MAT 187A – BASIC ARITHMETIC (Part I)

 

Fall 2004

 

Course ID

Room

Unit

Days

Start Time

End Time

MAT 187A 3

G2-B

2

T, Th

08:00 AM

09:50 AM

 

 

INSTRUCTOR:                     Helen Shen

 

PHONE:                                  530-577-4515 (home), leave message

 

E-MAIL:                                 htshen00@hotmail.com

 

REQUIRED TEXT:               Basic College Mathematics, by Tobey & Slater, Fourth Edition.

 

COUSE DESCRIPTION:      The purpose of this course is to teach students the skills of basic arithmetic and introduce them to algebra.  The goal of this class is to help students develop a strong foundation and understanding of mathematics so they are able to apply mathematical skills to “real life” problems.  This course covers whole numbers, fractions, and an introduction to decimals.  Calculators are NOT allowed in this class!

 

STUDENT OUTCOMES:     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 mathematical statements, and checking and verifying results.

 

PREREQUISITE:                  grade of C or better in Math 187A or qualifying score on Math Assessment Test.

 

GRADING POLICY:                         GRADING SCALE:

   Homework       10%                             A      90%-100%

   Exams              50%                             B       80%-89%

   Final                 40%                             C      70%-79%

                                                               D      60%-69%

                                                               F       less than 60%

 

EXAM POLICY:                    Grading will be based on progress towards the final answer, and the demonstration of understanding of the concept that is being tested. The more you show me with steps and detail, the better your chances for partial credit.  You provide me the communication and detail in your answers; and I will give you the best grade I can based on that communication and answer.

MAKE-UP POLICY:             For Exams and Final, make-up is possible, but there is a 10% penalty if the absence is not excused. 

For Homework, you must show your work to get credit. Late homework is worth half credit and will NOT be accepted after one week, and NO homework will be accepted after the Final Exam. You can turn in your homework early if you know you are going to miss the class. You can consult a classmate, a tutor, your instructor, or anyone for assistance on the homework.

LEARNING                           If you have a learning disability, be sure to discuss your special needs with me

DISABILITIES:                    during the first week of class. Learning disabilities will be accommodated.

 

REGISTRATION:                ·   You must register for this class at the Office of Admissions and Records.

                                                ·    Friday, October 15; Last day to drop the class with no penalty or mark on your record.

                                                ·    Friday, November 19; Last day to drop the class and receive a grade of W.

·    After November 19, if you are enrolled, you will receive some kind of grade.

 

TUTORING:                          Tutors are available at no cost in GMC (The Gateway Math Center) on a drop-in basis, Mon-Fri 9-6.

 

HOW TO SUCCEED            1.   Come to every class meeting, and prepare to learn.

IN A MATH CLASS:            2.   Arrive early, get yourself settled and be ready when class starts. Sit where you  

      won’t be distracted.

3.      Read each section before it is discussed in class.

4.      Do all of the homework.

5.      Start preparing for tests at least a week in advance.

6.      Take advantage of tutors and office hours, extra help can make a big difference.

7.      Do some review every time you study math.

8.      Be willing to ask questions.

9.      Study in groups and find a study buddy.

 

 

 

Lecture Schedule for Math 187A

 

 

Date

Section  

Topic  

Homework

 

Tue. 9/21

 

 

1.1

1.2

1.3

 

Introductions & Syllabus

Understanding Whole Numbers

Addition of Whole Numbers  

Subtraction of Whole Numbers

 

 

#3 – 51 Multiples of 3

#3 – 60 Multiples of 3

#1 – 20, 24 – 90 Multiples of 3

 

Thu. 9/23

 

1.4

1.5

 

Multiplication of Whole Numbers 

Division of Whole Numbers   

 

 

#3 – 102 Multiples of 3

#1 – 93 Multiples of 3

Turn in Homework #1 (Sections 1.1 – 1.5) On Sept. 28

 

 

Tue. 9/28

 

1.6

 

1.7

 

Exponents & Order of Operations  

 

Rounding and Estimation

 

#1 – 6 All, 9 – 102 Multiples of 3

and Page 61 #1-3

#1 – 4 All, 6 – 78 Multiples of 3, 85 – 88

 

 

Thu. 9/30

 

1.8

2.1

2.2

 

Applied Problems 

Understanding Fractions 

Simplifying Fractions

 

#3 – 36 Multiples of 3

#3 – 51 Multiples of 3

#3 – 90 Multiples of 3

Turn in Homework #2 (Sections 1.6 – 2.2) On Oct. 5

 

 

Tue. 10/5

 

 

 

2.3

 

Exam #1 (Sections 1.1 – 1.8)

Improper Fractions & Mixed Numbers

 

 

#3 – 84 Multiples of 3

 

Thu. 10/7

 

 

2.4

2.5

 

 

Multiplication of Fractions & Mixed Numbers              

Division of Fractions & Mixed Numbers  

 

 

 

#3 – 57 Multiples of 3

#3 – 84 Multiples of 3

Turn in Homework #3 (Sections 2.3 – 2.5) On Oct. 12

 

 

Tue. 10/12

 

2.6

2.7

 

The Least Common Denominator

Addition & Subtraction of Fractions 

 

 

#3 – 81 Multiples of 3

#3 – 69 Multiples of 3

 

Thu. 10/14

 

2.8

2.9

 

Combining Mixed Numbers & Order of Operations 

Applied Problems involving Fractions  

 

 

#3 – 69 Multiples of 3

#1 – 20 All, pg. 187 #1

Turn in Homework #4 (Sections 2.6 – 2.9) On Oct. 19

 

 

Tue. 10/19

 

 

3.1

 

Exam #2 (Sections 2.1 – 2.9)

Decimal Notation

 

 

# 3 – 60 Multiples of 3

 

Thu. 10/21

 

3.2

3.3

 

Comparing, Ordering & Rounding Decimals  

Addition & Subtraction of Decimals    

 

 

 

#3 – 60 Multiples of 3

#3 – 57 Multiples of 3

Turn in Homework #5 (Sections 3.1 – 3.3) On Oct. 26

 

 

Tue. 10/26

 

 

Review for Final Exam

 

 

 

Thu. 10/28

 

 

Final Exam for Math 187A (Chapters 1 & 2, and Sections 3.1 – 3.3)