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MAT 152A
Basic Algebra (Part I)
Winter 2011
Instructor:
Bruce Armbrust, phone: 541-4660x314, email:
bruce.armbrust@hotmail.com
Office Hours:
Room A210, Mon.
Mon.
Thurs.
Fri.
MSC,
Wed.
And as always, by appointment.
Class Time and Location:
Mon. & Wed.
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 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 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 www.coursecompass.com and
register using your student access code and the course ID for this class:
armbrust95555
For assistance with MyMathLab:
You may get help by calling 1-800-677-6337 during the following hours: Mon – Fri
Course Description:
This course is designed as an introduction to algebra.
Topics covered include the four basic operations with positive and
negative numbers and with polynomials, solving and graphing linear equations, an
introduction to functions and sets, and properties of integral exponents.
Prerequisite:
MAT 187B with a grade of “C” or better or equivalent or appropriate skills
demonstrated through the math assessment process.
Calculators:
Calculators are not allowed in MAT 152A.
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:
20%
Quizzes:
15%
Exam1 (January 26)
Exam2 (February 16):
45%
Exam3 (March 9)
Final Exam (March 23):
20%
You may check your grades at any point in the quarter by accessing the grade
book on Course Compass.
Homework:
Homework is to be completed online with MyMathLab.
Each section covered will have a homework assignment.
The homework assignments will be due at
Quizzes:
Each week you will be required to take a quiz on MyMathLab.
The quizzes are designed to help you prepare for exams, and will be made
up of problems that are very similar to the problems from your homework
assignments. The quizzes may be
taken as often as you would like before the due date/time.
Your lowest quiz score will be dropped.
Because of this, there will be no make-up quizzes.
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.
Otherwise, the exam may be made up after the scheduled date with a
penalty of 10% per day.
Registration Information:
You may drop the class with no penalty or mark on your record on or before
January 28. After January 28, you
may drop the class and receive a grade of W until February 17.
After February 17, if still enrolled, you will receive a grade of A, B,
C, D, F or I.
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.
Don’t make me be a homework enforcer.
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, 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 exams.
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.
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.
If things change (and I have money that says they will), I will let you
know.
January
3
1.2, 1.3
Introductions, Real Numbers, Fractions
5
1.4, 1.5
Algebraic Expressions and Addition of Real Numbers
10
1.6, 1.7
Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division of Real Numbers
12
1.8, 2.1
Properties of the Real Numbers and Their Uses
17
NO SCHOOL
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY
19
2.2, 2.3
Properties of Equality and Solving Linear Equations
24
2.4, Review
Problem Solving
26
Exam I
31
2.5, 2.6
Applications of Algebra
February
2
2.7, 2.8
More Applications of Equations, Solving Linear Inequalities
7
3.1, 3.2
Rectangular Coordinate System and Graphing Lines
9
3.3, 3.4
Intercepts and Slopes of Lines
14
3.5, Review
Equations of Lines
16
Exam II
21
NO SCHOOL
PRESIDENT’S DAY
23
3.6, 9.4
Functions, Linear Inequalities of Two Variables
28
5.1, 5.2
Exponents and Polynomials
March
2
5.3, 5.4
Multiplying Polynomials
7
5.5, Review
Negative Exponents and Scientific Notation
9
Exam III
14
5.6, 9.1
Dividing Polynomials, Compound Inequalities
16
9.2, 12.1
Absolute Value Equations and Function Operations
21
Review
23
Final Exam
Note: The final is from |