receive 5 % for class participation.

Tests and Final:

We will have two Exams and a Final which will make up the remainder of your grade: 80%. I will allow you to make up the Exams if you let me know before the test date. If you do the homework and understand it, you should have no trouble with the tests. If you have a learning disability or would simply like to take longer taking your tests, let me know. We will make arrangements.

Grading:

Homework:       30 points.                                                180 points and above                        A

Participation:        10 points.                                                160-179 points                                    B

Exams:                               50 points each.                                    140-159 points                                    C

Final:                  60 points.                                                120-139 points                                    D

                                                                                    below 120                                    F

Your tests will include extra credit points.

Tutoring:

You should know that this course, as well as any other math course, is quite labor intensive.  This is especially so if  it has been more than a few months since your last math class.  You will quickly find that you need to study every day just to keep up. 

If you find yourself behind or do not understand some of the references made during lecture please come talk to me. You will see that many times a simple misunderstanding will make it seem like you do not understand a thing.

I am willing to make time for tutoring.  Teaching Mathematics is my idea of time well spent so never hesitate to ask me for individual help.  We can make an appointment.  There are also many other fine Math tutors with set hours and free of charge; what more could you ask for ?  I will make their schedules available soon.  Many times it helps to hear concepts explained by different sources so please make them feel useful. 

Never hesitate to ask for help when it comes to Math and Science.

Registration:

You must be registered for this class by April 8.

After April 8 you will need my signature to register until April 15.

Last day to drop the class without record is  April 15.

Last day to drop with a W isApril 29.           

Schedule

April 5, 7                                                         Section 1.1                         #3 - 51 multiples of 3

                                                                        Section 1.2                        #3 - 54 multiples of 3

                                                                        Section 1.3                         #1 - 87 multiples of 3

                                                                        Section 1.4                        #3 - 96 multiples of 3

                                                                        Section 1.5                        #1 - 87 multiples of 3

 April 12, 14                                                    Section 1.6                        #1 - 102 multiples of 3

                                                                        Section 1.7                        #1 - 87 multiples of 3

                                                                        Section 1.8                         #3 - 36 multiples of 3

                                                                        Section 2.1                   #3 - 48 multiples of 3

                                                                        Section 2.2                   #3 - 87 multiples of 3

April 19, 21                                                      EXAM #1

                                                                        Section 2.3                   #3 - 84 multiples of 3

                                                                        Section 2.4                   #1 - 57 multiples of 3

                                                                        Section 2.5                   #3 - 78 multiples of 3

April 26, 28                                                     Section 2.6                         #1 - 81 multiples of 3

                                                                        Section 2.7                        #3 - 69 multiples of 3

                                                                        Section 2.8                        #3 - 69 multiples of 3

                                                                        Section 2.9                        #1 - 22 all problems

May 3, 5                                                          Section 3.1                        #3 - 63 multiples of 3

                                                                        Section 3.2                        #3 - 63 multiples of 3

                                                                        Section 3.3                        #3 - 60 multiples of 3

                                                                        EXAM #2

May 10, 12                                                      Review for Final

                                                                        FINAL