MATH 181 A ~ C, SECTION 4



Class: Basic Mathematics, Modules A ~ C
Instructor: Audrey Morrow
Phone Number: 541-4660 Extension 545
Home Phone Number: 577-4141
Email: ammathtype@aol.com
Class Meets: Monday, Wednesday 7:30 PM ~ 8:20 PM
Room: PC4 at S.T.H.S.
Required text: BASIC COLLEGE MATHEMATICS by Tobey and Slater, Fourth Edition.
Registration: Register for each module separately.  Register for Module A by 9/26.  Register for Module B by 10/22; Register for Module C by 11/21.



                                             COURSE DESCRIPTION


The purpose of Math 181 is to provide the student with  a strong, basic foundation in arithmetic skills and concepts.  The required reading and problem-solving should build a comfortable grasp of the arithmetic procedures themselves, and a confident understanding of when and why to do each one.  After completing LTCC's  five "module" Math 181 sequence, the student should enjoy a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of general math concepts. This will almost certainly lead to a higher level of personal confidence in mathematics, and as well should contribute to a positive outcome for everyone who wants or needs to continue on in more advanced math classes.

Because each of us has our individual strengths, weak spots and gaps to fill, the concepts presented here will be quite varied, and will cover a wide spectrum of topics.  Chances are you'll be comfortable with some concepts to start with, but may need to spend longer on others.  That's to be expected, we're all different!  One topic area presents a daunting challenge, while another comes more easily.  Once explored, mathematics is not a gray area, but is a colorful and varied subject. Most of us prefer some areas to others, based on individual interests. Because the concepts learned in Math 181 are present in every area of mathematics, regardless how advanced, this may be the most valuable math class you'll ever take.  




                                                     GRADING POLICY


You'll receive a separate letter grade (A-F) for each module.  There will be several homework assignments, a quiz, and one exam given for each module. Your combined homework and quiz will count as 20% of your letter grade, and your exam will count for 70%.  That leaves 10%, which will be determined by your attendance, participation,  and behavior in the class.  Regular attendance, courtesy to others, and a noticeable commitment to your own success  is worth fully 10% of your grade in each module.  Math 181 is a positive attendance class, and I will be taking and recording attendance each time we meet.  I allow one late exam, to be completed no later than one week after the class takes the test.  Late exams are penalized 10% regardless of the reason for your absence.  If, for example an exam is worth 80 points, you take it late and your score is 70, I will subtract 10% of that score, or 7 points, for a final score of 63/80.  The penalty is not intended to punish, but is my way of adjusting for students who enjoy extra study time, when others took their exam on schedule.

HOMEWORK will be assigned and collected at each class meeting.  You may turn in two late assignments, which I must receive by the following class meeting.

QUIZZES: I will give an unannounced quiz on recent material sometime during each module.  The questions will reflect homework already assigned.  There are no make-up quizzes.

MIDTERM EXAMS: One exam will be given for each module, after the material has been covered and your questions answered.  Most likely the exam will take place before beginning the following module.  

LEARNING DISABLED STUDENTS: Please see me if you are in the Learning Disabled program.   I'll need to know if you have special needs.  

CALCULATORS: You may bring a calculator to class for discussion, but you may not have a calculator for exams or quizzes.

                                USEFUL THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MATH 181

1)  Each of the modules in Math 181 is one unit, and each covers a different topic:

MODULE D: Percents, ratios and proportions.

MODULE E: Introduction to Algebra







2) You'll register for each module separately.  Fees for each module are due at registration, and you may wait until the first day of class for each module to register. (See page 1 of syllabus.)

3)   Class begins on Sept. 23rd and ends on December 9th, final exam night.  We have one holiday, Veterans Day.  There is no class on Monday, November 11th.


            HABITS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO SUCCESS IN A COLLEGE CLASS

1) Above all else, your attendance is critical to success in a college class.  In class you can ask questions, clear up problems and misunderstandings with the subject material, and maintain the focus you'll need to work productively.  Also, each class offers you the personal benefits of belonging to a group of individuals who share the joys and hardships that college brings.  Sporadic attendance will handicap your math experience.  A stop-and-start approach to learning any subject is generally unproductive, and will almost certainly affect your grade in a negative way.  Try to arrive early, get settled in a comfortable place where you won't be distracted, and have all the materials you'll need at hand before lecture begins.


