BASIC ALGEBRA (Part I)

 

Math 152A-2, 4 units

TuTh 8:00-9:50 AM

Room:  E106

Winter 2008

 

INSTRUCTOR:  Judy Guinn, home phone (775) 588-6413; voicemail (530) 541-4660 ext.476

 

REQUIRED TEXT:  Elementary and Intermediate Algebra, 2nd Edition, by Daniel Dugopolski.

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This course will study the basic concepts of algebra.  Topics covered will include the real numbers and their properties; the four basic operations with positive and negative numbers; simplifying algebraic expressions; solving and graphing linear equations, inequalities, and absolute value equations in one variable; graphing linear equations and inequalities in two variables; an introduction to polynomials; properties of integral exponents including scientific notation; and a brief introduction to functions. 

 

PREREQUISITE: It is strongly recommended to have received a C or better in Math 187B or an equivalent course, or appropriate skills demonstrated through the math assessment process.

 

MY COMMITMENT TO THIS CLASS:  (“My” being that of the teacher)

·        I will check the rest of my day at the door when I enter the classroom, 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.

 

YOUR COMMITMENT TO THIS CLASS:  (“Your” being that of the student)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GRADING POLICY:  Method of Student Evaluation

 

Exam 1                                     100 points

                                    Exam 2                                     100 points

                                    Quizzes                                                  75 points

                                    Homework                                           180 points

                                    FINAL (cumulative)                             150 points

                                    Subjective Points                                  50 points

 

Your letter grade will be based on your percentage of the total possible points.  The total possible is 655.  Note that 50 points of the total (about 8%) are subjective and awarded based upon your class participation and preparedness.  This requires showing up to class with assigned homework already completed and ready to be discussed.

 

                                       A                90-100%

                                       B                80-89%

                                       C                70-79%

                                       D                60-69%

                                       F                 less than 60%

 

MAKE-UP POLICY:  There are no make-up quizzes.  For Exams and the FINAL, make-up is possible, but there is a 10% penalty if the absence is not excused.  Students must contact me in advance of the examination in order to arrange a make-up.

 

HOMEWORK:  Homework is due the next class period after it was assigned.  It is necessary to have your homework completed at the time it is to be discussed to keep pace with the material and to get your questions answered in a timely fashion.  Late homework will be accepted one class period beyond its due date for half credit.  Homework not turned in at class time, or to my mailbox by 6:30PM the day it is due, is considered late.  Likewise, late homework must be turned in during class, or to my box by 6:30PM, the next class period from when it was due.  Ten points will be awarded for each homework assignment handed in:  Five points will be awarded for completion of the assignment and 5 points for correct answers on the additional even numbered problems assigned.  You must show all work on all problems for full credit. Just an answer is not appropriate for most problems.

 

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.

ACCOMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:  Any students needing accommodations should inform the instructor.  Students with disabilities who may need accommodations for this class are encouraged to notify me and contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) early in the quarter so that reasonable accommodations may be implemented as soon as possible.  Students may contact the DRC by visiting the Center (located in room A205) or by phoning 541-4660, ext. 249 (voice) or 542-1870 (TTY for deaf students).  All information will remain confidential.

 

CALCULATORS:  Calculators will not be allowed on quizzes and examinations.  Calculators are not required for this course.  While I cannot stop you from using one when doing your homework, I do not encourage you to do so.  There will be word problem sections when we will use simple calculators for cumbersome calculations. Otherwise, calculators will be required and taught in MAT 154.  This course is concerned with you learning mathematical processes and acquiring some basic mathematical skills before learning the button pushing sequences that execute those computations.  Feel free, however, to approach me on how to operate your calculator.  They can vary greatly.

 

OFFICE HOURS:   I will be available by appointment as needed.  You can contact me by voice mail by calling the college at (530) 541-4660 and leaving a message on extension 476, or, preferably at home (775) 588-6413.  There is a supplement course for this class offered immediately following our regularly scheduled time, from 6:00-6:25 PM, TuTh.

 

TUTORING:  Free tutoring is available in the Math Success Center, previously known as the Gateway Math Center, now relocated upstairs in the main building on campus in what used to be the old library. There are already regularly scheduled coaching hours for MAT 152A as follows:

                                                Steve:  MW 9-11 AM; TuTh 4-6 PM

                                                Cindy:  MW 12-1:30 PM; TuTh 1-12:30 PM

 

Also, the more extensive and general schedule for tutoring will be handed out in class when made available to me.

