BASIC ALGEBRA

BASIC ALGEBRA (Part I)

Math 152A - 4 units - Spring, 2010

Mondays & Wednesdays 4:00 pm - 5:50 pm

Room: A209

INSTRUCTOR: Judd Andolina

PHONE NUMBER: 541-4660, Extension 366

REQUIRED TEXT: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, 4^th Ed., By Martin-Gay.

RECOMMENDED TEXT/CD ROM: My Math Lab CD Rom. This can be used as a study tool and although nothing is required from the CD it is strongly encouraged that you use it. For the CD Rom a course id that has been created for practice is green51282. For assistance 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

COURSE DESCRIPTION: In this course will study the basic concepts of algebra. The following topics might sound more like Greek right now, but don’t worry; they will make sense as we proceed through the class. Topics covered include the real numbers and 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 an introduction to functions.

RECOMMENDED 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.

REGISTRATION:

1. You must register for this class at the Office of Admissions and Records.

2. The last day to drop the class with no record is Friday, April 30^th.

3. The last day to drop the class for a "W" grade is Friday, May 21^st.

4. After May 21^st, if you are enrolled, you will receive one of the following grades: A B C D F or I (Incomplete, is only allowed in special cases).

In this class, it is your responsibility to drop the class in order to avoid a grade. You must go to the registrar by the above dates to avoid a grade from option three or four.

LEARNING DISABILITIES: Students with disabilities who may need accommodations for this class should inform 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 (room A205) or by calling 541-2660 ext. 249 (voice) or 542-1870 (TTY for deaf students). All information will remain confidential.

JUDD’S COMMITMENT TO THIS CLASS:

· I will check the earlier part of my day at the door when I enter the classroom, and I will 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.

GRADING POLICY: Method of Student Evaluation

Homework -100 points (10 at 10 points each)

Exams - 300 points (3 at 100 points each)

Exam #1: Sections 1.1 – 1.8, 2.1 - 2.2

Exam #2: Sections 2.3 - 2.8, 3.1 – 3.5

Exam #3: Sections 3.6, 9.1, 9.2, 9.4, 12.1, 5.1 - 5.6

Quizzes - 75 points (3 at 25 points each)

Final (Comprehensive, covers entire course) - 150 points

Your letter grade will be based on your percentage of the 625 possible points.

A 90-100% (563 - 625 points)

B 80-89% (500 - 562 points)

C 70-79% (437- 499 points)

D 60-69% (375 - 436 points)

F less than 60% (below 374 points)

MAKE UP POLICY: For quizzes there is no make-up, however if the absence is excused, you will receive the same percentage grade on the quiz as you earn(ed) on the following exam. For Chapter Exams and the Final, make-up is possible, but there is a 10% penalty if the absence is not excused and must be worked out with the teacher beforehand. Homework will be accepted late for minus two points per day.

HOW TO SUCCEED IN A MATH CLASS:

1) Come to every class meeting.

2) Arrive early, and be ready when class starts. Sit where you won't be distracted.

3) Read each section before it is discussed in class.

4) Do all of the homework.

5) Do some math every day.

6) Start preparing for tests at least a week in advance.

7) Take advantage of tutors and office hours, extra help can make a big difference.

8) Do some review every time you study math.

9) Be willing to ask questions.

10) Take notes.

11) Study in groups and find a study buddy.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLO’s): 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.

TUTORING: Tutoring is available in the Gateway Math Center. The phone number is 541-4660 extension 741.

Regular hours of operation are: M-Th 10am-6pm, Fri. 10am-2pm, Sat 11am-3pm

Extra Help: There are tutors that only tutor for MAT 152A, MAT 152B, and MAT 154. You do not need to fight for help with calculus students. Learn the schedule and meet the tutors at the Math Learning Center.

OFFICE HOURS: My office is in room A209.

Mondays ................... 3:25pm - 3:55pm

Wednesdays…………3:25pm - 3:55pm

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: If you need help paying for your books or other expenses, call our financial aid officer, America Ramirez at 541 - 4660 x236, email her a Ramirez@ltcc.edu, or drop by A100.

TO PASS THIS CLASS AND LEARN THE MATERIAL:

Use the teacher, the book/CD Rom, and the Math Center/Tutors. Do not rely on just one method to pass. Get help from the teacher. Ask questions in class, come to office hours, speak up. Use the book. Read and practice the examples, do all the homework, take notes and look at every page. Go to the Math Center and get help from the tutors. Ask them questions, get a study buddy, talk and want to understand. You will not pass this class by only listening to the teacher, or by only using the book, or by only a tutor. You must practice, practice, practice, and have a desire to learn this material. If you don’t care to learn, you won’t. Use help.

SCHEDULE

Date Section Topic

Apr. 5.……Introductions, Discussion of Syllabus

1.1 Tips for Success in Mathematics

1.2 Symbols and Sets of Numbers

Apr. 7.……1.3 Fractions

1.4 Introduction to Variable Expressions and Equations

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Apr. 12……..1.5 Adding Real Numbers

1.6 Subtracting Real Numbers

1.7 Multiplying and Dividing Real Numbers

Apr. 14 …….Quiz #1 (1.1 - 1.4)

1.7 Finish - Multiplying and Dividing Real Numbers

1.8 Properties of Real Numbers

Turn in Homework #1 (Sections 1.1 – 1.4)

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Apr. 19 ........2.1 Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

2.2 The Addition and Multiplication Properties of Equality

Apr. 21…….2.3 Solving Linear Equations

2.8 Solving Linear Inequalities

2.4 Intro to Problem Solving

Turn in Homework #2 (1.5 - 1.8)

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Apr. 26 …….2.5 Formulas and Problem Solving

2.6 Percent and Mixture Problem Solving

2.7 Further Problem Solving

Review for Exam #1

Apr. 28 …….Exam #1 (1.1 - 1.8, 2.1, 2.2)