MAT 152BB – BEGINNING ALGEBRA (Part II) EXPANDED

Spring 2012

INSTRUCTOR:                     Helen Shen

PHONE:                                 530-541-4660, Extension 364

E-MAIL:                                shen@ltcc.edu

OFFICE HOURS:                Room A204

                                                Mon. & Wed.  10:40 – 11:00 AM & 12:40 – 1:30 PM

                                                Tue. & Thurs.  12:30 – 1:30 PM        

                                                Fri.                   10:40 – 11:00 AM & 12:40 – 1:00 PM

LTCC MATH PAGE:           http://www.ltcc.edu/academics.asp?scatID=5&catID=34

TEXTBOOK (OPTIONAL):  Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, by Martin-Gay, Fourth Edition

Required Software License:  It is required to have a software license to use the software MyMathLab in this class.  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 154A & Math 154AA at no extra cost. The software license is valid as long as the student uses the same textbook; the student may need to call the tech support to obtain another access code if the student takes the same class again later.

Course website: www.coursecompass.com (MyMathLab)

Our Course Id: shen64608

                                                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

COUSE DESCRIPTION:     In this class we will build on what you learned in Math 152A (Beginning Algebra Part I).  While you learned to multiply polynomials in Math 152A, we will do a reverse process called factoring in this class.  This will allow us to solve equations of higher degree than the first degree equations that you solved in Math 152A.  We will also build on your knowledge of fractions as we work with algebraic fractions called rational expressions.  Additional topics include work with radicals so that we can solve equations with radicals and we will finish with techniques for solving quadratic equations, also known as second degree equations.

PREREQUISITE:                 A grade of C or better in Math 152A, 152AA, or equivalent; or a satisfactory score on Mathematics Assessment Test.

CALCULATORS:                Calculators are not allowed in this class on any of the tests.

TUTORING:                         Tutoring is available in the Math Success Center (MSC) in Room A201.

                                                Students will earn 0.5 point toward the total grade for every 10 hours in MSC or DRC. However, if any student misses four or more classes, no lab credit will be granted.

STUDENT LEARNING       1. Factor a polynomial.

OUTCOMES:                        2. Apply the four basic operations to rational and radical expressions.

                                                3. Solve equations with rational and radical expressions.

                                                4. Solve a 2 x 2 system of linear equations.

                                                5. Solve quadratic equations.

                                                6. Apply course topics to real world situations.

GRADING POLICY:           Method of Student Evaluation

                                                Homework (Online, 28 sections)                                168 pt

                                                Quizzes (Quiz#1~#5, in class; Quiz#6, online)          110 pt

                                                Exams (Three)                                                             300 pt

                                                Final (Covers entire course content)                           200 pt                         

   And, your final needs to be above 80 points

                                                Your letter grade will be based on your percentage.

                                                            A         90-100%         

                                                            B         80-89%           

                                                            C         70-79%                                   

                                                            D         60-69%

                                                            F          less than 60%

CHECKING YOUR            You can check your grade at any time in MyMathLab where you will be doing your

GRADE ONLINE:               homework. I will drop a student from the class if the student misses six classes or more and is unable to keep up with the learning.

HOMEWORK:                     Homework will be done online using MyMathLab.  Due dates are listed for you when you go on line 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 are penalties for being late (see the make-up policy below). If you don’t have the internet connection at home, you can print them out in school at Math Lab, TLC, or D-wing Lab, work the problem on the papers, and enter the answers in school.

EXAM POLICY:                  Grading will be based on progress towards the final answer, and the demonstration of understanding of the concept that is being tested. The more you show me with steps and detail, the better your chances for partial credit.  You provide me the communication and detail in your answers; and I will give you the best grade I can based on that communication and answer. You can use one page of notes, front and back, for quizzes, exams and the final.

MAKE-UP POLICY:           For Quizzes, Exams and the Final, make-up is possible if the instructor is contacted in advance and the absence is excuse; there is a 10% penalty if the absence is not excused. The make-up test needs to be taken before the next class. Homework will be accepted late up to one week after it is assigned for half credit; the online homework will be closed after the due date, and I will reopen it next day morning for another week for the late homework. You have 3 tries for the online quiz#6, the highest score will be used, and there is no make-up for the online quiz.  If you take the make-up test at TLC, you need to make an appointment at TLC 24 hours ahead by going to TLC, call (530)541-4660 x 740, or e-mail TLCProctors@ltcc.edu.

COMMUNICATION           You can communicate with me either by coming to class or office hours, sending

POLICY:                                an e-mail, or calling on the phone. I will respond to your e-mails in a timely

                                                manner, and I will do my best to return your calls (you need to make sure to leave your number clearly). If you miss the class, it is your responsibility to pick up the class handouts or obtain the information either from your classmates or from me during the office hours.

·         I have students work together to help each other. Please feel free to ask me directly if you like to work with me one-on-one.

·        Please come see me if you do not understand my policies.

·        Since English is my secondary language, please be sure to ask me if you have any difficulty to understand math due to my accent. I will be happy to clarify.

LEARNING                           If you have a learning disability, be sure to discuss your special needs with me

DISABILITIES:                    during the first week of class. Learning disabilities will be accommodated.

HOW TO SUCCEED           1) Read your textbook before class.

IN A MATH CLASS:           2) Choose to attend all class periods and be on time.

3)  Exchange names and phone number with classmates.

4)  Learn from your mistakes and be patient with yourself.

5)  Don’t be afraid of asking questions.

6)  Know how to get help if you need it.

7)  Organize your class materials.

8)  Do your homework.

9)  Check your work.

10) Hand in assignments on time.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY (CHEATING):  Academic dishonesty of any form will not be tolerated. Students caught cheating on exams or quizzes will receive a score of zero on the assignment for the first offense and a course grade of F for the second offense.

Cheating will be defined as but not limited to: (1) using any method to copy another’s work on an exam, quiz, or final (2) directly copying another student’s homework assignment (3) using any method other than your own honest efforts to complete exams, quizzes, the final, or homework assignments.

The following activities are NOT cheating: (1) collaborating with other students to complete homework assignments (2) working with math tutors or academic coaches to complete homework assignments (3) working with other students to study for exams, quizzes or the final.

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 at Ramirez@ltcc.edu, or drop by A100.

WHERE TO FIND A COMPUTER ON CAMPUS:  Computers are available for your use in the following locations on campus:

§  Learning Assistance Center (LAC)* open Mon – Thurs 9 – 6, Fri 10 – 2, Sat 11 – 3.

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

§  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.

Tentative Lecture Schedule for Math 152BB

Be sure to use class time, office hours, and the MSC to get all of your questions answered.