BEGINNING ALGEBRA (PART I) EXPANDED

 

Math 152AA                                                                                                  Fall, 2009

Tuesday & Thursday                                                                         6:00 – 8:20 PM

Room: A206                                                                                                   5 units

 

INSTRUCTOR:                     Jane Ellis

 

PHONE NUMBER:              541-4660, Extension 247

 

OFFICE:                                 A204 (next door to our classroom)

 

E-MAIL:                                ELLIS@LTCC.EDU

 

TEXTBOOK (OPTIONAL): Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, Fourth Edition

by Martin-Gay 

                                               

Required Software License: It is required to have a software license for MyMathLab to use in this class.  Students have two choices.  The first choice is to purchase the textbook from the bookstore.  The textbook comes with the software license for an additional cost of approximately $5.  The second choice is to purchase the license alone either from the bookstore or online at coursecompass.com.  The license gives you access to the textbook online.  This is a more economical choice, but is only recommended to students who have online access and feel comfortable reading a computer screen instead of a traditional book.  If you purchase a used textbook, you will also need to purchase the software license.  This software license will also be good for Math 152B, Math 152BB, Math 154A & Math 154AA at no extra cost as long as you take those classes in a timely manner.

Our course id is ellis81363. 

For assistance using MyMathLab call 1-800-677-6337.

Mon – Fri 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM & Sunday 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Online assistance is available 24 hours every day at: 247pearsoned.custhelp.com

                                                           

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. 

 

PREREQUISITE:      A grade of C or better in Math 187B or equivalent; or a satisfactory score on Mathematics Assessment Test.

 

OVER

HOMEWORK:  Homework will be done online using MyMathLab.  Due dates are listed for you when you go online to do the assignments.  Feel free to consult a fellow classmate, a tutor, your instructor, or anyone else for assistance on the homework. In addition, the computer will give you help with any problem, show you an example of a similar problem, and in some cases show you a video of someone teaching how to do that type of problem.  You can work on homework after the due date but there are penalties for being late (see the make-up policy below).

 

QUIZZES:  Quizzes will be taken online in MyMathLab. Before you take the quiz, make sure that you have done the homework for the sections covered in the quiz, read the appropriate sections in the textbook, looked at the video(s), and received assistance from either the computer, a tutor, or your instructor on any difficult topics.  If you do not take a quiz on time, a zero will be recorded for that grade. 

 

Make-up Policy:             For Chapter Exams and the Final, make-up is possible if the instructor is contacted in advance and the absence is excused; there is a 10% penalty for each day you are late if the absence is not excused.  You have a full week to do your quizzes, do not procrastinate; there is no make-up for quizzes.  Homework will be penalized by 10% for each class meeting that it is late.

 

TUTORING:                          Tutoring is available in the Math Success Center (MSC) in Room.  Tutoring schedules will be distributed to you in class.

 

JANE’S OFFICE HOURS:  My office is in room A204.

 

                                    Monday & Wednesday................................... 12:30 – 1:30

                                    Monday &Wednesday.................................... 4:00 – 4:30

                                    Tuesday & Thursday ...................................... 5:00 – 6:00

 

 

CALCULATOR:        Calculators will not be used in this class on exams or the final.

 

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 (will be done online)           15%

Quizzes (will be done online)                 15%

                                    Exam #1 (will be done in class) 15%

                                    Exam #2 (will be done in class) 15%

Exam #3 (will be done in class) 15%

                                    Final (will be done in class)                   25%    

 

                                    Grades will be determined by the following percentages:

                                                            A         90-100%

                                                            B          80-89%

                                                            C         70-79%

                                                            D         60-69%

                                                            F          less than 60%

 

 

CHECKING YOUR GRADE ONLINE:

You can check your grade at any time in MyMathLab where you will be doing your homework and quizzes. 

 

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.                                                  

Use either the online or traditional textbook.

 

            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.

 

OVER

 

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: If you need help paying for your books or other expenses, call our financial aid officer, America Ramirez, at 541-4660 x236, email her at Ramirez@ltcc.edu, or drop by A100.

 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY (CHEATING):

 

Cheating will be defined as but not limited to: (1) using any method to copy an other’s work on an exam, quiz, or final  (2) having someone else to all or part of your homework assignment  (3) using any method other than your own honest efforts to complete exams, quizzes, the final, or homework assignments.

The following activities are NOT cheating: (1) collaborating with other students to complete homework assignments  (2) working with math tutors or academic coaches to complete homework assignments  (3) working with other students to study for exams, quizzes or the final.

 

Disciplinary actions for cheating in this class: Cheating will result in a grade of zero on the item on which the cheating occurred.  The worst thing about cheating, however, is compromising your character for such a small reward.

 

 

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.  Learning disabilities will be accommodated.

 

 

STUDENT OUTCOMES: The successful student in Math 152AA will be able to:


1. Solve linear equations and inequalities.
2. Define and employ terminology and arithmetic relating to polynomials

        in one variable.
3. Determine the equation and graph a line given information about the line.
4. Manipulate expressions with integral exponents.
5. Apply course topics to real-world situations.

                   

                                   

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 16.