2) Do the assigned reading and problem-solving before class.  There will be time given during each class period for working on current problems.  Establish a pattern of reading the material before the lecture and you'll never be in over your head.

3) Work each homework problem, even if you aren't able to finish each one.  Make a beginning, and bring your questions to class when you see a problem you can't finish.  This will be ample preparaion for the three quizzes that will be given in class.

4) Take advantage of the tutors in the Gateway Math Center.  I'll be distributing a tutoring schedule during the first week of class.  Leave a message on my voice mail if you'd like my help, I'll return your call promptly.

5) Take notes in every class, and spend some time after class reorganizing your thoughts with what you've written.  Start a glossary of unfamiliar math terms.   Whether you enroll in one math class or many, this will become a valuable reference.

6) Begin studying for exams at least a week in advance.  Spend some time reviewing each topic area that isn't entirely clear, even if you have completed all homework.




Your hard work is important, but so are the pleasure and satisfaction that go alongside.  Tune in.  Make friends.  Laugh and enjoy.  Consider a carpool, or starting a study group.  Live your college experience.

COURSE CONTENT FOR MATH 181, INCLUDING ALL FIVE "MODULES"

Fall, 2002
A. Morrow
Math 181A-E, Section 4

MODULE A: Module A covers all of Chapter 1, and includes Section 7.5 on square roots.  We will be inserting 7.5 (Page 451-455) between Sections 1.6 and 1.7, where it seems to fall naturally between exponents & order of operations, and rounding and estimation.  This module includes approximately 100 pages of the text, about half of which is reading and the other half exercises that relate to the reading.  The Module A material focuses upon the whole, or counting numbers, and how to add, subtract, multiply and divide them effectively.  The section on square roots motivates some further thinking, in terms of multiplication and division of whole numbers. Module A meets 9/23 ~ 10/16, 8 meetings for 9 sections of reading.

MODULE B: Module B covers Chapter 2, which is about 90 pages of reading + exercises.  This module is simply called "Fractions" and should lead every student to a higher level of competency in using the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) in problem-solving with fractions.  Module B is probably the most necessary and valuable for the average basic math student, as very few of us emerge from our high school years with much recollection of how fractions work.  Module B meets from 10/21 ~ 11/18, 8 meetings with 9 sections to cover.

MODULE C: Module C is the module on Decimals, and includes all of Chapter 3.  This section teaches the correct usage of the four operations  with decimals, how to determine correct decimal notation, and how to convert fractions to decimal expressions.  Chapter 3 contains around 55 pages of reading + exercises and will go more quickly than either Chapter 1 or Chapter 2. Module C meets from 11/20 ~ 12/9, which is the exam date for Module C.  We'll cover seven relatively short sections in five lectures, or around one and a half sections per lecture.

MODULE D: Module D covers percent, ratios and proportions, and includes Sections 4.1 ~ 4.3, 8.1 (circle graphs) and all of Chapter 5.  This is approximately 70 pages of material.  Ratio and proportion provides an opportunity to make a short return to fractions, and should strengthen the skills and concepts gained in Chapter 2.  Students will learn to solve proportions, interpret circle graphs and to work out problems involving percent.  Converting expressions from percent to decimal, back again, and from fractions to decimal and percent rounds out this module.  Module D meets 9/23 ~ 10/30, and we'll be covering 8 medium-long sections. We'll cover a section or so per lecture, with ample time for questions and problem-solving in class.

MODULE E: Module E, Introduction to Algebra,  covers Sections 9.1 ~ 9.4, and 10.1 ~ 10.5.  This is approximately 60 pages of material, beginning with "signed" numbers and progressing through the language and properties used in solving problems with algebra.  This module is a bridge to virtually all other college math classes, and is presented at a comfortable pace and level for the average mathematics student. We meet 11/4 ~ 12/9, 10 meetings to cover 9 sections.

