BASIC MATHEMATICS

Math 187A/B                                                                                             Fall, 2004

Mon, Wed                                                                                                      6 – 7:50 PM

Room HSST3                                                                                                 4 Units

Instructor:                          Jack Riggsbee

Phone Number:                  775-586-4643  (Voice mail is supported 24 x 7)   

E-Mail:                                 jriggsbee@charter.net

Required Text:            BASIC COLLEGE MATHEMATICS, 4^th Edition

                                                            by Tobey & Slater

Course Description:                                   MATH 187

The purpose of this course is to teach students the skills of basic arithmetic.  In reality, you have probably already seen this material somewhere in your educational past but may have forgotten it or never really understood it when it was first presented.  In this class, our goal is to fill in the gaps of your knowledge about arithmetic and to help you get the “big picture” so that it will all fit together in a way which makes sense to you and that you are able to apply it to “real life” problems.

This is actually two six-week classes, each receiving its own grade:

-      Math 187A covers whole numbers, fractions, and an introduction to decimals.

-      Math 187B covers decimals, percents, and an introduction to algebra.

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 math statements, and checking and verifying results.

Office Hours:                      By appointment.

Calculator:                    Calculators are NOT allowed in this class.

Grading Policy:                      (Used for each course Math 187A & Math 187B)                            

Homework                                                            25 points

                                                Exam #1                                                        60 points

                                                Exam #2                                                        60 points

                                                Final (Covers entire 6-week course content)            100 points

            Your letter grade will be based on your percentage of the 245 possible points.

                                                            A            90-100%

                                                            B            80-89%

                                                            C            70-79%

                                                            D            60-69%

                                                            F            less than 60%

My Commitment to this Class

• I will check the earlier part of my day at the door when I enter, 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.

How to Succeed in a Math Class:

  1)  Come to every class meeting.

              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)  Do some math every day.

              6)  Start preparing for tests at least a week in advance.

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

              8)  Do some review every time you study math.

              9)  Be willing to ask questions.

            10)  Take notes.

11)  Study in groups and find a study buddy.

Make-Up Policy:            For Exams and the Final, make-up is possible, but there is a 10% penalty if the absence is not excused.  Homework will be accepted late for minus 1 1/2 points for each class meeting that it is late.  Each assignment is worth 5 points.

Learning Disability:            If you have a certifiable learning disability that may affect your performance in this class, be sure to discuss your special needs with me during the first week of class. Learning disabilities will be accommodated.

Registration:

1. You must register for this class at the Office of Admissions and Records.
2. The last day to drop the class with no record is Friday, Oct 1^st or Friday, Nov 12^th.
3. The last day to drop the class for a “W” grade is Friday, Oct 15^th or Friday, Dec 3^rd.
4. After November 19^th, if you are enrolled you will receive one of the following grades: A, B, C, D, F, or I (Incompletes only allowed in EXTREMELY special cases).

N.B.: It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to drop this class in order to avoid a grade. You must go to the registrar by the above dates to avoid a grade from option three or four.

Class Tardiness Policy:

I understand that many students who take night classes have day jobs and may experience difficulty in getting to class on time. Nonetheless, it is your personal responsibility to arrange your daily schedule such that you can be in class and in your seat by 6 pm. Failure to be in class on time is discourteous and disrespectful both to me and to your fellow students. When you come to class late, it is also extremely disturbing to the flow and timing of the class presentation and to the concentration of the other students.
Lecture Schedule Math 187A

(Note: EOO means Every Other Odd problem)

Date                   Topic                           Section                      HW                   

Sept. 20            Introduction to the class & syllabus

Understanding Whole Numbers             1.1            #3 – 51 Multiples of 3.

Addition of Whole Numbers                     1.2            #3 – 60 Multiples of 3.

                        Subtraction of Whole Numbers            1.3            #1 – 20, 24 – 90 Multiples of 3

Sept. 22            Multiplication of Whole Numbers            1.4            #3 – 102 Multiples of 3

                        Division of Whole Numbers                      1.5            #1 – 30 All, 33 – 93 Multiples of 3

Homework #1: Sections 1.1 – 1.5 Due Monday, Sept. 27

Sept. 27            Exponents & Order of Operations            1.6            #1 – 6 All, 9 – 102 Multiples of 3,                                                                                                                          Page 61 #1-3

                        Rounding and Estimation              1.7       #1 – 4 All, 6 – 78 Multiples of 3, 85 – 88

Sept. 29            Applied Problems                                  1.8            #3 – 36 Multiples of 3

                        Understanding Fractions                      2.1            #3 – 51 Multiples of 3

                        Simplifying Fractions                             2.2            #3 – 90 Multiples of 3

Homework #2: Sections 1.6 – 2.2 Due Monday, Oct. 4

Oct. 4              Exam #1 (Sections 1.1 – 1.8)

Improper Fractions & Mixed Numbers                     2.3            #3 – 84 Multiples of 3

Oct. 6              Multiplication of Fractions & Mixed Numbers               2.4            #3 – 57 Multiples of 3

                        Division of Fractions & Mixed Numbers                      2.5            #3 – 84 Multiples of 3

