MAT 152AA – BASIC ALGEBRA (Part I)

Winter 2009

INSTRUCTOR:                     Helen Shen

PHONE:                                 530-541-4660, Extension 364

E-MAIL:                                shen@ltcc.edu

OFFICE HOURS:                 Mon. & Wed.   08:55 – 9:25 AM, 12:35 – 1:35 PM

                                                Tue.  & Thur.   10:30 – 11:30 AM       (Thur. @ MSC)

LTCC MATH PAGE:          http://www.ltcc.edu/academics.asp?scatID=5&catID=34

REQUIRED TEXT:             Beginning and Intermediate Algebra Fourth Edition by Elayn Martin-Gay

TEXTBOOK INFORMATION:  Students have two choices. The first is to purchase the textbook from the bookstore; the textbook comes with the online software. The second is to purchase the online software which comes with the textbook online; this is a more economically reasonable choice, but is only recommended to students who have online access and feel comfortable reading a computer screen instead of a traditional book. You can check your homework answers online, but you will turn in your homework on the paper form.

COUSE DESCRIPTION:    This course will study the basic concepts of algebra. Topics include the real numbers 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 introduction to functions.

STUDENT OUTCOMES:    The successful student will

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.

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.

GRADING POLICY:           Method of Student Evaluation

                                                Homework (28 sections at 5 points each)                      140 points

                                                Quizzes* (Five at 40 points each)                                  200 points

                                                Exams* (Three at 100 points each)                               300 points

                                                Final (Covers entire course content)                              250 points                               

                                                Your letter grade will be based on your percentage of the 890 possible points.

                                                            A         90-100%        

                                                            B          80-89%          

                                                            C         70-79%                                  

                                                            D         60-69%

                                                            F          less than 60%

CHECKING YOUR

GRADE ONLINE:                 To retrieve your grade information online, follow these steps:

Ø         www.gradesource.com

Ø         Student reports

Ø         Instructor Name: Shen

Ø         Click on your class: Math 152AA

Ø         Your secret number is on your Quiz #1

EXAM POLICY:                  Grading will be based on progress towards the final answer, and the demonstration of understanding of the concept that is being tested. The more you show me with steps and detail, the better your chances for partial credit.  You provide me the communication and detail in your answers; and I will give you the best grade I can based on that communication and answer. You can use one page of notes, front and back, for chapter exams and final, but not for quizzes.

MAKE-UP POLICY:           For Quizzes, Chapter Exams and Final, make-up is possible, but there is a 10% penalty if the absence is not excused. The make-up test needs to be taken before the next class. The absence is excused for medical emergencies with the doctor’s note. You can take your test early if you know you are going to miss the class.

For Homework, you must show your work to get credit, half credit for completion and half credit for selected problems. Homework will be accepted late up to one week after it is assigned for half credit. You can turn in your homework early if you know you are going to miss the class. You can consult a classmate, a tutor, your instructor, or anyone for assistance on the homework.

COMMUNICATION           You can communicate with me either by coming to class or office hours, sending

POLICY:                                an e-mail, or calling on the phone. I will respond to your e-mails in a timely

                                                manner, and I will do my best to return your calls (you need to make sure to leave your number clearly). If you miss the class, it is your responsibility to pick up the class handouts or obtain the information either from your classmates or from me during the office hours.

I have students work together to help each other. Please feel free to ask me directly if you like to work with me one-on-one.

·        Please come see me if you do not understand my policies.

·        Due to English is my secondary language, please be sure to ask me if you have any difficulty to understand math due to my accent, and I will clarify.

CALCULATORS:                Calculators are not permitted on any of the exams.

LEARNING                           If you have a learning disability, be sure to discuss your special needs with me

DISABILITIES:                    during the first week of class. Learning disabilities will be accommodated.

REGISTRATION:                ·   You must register for this class at the Office of Admissions and Records.

·    Friday, January 30: Last day to drop the class with no penalty or mark on your

record.

·    Friday, January 30: Last day to declare CR/No Credit.

                                                ·    Friday, February 20: Last day to drop the class and receive a grade of W.

·    After February 20, if you are enrolled, you will receive some kind of grade.

·    It is your responsibility to drop the class in order to avoid an unwanted grade. You can choose Credit/Non-Credit for the class before the date specified on the schedule. I will drop a student from the class if the student misses more than four classes and is unable to keep up with the leaning.

TUTORING:                          Tutors are available at no cost in A201 (Math Success Center) on a drop-in basis.

                                                Students will earn 0.5 point toward the total grade for every 10 hours in MSC or DRC. However, if any student misses more than two classes, no lab credit will be granted.

HOW TO SUCCEED            1)  Read your textbook before class.

IN A MATH CLASS:            2)  Choose to attend all class periods and be on time.

3)  Exchange names and phone number with classmates.

4)  Learn from your mistakes and be patient with yourself.

5)  Don’t be afraid of asking questions.

6)  Know how to get help if you need it.

7)  Organize your class materials.

8)  Do your homework.

9)  Check your work.

10) Hand in assignments on time.

Tentative Lecture Schedule for Math 152AA

Be sure to use class time, office hours, and the MSC to get all of your questions answered.

For your homework, make sure you separate each section on the different pages and separate each problem on the different lines. There will be one point deduction for each section if the grader cannot read your answers. ALWAYS WRITE THE HOMEWORK # AND SECTION #s FOR EACH HOMEWORK; MAKE SURE TO WRITE THE DATE THAT YOU TURN IN IF YOU TURN IN HOMEWORK LATE.

EOO means Every Other Odd (i.e. #1, 5, 9, 13...)