 

 

 

SCHEDULE (Winter 2008)

 

Graded problems are typed in boldface and will be awarded 5 out of the 10 homework points based on your work shown and your accuracy.

 

DATE, SECTIONS COVERED                      HOMEWORK (Due next class period)

 

Jan. 8                           sec. 1.1                        1-15 Odd; 20-110 Every Fifth; #50, 70

                                    sec. 1.2                        5-105 Every Fifth; #50, 70, 80

 

Jan. 10                         sec. 1.3                        5-90 Every Fifth; #20, 40, 70

                                    sec. 1.4                        7-55 Every Other Odd (EOO); 73-80 All; #12, 74

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Jan. 15                         sec. 1.5                        10-115 Every Fifth; #50, 70, 90

sec. 1.6                        1-17 Odd; 20-90 Every Fifth; #60, 80

 

Jan. 17                         QUIZ #1 (sections 1.1-1.4)

sec. 1.7                        3-23 Odd; 25-100 Every Fifth; #30, 40

                                    sec. 1.8                        1, 3; 5-100 Every Fifth; #30, 50, 90                

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Jan. 22                         sec. 2.1                        7-23 EOO; 30-95 Every Fifth; #30, 80

                                    sec. 2.2                        3; 5-95 Every fifth; #40, 50, 90

 

Jan. 24                         sec. 2.3                        1, 5-85 Every fifth; #20, 50, 80

sec. 2.5                        1, 7-29 Odd; 35-41 Odd; #14, 40      

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Jan. 29                         QUIZ #2 (sections 1.5-2.2)

sec. 2.5                        45-125 Every Fifth; #60, 70                

                                    sec. 2.6                        7-13 Odd; 23, 25, 41, 47, 49, 51; #14, 34, 38

 

Jan. 31                                 sec. 2.7                        7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23; #8, 14, 18, 20, 24

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Feb. 5                          sec. 2.8                        1, 3; 5-75 Every Fifth; #40, 50

                                    sec. 2.9                        7-51 EOO; #20, 28, 44                      

                       

Feb. 7                          sec. 8.1                        5-80 Every Fifth; #20, 50

                                    sec. 8.2                        1-21 Odd; 27-35 EOO; #10, 26, 32   

 

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Feb. 12                        Review for Exam I

sec. 3.1                        7-15 Odd; 17-31 Odd (Use one set of coordinate axes; 33-49 Odd; #8, 20, 34, 44, 50 (Note: Due Feb. 19)

                                                                       

Feb. 14                        EXAM I (Covers Chapter 1 and 2 material, and sections 8.1, 8.2)

            Note: Homework from section 3.1 is due next time, Feb. 19.

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Feb. 19                        sec. 3.1                        51-59 Odd; 63-75 Odd; 81-87 Odd; #84

                                    sec. 3.2                        3, 4, 7-57 EOO; #16, 20, 40, 50

                                   

 

Feb. 21                        sec. 3.3                        1, 3; 7-87 EOO; #10, 16, 32, 40, 58  

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Feb. 26                        QUIZ #3 (sections 3.1-3.2)

                                    sec. 3.4                        10-75 Every Fifth; #20, 30, 60

                                    sec. 3.6                        10-45 Every Fifth; #20, 40

 

Feb. 28                        sec. 4.1                        10-85 Every Fifth (omit #35); #60, 80

                                    sec. 4.2                        10-90 Every Fifth; #30, 40, 70

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Mar. 4                          sec. 4.3                        5-65 Every Fifth; #10, 20, 50

                                    sec. 4.4                        10-70 Every Fifth; #20, 60

 

Mar. 6                          sec. 4.5                        10-55 Every Fifth; 60-90 Every Tenth: #20, 50, 80

                                    sec. 4.6                        10-85 Every Fifth; #40, 80      

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Mar. 11                        sec.4.7                         7-95 EOO; #12, 28, 44, 70, 80  Note: due next time

                                    Review for Exam II (Section 4.7 will be covered on the exam)

 

Mar. 13                        EXAM II (covers Chapters 3 and 4 material) Note: No Homework

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Mar. 18                        11.1                             7, 13, 15, 19, 25, 29, 33, 35, 41, 43, 51-57 Odd:

                                                                        And the Odd problems on the Handout

                                    11.6                             5-15 Odd        

                                               

Mar. 20                        QUIZ #4 (sections 4.3-4.7)                             

                                    Review for Final

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Mar. 25                        FINAL (Cumulative) 4:00-5:50 PM