Math 181 DE syllabus

MATH 181 D & E, SECTION 4

WINTER QUARTER, 2003

Class: Basic Mathematics, Modules D & E

Instructor: Audrey Morrow

Phone Number: 541-4660 Extension 545

Home Phone Number: 577-4141

Class Meets: Monday, Wednesday 6:00 PM ~ 6:50 PM

Room: PC6 at S.T.H.S.

Required text: BASIC COLLEGE MATHEMATICS by Tobey and Slater, Fourth Edition.
Registration: Students need to register for each module separately. Register for Module D by Friday, January 10th. Register for Module E by Friday, February 21st.

                                              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 25% of your letter grade, and your exam will count for 70%. That leaves 5%, 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 5% of your grade in each module. I allow one late exam, to be completed within one week of the scheduled test date. Please note: 1) If you need to take an exam late, you must inform me before the class takes the exam. 2) 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 regular, scheduled quizzes on recent material sometime during each module. The questions will reflect homework already assigned. There are no make-up quizzes.

EXAMS: One exam will be given for each module, after the material has been covered and your questions answered. Each module 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 are encouraged to bring a calculator to class for lecture, and you may use a calculator for your Module D homework. Calculators are not allowed 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. You'll learn how to convert expressions from percent to decimal and back again; also from percent to fraction and back again.

MODULE E: Introduction to Algebra. Students will learn to perform the four operations with "signed" (both positive and negative) numbers, to convert English expressions into Algebraic expressions, and to use properties previously studied in earlier modules to solve equations.

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 a study group. Live your college experience.

Math 181-4, Module D
Winter quarter, 2003
Instructor: Audrey Morrow
Phone: 541-4660 ext. 545 or at home: 577-4141
email: ammathtype@aol.com

Module D Schedule of topics and homework assignments:

January 6th: Intro to the class, Begin Module D. Cover Section 4.1 Ratios and Rates. Homework #1: Read Sections 4.1 ~ 4.3 for class on Wedneseday. Work problems 1 ~ 73 in 4.1, EOO. (Every other odd problem, approximately 18 problems.)

January 8th: Cover 4.2 and begin 4.3, The concept of proportion and Solving proportions. HW#2: Work 4.2 #1 ~ 41 odd, #45~55 odd; 4.3# 1~ 33 EOO. (Approximately 40 problems.) Be sure to register for Module D by Friday, January 10th. Read 8.1 for Monday.

January 13th: Complete 4.3, and cover 8.1 Circle-graphs (or pie-charts). Homework #3:   4.3#37-61, EOO. 8.1 # 1 ~ 37, EOO. Note the quiz on Wednesday. Read 5.1.

January 15th: Quiz on 4.1 ~ 4.3 and 8.1. Cover 5.1, Understanding Percent. Do: 5.1 # 1 ~ 81, odd. REVIEW CHAPTER 4 AND 8.1 AS NEEDED, and read 5.2. No class on Monday 1/20.

January 22: Cover 5.2, Changing between percent, decimal and fractions. Do 5.2# 1 ~ 89 odd problems. Read 5.3A for Monday.

January 27: Cover 5.3A, Solving percent problems using an equation.HW # 6: 5.3A # 1-55 EOO. Read 5.3B.

January 29: 5.3B, Solving percent problems using proportions. HW# 7: Work # 1~51 Odds in 5.3B.   Read 5.4. Note the quiz on 5.1 ~ 5.3B next Monday.

February 3rd: Quiz on 5.1 ~ 5.3B. Cover 5.4, Applied percent problems. HW#8: 5.4 #1 ~ 39 Odd. Read 5.5 for Wed.

February 5th: 5.5, Commission, percent increase and interest problems. HW#9:5.5 #1 ~ 33, odd. Reread the Module D material, as needed. Bring your questions to class on Monday!

February 10th: General review of all Module D material. HW#10: Work # 1 ~ 51 EOO on page 300- 302; Do 8.1# 1~ 9odd; 21,27,33,37;   Work all 30 problems on the Chapter 5 Test on page 362 & 363. Work any additional problems from the sections, as needed by each individual.

February 12th: Module D exam. No written homework. Read 9.1 and 9.2 for Wednesday, 2/19. Monday 2/17 is a college holiday!   Students taking Module E should enroll by Friday, 2/21.