                        3.         The last day to drop the class for a "W" grade is Friday, November 6.

4.         After November 6, 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.


 

SCHEDULE 

 

  Date          Section                            Topic

v     Do homework for a section before the next section is presented in class.  Having a hard time getting started?  Promise yourself that after doing math for a half-hour, you can do something else and get help from the computer, tutors, or the instructor.

 

Sept. 22......                              Introductions, Discussion of Syllabus

                    1.1                        Tips for Success in Mathematics (Read only, no homework)

1.3                        Fractions

1.4                        Introduction to Variable Expressions and Equations

                    1.5                        Adding Real Numbers

                    1.6                        Subtracting Real Numbers

 

v  Introduce yourself to 3 classmates to develop a math support system.

 

Sept. 24...... 1.2                        Symbols and Sets of Numbers

1.7                        Multiplication & Division of Real Numbers       

                    1.8                        Properties of Real Numbers

 

                            Quiz #1 (Sections 1.2 – 1.7) due by Friday, Oct. 2 at 6:00 pm

                   

                                                                                                                                               

v     Quiz yourself on last week’s work.  Work out 3 problems from each section.

 

Sept. 29...... 1.8                        Properties of Real Numbers (con’t)

2.1                                               Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

 

Oct. 1......... 2.2                        Addition & Multiplication Properties of Equality

2.3                                               Solving  Linear Equations

 

v     Begin today reviewing for your exam next Wednesday.  Do some math everyday.

                                                                                                                                               

 

Oct. 6.........                              Review for Exam #1

                    2.4                        An Introduction to Problem Solving

 

v     Write a practice exam and take it or take a practice test on the computer.

 

Oct. 8.........                              Exam # 1 (Sections 1.2 – 2.3)

2.5                         Problem Solving (Not Doing Formulas)

                                                           

                           Quiz #2 (Sections 2.4 & 2.5) due by Friday, Oct. 16 at 6:00 pm

 

                                                                                                                                               

 

Schedule continued on next page


                                                           

Schedule Continued

 

Date            Section                            Topic

 

v     Write 5 questions on what you do not understand in this chapter.  Plan time to get assistance; then DO IT!

 

Oct. 13....... 2.6                        Percent and Mixture Problems Solving             

 

Oct. 15....... 2.7                        Further Problem Solving

                    2.8                        Solving Linear Inequalities

 

                           Quiz #3 (Sections 2.6 – 2.8) due by Friday, Oct. 23 at 6:00 pm

 

                                                                                                                                               

v     Every time you do homework from a section, write down 2 problems which could be on the next math exam.

 

 

Oct. 20....... 2.8                        Solving Linear Inequalities (con't)

                    3.1                        Reading Graphs & the Rectangular Coordinate System

 

Oct. 22....... 3.2                        Graphing Linear Equations

                    3.3                        Intercepts

                   

                           Quiz #4 (Sections 3.1 - 3.3) due by Friday, Oct. 30 at 6:00 pm

                                   

                                                                                                                                               

v     Review your class notes before beginning your homework.  You did take notes didn’t you?  If not, try doing it at the next class meeting.

 

Oct. 27....... 3.4                        Slope and Rate of Change

                    3.5                        Equations of a Line

 

Oct. 29....... 3.5                        Equations of a Line (con’t)

                    3.6                        Functions

                                                           

                                                                                                                                               

v     Summarize what you learned in class today.

 

Nov. 3........ 9.4                        Graphing Linear Inequalities and Systems

                                                Review for Exam #2

 

Nov. 5........                              Exam #2 (Sections 2.5 -3.6, 9.4)

                    5.1                        Exponents

                                                                                                                                               

 

 

Schedule continued on next page

 

v  If your notebook is a mess, take a few minutes to reorganize it.

 

Nov. 10...... 5.1                        Exponents (con’t)

                    5.2                        Polynomial functions and Adding & Subtracting Polynomials

                   

 

Nov. 12...... 5.3                        Multiplying Polynomials

5.4                         Special Products

                                                            Turn in Homework #8 (Sections 4.1 & 4.2)

 

                           Quiz #5 (Sections 5.1 – 5.3) due by Friday, Nov. 20 at 6:00 pm

                   

                                                                                                                                               

v     Attend class every day on time.

 

Nov. 17...... 5.4                        Special Products (con’t)

                    5.5                        Negative Exponents & Scientific Notation

 

Nov. 19...... 5.6                        Dividing Polynomials

                    9.1                        Compound Inequalities

                                                           

                           Quiz #6 (Sections 5.4 – 5.6) due by Sunday, Nov. 29 at 6:00 pm

                       

                                                                                                                                               

v     Stay focused, you will be done in 2 weeks.

 

Nov. 24......                              Review for Exam #3

                    9.2                        Absolute Value Equations

 

Nov. 26......                              THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

                                                                                                                                               

                       

Dec. 1........                              Exam #3 (Chapter 5 & Sections 9.1 & 9.2)             

9.2                                               Finish Section 9.2

 

Dec. 3........                              Review for Final Exam

                                                           

v     Begin going over old exams to prepare for the final.  Write a practice final.

                                                                                                                                               

 

Dec. 8........                              Cumulative Final Exam (6:00 - 7:50)

                                                           

This is the day that you will successfully complete Math 152AA.  CONGRATUALTIONS!