SYLLABUS

Class:  Math 187 A & B, Basic Mathematics, Parts 1 and 2 of 4

Instructor:  Laurel Brock

Class meets:  Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:10pm – 8:00pm 

Room:  B-5, South Tahoe High School    

Prerequisites:  There are no requirements prior to being placed in this class.

Course Description: 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 “bit 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.

You will actually be taking 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.

Instructor’s Contact Information:  

Phone:  Monday – Friday (8am – Noon):  541-4111 ext 294; Cell: 307-9934

Email:  lbrock@ltusd.org;

Website:  www.sthsonline.com/ltcc

Items you need for class:
in addition to the book: 

Textbook:  "Basic College Mathematics", 5^th Edition, Tobey & Slater. *CALCULATORS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN MATH 187A or 187B

·        Lined paper for note-taking

·        Graph paper for the sections on graphing

·        Pencil and extra eraser

·        A six-inch straight edge

·        Several different colors of pencils
(will help you in making your graphs easier to read)

·        A yellow or light green highlighter
(may be helpful in notating handouts, your text, or your class notes)

Important dates for Spring Quarter, 2008:

GENERAL INFORMATION

1)  Getting registered:  With WEBREG, Students may enroll ONLINE up until 11:00 PM on the first day that class meets.  After that, you'll need a permit from A&R with the instructor's signature, in order to enroll. 

2) My make-up policy:  There is no makeup for quizzes.  You may make up one exam, with a 10% penalty.  If you can't take an exam with the class, you must call me before the exam.  I'll arrange for the makeup test, which you'll be required to complete before the following class meeting.  If you miss a test on a Thursday for example you'll have to complete the test before class begins the following Tuesday.  I accept two late homework assignments.  If you are unable to get to class, you may have a friend bring in your homework, or you can turn it in through the student mail slot outside the college mail room.  STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED INSIDE THE MAILROOM.

3)  I allow extra credit under the following conditions:  The student has missed no more than one lecture is current on the homework, and your grade is below 'C'. 

5)  Learning disabled students:  If you have a certified learning disability that may affect your performance in the class, please see me so that I can make sure that your needs are met.  If you think that you may have a disability but have not yet been tested, you may inquire about this at the DRC, or at extension 249.

GRADING POLICY

During each part of Math 187A & B, you'll take two exams and a cumulative final exam.  You'll also complete nine homework assignments.  If you are still enrolled on Tuesday, 4/27, you'll receive a letter grade (A-F) for Math 187A.  If you're enrolled on Tuesday, 5/20, you'll receive a letter grade for Math 187B.  Your final course grade for each part of the class will be structured according to the following:

QUIZZES are unscheduled, and given at the start of class.  Quizzes will be offered as extra credit.

The grade of 'F' is usually reserved for students who drop out without informing A & R. At any time during the quarter, you can calculate what your percentage is.

Be aware that with only four letters at the instructor's disposal, it's quite common for students to end up midway between two letter grades at the end of the class.  Your behaviour and your participation in class are likely to play a part in your final course grade.  Be here.  Be courteous and respectful of those around you. Students who behave in positive ways will get the higher grade.

ATTENDANCE:  Students are allowed two absences with no explanation required.  If you need to miss a class, please see me so that I know you aren't dropping.  Also, make a friend in class who can tell you what you missed, and share notes with you.  

HOMEWORK:   I will accept two late homework assignments.  If you have to miss a lecture, you may drop your homework through the student mail slot on the due date, or have a friend bring it to class.

Habits that contribute to ACADEMIC SUCCESS:

1)  Attend every lecture if you possibly can.  Sit where you know you won’t be distracted, and where you can see and hear what's going on in class.

2)  Take notes, working along in class and keeping a glossary of unfamiliar terms.

3)  Do all assigned reading before class, so that you can bring up points in class that you found confusing.  Work the example problems as part of your reading.

4)  Do all of the assigned homework, even problems you are not able to finish.  Staple each assignment separately.  Please, no paper clips.

5)  Ask questions in class.  Stay focused on math.  Please limit your conversation in class to the topics being covered, and save your socializing for outside of class. 

LAUREL’S COMMITTMENT
to the class

·        I am very excited about being here to teach you.  I care as much as you do about your comfort, well-being and accomplishments in our class.  All that I do is designed to help you achieve success in math.

·        I will maintain, at all times, a respectful and learning-friendly environment for my students.  Your input is encouraged and appreciated, when the topic is math.  In particular, consistent tardiness, chit-chatting, cell phones and headphones are all discouraged.  If your phone disrupts our class, you will be asked to leave, and you'll be marked absent for that period.

·        I will never embarrass or humiliate you.  Period.   You'll receive a courteous and respectful answer to any math question you wish to ask me.  If you feel awkward about bringing something up that was covered previously, ask anyway.  If we need to spend more time than we can take at the moment, we'll agree to meet later.

