Math 181 (Modules A - E)

Syllabus Fall 2000

Text: Essential Arithmetic, Johnston, Willis, and Lazaris, Wadsworth, 7th Ed.

Instructor: Cecilia Vaughn, home phone: (775) 588-3107

Office Hours: before & after class

Course Description:

Math 181 is a sequence of 5 one-unit classes, referred to as "modules." Each

module must be registered for separately. Because the course is taught as a

combination of self-paced and group led instruction, it is recommended that

the student register for each module as it commences. The last day to add

modular classes is Monday, November 20th and the last day to withdraw from

modular classes is Monday, November 27th.

Module A - basic operations with whole numbers, primes, order of operations

and applications

Module B - operating with fractions

Module C - operating with decimals

Module D - proportions, percents, interest and percent applications

Module E - introduction to basic algebra, integer operations and solving

equations

Note: Students who require specific accommodations for a disability should

contact the instructor early in the quarter (preferably at the first class

meeting).

Objectives:

Students will exhibit proficiency in operating with whole numbers, fractions,

decimals, percents, integers, exponents and simple equations. Students will

also demonstrate the ability to think critically in problem-solving

applications.

Homework:

Homework is required and all assignments for each module must be completed

prior to taking the module test(s). All homework assignments are from the

textbook and should be done following each lesson. Students are expected to

do every third problem in both Set I and Set II (problem #1, 4, 7, 10, 13,

16, 19, 22, 25 …). If a problem has numerous subparts do all of them. The

dates, lessons, and sections for homework are listed on the next page. There

are 5 exceptions on the homework assignments:

1. Section 4.7b - do not do #40 in either set.

2. Section 4.8 - skip the section "Finding the Square Answer is Exact" in

both sets

3. Section 4.9 - do not do #19 in either set

4. Section 8.2b - begin with #4

5. Section 8.3 - do only problem #6

Reminders: Attendance and frequent practice are essential for success.

Take each chapter exam as soon as you finish each chapter's

homework.

Calculators cannot be used in chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, and 11.

Grading:

Grades are based on test performance at the end of each chapter. If a module

contains multiple chapters, the test scores for those chapters are averaged

for the module grade. If a student scores below 70% on any test, that

chapter will need to be studied and re-tested before the student begins the

next module.

Grading Scale:

90 - 100% A

80 - 89% B

70 - 79% C

60 - 69% D

below 60% F

Note: If you are taking this class credit/no credit you must have at least a

70% to pass each module.

*Topical Outline:

Date Lesson # Topic (sections assigned for homework) - do every 3rd

problem:

Module A

9/18 1. Orientation, Basic Operations with Whole Numbers (1.1, 1.2, 1.3,

1.4, 1.5, 1.8)

9/20 2. Continuation of Whole Numbers, Exponents, Roots (1.6, 1.7, 1.9)

9/25 3. Order of Operations, Prime Numbers, GCF (1.11, 1.12)

9/27 4. Problem Solving, Formulas, Measurement, Statistics (2.1, 2.2, 2.3,

2.4, 2.5)

Module B

10/2 5. Introduction to Fractions, Multiplying, Renaming, Reducing (3.1,

3.2, 3.3)

10/4 6. Least Common Multiple, Add & Subtract Fractions (3.4, 3.6, 3.7)

10/9 7. Comparing Fractions, Cross-Cancel (3.5, 3.8)

10/11 8. Dividing Fractions, Mixed Numbers (3.9, 3.10, 3.11, 3.12)

10/16 9. Complex Fractions, Exponents, Mixed Review (3.13, 3.14, 3.15)

10/18 Comprehensive Review

Module C

10/23 10. Decimals - Compare, Round, Add, Subtract (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5)

10/25 11. Decimals - Multiply, Divide, Powers, Root, Fractions (4.6, 4.7,

4.8, 4.9)

10/30 12. Fraction-Decimal Conversions, Comparing, Line Graphs (4.10, 4.11,

4.12, 4.13, 4.14)

Module D

11/1 13. Fractions, Decimals & Percents, Proportions (6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4,

6.5)

11/6 14. Solving Percent Problems, Circle Graphs (6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9)

11/8 15. Wages, Interest, Finance (8.1, 8.2, 8.3)

11/13 Comprehensive Review

Module E

11/15 16. Operations with Integers (11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5)

11/20 17. Powers, Combined Operations, Algebraic Definitions (11.6, 11.7,

11.8, 12.1)

11/22 18. Distributive Property, Product & Exponent Rules (12.2, 12.3,

12.4, 12.5)

11/27 19. Solving Equations (13.1, 13.2, 13.3, 13.4)

11/29 Comprehensive Review

12/4 Final Module Testing for the quarter

*Please note that this is a tentative schedule and could be subject to

change. If changes are necessary the instructor will notify the students at

the earliest possible class meeting.