|
MAT 152A
Basic Algebra (Part I)
Fall 2012
Instructor:
Bruce Armbrust, phone: 541-4660x314, email:
bruce.armbrust@hotmail.com
Office Hours:
Room A210, Mon., Fri.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tues, Thurs.
9:30 – 10:30 AM
MSC A201, Wed.
12:00 – 1:00 PM
And as always, by appointment.
Class Time and Location:
Mon. & Wed. 1:30 - 3:20 PM, A213
Textbook (Optional):
Beginning and Intermediate Algebra,
5th Edition, Elayn Martin-Gay
Required Software:
It is required to have a software license to use the software MyMathLab
in this class. You must have a valid e-mail address to use the on-line
curriculum.
Students have two choices. The first
choice is to purchase the textbook from the bookstore. The
textbook comes with the software license. Note:
If you purchase a used textbook, it may not have a valid course access
code. Be VERY careful when
acquiring the text. The
second choice is to purchase the license alone either from the bookstore
or online at coursecompass.com. The license gives you access to the
textbook online. This is a more economical choice, but is only recommended
to students who have online access and feel comfortable reading a computer
screen instead of a traditional book. If you have already purchased an
access code for Math 152A for this textbook, you may also use it for this class
at no extra cost.
To access our class page,
go to
www.coursecompass.com
and register using your student access code and the course ID for this class:
armbrust75304
For assistance with MyMathLab:
You may get help by calling 1-800-677-6337 during the following hours: Mon – Fri
5:00 AM – 5:00 PM & Sunday 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Online assistance is available 24
hours every day at: 247pearsoned.custhelp.com
Course Description:
This course is designed as an introduction to algebra.
Topics covered include the four basic operations with positive and
negative numbers and with polynomials, solving and graphing linear equations, an
introduction to functions and sets, and properties of integral exponents.
Prerequisite:
MAT 187B with a grade of “C” or better or equivalent or appropriate skills
demonstrated through the math assessment process.
Calculators:
Calculators are not allowed in MAT 152A.
Registration Information:
You may drop the class with no penalty or mark on your record on or before
October 12. After October 12, you
may drop the class and receive a grade of W until November 2. After November 2,
if still enrolled, you will receive a grade of A, B, C, D, F or I.
Student Learning Outcomes:
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.
Course Grade:
Your final letter grade will be based on the usual grading scale:
A 90-100%, B 80-89%, C 70-79%, D 60-69%, F 0-59%
The following items will make up the course grade:
Homework:
20%
Quizzes:
15%
Exam1 (October 8)
Exam2 (October 29):
45%
Exam3 (November 19)
Final Exam (December 3):
20%
You may check your grades at any point in the quarter by accessing the grade
book on Course Compass.
Homework:
Homework is to be completed online with MyMathLab.
Each section covered will have a homework assignment.
The homework assignments will be due at midnight the day before the next
exam. However, it is NOT
RECOMMENDED that you wait until that time to work on the homework.
The homework assignments are your chance to practice the material covered
in class. It is YOUR responsibility
to make sure you are getting the information from each section.
At the beginning of class, I will go over homework questions from the
previous day’s material. Other
questions will be addressed outside of class or in office hours.
The class will be given daily reminders regarding homework, so there will
be no excuse for forgetting about them. If all homework assignments are
completed with a score of 50% or more, your lowest regular exam score will be
dropped.
Quizzes:
Each week you will be required to take a quiz on MyMathLab.
The quizzes are designed to help you prepare for exams, and will be made
up of problems that are very similar to the problems from your homework
assignments. The quizzes may be
taken as often as you would like before the due date/time.
Your lowest quiz score will be dropped.
Because of this, there will be no make-up quizzes.
Exams:
Students are to bring a pencil and blank scratch paper to each exam.
If you cannot make it to an exam (final not included), you may take it up
to 2 school days prior to the scheduled date with proper arrangements.
Otherwise, the exam may be made up after the scheduled date with a
penalty of 10% per day. The final exam may not be taken after the scheduled exam
time.
Academic Dishonesty:
Academic dishonesty of any form will not be tolerated.
Students caught cheating on exams will receive a score of zero on the
assignment and the dropping of lowest quiz score will be forfeit.
Students may work together on homework assignments (and, in fact, are
encouraged to) as long as all students understand the material covered.
How to Succeed in a Math Class:
I am often asked how to successfully pass a math class, and here is my advice:
I) Come to every class session. Be
prepared, and plan on participating.
II) Do your homework. Remember that
what I assign is what I consider a bare minimum.
If you need more practice, do it.
Don’t make me be a homework enforcer.
III) Read the book. You paid good
money for it, so you might as well use it.
IV) Make use of available tutors and my office hours.
You will find tutors who know the
subject matter in this course at the Math Success Center (MSC).
V) Do math every day. Math is just
like everything else: if you don’t practice, you become rusty.
Technology in the Classroom:
All cell phones, headphones, MP3 players, iPods, etc, must be turned off and put
away prior to the start of each class.
No electronic devices may be used during exams.
Learning Disabled Students:
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.
Course Schedule:
The following is a tentative schedule.
If things change (and I have money that says they will), I will let you
know.
September
17
1.2, 1.3
Introductions, Real Numbers, Fractions
19
1.4, 1.5
Algebraic Expressions and Addition of Real Numbers
24
1.6, 1.7
Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division of Real Numbers
26
1.8, 2.1
Properties of the Real Numbers and Their Uses
October
1
2.2, 2.3
Properties of Equality and Solving Linear Equations
3
2.4, Review
Problem Solving,
8
Exam I
10
2.5, 2.6
Applications of Algebra
15
2.7, 2.8
More Applications of Equations, Solving Linear Inequalities
17
3.1, 3.2
Rectangular Coordinate System and Graphing Lines
22
3.3, 3.4
Intercepts and Slopes of Lines
24
3.5, Review
Equations of Lines
29
Exam II
31
3.6, 9.4
Functions, Linear Inequalities of Two Variables
November 5
5.1, 5.2
Exponents and Polynomials
7
5.3, 5.4
Multiplying Polynomials
12
NO CLASS
Veteran’s Day 14
5.5, Review
Negative Exponents and Scientific Notation 19
Exam III 21
5.6, 9.1
Dividing Polynomials, Compound Inequalities 26
9.2, 12.1
Absolute Value Equations and Function Operations 28
Review
December
3
Final Exam
Note: The final is from 2:00 - 3:50 PM. |