BASIC ALGEBRA  (Part I)

Math 152A-2  4 Units                                                                        Winter, 2012

Monday & Wednesday                                                                     3:30 – 5:35 PM

Room: E100                                                                                      

INSTRUCTOR:    Charlie Lincoln

PHONE NUMBER:  577-0414

E-MAIL:  c.lincoln@sbcglobal.net

OFFICE HOURS:  To Be Announced

Course ID (for MyMathLab):  lincoln58316

(Optional Text): Beginning and Intermediate Algebra 4th edition by 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.  To access our class page, go to www.coursecompass.com and register using your student access code and the course ID for this class:  lincoln58316

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 

Calculator:  A scientific calculator is required for this course.  Graphing calculators will not be allowed on exams.

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 integer exponents.

Course Objectives:  The successful student will

1. exhibit a proficiency in the topics covered in the course;

2. engage in logical and critical thinking;

3. read technical information; and 

4. demonstrate the solution to problems by translating written language into mathematical statements, interpreting information, sketching relevant diagrams, analyzing given information, formulating appropriate mathematical statements, and checking and verifying results

Prerequisite MAT 187B or an equivalent class, or assessment.

Student Learning Outcomes:  The Successful Student will
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.

GRADING POLICY:                       

Homework                                                                  150 points

Exam #1:                                                                     100 points

Exam #2:                                                                     100 points

Exam #3:                                                                     100 points

Quizzes* (Four at 25 points each)                             100 points

Final (Covers entire course content)                           150 points

*I give five quizzes but only four are counted so your lowest quiz score will be dropped. 

Your letter grade will be based on your percentage of the 700 possible points.

A         90-100%

B          80-89%

C         70-79%

D         60-69%

F          less than 60%

Make-up Policy:  For quizzes there is no make-up, however if the absence is excused, you will receive the same percentage grade on the quiz as you earn on the exam, which covers the same material.  For Chapter Exams and the Final, make-up is possible, but there is a 10% penalty if the absence is not excused.  Homework will be accepted late with a penalty of 2 points for each school day that it is late.

LEARNING DISABILITIES: Students with disabilities who may need accommodations for this class are encouraged to notify the instructor 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.

REGISTRATION:

·         You must register for this class at the Office of Admissions and Records.

·         Friday, Jan 13, 2012 is the last day for refunds.

·         Friday, Jan 27, 2012 is the last day to drop with no record.

·         Friday, Feb. 16, 2012 is the last day to withdraw with a “W” grade.

In this class, it is your responsibility to drop the class in order to avoid a grade.

TUTORING:  Free Math Tutoring is available in the Math Success Center in Room A201 on the second floor of the main campus. 

HOW TO SUCCEED IN A MATH CLASS:

1) Come to every class meeting.

2) Arrive early, get yourself settled and be ready when class starts.  Sit where you won't be distracted.

3) Read each section before it is discussed in class.

4) Do all of the homework.

5) Do some math every day.

6) Start preparing for tests at least a week in advance.

7) Take advantage of tutors and office hours, extra help can make a big difference.

8) Do some review every time you study math.

9) Be willing to ask questions.

10) Take notes.

11) Study in groups and find a study buddy.

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS

Lecture will always be geared towards an explanation of the topics that will be covered on the upcoming homework assignment. Homework assignments may be completed on-line.  To do homework on-line, go to www.coursecompass.com and register using the course ID:  lincoln17743 and your student access code.  You must have a valid e-mail address to use the on-line curriculum.

Date                Section            Topic _______________________

Jan 4                1.1                   Tips for Success         

            1.2                   Symbols and Sets of Numbers             

Jan 9                1.3                   Fractions        
1.4                   Variable Expressions and Equations              

Jan 11             1.5                   Adding Real Numbers           

                        1.6                   Subtracting Real Numbers     
1.7                   Multiplying & Dividing Real Numbers         

Jan 16             Martin Luther King Holiday

Jan 18             Quiz 1: Section 1.1-1.7

                        1.8                   Properties of Real Numbers  

Jan 23              2.1                   Simplifying Algebraic Expressions    
2.2                   Addition and Multiplication Properties

Jan 25             Quiz 2: Section 1.8-2.2

                        2.3                   Solving Linear Equations       

Jan 30              2.4                   Intro to Problem Solving       

                        2.5                   Formulas and Problem Solving          

                        2.6                   Percent and Mixture Problem Solving           

                        2.7                   Further Problem Solving        

Feb 1               Exam I: Sections 1.1-2.3

Feb 6              2.8                   Solving Linear Inequalities    

                        3.1                   Rectangular Coordinate System       

Feb 8               Quiz 3: Sections 2.4-3.1

                        3.2                   Graphing Linear Equations    

                        3.3                   Intercepts       

Feb 13             3.4                   Slope and Rate of Change     
3.5                   Equations of Lines     

Feb 15             Exam II: Sections 2.4-3.3

Feb 20             Washington’s Birthday Holiday

Feb 22             3.6                   Functions      

Feb 27             9.4                   Graphing Linear Inequalities 
5.1                   Exponents      

Feb 29             Quiz 4: Sections 3.4-3.6

                        5.2                   Polynomial Functions

                        5.3                   Multiplying Polynomials

Mar 5              5.4                   Special Products

Mar 7              Quiz 5: Sections 9.4-5.3

                        5.5                   Negative Exponents and Sci Notation         
5.6                   Dividing Polynomials           

Mar 12             9.1                   Compound Inequalities          

Mar 14            Exam III: Sections 3.4-5.4

Mar 19             9.2                   Absolute Value Equations    

                        12.1                 Composite Functions 

Mar 21            Comprehensive Final Exam