Meeting days: Tuesday, Thursday (Sept. 5, 2006 – Dec. 14, 2006)
Meeting times: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Office hours: 6:30 – 7:00 PM in room 208 (the math lab)
Voice Mail: (818) 364 – 7600 ext. 4246
To e-mail me . Type: Math 115 in the subject field
Important Dates
Last day to drop without a “W”: Oct. 1, 2006.
Last day to drop a class with a “W”: Nov. 22, 2006.
Holidays: College is closed).
Veteran’s Day: Nov. 10, 2006.
Thanks Giving Day: Nov. 23 – 26.
Final Exam: Saturday, Dec 16, 2006.
Introduction
In this course the student will learn what is nee for college mathematics. A clear understanding of concepts is stressed. The student is expected to know how to express and explain a concept geometrically, numerically, algebraically, and verbally. Students are encouraged to ask questions, solve many problems, and participate in class by solving the problems on the board.
The Textbook: Elementary Algebra, 8th ed., by: Kaufmann & Schwitters, Brooks Cole. ISBN: 0 – 495 – 10571 – 6.
The syllabus
Chapter 01: Some basic Concepts of Arithmetic and Algebra.
Chapter 02: Real Numbers.
Chapter 03: Equations, Inequalities, and Problem Solving.
Chapter 04: Formulas and Problem Solving.
Chapter 05: Exponents and Polynomials.
Chapter 06: Factoring, Solving Equations, and Problem Solving.
Chapter 07: Algebraic Fractions.
Chapter 08: Coordinate Geometry and Linear Systems.
Chapter 09: Roots and Radicals.
Chapter 10: Quadratic Equations.
Chapter 11: Additional Topics.
Expectations
Read the section(s) before coming to class to increases your chances of understanding. Feel free to ask questions about the subject. Solve problems on the board and share their solutions. If you have a “burning question” wait until the instructor is finished, and let the instructor know that you have a question.
Homework
Since the exams and quizzes will closely resemble homework exercises, success in the course strongly depends on diligently completing homework assignments in a timely fashion. Students must complete all assignments on time and come to class prepared. There is a strong correlation between doing homework and getting good grades.
01. Homework should be neat, clear, explicit, and step by step and on lined or graph
paper.
02. Use only one staple to staple the whole homework (Do not staple sections
separately.)
03. Use a #2 pencil only for all homework.
04. Write your last name, first name (in capital letters), date due, and homework
number, at the top right hand corner of each page of the 8.5x 11" paper.
05. Use your official name on the college roster. Do not use nick names or abbreviations.
06. Start a new section at the top of a new page (use both sides of the lined paper).
07. Chapter, section number, and page numbers should be clearly written as the first line.
08. Use font size 14 for all homework.
09. Leave one blank line between questions.
10. Solve questions in one column and leave the right half of the sheet for
corrections.
11. Problems should be solved in the order they were given. Do not copy the word
problems. Just write the question number and your solution.
12. Use a ruler (when applicable) for all diagrams. Figures must be neat and labeled.
13. Late work will not be accepted. Late homework is the homework that is
submitted after the test.
14. Diagrams must be included in the homework whenever there is a figure in the
problem.
15. The homework is all or nothing. There is no partial credit for partial homework.
Tests
01. Tests should be answered in pencil only.
02. Tests should be neat, clear, explicit, and step by step.
03. All chapter tests will be announced one week in advance.
04. No make-up tests will be given.
05. In the event of cheating the cheating parties will be given a fail on that test.
06. Tests will be given at the end of every chapter.
07. All tests will be free response.
08. You are not allowed to leave the classroom during a test for any reason.
Quizzes
Quizzes will be given at the end of each chapter.
Quizzes should be answered in pencil only. Work should be neat, clear, explicit,
and step by step.
Class component
1. All students are expected to arrive on time. Late arrivals are disruptive to both the lecture and students.
2. There will be a 15 minute break half way through the class period.
3. Students are encouraged to ask questions and make comments on the lecture material. This should be done in a courteous manner by raising one’s hand and being recognized.
4. You should not engage in conversation or laughter about irrelevant topics during class time. REMEMBER that you are depriving others the opportunity for learning if you disrupt the class.
5. Should a student decide to stop attending class, it is their responsibility to drop the class.
6. If you are absent from class for 10 hours, you may be dropped. Please expect to remain in class the full class period.
7. Leaving early or going in and out for breaks will reflect negatively on your test scores and will not be tolerated because it disrupts the flow of the lecture.
THOMSONNOW
This is the website associated with the textbook. It has additional practice problems, tutorials, and practice tests. You are strongly recommended to do as many exercises as possible. Here are the steps to do that:
Visit ThomsonNOW
New Users
Click on create an account
On the registration page, click on Student
Enter Location and School Name.
Click Search.
Click on Mission College.
Click Continue
Click on Course key and content access code
Enter E-65NFCHN5EYYUR for course key
Enter the content access key that comes with your book
Follow the prompts.
when you visit the website again you will be a "Returning User"
Notes regarding the use of the calculator
- You should be familiar with the relevant functions of any scientific calculator
you use.
- Calculators could be used in class to check answers.
- Calculators will not be allowed on any test.
- Calculators will be allowed in the Final Exam.
- Correct answer(s) without supporting steps will get no credit (Mathematics is not about
correct answers!)
Grading scale
A = 90 - 100%
B = 80 - 89%
C = 65 - 79%
D = 59 - 64%
F = 0 - 58 %
Grades
Each home work 25%.
Each quiz 10%.
Each test 60%.
Participation 5%.
General comments
1. No talking while the instructor is explaining the lesson.
2. Cellular phones should be turned off as you enter the classroom. If you use the cell
phone in class you will be dropped from class.
3. Inappropriate language of any kind WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
Expectations
1. Read the section(s) before coming to class to increases your chances of understanding.
2. Feel free to ask questions about the subject.
3. Solve problems on the board and share their solutions
4. If you have a “burning question” wait until the instructor is finished, and let the
instructor know that you have a question.