MAT 152AA-2

Syllabus

Fall 2010

Instructor:                                                                                                     Daniel Arce.   

Contact:                                                                                                         arce@ltcc.edu:  Extension #536

Lecture:                                                                                                          Tuesday & Thursday 6:00 – 8:25 PM

Textbook:                                                                                                      Beginning and Intermediate Algebra

                                                                                                                                    by Elayn Martin-Gay

Course:

This course is an introduction to Algebra and is designed for students who would like a little bit of extra time to master the material.  This class will be the foundation from which will build all of your future Math knowledge. It is important that you learn each and every chapter as thoroughly as possible.

We will begin with a review of Real Numbers.  We will move on to Solving Equations, Inequalities and Problem  Solving. We will then be ready to Graph Equations. These are skills that you will need to use for the remainder of your study of Mathematics. We study Exponents, Polynomials and Absolute Values.

Notice how despite some of the words having little meaning to you now, you can get a sense of things to come.

By now most of you know that there is no 'Royal Road to Mathematics'. It is only learned through hard and consistent work. You also know by now that even the most intimidating concepts can be learned and then mastered by anyone who puts in the time. Do Not get left behind.  Most of the concepts you will study are based on previously learned material.  Unless you are clear on previous lessons, you will find it almost impossible to learn the new material. If you see yourself falling behind, let me know. I will help you catch up.  So please KEEP UP WITH THE COURSE.

Missing a single day of math has been know to be fatal.

It is important that you are always willing to ask questions in class.  Even if your questions have to do with previous classes.  We will all appreciate it. Stupid qustions do exist, but never about math.

Required Software License:

In this class, it is required to have a software license for MyMathLab.  Students have two choices. 

The first choice is to purchase the textbook from the bookstore.  The textbook comes with the software license for an additional cost of approximately $5. 

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 purchase a used textbook, you will also need to purchase the software license.  This software license will also be good for Math 152B, Math 152BB, Math 154A & Math 154AA at no extra cost as long as you take those classes in a timely manner.

Our course id is arce34262 

For assistance using MyMathLab call 1-800-677-6337.

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

Homework and Quizzes with MyMathLab:

Homework will be done online using MyMathLab.  Due dates are listed for you when you go online to do the assignments.  Feel free to consult a fellow classmate, a tutor, your instructor, or anyone else for assistance on the homework. In addition, the computer will give you help with any problem, show you an example of a similar problem, and in some cases show you a video of someone teaching how to do that type of problem.  You can work on homework after the due date but there may be penalties for being late.

Online Quizzes will be taken in MyMathLab. Before you take the quiz, make sure that you have done the homework for the sections covered in the quiz, read the appropriate sections in the textbook, looked at the video(s), and received assistance from either the computer, a tutor, or your instructor on any difficult topics.  If you do not take a quiz on time, a zero will be recorded for that grade. 

Quizzes and Exams:

We will have five Quizzes, three Midterm exams and a Final Exam.  Most of your grade will depend on these. If you do the homework along with the on-line quizzes and understand them you should not have too much trouble with the Quizzes or Exams. Calculators will not be allowed during testing so please do the homework and quizzes without them.

If you have a learning disability and would like to have more time to take your quizes and tests, let me know. We will make arrangements.

WHERE TO FIND A COMPUTER ON CAMPUS: 

 Computers are available for your use in the following locations on campus:

 v     Learning Assistance Center (LAC)* open Mon – Th 10 – 6, Fri 10 – 2, Sat 11 – 3.

v     Math Success Center (MSC) * open Mon – Th 9 – 6, Fri 10 – 2, Sat 11 - 1.

v     Open Labs in the D-wing which have available times posted by the door of each lab.

                                    * Both the LAC and the MSC are in room 201.

Grading:

MyMathLab:   110points.                                                    450 points and above          A

Quizzes:           120 points (20  points each)                     400 – 449 points                    B

Exams:              120  points (40 points each)                     350 - 399 points                     C

Final:                 150  points.                                                 300 – 349 points                    D

                                                                                                below 300                              F

Your Quizzes, Exams and Final will include a very small amount of extra credit problems.

Tutoring:

You should know that this course, as well as any other math course, is quite labor intensive.  This is especially so if you have not had the previous quarter of Algebra or if it has been more than a few months since your last math class.  You will quickly find that you need to study more than you ever expected just to keep up. 

If you find yourself behind or do not understand some of the references made during lecture please come talk to me. You will see that many times a simple misunderstanding will make it seem like you do not understand a thing.

I will always be willing to make time for tutoring.  Teaching Mathematics is my idea of time well spent so never hesitate to ask me for individual help. There are also many other fine Math tutors with set hours and free of charge, (what more could you ask for). Many times it helps to hear concepts explained by different sources so please make them feel useful.

Never hesitate to ask for help when it comes to Math and Science.

Registration:

You must be registered for this class by today. If you are not yet registered, there is hope.

Last day to drop the class without record is October 15.

Last day to drop with a W is November 5.                                

Our Final is scheduled for Tuesday December 7 at 6:00 PM.

Student Learning Outcomes:

·        Solve linear equations and inequalities.

·        Define and employ terminology and arithmetic relating to polynomials in one variable.

·        Determine the equation and graph a line given information about the line.

·        Manipulate expressions with integral exponents.

·        Apply course topics to real-world situations.

SCHEDULE

September 21, 23                                        

September 28, 30

October 5, 7

October 12, 14

October 19, 21

October 26, 28

November 2, 4

November 9, 11

November 16, 18

November 23

November 30, December 2

Tuesday December 7 at 6:00 PM.                         FINAL