·        I will be on time, prepared and organized when I get to class.  The earlier part of my day will be checked at the door. I will give 100% of my attention to the class.

·        I will not short-change you by setting low standards.  Earning a 'C' or better in this class means you leave here with the necessary level of competency for success in your next math class.  Students who don't need additional math classes will leave with the benefits of an improved understanding and mastery of algebra skills and topics, and a stronger confidence in mathematics than they'd known previously.

SCHEDULE OF CLASS TOPICS AND HOMEWORK 
Math 187 A/B, Instructor:  Laurel Brock, Spring 2008

The class topics and corresponding homework assignments and tests are organized by date. Homework will be collected each Tuesday.  For example, the homework assignments for April 8 and 10 are due on Tuesday, April 15.  Please separate and staple each assignment.  EOO means "every other odd."  For example, Problems #17-41 EOO means work #17, 21, 25, ….41, every other odd problem, including 17 & 41.  Your homework assignments will usually include both reading and problem-sets.

PLEASE NOTE:  YOU MUST BE CURRENT IN YOUR HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS IN ORDER TO TAKE THE EXAMS IN MATH 187.  YOU MUST COMPLETE HW # 1-4, IN ORDER TO TAKE EXAM #1.

Week 1:  April 8 – 10

Tuesday, April 8th:  Welcome to Math 187A, review syllabus & grading policy.  Cover Sections 1.1-1.3.  Understanding whole numbers, addition and subtraction.  HW#1a: Read 1.1-1.6 in your textbook.  Do:  1.1 # 1-53EOO; 1.2 # 3-33 EOO, #39-51 multiples of 3, #60.  1.3# 1-20, 21-61EOO, #66-90 Multiples of 3.

Thursday, April 10th:  Cover 1.4, Multiplication of whole numbers, 1.5 Division of whole numbers. 1.6, Exponents and Order of Operations.  HW#2a:  Read 1.7 & 1.8. Do: 1.4 # 1-77 EOO, #81-102 multiples of 3.  1.5# 1-30 all, #31-75 EOO, #78-90 Multiples of 3, #91.  1.6 # 1-6, 7-103 EOO, Page 97 # 3, 5.

 Week 2:  April 15 - 17

Tuesday, April 15th:  HW # 1a & 2a are due.  Cover 1.7 Rounding and Estimation, 1.8 Applied Problems.  HW#3a:  1.7 # 2, 3-30 Multiples of 3, #33-81 EOO, 85-90.  1.8 # 3-33 Multiples of 3, 35, 40-42.  Read 2.1 & 2.2 for Thursday.

Thursday, April 17th:  Cover 2.1 Understanding fractions, Begin 2.2 Simplifying fractions. Review for Exam #1 covering Sections 1.1 - 1.8.  HW #4a:  2.1 # 1-37 EOO, 39-48 multiples of 3, 54. 2.2# 1-49 EOO.

Week 3:  April 22 - 24

Tuesday, April 22nd:  Exam #1 on all of Chapter 1.  Read 2.3 & 2.4 for Thursday. HW# 3a & 4a are due today.  No written homework is assigned after an exam.

Thursday, April 24th:  Finish 2.2, Cover 2.3 Improper fractions and mixed numbers, 2.4 Multiplication of fractions and mixed numbers. HW #5a:  2.2 # 53-85 EOO, #90, 91.  2.3 # 3-81 EOO, 83, 87, 88.  2.4 # 1-45 EOO, 48-57 multiples of 3, 61, 63 Read 2.5-2.7 for Tuesday.

Week 4:  April 29 – May 1

Tuesday, April 29th:  Cover 2.5, Division of fractions and mixed numbers, 2.6 The Least Common Denominator, Begin 2.7, Addition & Subtraction of Fractions.    HW # 5 is due today.  HW#6a:  2.5 # 2, 3-39 Multiples of 3, # 41-69 EOO, 71-81 odd, P. 152&153 #3-39 multiples of 3. 2.6 # 1-81 EOO; 2.7 # 1-53 EOO.  Read 2.8 & 2.9 for Thursday.

Thursday, May 1st:   Finish 2.7.  Cover 2.8 Combining Mixed Numbers, Order of Operations, 2.9 Applied problems involving fractions.  HW#7a:  2.7 # 55-70 odd. 2.8 # 1-41 EOO, #45-51 odd, 57-75 multiples of 3; 2.9 # 1-23 odd, Page 191 #3.  Read 3.1 & 3.2 for Tuesday.

Week 5:  May 6 – 8

Tuesday, May 6th:  Cover 3.1, Decimal notation, 3.2 Comparing, Ordering and Rounding Decimals.   Review for Exam #2 covering 2.1-2.9.  HW #6a and #7a are due today.

Thursday, May 8th:  Exam #2 Covering 2.1-2.9.  No written homework.  Read 3.3 & 3.4 for Tuesday.

