Math 152A - Basic Algebra  (Part 1)

Section 4                                                                                                         Mon, Wed     

Spring, 2006                                                                                                   6:10 – 8:00 PM

4 Units                                                                                                            Room HSST5

Instructor:                              Jack Riggsbee

Phone Number:                      541-4660, Extension 560

E-Mail:                                   jriggsbee@charter.net

Required Text:                       Elementary and Intermediate Algebra, 2^nd Edition

                                                            By Mark Dugopolski

Recommended Text:             Student Solution Manual

                                                            By Mark Dugopolski

Course Description:                           MATH 152A

Welcome to your first algebra class here at LTCC. In this course you 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.

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..

Student Outcomes:                The successful student will:

1.      Exhibit 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:                         Mon, Wed, 5:30 – 6:00 pm (please schedule in advance, if possible)

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.

Grading Policy:                      Homework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  100 points

                                                Exam #1: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . .  100 points

                                                Exam #2: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 points

                                                Quizzes:   (Three at 20 points each)  . . .  . . .  60 points

Final:        (Cumulative). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 points

                                                Your letter grade will be based on your percentage of the 510 possible points:

                                                A         90-100%

                                                B          80-89%

                                                C         70-79%

                                                D         60-69%

                                                F          less than 60%

Make-Up Policy:                    For Quizzes there are no make-ups. However, if the absence is excused, you will receive the same percentage grade on the quiz as you earn on the exam that covers the same material. For Chapter Exams and Final, make-up is possible when taken within several days before  the scheduled exam; there is a 10% penalty if the make-up is taken within several days after the scheduled date. Makeup exams may be an alternate form of the exam given the class. Homework will be accepted late (with a 10% penalty for each week late).

Learning Disability:               Please be sure to discuss your special needs with me.

                                                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, April 28^th.
3. The last day to drop the class for a “W” grade is Friday, June 2^nd.
4. After June 2^nd, 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. If you miss more than 3 consecutive class sessions without informing me of your intentions or situation and your plan to makeup the missed work, you will not be allowed to continue in the course.

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.”

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 6:10 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 my class presentation, as well as to the concentration of other students. If you arrive late, please quietly enter the room and take your seat.

SCHEDULE

                                                                  ___________________________________

                                                                  Turn in Homework #1 (Sections 1.1 - 1.5)

                                                                  Turn in Homework #2 (Sections 1.6 - 1.8)           

                                                                  Turn in Homework #3 (Section 2.1 - 2.3)           

                                                                  Turn in Homework #4 (Sections 2.5 - 2.6) 

                                                                  Turn in Homework #5 (Sections 2.7 - 2.9) 

                                                                  Turn in Homework #6 (Sections 3.1 - 3.4)

                                                                  Turn in Homework #7 (Sections 8.1, 8.2, 3.6) 

                                                                  Turn in Homework #8 (Sections 4.1 - 4.2)  

                                                                  Turn in Homework #9 (Sections 4.3 - 4.4)  

                                                                  Turn in Homework #10 (Sections 4.5 – 4.7)  

MATH 152A ASSIGNMENTS

Note:  EOO means Every Other Odd (e.g. #1, 5, 9, 13, …)