Math 095 l Elementary Algebra l 3 credits
Fall, 2008

Instructor: Michael Ray Phone: (775) 753-5432

Email:

Contacting me: I will be available before and after class and by appointment. For normal questions about class, use the WebCampus email.

Class meets: Monday, Wednesday 5:30 – 6:45, Health Science 107

Text: Introductory Algebra, a Real-World Approach Second Edition, by Ignacio Bello, McGraw-Hill, ISBN: 0-07-299099-6

Other materials

Although not required for this course, you may find the MathZone website helpful. Class information, assignments exam schedules and grades will be available on WebCampus.

Course Description (from catalog)

A first course in algebra for students who plan to continue in the math sequence. Topics include operations on real numbers, simplifying expressions, solving linear and quadratic equations, polynomials, factoring, radicals, and the concept of graphing.

Prerequisite

Math 091 – Basic Math. Or placement by exam.

Instruction method

Lecture and class discussion.

Course objectives

By the end of the course you should be able to:

·  Understand and demonstrate how to solve applied problems using algebraic techniques.

·  Graph an equation and solve a problem using graphic techniques.

·  Solve equations and inequalities

·  Factor numbers and equations.

·  Solve problems in polynomial equations using techniques such as factoring and the quadratic equation.

·  Demonstrate an understanding of basic algebraic concepts by explaining them both orally and in writing.

How well we meet these objectives will be measured by class participation, homework, exams and quizzes. All of these measures involve problem solving.

College Policies

We follow College policy on cell phones and other devices in the classroom. Also, children are not allowed in the classroom or labs.

Working Together, Cheating and Plagiarism

You are expected and encouraged to work with others in the class to understand the material presented and the problems assigned. However, unless explicitly told to work together, your submitted work should be your own. Cheating and plagiarism are not acceptable behaviors. Appropriate action will be taken. We will follow all GBC and Board of Regents policies on Academic Dishonesty.

Class Participation and Attendance

Attendance is important. Part of your grade depends on class participation and the exercises you complete during some of the classes. Assignments are made in class and material is presented that is not available elsewhere. It is your responsibility to notify the instructor as soon as possible before class if you won’t be in class.

Grades

Your grade will be based on the following (weights are approximate):

·  Assignments, quizzes (40%)

·  Three exams (10% each)

·  Final exam (30%)

Assignments include in-class exercises. There are no make-up exams or quizzes.

Letter grades are based on a weighted average of these measures:

·  A: 90 – 100%

·  B: 80 – 89%

·  C: 70 – 79%

·  D: 60 – 69%

F: below 60%

Homework, Quizzes and Exams

Practicing what you learn in class is essential part of mastering our course material. It is unlikely that you will master the course material without completing the assigned homework. Homework is due at the start of class on the day indicated – generally the first class of the week. Late homework must be submitted within 3 weeks of the due date and will be docked 10-30%. No late homework will be accepted in the last two weeks of class.

There will be a short quiz as we complete each chapter.

Because we build on earlier lesson materials in later chapters, all exams are cumulative —that is they cover all the information that has been presented in the class up to the present.

There are no make-up exams without a valid, verifiable reason. Generally these would be of a medical emergency nature. Being abducted by aliens, if verifiable, is a valid reason. Having your appendix removed is one, getting a Botox treatment in Twin Falls is not.

Other resources

The Academic Success Center (MCML 103, 753-2149) has tutors available for this class.

Students with disabilities and special needs

If you need special accommodations, contact the ADA Officer in Berg Hall or call 753-2271.

Disclaimer

This syllabus is a general description of what we will be doing this semester. It will change as necessary to meet our goals and objectives during the semester.


Schedule of Assignments and Exams: This will also be announced in class and posted in WebCampus.

Our primary goal is subject mastery; as a result some sections may take more time than shown and others less.

Week / Date / Topics
1 / 8/25
8/27 / Getting started, class goals, WebCampus, Math Review
1.1 - 1.3
2 / 9/1
9/3 / Labor Day Holiday,1.4 – 1.5
3 / 9/8
9/10 / 1.6 - 1.7
2.1 – 2.2
4 / 9/15
9/17 / 2.3 – 2.5
2.6 – 2.7
5 / 9/22
9/24 / 3.1 – 3.2
3.3 – 3.4
6 / 9/29
10/1 / Exam, Ch. 1 – 3, 4.1 – 4.2
4.3 – 4.4
7 / 10/6
10/8 / 4.5 – 4.6
4.7 – 4.8
8 / 10/13
10/15 / 5.1 – 5.2
5.3 – 5.4
9 / 10/20
10/22 / 5.5 – 5.7
6.1 – 6.3
10 / 10/27
10/29 / 6.4 – 6.5
6.6, 7.1
11 / 11/3
11/5 / 7.2 – 7.3
Exam, Ch. 4 – 7, 8.1
12 / 11/10
11/12 / 8.2 – 8.3
8.4 – 8.5
13 / 11/17
11/19 / 9.1 – 9.2
9.3 – 9.4
14 / 11/24
11/26 / 10.1 – 10.2
10.3 – 10.4
15 / 12/1
12/3 / Exam, Ch. 8 – 10
Review
16 / 12/8 / Final Exam