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MATH 99 - 2 BASIC ALGEBRA |
Professor |
Mrs. Jean Marquez |
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Spring, 2008 |
Office Number: |
V-171 |
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Credit Hours: 3 Contact Hours: 3 |
Office Hours: |
9:30 – 11:15 on M, W, & F and Tu & Th by
appt. |
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Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. on M W
& F Place: V-200 |
Office Phone: Home Phone: e-mail: |
574-239-8373 269-695-7129 |
1.
PREREQUISITES
Demonstrated scores within a selected range on
2.
TEXTBOOKS AND/OR EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES
(purchased by student)
A.
Required
Intermediate Algebra, Charles P.
McKeague, Seventh Edition, Brooks/Cole, 2007
B. Optional
Student Solution Manual, McKeague (not at bookstore)
Scientific
or Graphing Calculator
Colored
pencils or pens
3.
COURSE
DESCRIPTION
Basic Algebra
does not assume previous instruction in algebra. Students are expected to be able to
perform basic arithmetic operations ( +, -, x, / ) on whole numbers, fractions,
and decimals.
Topics covered
in the course are the basic properties and definitions of algebra, solving
linear equations and inequalities in one variable, properties of exponents,
operations with polynomials and rational expressions, a general strategy for
factoring, solving equations by factoring, and simplifying and solving rational
equations.
Students who
successfully complete this course with a grade of C or better will have the skills
necessary to advance to MATH 101 (Intermediate Algebra) or MATH 111 (Discrete
Mathematics).
4.
GOALS AND
OBJECTIVES
A.
General
Upon
successful completion of this course, the student will be able:
To
read the math textbook
To
perform the mathematical objectives stated in each lesson
To
work cooperatively in small groups
To
be attentive and follow directions
To
give clear and logical explanations
B.
Content
Content
objectives are listed in this syllabus after the assignment sheet.
C.
Transferable skills
Transferable skill objectives
are listed in this syllabus after the assignment sheet and content objectives.
5. GRADING SCALE
Percent Grade Percent Grade
92-100 A 78-79 C+
90-91 A- 72-77 C
88-89 B+ 70-71 C-
82-87 B 60-69 D
80-81 B- 0-59 F
*Note: A grade of C or better is required to
progress to Math 101 or Math 111.
6.
GRADING
CRITERIA AND REQUIREMENTS
Class work: (15%)
Students must take advantage of opportunities to share problem solutions at the
board, correct any test mistakes, possibly do journals, computer labs or
quizzes, and visit the LRC tutoring center. Classroom participation is
mandatory. Attendance will be
factored into your grade here.
Homework:
(15%) Problem sets (exercises at the end of each section) will be assigned
daily to be turned in the following day.
To earn full credit, you must write down the problem, show any necessary
work, arrive at the correct solution, and circle or highlight your solution
please. As you work the problems,
check answers in the back of the book to make sure you are understanding the
concept. Indicate your name,
homework number and Math 99 – 2 at the top right hand margin of your
homework paper(s).
Quizzes: (10%)
Quizzes (electronic or paper and pencil) may or may not be announced but will
only cover the most recent material.
Always be prepared! Some
quiz scores may be dropped at semester’s end.
Tests: (40%) Think
of our chapter tests as opportunities to excel. Please complete the tests in pencil, and
of course, you must show all scrap work neatly numbered. If you are absent on a test day, your
test grade will be zero unless you have received prior consent. One low test score will be dropped if
you miss three (3) or fewer classes.
Exam:
(20%) The final examination will be taken on Monday, May 5 from 10:15
a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
7. MAKE UP POLICY
Homework will be handed in daily. Late
homework (even due to absence) may be given reduced credit and will not be
accepted for full credit after the assignments have been returned to the
class. Random homework problems
will be checked daily. Credit will
be granted only if you show your work and it is correct. Quizzes may be planned or
unannounced. Missed quizzes may not be made up.
8. ATTENDANCE POLICY/
WITHDRAWAL POLICY
Punctual class attendance is required and will be
factored into your class participation grade. 100 % attendance is expected. Try not to miss any class. If you miss 3 or fewer classes, you may
drop one low test score at the end of the semester. Perfect attendance will be rewarded by
dropping two low quiz scores AND your low test score at the end of the
semester. Your attendance grade
will drop by 10% for each absence.
Three tardies and/or early departures count as an absence.
January 21 is the last day to drop a class. March 14 is the last day to withdraw
from a class with a grade of W. May
2 is the last day for class withdrawal with a WP or WF.
9. OTHER INFORMATION
·
Reminder:
In order to be successful, you need to
be a participant, not a spectator.
YOU are responsible for your own education. I will facilitate, encourage, counsel,
guide, and support your learning.
Merely being present expecting someone to feed you information does not
mean you are learning. People
become educated because of the work they themselves do. You must be actively engaged. In our class, checking the answers in
the back of the book is essential.
You are expected to preview the section that will be covered in class
the following day. As you read the
text, work the margin problems as directed.
·
Special Needs/
Learning Disabilities:
You are encouraged to make known to us any problems
that may make it difficult for you to learn math. We will do our best to work with you to
help you succeed. Any special
accommodations must be requested in advance, and only after appropriate
paperwork has been received by me from Brother Chris Dreyer, Director of
Counseling and Health Services.
·
Good Advice:
If
you are ever discouraged or have concerns or questions, do not hesitate to talk
with me. Please call or make an appointment,
or just drop by during office hours, or visit me at the
·
Tutoring:
You are encouraged to make use of the
Peer tutors, adult tutors, and teachers are available
to help you FREE OF CHARGE. If your
grades falter,
you may be required
to visit the tutoring center as part of your class participation
grade. Videotapes of
all lectures are also available at the library for
viewing in the LRC or your dorm. A
CD is included with
your text that has a video lesson for each section
from the text, as well as practice problems. You have
24/7 web access to text-specific tutorials, and live,
one-on-one help from a qualified instructor on the web
during specific hours.
·
Academic honesty
policy/classroom conduct policy:
The student should consult the student handbook if he
has questions about these issues.
·
Important Dates:
January
21 is
the last day to add a class
January
21 is
the last day to drop a class
March
1 - 9 is
spring break
March
14 is
the last day for class withdrawal with W
March
21 - 24 is
Easter break
May
2 is
last day for class withdrawal with WP or WF
May
5 – 8 are
final exams
May
5 Monday, 10:150 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. is
your math final exam
PLAN AHEAD: Do NOT ask to take the exam at any
other time because of travel commitments.
10. ASSIGNMENT
SCHEDULE
Note: When your are asked to do 1-13, every 3rd
problem, that means 1, 4, 7, 10, and 13
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Date |
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Classroom / Lesson |
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Assignment Due |
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Mon |
1/14 |
Introduction |
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None |
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Wed |
1/16 |
1.1 Fundamental Definitions and Notation |
HW # 1 |
p. 8: getting ready, 1-4 & CP Syllabus |
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p. 2: 2 - 20 even |
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Fri |
1/18 |
1.2 The Real Numbers |
HW # 2 |
1.1: 1 – 121, every 3rd |
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Mon |
1/21 |
1.3 Properties of Real Numbers |
HW # 3 |
1.2: 1 – 82, every 3rd |
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Wed |
1/23 |
1.3 Continued |
HW # 4 |
1.3: 1 – 130, every 3rd |
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Fri |
1/25 |
1.4 Arithmetic with Real Numbers |
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CP Handout on Properties |
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Mon |
1/28 |
1.5 Recognizing Patterns |
HW # 5 |
1.4: 1 – 151, every 3rd |
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Wed |
1/30 |