Math 152A-5 Basic Algebra Part I

Course ID: morrow8l 626

Instructor: Audrey Morrow

Class meets: Mondays & Wednesdays 1:30 - 3:20 in room A251

Textbook: “Beginning and Intermediate Algebra” 4th Edition, Martin-Gay.

Course description: Math 152A is designed to introduce the student to a variety of algebra concepts. We will cover the four basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) with signed numbers and with polynomials. We will study the concepts used with sets, solve linear equations, and graph some of the more basic equations. This course introduces functions, the properties of exponents and Slope of a line.

Prerequisites: Math I 87B with a grade of ^tC’ or better, or equivalent skills demonstrated on the math assessment or challenge exam.

Calculators: Calculators are not permitted in Math 152A.

Required software license: The student is required to have a software license in order to use the online part of this class. If you purchase your book new from the LTCC bookstore, the license is an additional $5.00. If you purchase the license by itself, (online at coursecompass.com or LTCC bookstore) then you’ll have access to the textbook online. For most students the success rate will be higher if you purchase your own copy of the text.

Instructor’s Contact Info: 541-4660 ext 573;

ammathtype~earthlink.net

Home Phone: 577-4141

Items you’ll need to bring to class with you in addition to the book: Lined notebook paper for daily note-taking; Several different colors of pencil will help you in making your graphs more clear and pleasing when we reach that part of the class. A yellow or light-green highlighter may be helpful also in notating your handouts, marking useful portions of your text, and highlighting your class notes.

Important dates for Spring quarter, 2011:

Friday, 4/15: Last day for book refunds; also late registration ends.

Friday, 4/29: Last day to drop a full-quarter class with no record.

Friday, 5/20: Last day to drop with a ‘W’ for full-quarter classes.

Monday, 6/20: Final exam 2:00-3:50 in Room A251.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Getting registered: With WEBREG, Students may enroll online up until 11:00 PM on the first day that class meets. After that, you’ll need a permit from A&R with the instructor’s signature in order to enroll.

My make-up policy: Quizzes are unannounced. There is no makeup for quizzes. You may take one exam late, under the following conditions:

1) Let me know before the exam that you will be unable to take it with the rest of the class. You may use 541-4660 extension 573 for this, or email me.

2) There is a 10% penalty for taking the exam late. You will have until the start of the following class to turn in a completed exam.

3) Late exams are proctored in the Learning Assistance Center, Ext. 740. You’ll be expected to furnish a photo ID before taking the test. Be sure to call ahead to check on their hours in order to give yourself enough time.

If you know that you need to take an exam early, please see me at least two weeks in advance and we can make an arrangement.

Extra credit is allowed under the following three conditions: The student has missed no more than one lecture, is current on the homework, and your grade just before the final exam is below ‘C’.

Learning disabled students: If you have a certified learning disability that may affect your performance, please see me so that I can make sure your needs are met. If you think that you may have a disability but have not yet been tested, you may inquire about this at the Disability Resource Center Extension 249.

Cellphones are not permitted in lecture. If your phone disturbs the class, you will be asked to leave and return next time.

GRADING POLICY

During the quarter, students will take three exams including the fmal, several quizzes, and complete 19 or so homework assignments. If you are still enrolled on Monday May 25th, you will receive a letter grade for Math 1 54A. Your course grade is structured as follows:

Midterms + Final exam: 85% of your course grade.

Combined homework and quiz scores: 10% of your course grade.

Attendance, participation and conduct: 5% of your course grade.

A course grade of’F’ is usually reserved for students who drop out without informing A&R. Each time I return a test or quiz to you, I’ll circle a letter at the top to represent what your course grade looks like at the present time.

With only four letters at the instructor’s disposal, many students end up evenly positioned between two letter grades at the end of the class. For example, pointwise it would be equally fair and appropriate for you to

receive the C as the B. When this happens, your attendance and conduct play a part in your final course grade. Responsible behavior will net you the higher course grade. Attend class regularly. Be courteous and respectful of those around you This means arriving in class on time or early; avoid chit-chatting with your neighbors. Make sure your cellphone is turned off at all times when class is in session.

ATTENDANCE: Your presence and participation in the class are the foundation of your learning experience, and your building of a skill set that will make you a capable algebra student.

STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES: In this class you will learn how to solve linear equations and inequalities; use and understand terminology relating to polynomials in one variable; graph linear equations; manipulate expressions with one or more exponents; apply course methods to “real-world” situations.

1) Attend every lecture if you possibly can. Sit where you won’t be distracted, and where you can see and hear what’s going on in class.

2) Take notes, working along in class and keeping a glossary of unfamiliar terms. Graph along with the class on the days where graphing is scheduled.

3) Do all assigned reading before class, so that you can bring up points in

5) Ask questions in class. If you are having trouble understanding a concept the chances are good that other students are experiencing the same problem. Your questions will help clarify an exercise for yourself and will help others.