152A Syllabus

BASIC ALGEBRA (Part I)

Math 152A-4, 4 units

Tues./Thur.: 8:00-9:50 AM

Room: A 209

Fall 2004

INSTRUCTOR: Judy Guinn

REQUIRED TEXT: Elementary and Intermediate Algebra, by Daniel Dugopolski.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will study the basic concepts of algebra. Topics covered will include the real numbers and their properties; the four basic operations with positive and negative numbers; simplifying algebraic expressions; solving and graphing linear equations, inequalities, and absolute value equations in one variable; graphing linear equations and inequalities in two variables; an introduction to polynomials; properties of integral exponents including scientific notation; and a brief introduction to functions.

PREREQUISITE: It is strongly recommended to have received a C or better in Math 187B or an equivalent course, or appripriate skills demonstrated through the math assessment process.

MY COMMITMENT TO THIS CLASS: (“My” being that of the teacher)

· I will check the rest of my day at the door when I enter the classroom, and give this class 100% of my attention while we are meeting.

· I will come to class well prepared.

· I will be here on time.

· I will listen and seek to understand what is being said.

· I will not shortchange the students in this class by setting low standards.

· I will put 100% of my effort into being the best possible teacher for the students in this class.

YOUR COMMITMENT TO THIS CLASS: (“Your” being that of the student)

GRADING POLICY: Method of Student Evaluation

Exam 1 100 points

Exam 2 100 points

Quizzes 75 points

Homework 170 points

FINAL (cumulative) 150 points

Subjective Points 50 points

Your letter grade will be based on your percentage of the total possible points. The total possible is 645. Note that 50 points of the total (about 8%) are subjective and awarded based upon your class participation and preparedness. This requires showing up to class with assigned homework already completed and ready to be discussed.

A 90-100%

B 80-89%

C 70-79%

D 60-69%

F less than 60%

MAKE-UP POLICY: There are no make-up quizzes. For Exams and the FINAL, make-up is possible, but there is a 10% penalty if the absence is not excesed. Students must contact me in advance of the examination in order to arrange a make-up.

HOMEWORK: Homework is due the next class period after it was assigned. It is necessary to have your homework completed at the time it is to be discussed to keep pace with the material and to get your questions answered in a timely fashion. Late homework will be accepted one class period beyond its due date for half credit. Homework not turned in at classtime, or to my mailbox by 10AM the day it is due, is considered late. Likewise, late homework must be turned in during class, or to my box by 10AM, the next class period from when it was due. Ten points will be awarded for each homework assignment handed in. Five points will be awarded for completion of the assignment and 5 points for correct answers on the additional even numbered problems assigned. You must show all work on all problems for full credit. Just an answer is not appropriate for most problems.

ACCOMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: If anyone in this class is in need of special test- taking or note-taking arrangements through the Disabilities Resource Center please feel free to come speak with me regarding this matter.

CALCULATORS: Calculators will not be allowed on quizzes and examinations. Calculators are not required for this course. While I cannot stop you from using one when doing your homework, I do not encourage you to do so. There will be word problem sections when we will use simple calculators for cumbersome calculations. Otherwise, calculators will be required and taught in MAT 154. This course is concerned with you learning mathematical processes and acquiring some basic mathematical skills before learning the button pushing sequences that execute those computations. Feel free, however, to approach me on how to operate your calculator. They can vary greatly.

OFFICE HOURS: A half-hour office hour will be arranged either before or after class as per student consensus and room availability. I will also be available by appointment as needed. You can contact me by voice mail by calling the college at (530) 541-4660 and leaving a message on extension 476, or at home (775) 588-6413.

SCHEDULE (Fall 2004)

Graded problems will be typed in boldface and will be awarded 5 out of the 10 homework points based on your work shown and your accuracy.

