BASIC ALGEBRA (Part II)
Math 152B
Winter 2012
4 units
INSTRUCTOR: Cindy Littell
E-MAIL:
ltcc.littellc@gmail.com
OFFICE HOUR:
TBA at the end of week 2
MEETING TIMES:
Tuesday and Thursday
MEETING PLACE: Room E106
REQUIRED TEXT:
Elementary and Intermediate Algebra, 4th Ed, by Elayn
Martin-Gay
COURSE CODE:
littell08144
Course Description: This course is a continuation of Math 152A. I will present factoring, rational expressions, first degree equations and inequalities with absolute value, solving systems of linear equations and inequalities, radicals, rational exponents and their equations, and solving quadratic equations. This course will connect math with the “real” world. It is my desire to reduce math anxiety and build self-confidence in every student by the end of this class.
Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in Math 152A or equivalent or appropriate skills demonstrated through the Math Assessment process.
Accommodations for
Students with Disabilities:
Students requiring accommodations for a certain disability that may affect class
performance are requested to schedule with a staff member at the DRC to discuss
this during the first week of the quarter so that appropriate arrangements can
be made. They only test and accept new students into the program during the
first two weeks of each quarter, so don’t put it off.
Students with disabilities must identify themselves to me
within the first two weeks of class.
The Math Success Center (within A201) has free
tutoring for all registered students. Please Log In and Out so that the facility
gets the funds it needs to continue this free service.
Attendance and
Etiquette: As a college student, you have voluntarily signed up for
approximately 16 hours of Math a week this quarter. It is therefore important to
remind you that missing four classes (the equivalent of two weeks of the regular
quarter) will result in being dropped for non-attendance.
Our time in class is a time of learning and
is to be respected as such; therefore, disruptive behavior will not be
tolerated. A two-class expulsion will be applied for any disruptive behavior.
As a Courtesy to everyone in class, please turn off your cell phones. Thank
you.
How to succeed in a
Math class:
1. Come to every class meeting.
2. Arrive early, be prepared, and take notes.
3. Ask questions, especially if you don’t understand
a concept.
4. Do more than just the homework problems.
5. Take advantage of the free tutoring service in the
MSC.
6. Study in groups and do your homework with a classmate.
7. Start preparing for exams at least one week in
advance.
8. Do some math every day.
Dropping: In this class, it is your responsibility to drop the class in order to avoid an unwanted grade. For this, you must go to Admissions & Records.
Drop Dates are
listed on the back of the printed schedule.
Student Outcomes
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 and graphical 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 math statements, and
checking and verifying results.
Grading: Your class letter grade will be based
on the usual grading scale:
A: 90% & above, B:
80-89%, C: 70-79%, D:
60-69%
F: 59% and under
The following items
will make up the course grade:
Online Homework Assignments
200 points
Daily Quizzes (17*10) 170 points
Tests (5*80) 400 points
Cumulative Final Exam (Mar 22):
230 points
Total Class points:
1000 points
Methods of Evaluation:
Homework is all done online and is due by the time and date posted on the web-basically the next class because you need it for the quiz. The computer has a right answer only but missed problems can be eliminated by working a ‘similar problem’. After the due date, the assignments will available for score improvement only.
Daily Quizzes
are held during the first five minutes of class from
Tests will
happen in the first hour and you will have 50 minutes (up to one hour if you use
your break). Lecture will begin at 2:00p. The tests will cover the sections from
the previous weeks between tests. Your score will be out of 80 possible points.
Tests may be taken early without penalty as long as you officially notify me at
least one week in advance of the date you need to take the test in writing or by
email. Tests may NOT be taken late
without a valid excuse, will receive a 10% deduction in score per
school-day late, and must be made up
by the Thursday of the next week.
The Final Exam is given according to the posted finals schedule in the schedule of classes for this quarter. It will include all of the ideas, and sections covered in this course. (March 22nd: 230 points)
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Date Section Topic
Jan. 3
Introductions, Syllabus
6.1
GCF and Grouping
6.2
Factoring when a = 1
Jan. 5
6.3
Special Products
6.4
Factoring Ax2 + Bx + C, a
1
Jan. 10
6.5
Factoring Binomials
6.6
Factoring Quadratics
Jan. 12
6.7
Solving Quadratic Equations and Problems
Review for Test #1
Jan. 17
Test #1- Chapter 6
7.1 Rational Functions and Simplifying
Jan. 19 7.2 Multiply and Divide Rational Expressions
7.3 Addition & Subtraction of Rational Expressions
Jan. 24
7.4
...with unlike denominators
7.5
Solving Equations with Rational Expressions
Jan. 26 7.6 Applications of Ratios & Proportions
7.7
Complex Fractions
Jan. 31
Test #2- Chapter 7
8.4
Variation
Feb. 2 4.1 Systems by Graphing
4.2
Systems by Substitution
Feb. 7
4.3
Systems by Addition
9.2
Absolute Value Equations
Feb. 9
9.3
Absolute Value Inequalities
Review for Test #3
Feb. 14
Test #3
10.1
Radicals
Review for Test #4
Mar. 1
Test #4
10.6
Radical Equations
Mar. 6 10.7 Complex Numbers
Mar. 13
11.2
Quadratic Formula
Review for Test #5
Mar. 15
Test #5
Review for Final
Mar. 22
FINAL EXAM--Comprehensive