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MAT 154AA-2
Syllabus
Spring 2012
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 a thorough continuation of MAT152A and MAT152B. Most of the
topics which you learned in previous classes will be revisited and expanded
upon. I urge you to review the relevant material before you embark on new
concepts. It will save you quite a bit of time and heartache.
The course will begin with Systems of Linear Equations.
We will then jump in with both feet into Function: Function Notation, Graphing
of Functions, Transformation and Modification of graphs and Combination and
Reversal of Functions.
We will study Logarithmic and Exponential Functions which are really flip sides
of the same coin.
We will graph Conic Sections: Circles, Ellipses, Parabolas and Hyperbolas.
We will finish the course with Sequences and Series and the Binomial Theorem.
Throughout the whole class we will examine some the practical applications of
our new found knowledge... aka Word Problems.
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 fall behind. Most of the concepts we 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.
Do not miss a single day of math class. It hurts.
It is important that you are always willing to interrupt class with questions.
Even if your questions have to do with previous classes please ask them anyway.
We will all appreciate it. Stupid questions do exist, but never about math.
You will need a Scientific Calculator for this class. It should have the log and
the ln keys. Graphing calculators are not allowed.
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: arce98528
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 are 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 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.
In Class-Quizzes and Exams:
We will have six In-Class quizzes, three Exams and one Final Exam. Most of your
grade will depend on these. If you do all the homework along with the quizzes,
and understand them, you should not have too much trouble with the In-Class
Quizzes or Exams.
If you have a learning disability and would like to have more time to take your
quizzes and exams, 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 – Thu 10 – 6, Fri 10 – 6, Sat 11 –
3.
v Math Success Center (MSC) * open Mon – Thu 9 – 6, Fri 10 – 6, Sat 11 – 3.
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: 110 points 450 points and above A
In-Class 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 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 April 13.
Last day to drop the class without record is April 27.
Last day to drop with a W is May 18.
Our Final is scheduled for Tuesday June 19 @ 6:00 PM.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Apply the course topics to real-world situations.
2. Sketch and interpret the graphs of functions and relations introduced in
intermediate algebra.
3. Simplify mathematical expressions into forms more amenable to analysis.
4. Provide solutions to equations using methods from intermediate algebra.
SCHEDULE
April 3, 5 Sections: 4.4, 3.6, 8.2, 8.3
April 10, 12 In class Quiz #1
April 17, 19
April 24, 26
May 1, 3
May 8, 10
May 15, 17
May 22, 24
May 29, 31
June 5, 7
June 12, 14
June 19 FINAL
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