MAT 152A – Section 2

Basic Algebra (Part I)

Spring 2012

 

Instructor: Wynn Walker, email: wlwalker326@gmail.com

 

Office Hours: To be announced

 

Class Time and Location: Monday & Wednesday 11:00 – 12:50, E100

 

Textbook (Optional): Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, 4th 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 pearsonmylabandmastering.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 pearsonmylabandmastering.com and register using your student access code and the course ID for this class:  walker20203

 

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

 

Calculators:  Calculators are not allowed in MAT 152A.

 

Course Description: This course is an Introduction to Algebra. The course will include the Real Numbers and their properties and operations, absolute value equations, simplifying algebraic expressions, linear equations and inequalities, applications with formulas, the rectangular coordinate system, graphing linear equations and inequalities, polynomials and their operations, integral exponents, scientific notation, and an introduction to functions. This course will connect math with the “real” world.

 

Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MAT 187B, or appropriate skills demonstrated through the Math assessment process.

 

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: (Online: 28 assignments@ 6 points each)            168 points

In Class Quizzes: (5 quizzes @ 30 points each)           150 points

Exam1                                                                        100 points

Exam2                                                                                    100 points

Exam3                                                                           100 points

Final Exam                                                                            150 points

 

You may check your grades at any point in the quarter by accessing the grade book in MyMathLab.

 

Computer Homework   Homework is due by Wednesdays at 11:59 PM.     It is recommended that you work on the homework each day with the goal of completing both your homework and quiz 24 hours before they are due so that you have time to respond to unforeseen emergencies or confusions.  Feel free to consult a fellow classmate, a tutor, your instructor, or anyone else for assistance on the homework.  

 

Quizzes There will also be five in class quizzes scheduled throughout the quarter.  Quizzes cannot be made up.

   

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.  The exams may not be taken after their scheduled times.  The final must be taken during the scheduled time .

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.

 

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.  MyMathLab has dozens of extra problems for each section as well as sample chapter exams.

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, laptops, 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 and exams.

 

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.

 

 

Course Schedule:

The following is a tentative schedule.  Things are very likely to change.

 

April

2          1.2, 1.3                       Introductions, Real Numbers, Fractions

4          1.4, 1.5                       Algebraic Expressions and Addition of Real Numbers

9          1.6, 1.7                       Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division of Real   Numbers

11        1.8, 2.1                       Properties of the Real Numbers and Their Uses

16        2.2, 2.3                       Properties of Equality and Solving Linear Equations

18        2.4, Review               Problem Solving

23        Exam I          

25        2.5, 2.6                       Applications of Algebra

30        2.7, 2.8                       More Applications of Equations, Solving Linear Inequalities 

May

2          3.1, 3.2                       Rectangular Coordinate System and Graphing Lines

7          3.3, 3.4                       Intercepts and Slopes of Lines

9          3.5, Review               Equations of Lines

14        Exam II

16        3.6, 9.4                       Functions, Linear Inequalities of Two Variables

21        5.1, 5.2                       Exponents and Polynomials        

 23      5.3, 5.4                        Multiplying Polynomials    

 28                             Memorial Day Holiday

30        5.5, Review               Negative Exponents and Scientific Notation

 

June

4          Exam III

6          5.6, 9.1                       Dividing Polynomials, Compound Inequalities

11        9.2, 12.1                     Absolute Value Equations and Function Operations

13                                            Review

18        Final Exam               Note: The final is from 10:00 - 11:50 AM.