Homework #3: Sections 2.3 – 2.5 Due Monday, Oct. 11

Oct. 11                        The Least Common Denominator                 2.6            #3 – 81 Multiples of 3                                            Addition & Subtraction of Fractions                  2.7            #3 – 69 Multiples of 3

Oct. 13                        Combining Mixed Numbers                                  2.8            #3 – 69 Multiples of 3

                        & Order of Operations 

                        Applied Problems involving Fractions            2.9            #1 – 20 All, pg. 187 #1

Homework #4: Sections 2.6 – 2.9 Due Monday, Oct. 18

Oct. 18                        Exam #2 (Sections 2.1 – 2.9)

                        Decimal Notation                                                3.1            # 3 – 60 Multiples of 3

Oct. 20                        Comparing, Ordering & Rounding Decimals             3.2       #3 – 60 Multiples of 3

Addition & Subtraction of Decimals                         3.3            #3 – 57 Multiples of 3

Homework#5: Sections 3.1 – 3.3 Due Monday, Oct. 25

Oct. 25                        Review for Final Exam

(Suggested Chap 1 Review Problems, Pages 98 – 103, #5 – 105, Multiples of 5)

                        (Suggested Chap 1 Test, Pages 104 – 105, all problems)

(Suggested Chap 2 Review Problems, Pages 191 – 194, #1 – 79 EOO)

                        (Suggested Chap 2 Test, Pages 195 – 196 All Problems)

Oct. 27                        Final Exam for Math 187A (Chapters 1 & 2, and Sections 3.1 – 3.3)

Lecture Schedule for Math 187B

(Note: EOO means Every Other Odd problem)

Nov. 1             Multiplication of Decimals                                  3.4            #3 – 60 Multiples of 3

                        Division of Decimals                                          3.5            #3 – 54 Multiples of 3

Converting Fractions to Decimals                      3.6              #3 – 57 Multiples of 3

& Order of Operations

Nov. 3             Applied Problems Involving Decimals            3.7            #3 – 39 Multiples of 3

                        *Ratios                        4.1 Read this section, no hmwk

                        *Proportions                        4.2                        #1 – 45 EOO

                        Solving Proportions                        4.3                        #5 – 55 Multiples of 5

Homework#1: Sections 3.4 – 3.7, 4.2, 4.3 Due Monday, Nov. 8

Nov. 8             Understanding Percent                          5.1       #1 – 15 Odd, 19 – 83 EOO

            Changing between percents, decimals and fractions             5.2            #1 – 19 Odd, 23 – 91 EOO

Solving percents using an equation                      5.3A            #1 – 21 Odd, 23 – 39 EOO

  Nov. 10            Solving percents using a proportion                    5.3B            #1 – 23 Odd, 25 – 41 EOO                            Solving applied percent problems                      5.4            #1 – 41 EOO

                        Solving commission, percent of increase or decrease,

                        and interest problems                                              5.5            #1 – 17 odd, 19-31 EOO

Homework #2: Sections 5.1 – 5.5 are due Monday, Nov. 15.

Nov. 15           Review in Class:

Suggested problems to prepare for Exam #1:

Chap 3: Pages 259 – 261 #23 – 67 odd,

Chap 5: Pages 359 – 361 #1 – 85 EOO)

  Nov.17            Exam #1 (Sections 3.4 - 3.7, 5.1 – 5.5)

Converting units of measure                                              6.4            #1 - 25 EOO, 39, 43.

Square Roots                                                               7.5            #3 – 30 Multiples of 3

Homework #3: Sections 6.4, 7.5 are due Monday, Nov. 22.

Nov. 22            Addition of signed numbers                                               9.1                   #1 – 65 EOO

                        Subtraction of signed numbers                                   9.2                   #1 – 61 EOO

                        Multiplication and Division of signed numbers            9.3                   #1 – 57 EOO

Nov. 24            THANKSGIVING DAY HOLIDAY

Homework #4: Sections 9.1, 9.2, 9.3 are due Wednesday, Dec 1.

  Nov. 29            Order of Operations with signed numbers                       9.4            #1 – 45 Odd

                         Variables and Like terms                                          10.1       #1 – 37 Odd

                        (Suggested Review for Exam #2: Chapter 9, Pages 598 – 600, #1 –53 EOO)

Dec. 1              Exam #2 (Sections 5.4, 5.5, 6.4, 7.5, 9.1 – 9.3)

                        The distributive property                                               10.2                 #1 – 37 EOO

Homework #5: Sections 9.4, 10.1, 10.2 are due Monday, Dec. 6.

Dec. 6              Review for Final Exam:

(Suggested Chapter 3 Test, Page 262)

                                    (Suggested Chapter 5 Test, Pages 362 – 363 All Problems)

                                    (Suggested Pages 546 - 547 # 1 – 15 Odd)

                                    (Suggested Chapter 9 Test, Pages 602 – 603, #1 – 30 All)

                                    (Suggested Chapter 10 Pages 659 – 660, Review problems # 1 – 49 EOO)

                                    (Suggested Chapter 10 Test, Page 662, #1 – 16 All)

  Dec. 8            Final Exam (Sections 3.4 -3.7, Chpt. 5, Sections 6.4, 7.5, Chpt. 9 & Chpt. 10)