BASIC ALGEBRA  (Part I)

 

Math 152A-2                                                                                                  Fall, 2006

Tuesday & Thursday                                                                         4:00 – 5:50

Room E106                                                                                                     4 units

 

INSTRUCTOR:                     Jane Ellis

 

PHONE NUMBER:              541-4660, Extension 247

 

E-MAIL:                                ELLIS@LTCC.EDU

 

REQUIRED TEXT:              Elementary and Intermediate Algebra, Second Edition

                                                             By Mark Dugopolski

 

RECOMMENDED TEXT:  Student Solution Manual

                                                            Prepared by Mark Dugopolski

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION            Welcome to your first algebra class here at LTCC.  In this course we will study the basic concepts of algebra.  The following topics might sound more like Greek right now, but don’t worry; they will make sense as we proceed through the class. Topics covered include the real numbers and their properties, solving linear equations and inequalities, the four basic operations with polynomials, graphing linear functions and inequalities in two variables, properties of exponents and an introduction to functions. 

 

Make-up Policy:             For quizzes there is no make-up, however if the absence is excused, you will receive the same percentage grade on the quiz as you earn on the exam, which covers the same material.  For Chapter 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 two points per day.

 

RECOMMENDED

PREREQUISITE:                  A grade of C or better in Math 181A-D or Math187B or an equivalent course, or a satisfactory score on the Mathematics Assessment Test.

 

 

 

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OVER

JANE’S COMMITMENT TO THIS CLASS:

·        I will check the earlier part of my day at the door when I enter the classroom, and I will 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.

 

GRADING POLICY:                        Method of Student Evaluation

                                                Homework                                                                   88 points

                                                Exam #1: Sections 1.1 – 1.8, 2.1 - 2.3              100 points

                                                Exam #2: Sections 2.5 – 3.4, 3.6                                  100 points

                                                Exam #3: Sections 4.1 - 4.7, 8.1, 8.2, 11.1                   100 points

                                                Quizzes* (Three at 20 points each)                               60 points

                                                Final (Covers entire course content)                              150 points

 

*If you spend at least one hour a week (for a total of at least 10 hours) in the Gateway Math Center (room G4), you will earn 6 points extra credit.

 

            Your letter grade will be based on your percentage of the 598 possible points.

 

                                                            A         90-100%

                                                            B          80-89%

                                                            C         70-79%

                                                            D         60-69%

                                                            F          less than 60%

 

LEARNING DISABILITIES:          If you have a certified learning disability that may affect your performance in this class, be sure to discuss your special needs with Jane 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, October 13.

 

                        3.         The last day to drop the class for a "W" grade is Friday, November 17.

 

4.         After November 17, if you are enrolled, you will receive one of the following grades: A  B  C  D  F  or  I  (Incomplete, is only allowed in special cases).

 

In this class, it is your responsibility to drop the 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.

JANE’S OFFICE HOURS:

 

                                    Monday & Wednesday................. 12:30 – 1:30 (A204)

                                    Monday.......................................... 4:00 – 5:00 (Gateway Math Center)

                                    Tuesday.......................................... 3:00 – 4:00 (A204)

                                    Thursday......................................... 7:00 – 8:00 (A204)

                                   

TUTORING:                          Tutoring is available in the Gateway Math Center (GMC) in Room G4 in the portable buildings near the dance room and photo lab.  Tutoring schedules will be distributed to you in 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.

 

 

 

 

Let there be no activity without achievement

                                                                  

 

 

 

 

 

OVER

 

 

SCHEDULE

  Date          Section                            Topic

 

Sept. 19......                              Introductions, Discussion of Syllabus

1.2                        Fractions

                    1.3                        Addition & Subtraction of Real numbers

1.4                                               Multiplication & Division of Real Numbers

 

Sept. 21...... 1.1                        Real Numbers

                    1.5                        Exponential Expressions & Order of Operations

                    1.6                        Algebraic Expressions

                                                Turn in Homework #1 (Sections 1.2 – 1.4)              

 

Sept. 26...... 1.6                        Algebraic Expressions

                    1.7                        Properties of Real Numbers

                    1.8                        Using the Properties to Simplify Expressions 

                     

Sept. 28...... 2.1                        Addition & Multiplication Properties of Equality

2.2                                               Solving General Linear Equations

                                                Quiz #1 (Sections 1.1 - 1.5)

                                                            Turn in Homework #2 (Sections 1.1, 1.5, 1.6)         

 

Oct.3.......... 2.3                        Identities, Conditional Equations, and Inconsistent Equations

                    2.5                        Translating Verbal Expressions into Algebraic Expressions

                                               

Oct. 5......... 2.6                        Number, Geometric, and Uniform Motion Applications

                                                Review for Exam #1

                                                            Turn in Homework #3 (Sections 1.7, 1.8, 2.1 & 2.2)

 

Oct. 10.......                              Finish Section 2.6

                                                Exam #1 (Sections 1.1 – 1.8, 2.1 – 2.3)

 

Oct. 12....... 2.7                        Discount, Investment, and Mixture Problems

                                                            Turn in Homework #4 (Sections 2.3 & 2.5)

 

Oct. 17....... 2.8                        Inequalities

                    2.9                        Solving Inequalities

 

Oct. 19....... 3.1                        Graphing Lines in the Coordinate Plane

                                                Quiz #2 (Sections 2.5 – 2.7)

                                                            Turn in Homework #5 (Sections 2.6 & 2.7)

 

Schedule continued on next page

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date            Section                            Topic

 

Oct. 24....... 3.2                        Slope

                    3.3                        Equations of a Line in Slope-Intercept & Standard Forms

 

Oct. 26....... 3.4                        Point-Slope Form of the Equation of a Line

                    3.6                        Graphing Linear Inequalities

                                                            Turn in Homework #6 (Sections 2.8 , 2.9 & 3.1)     

 

Oct. 31....... 4.1                        Addition & Subtraction of Polynomials                         

                                                Review for Exam #2

 

Nov. 2........ 4.2                        Multiplication of Polynomials

                                                Exam #2 (Sections 2.5 -3.4, 3.6)

                                                            Turn in Homework #7 (Sections 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.6)  

 

Nov. 7........ 4.3                        Multiplication of Binomials  (FOIL)

4.4                                               Special Products

Nov. 9........ 4.5                        Division of Monomials & Polynomials

                    4.6                        Positive Integral Exponents

                                                            Turn in Homework #8 (Sections 4.1 & 4.2) 

 

Nov. 14...... 4.6                        Positive Integral Exponents

4.7                                               Negative Exponents & Scientific Notation

 

Nov. 16...... 8.1                        Compound Inequalities

                    8.2                        Absolute Value Equations

                                                            Turn in Homework #9 (Sections 4.3 – 4.5)              

 

Nov. 21...... 8.2                        Finish Section 8.2

11.1                                           Introduction to Functions

Quiz #3 (Sections 4.1 – 4.7)

                                                Turn in Homework #10 (Sections 4.6, 4.7 & 8.1)    

 

Nov. 23                                   THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

                                                                                                                                               

 

Nov. 28......                              Review for Exam #3

                                                Begin Review for Final Exam

 

Nov. 30                                   Exam #3 (Sections 4.1 - 4.7, 8.1, 8.2, 11.1)

                                                 Finish Review for Final Exam

                                                            Turn in Homework #11 (Sections 8.2 & 11.1)

 

Dec. 5                                      Cumulative Final Exam (4:00 - 5:50)