MAT 152A – BEGINNING ALGEBRA (Part I)

 

Winter 2010

 

Course ID

Room

Unit

Days

Start Time

End Time

MAT 152A-5

L107

4

M,W

8:00 AM

9:50 AM

 

INSTRUCTOR:                     Alexander Manov, Ph.D

 

PHONE:                                 530-541-4660, Extension 527

 

E-MAIL:                                manov@ltcc.edu

 

OFFICE HOURS:                 To be announced

             

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 152B, Math 152BB, 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.

 

                                                Our course id is manov98693

                                                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:    This course will study the basic concepts of algebra. Topics include the real numbers 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 introduction to functions.

 

STUDENT LEARNING       1. Solve linear equations and inequalities.

OUTCOMES:                        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.

 

PREREQUISITE:                 A grade of C or better in Math 187B or equivalent; or a satisfactory score on Mathematics Assessment Test.

 

GRADING POLICY:           Method of Student Evaluation

                                                Homework (27 sections at 5 points each)                      135 points

                                                Exams* (Three at 120 points each)                               360 points

                                                Final (Covers entire course content)                              200 points                               

 

                                                Your letter grade will be based on your percentage of the 695 possible points.

 

                                                            A         90-100%        

                                                            B          80-89%          

                                                            C         70-79%                                  

                                                            D         60-69%

                                                                     less than 60%

 

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. 

                               

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.

 

MAKE-UP POLICY:           For Exams and the Final, make-up is possible in rare occasions, if the instructor is contacted in advance and the absence is excuse.

 

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 obtain the information either from your classmates or from me during the office hours.

 

CALCULATORS:                Calculators are not allowed in this class.

 

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.

 

TUTORING:                         Tutoring is available in the Math Success Center (MSC) in Room 201.

                                               

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 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 or final (2) directly copying another student’s homework assignment (3) using any method other than your own honest efforts to complete exams, 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.

 

 

Lecture Schedule for Math 152A

 

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

 

Date

Section  

Topic  

Homework

 

M 1/4

 

 

1.3

1.5

1.6

 

Introductions, Discussion of Syllabus

Fractions

Adding Real Numbers

Subtracting Real Numbers

 

 

 

 

 W 1/6

 

1.7

1.8

2.1      

2.2 

 

Multiplying and Dividing Real Numbers Properties of Real Numbers

Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

The Addition and Multiplication Properties of Equality

 

Homework on sections 1.3 & 1.5-1.8 is due on 1/12 before 11pm

 

 

M 1/11

 

2.3

2.4

 

Solving Linear Equations

An Introduction to Problem Solving

 

 

 

W 1/13

 

2.5

2.8

 

Problem Solving (Not Doing Formulas)

Solving Linear Inequalities

 

Homework on sections 2.1-2.5 & 2.8 is due on 1/24 before 11pm

 

 

W 1/20

 

 

 

Review for Exam 1

 

 

 

M 1/25

 

 

Exam #1, Chapter 1,  2.1 – 2.5, & 2.8

 

 

 

W 1/27

 

3.1

3.2

 

The Coordinate System

Graphing Linear Equations

 

 

M 2/1

 

3.3

3.4

 

Intercepts

Slope and Rate of Change

 

Homework on sections 3.1-3.4 is due on2/2 before 11pm

 

W 2/3

 

3.5

5.1

 

Equations of Lines

Exponents  

 

Homework on sections 3.5 is due on 2/9 before 11pm

 

M 2/8

 

 

5.1

 

Review for Exam #2

Continued

 

 

W 2/10

 

 

 

Exam #2 (Sections 3.1 – 3.5)

 

 

W 2/17

 

5.2   

5.3       

 

Polynomials:  Definition, +, -

Multiplying Polynomials

 

Homework on sections 5.1 – 5.3 is due on2/23 before 11pm

 

M 2/22

 

5.4

5.5

 

Special Products 

Negative Exponents & Scientific Notation

 

 

 

W 2/24

 

5.6

 

Division of Polynomials 

 

Homework on sections 5.4 – 5.6 is due on 3/2 before 11pm

 

M 3/1

 

 

Review for Exam #3

 

 

W 3/3

 

 

Exam #3, Chapter 5

 

 

 

M 3/8

 

9.1

9.2

 

Compound Inequalities

Absolute Value Equations

 

 

W 3/10

 

3.6

 

Functions

 

Homework on sections 9.1 – 9.2 & 3.6 is due on 3/16 before 11pm

 

M 3/15

 

2.6

 

Percent and Mixture Problem Solving

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W 3/17

 

2.7

 

Further Problem Solving

 

Homework on sections 2.6 – 2.7 is due on 3/23 before 11pm

 

M 3/22

 

 

Review for Final Exam

 

 

W 3/24

 

 

Cumulative Final Exam

(7-8:50am)