BASIC ALGEBRA (Part II)
Math 152B-3
Spring 2009 4 units
INSTRUCTOR: Cindy Littell
PHONE NUMBER: 541-4660, Extension 447 (voicemail only)
E-MAIL: littell@ltcc.edu
MEETING TIMES: Monday and Wednesday 1:30p-3:20p
MEETING PLACE: Room A213
REQUIRED TEXT: Elementary and Intermediate Algebra, 4th Ed, by Elayn Martin-Gay
Class webpage to log in: http://www.coursecompass.com
Course Id for Homework: littell00422
Course Description: This course is a continuation of Math 152A. I will present factoring, rational expressions, first degree equations and inequalities with absolute value, solving systems of linear equations and inequalities, radicals, rational exponents and their equations, and solving quadratic equations. This course will connect math with the “real” world. It is my desire to reduce math anxiety and build self-confidence in every student by the end of this class.
Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in Math 152A or equivalent or appropriate skills demonstrated through the Math Assessment process.
Students with disabilities must identify themselves to me within the first two weeks of class.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: Students requiring accommodations for a certain disability that may affect class performance are requested to schedule with a staff member at the DRC to discuss this during the first week of the quarter so that appropriate arrangements can be made. They only test and accept new students into the program during the first two weeks of each quarter, so don’t put it off.
The Math Success Center (in A201) has free tutoring for all registered students. Please Log In and Out so that the facility gets the funds it needs.
As a Courtesy to everyone in class, please turn off your cell phones. Thank you.
How to succeed in a Math class:
1. Come to every class meeting.
2. Arrive early, be prepared, and take notes.
3. Ask questions, especially if you don’t understand a concept.
4. Do more than just the homework problems.
5. Take advantage of the free tutoring service in the GMC and my hours as your academic coach.
6. Study in groups and do your homework with a classmate.
7. Start preparing for exams at least one week in advance.
8. Do some math every day.
Dropping: In this class, it is your responsibility to drop the class in order to avoid an unwanted grade. For this, you must go to Admissions & Records.
Friday, April 17, 2009 is the last day for refunds.
Friday, May 1, 2009 is the last day to drop with no record or file C/NC.
Friday, May 22, 2009 is the last day to withdraw with a “W” grade.
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 and graphical information; and
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.
Grading: Your class letter grade will be based on the usual grading scale:
A: 90% and above, B: 80-89%, C: 70-79%, D: 60-69%, F: 59% and under
Homework 100 points
Quizzes 140 points
3 Midterm Exams 450 points
Comprehensive Final Exam: 240 points
Total 930 points
Quizzes: There are no make-up quizzes. All quizzes are given during the first 5 minutes of class. They will consist of a problem from the homework and a problem from the reading for the lecture that day. Please be on time.
Midterm Exams: Midterms are to be taken on the date scheduled unless you have a medical emergency. In such an event, please notify me as soon as possible to make arrangements. If you are unable to take the exams at the scheduled time, you will need to email me a request stating why you need to take the exam early.
Calculators are not allowed during testing. Please practice the homework without them.
The Comprehensive Final Exam is on June 22, 2009 at 2pm-3:50pm.
Academic Integrity:
Homework may be done in groups with other students or with the help of the instructor or tutors, but each student must turn in their own work. Quizzes and Exams must be done by the student alone. Any Student who violates this rule will receive a zero on the Quiz or Exam. A second offense will result in withdrawal, failing the course, or academic expulsion.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Date Section Topic
Apr. 6 2.5 Introduction, Syllabus, Formulas
Apr. 8 8.4 Variation
6.1 GCF and Grouping
6.2 Factoring when a = 1
Apr. 13 6.3 Special Products
6.4 Factoring Ax2
+ Bx + C, a 
1.
Apr. 15 6.5 Factoring Binomials
6.6 Factoring Quadratics
Apr. 20 6.7 Solving Quadratic Equations and Problems
Review for Midterm #1
Apr. 22 Midterm #1
Apr. 27 Return and go through MT #1
7.1 Rational Functions and Simplifying
Apr. 29 7.2 Multiply and Divide Rational Expressions
7.3 Addition & Subtraction of Rational Expressions.
May 4 7.4 ...with unlike denominators
7.5 Solving Equations with Rational Expressions
May 6 7.6 Applications of Ratios & Proportions.
7.7 Complex Fractions
May 11 4.1 Systems by Graphing
4.2 Systems by Substitution
May 13 4.3 Systems by Addition
9.2 Absolute Value Equations
May 18 9.3 Absolute Value Inequalities
Review for Midterm #2
May 20 Midterm #2
May 25 Memorial Day Holiday
May 27 Return and go through MT#2
10.1 Radicals
Jun. 1 10.2 Rational Exponents
10.3 Simplifying Radicals
Jun. 3 10.4 +, -, * Radicals
10.5 Rationalizing
Jun. 8 10.6 Radical Equations
10.7 Complex Numbers
Jun. 10 11.1 Completing the Square
11.2 Quadratic Formula
Jun. 15 Midterm #3
Jun. 17 Review for Final
Jun. 22 FINAL EXAM—Comprehensive-2pm start