DATE, SECTIONS COVERED HOMEWORK (Due next class period)

Sept. 21 sec. 1.1 1-35 odd,; 37-65 Every Other Odd (EOO); #22, 56

sec. 1.2 5-33 odd;, 35-83 EOO;85-99 odd; #6, 66, 86

Sept. 23 sec. 1.3 3, 5; 7-83 EOO; #22, 70

sec. 1.4 7-55 EOO; 63-83 EOO; #12, 28, 48

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Sept.28 sec. 1.5 7-115 EOO; #66, 82

sec. 1.6 7-27 EOO; 29-37 odd; 40-75 every fifth; 79-85 odd;

#50, 70, 82

Sept. 30 QUIZ #1 (sections 1.1-1.4)

sec. 1.7 3-65 EOO (hint: #65-make decimal into fraction first); 67-85 odd; 87-99 EOO; #40, 54

sec. 1.8 7-87 EOO; 95-110 every fifth; #22, 30, 82

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Oct. 5 sec. 2.1 5; 7-87 EOO; #48, 68

sec. 2.2 5-85 every fifth; #40, 60, 80

Oct. 7 sec. 2.3 1-5 all; 10-80 every fifth; #20, 30, 70

sec. 2.5 7-29 odd; 35-41 odd; #14, 38

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Oct. 12 QUIZ #2 (sections 1.5-2.2)

sec. 2.5 31, 33; 45-57 EOO; 65-93 EOO; #60, 74, 80

sec. 2.6 7, 13, 15, 21; #8, 18

Oct. 14 sec. 2.7 7, 13, 21, 25; #8, 14, 22, 26 (only four problems)

Review for Exam I

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Oct. 19 Cover HW Questions on 2.7; Review

EXAM I (covers Chapters 1 and 2 material, including section 2.7)

(No homework!!!)

Oct. 21 sec. 3.1 7-67 EOO; #22, 58

sec. 3.2 7-35 EOO; 45-75 every fifth; #32, 50, 70

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Oct. 26 sec. 3.3 7-35 EOO (skip #23); #12, 26

sec. 4.1 7-67 EOO (skip #47, #55); 75, 79; #10, 44, 54

Oct. 28 sec. 4.1 45, 46, 47; #48

sec. 4.2 3-6 all; 7-17 odd; 19-51 EOO; #18, 22, 38, 50

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Nov. 2 sec. 4.3 7-67 EOO; #10, 30, 54

sec. 4.4 7-43 EOO; # 18, 26

Nov. 4 QUIZ #3 (sections 3.1-3.3 and 4.1-4.2)

sec. 8.6 10-45 every fifth; #20, 30, 40

sec. 4.5 1, 3, 4; 7-14 all; #8, 12

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Nov. 9 sec.4.6 7, 11, 19, 21, 25, 29, 37, 39, 43, 47, 49, 53,

55, 65, 69, 75; HandOut: 1-11 odd; #56, 74, H. O. #4, 8

sec. 11.3 5-16 all, omit # 7, 13, 14; #12

Nov. 11 sec. 5.1 7-27 EOO; 29; 35-55 EOO; 61-89 EOO;

#28, 40, 56, 68, 84 (This section will not be on the exam.

This homework is not due until Nov. 18)

Review for Exam II

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Nov. 16 Review

EXAM II (covers sections 3.1-3.3; 4.1-4.6; 8.6 and 11.3)

(Homework from section 5.1 due next time)

Nov. 18 sec. 5.2 10-90 every fifth; #30, 50

sec. 5.3 10-70 every tenth; #50

sec. 5.4 10-40 every tenth; 51-67 EOO; #30, 40

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Nov. 23 sec. 5.5 10-75 every fifth; #30, 36, 60

sec. 5.6 7-71 EOO; #26, 68

Nov. 25 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

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Nov. 30 QUIZ #4 (sections 5.1-5.4)

sec.5.7 7-51 EOO; 55-69 odd; 71-87 EOO

Dec. 2 Review for Final

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Dec. 9 FINAL (Cumulative) 8-9:50 AM