Math 152BB – Basic Algebra part II

Lake Tahoe Community College

Instructor:      Dr. Cathleen Cox

                        Office: D105

                        Email: cox@ltcc.edu

                        Office phone: 530-541-4660 ext. 368

                        Office hours:     Mon & Wed: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

                                                Tues & Thurs: 10 am – 11:30 am

                                                or by appointment.

Textbook:      

Beginning & Intermediate Algebra fourth edition, Elayn Martin-Gay, Pearson Prentice Hall.

                        ISBN: 0-13-600731-7

Course time and location:

                        Lecture: Mon & Wed, 6:00 pm – 7:50 pm, room A206

                        Final Exam:  Mon, June 22, 4:00 pm – 5:50 pm, room A206

Prerequisites:

MAT 152A or MAT 152AA with a grade of "C" or better or equivalent or appropriate skills demonstrated through the math assessment process.

Important Dates:

                        Exam Dates: (See schedule)

                                    Tues Jan 17^th,   Thurs Feb 16^th,   Tues March 20^th (final)

                        Other Important Dates:

                                    Last day for refunds                              Jan 13^th

                                    Last day to drop with no record            Jan 27^th

                                                Last day to drop with a “W” grade        Feb 16^th

                                    Martin Luther King’s Day Holiday        Jan 16^th

                                    Lincoln’s Birthday Holiday                    Feb 17^th

Washington’s Birthday Holiday Feb 20^th

Course Description

            This course is a continuation of MAT 152A.  Topics covered will include factoring, solving equations with rational and radical expressions, systems of linear equations, and solving quadratic equations.

Homework will be assigned weekly (see schedule). Problem sets will be completed using the MyMathLab online program.  To register so that you can do the homework for the course, go to www.coursecompass.com.  The course ID number for this class is cox31569; you will need this to register for MyMathLab.  In addition, you will need the student access code that came with your textbook.  If you are unfamiliar with this procedure, or don’t have a student access code, please see Dr. Cox right away. Homework will contribute 30% to the final grade (see grading format below).   Access to each homework assignment is closed at the due date and is thus not longer available.  If you have a legitimate need for additional time on a given assignment, see Dr. Cox for an extension.  In most cases this will result in 10% reduction in grade for each additional day.

Quizzes will be given approximately every other week, during the first 10 minutes of class. Quizzes will generally be given on Mondays and quiz material will correspond to the homework assignment that is due the same day (see attached schedule).  Quizzes will contribute 20% to the final grade.   No make-up quizzes will be given.  If you have a legitimate, college sanctioned excused absence, and you notify the instructor prior to missing the quiz, the grade for the missed quiz will be determined statistically. 

Three exams will be given including the final (see schedule and ‘important dates’).  Only in extreme circumstances will students be allowed to take an exam at a time other the scheduled exam time. Arrangements must be made with the instructor prior to the scheduled exam time. 

Math Tutoring:

The Math Success Center provides free tutoring, for registered students, in all levels of mathematics or math related subjects.  Although many students perceive that seeking help is a sign of weakness; in truth, the top students in most classes generally do.  It is strongly recommended that you utilize the Math Center as well as instructor office hours if you have any questions about the material.

Grading Criteria:

                                    Homework       30%

                                    Quizzes            20%

                                    Exams              50%

                                    Total                100%

            The following scale will be used for determining letter grades. 

A: (90 – 100%)     B: (80 – 89%)     C: (70 – 79%)     D: (60 – 69%)     F: Less than 60%

Academic Honesty:

            Students are expected to perform their own work on all assignments in this course.  I strongly encourage you to study with a partner or in study groups; it is fine to work together on homework assignments.  Quizzes and exams are to be completed by you alone.  Dishonesty on an exam or quiz, will result in a zero grade for that assignment.  See the “Student Rights and Responsibilities” section of the LTCC catalogue for further disciplinary action pertaining to academic dishonesty.  Cheating is a very serious offence.  Integrity is much more valuable than the result of an assignment. Do your very best and you will find it takes you further than you might imagine!

Tips for Success in Math:

Successful students…

1. form a study group and discuss lecture, readings, and homework with fellow students (this is very important!)
2. visit the instructor during office hours – to ask questions, discuss the material, etc.
3. keep the syllabus in their notebook and refer to it often to keep informed about the course
4. have excellent attendance
5. read the textbook for familiarity before lecture
6. read the textbook again thoroughly – with pencil and paper, working each example – before attempting homework
7. work on homework problems every day, rather than trying to do the whole assignment in one sitting (especially the night before it is due).

Students with Disabilities:

Students with disabilities who may need accommodations for this class are encouraged to notify the instructor 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 (530) 541-4660 ext. 249 (voice) or (530) 542-1870 (TTY for deaf students).

All information will remain confidential.