   TENTATIVE  SCHEDULE FOR MATH 181, MODULES A ~ C

READING, HOMEWORK, LECTURES AND EXAMS




September 23: Introduction to Math 181.  Begin whole numbers.  Homework #1, Read 1.1 & 1.2.  Work: 1.1 # 1- 57, EOO. (Every other odd.)  

September 25: Addition and Subtraction of Whole Numbers.  HW#2: Read through 1.4 in text.  Do: 1.1 # 54, 1.2 # 3, 9,15,19, 23, 26, 39, 41, 47.  1.3 # 1-29 EOO, 43-53 odd.

September 30: Multiplication of whole numbers.  (Begin division?)   HW# 3: Read 1.5 & 1.6 for Wed.  Do: 1.4 # 3-93, EOO. .

October 2: Finish division; Exponents and Order of Operations.   Read 7.5, and 1.7 for Monday.  Do 1.6#1-6, 8-102 multiples of 3.  Work 1.5 #1-39, multiples of 3; #61-87 EOO

October 7: Square Roots and Rounding & Estimation.  Read 1.8 for Wednesday Do: 7.5 #3-33, multiples of 3;  Work 1.7#1-4, and 6-78 multiples of 3.

October 9: Applied Problems. Do: 1.8 #3-36, multiples of 3. (Beyond #36 you need a calculator.)  This is the last day to drop Module A with a grade of ‘W'.

October 14: Review for exam on Module A.  On Pages 98-103, do Review Exercises #5-100, multiples of 5.  Pages 104-105, work the Chapter Test, all problems, Pg. 501 #27-31.

October 16. Module A exam.  (No lecture.)  Read 2.1 and 2.2 for Monday.  REGISTRATION FOR MODULE B IS TUESDAY 10/22!

October 21: Return exams and begin Module B.  Understanding and Simplifying Fractions. HW:  Read 2.3 for Wed.  Work 2.1 # 3-51 multiples of 3: 2.2 #3-90 EOO. REGISTER FOR MODULE B ON TUESDAY, 10/22.

October 23: Improper fractions and mixed numbers.  Homework: Read 2.4 and 2.5.  Work: 2.3,
#3-84, multiples of 3.  



October 28: Multiplication with fractions and mixed numbers.  Division of fractions and mixed numbers.  Homework: Read 2.6 and 2.7.  Do: 2.4 # 3-57, multiples of 3; 2.5 # 3-84, EOO.

October 30: The least common denominator.  HW: Reread 2.7, working examples as needed.   Do 2.6 #3-81, odd, for Monday.

November 4: Addition and subtraction of fractions.  HW: Read 2.8 & 2.9.  Do 2.7 # 3-69, EOO.

November 6: Combining mixed numbers and order of operations. Applied problems involving fractions. HW: 2.8 # 3-69, EOO; 2.9 #1-20 all,  page 187 #1.  Last day to drop Module B with a grade of ‘W'.

November 13:    Review for Module B exam.  (Chapter 2.)  

November 18: Module B exam.  No lecture.  Read 3.1 and 3.2 for Wednesday. REGISTER FOR MODULE C ON 11/21.

November 20: Return Module B exam and begin Math 181-C.  Decimal Notation; Comparing, Ordering and Rounding Decimals. Read 3.3 & 3.4 Do:  3.1 #3-60, multiples of 3; 3.2 #3-61,  EOO.

November 25: Addition, subtraction and multiplication of decimals.    Read 3.5 and 3.6 for Wed.  Do:  3.3#3-57, multiples of 3; 3.4 #3-60 multiples of 3.

November 27: Division with decimals, converting fractions to decimals.  Read 3.7 for Monday.  Work 3.5 #3-54, multiples of 3.  3.6 #3-57, EOO.

December 2: Order of Operations with decimals; Applied problems involving decimals.  HW: 3.7# 3-39, multiples of 3.

December 4: Review for Module C exam.  General question and answer session for all of Math 181 A ~ C.  This is the last day to drop Module C with a grade of ‘W'.