Week 6:  May 13 – 15

Tuesday, May 13th:  Cover 3.3 Addition & Subtraction of Decimals, 3.4 Multiplication of Decimals.  Review for final exam.  HW # 8a:  3.3 # 1-49 EOO, 53-67 odd, 75, 80. 3.4# 3-57 multiples of 3, 61, 63.

Thursday, May 15th: Cumulative Final exam including all sections covered in Math 187A.  HW #8a is due today.  Congratulations on your successful completion of Math 187A!  I hope to see you in Math 187B.

Week 7:  May 20 – 22

Tuesday, May 20th:   Welcome to Math 187B, review syllabus & grading policy.  Cover 3.5, Division of Decimals. 3.6 Converting Fraction to Decimals & Order of Operations. #.7 Applied Problems Involving Decimals. HW #1b: 3.5 #1-33 EOO, 37-49 Odd, #54-57.  Read 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1 for Thursday.

Thursday, May 22nd:   Cover 4.1 Ratios, 4.2 Proportions, 4.3 Solving Proportions, and 5.1 Understanding percent.  HW #2b: 4.2 #1-45 EOO, #47, 49, 54, 55. 4.3 #5 – 55 Multiples of 5, #61, 63. 5.1 #1 – 4, 5-77 EOO, 85, 87.  Read 5.2 – 5.4 for Tuesday.

Week 8:  May 27 – 29

Tuesday, May 27th:  Cover 5.2 Changing between percents, decimals and fractions, 5.3 Solving percents using a proportion, 5.4 Solving applied percent problems. HW #1b & 2b are due today.  HW #3b: 5.2 #3-31 EOO, #33-69 EOO, 73 – 81 Odd, 89.  5.3b #1-23 Odd, 25-41 EOO.  5.4 #1-37 EOO.  Read 5.3A, 5.5 for Thursday.

Thursday, May 29th:   Finish 5.3 Solving percents using an equation, 5.5 Solving commission, percent of increase or decrease, and interest problems.  Review for Exam #1 covering 3.5 – 3.7, 4.2 – 4.3, and 5.1 – 5.5. HW #4b:  5.3A #7 – 29 Odd, 31-51 EOO, 59, 61.  5.5 #1-17 Odd, 19-31 EOO.  Read 9.1 – 9.3 for Tuesday.  Suggestion problems for Exam #1:  pg 264-265, #27-67 Odd, pg 365-368 #1-85 EOO.

Week 9:  June 3 – 5

Tuesday, June 3rd:   Cover 9.1 Signed numbers, 9.2 Subtraction of signed numbers, 9.3 Multiplication and Division of signed numbers. HW 3b & 4b are due today.  Review for Exam #1 covering 3.5 – 3.7, 4.2 - 4.3, and 5.1 – 5.5. HW#5b:  9.1 #1-69 EOO, 9.2 #1-61 EOO, 63, 9.3 #1-65 EOO, pg 597 #1-33 Odd.

Thursday, June 5th:  Exam #1 Covering 3.5 – 3.7, 4.2-4.3, 5.1 – 5.5.  HW #5b is due today.  No written homework.  Read 6.4 & 7.5 for Tuesday.

Week 10:  June 10 – 12

Tuesday, June 10th:   Cover 6.4 Converting units of measure, 7.5 Addition of Square Roots. HW #6b: 6.4 #5-37 EOO, #49-55 Odd. 7.5 #3-33 Multiples of 3. Read 9.4, 10.1 for Thursday.

Thursday, June 12th:  Cover 9.4 Order of Operations with Signed Numbers, 10.1 Variables and Like Terms.  HW #7b: 9.4 #1-45 Odd, 10.2 #1 – 39 Odd.  Read 10.2 -10.3 for Tuesday.

Week 11:  June 17 – 19

Tuesday, June 17th: Cover 10.2 The distributive property, 10.3 Solving equations using the addition property, Review for Exam #2 covering 6.4, 7.5, 9.1 – 9.4. HW #6b & 7b are due today.  HW #8b: 10.2 #1-41 EOO, 10.3 #1-47 EOO.  Suggested problems for Exam #2: pgs 613 – 616 #1 – 55 Odd. 

Thursday, June 19th: Exam #2 covering 6.4, 7.5, 9.1- 9.4.  HW #8b is due today.  No written homework.  Read 10.4 – 10.5 for Tuesday.

Week 12:  June 24 – 26

Tuesday, June 24th: Cover 10.4 Solving equations using the division or multiplication properties, 10.5 Solving equations using two properties. Review the final exam covering all section from 187B.  HW # 9b: 10.4 #1-37 Odd, 10.5 #1 – 41 EOO. 

Thursday, June 26th:  Cumulative final exam, covering all sections included on the three previous exams.  HW #9b is due today.  Congratulations on your successful completion of Math 187B!  Happy Summer, and enjoy the Tahoe sunshine and outdoor fun.