ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA

Math 72 (5 credits) Winter 2002

Section CC: Daily">

ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA

Math 72 (5 credits) Winter 2002

Section CC: Daily">

ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA

Math 72 (5 credits) Winter 2002

Section CC: Daily">

ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA

Math 72 (5 credits) Winter 2002

Section CC: Daily, 9:00 - 9:50

Section DD: Daily, 10:00 - 10:50

 

FACULTY : David Nelson                                                       Office: SMT 327

Email: dnelson@greenriver.edu                                                     Phone: (253) 833-9111 ext.4226

Web Site: http://www.instruction.greenriver.edu/dnelson OR you can go to the GRCC home page: http://www.greenriver.edu then go to Learning, Divisions, Mathematics, People.

Office Hours: Daily 11:00 - 12:00 OR by appointment Fax: (253)-288 - 3464

Mailbox: My mailbox is located on the third floor of SMT behind the secretaries.

TEXT: Introductory Algebra: A Just-In-Time Approach 2nd ed. by Alice Kaseberg CALCULATOR: A graphing calculator is required for this course. I will demonstrate with a TI-82 or TI-83. (They are extremely similar.)

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Study of sets, operations on signed numbers, properties and terminology of real numbers, absolute value, simplifying algebraic expressions, integer exponents, graphing and solving linear equations and inequalities, unit analysis, ratios, rates, and proportions, solving systems of equations, factoring and performing operations on polynomial expressions, Pythagorean Theorem, functions, and applications

PREREQUISITE: The prerequisite for this class is Math 70 with a grade of 2.5 or higher, or appropriate Compass score, or instructor's permission.

STUDENTS SUBJECT TO PROVISIONS OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT: If you believe you qualify for course adaptations or special accommodations under the Americans With Disabilities Act, it is your responsibility to contact the Disability Support Services Coordinator, (Joanne Martin), in the LSC and provide the appropriate documentation. If you have already documented a disability or other condition which would qualify you for special accommodations, or if you have emergency medical information or special needs I should know about, please notify me during the first week of class. You can reach me by phone or you can schedule an office appointment to meet me. My phone and office are listed at the top of this document. If you use an alternative medium for communicating, let me know well in advance of the meeting (at least one week) so that appropriate accommodations can be arranged. Disability Support Services is located in LSC 126 and may be contacted at: (253)833-9111 x 2631 or TDD at (253) 288-3359.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Students will demonstrate the ability to:

1. find real solutions for linear equations; -- using tables, graphs and algebra

2. solve literal equations;

3. simplify expressions involving integer exponents;

4. add, subtract, and multiply polynomials;

5. factor quadratic trinomials;

6. graph linear equations, derive equations for lines

7. solve unit analysis problems;

8. solve ratio, rate, and proportional reasoning problems;

9. apply the Pythagorean Theorem to solve problems;

10. use functions in the form of graphs, tables and linear equations

CAMPUS-WIDE OUTCOMES: Green River College has identified ability areas that we believe encompass knowledge and are the most important skills, behaviors, attitudes, and values that students will need in order to be successful after leaving the college. Among these ability areas, this class will address Responsibility, Quantitative/Symbolic Reasoning, Critical Thinking, and Written & Oral Communications. You will be assessed on these outcomes through classroom participation, homework, tests, projects and activities.

MY EXPECTATIONS: Remember that to be a successful math student you need to follow these four basic rules: 1. Everyone will have the opportunity to speak without fear of censure. The instructor must recognize you first.

2. There is no such thing as a dumb question!!!

3. No one will be allowed to dominate any discussion.

4. Side conversations will not be tolerated.

LATE WORK: You must take exams at the scheduled time, including the final. If you must miss an exam for any reason, notify me before the exam. Make-up exams may be available provided that I have been notified before the exam, and a reasonable excuse is offered. Any project, quiz or exam taken late will be subject to a penalty of at least 10%. All late assignments must be completed by March 15th.

CHEATING: Students who engage in behaviors that may be interpreted as cheating will receive a zero score on the assignment in question. A second offense will result in a 0.0 course grade. Common "cheating" behaviors include talking with another person during an exam, using notes on an exam unless specifically authorized, and copying answers from someone else's exam.

ASSESSMENT: Most problems will be graded on a 5 point scale as follows: Points Work

0 - No attempt

1 - Restating the problem, drawing a picture, etc.

2 - Some correct ideas

3 - Half correct ideas

4 - Mostly correct ideas

5 - Perfection

Your final grade will be a composite of the following. Quizzes: 10% Projects: 15% Homework: 25% Tests: 30% Final Exam: 20%

QUIZZES and THE GATE TEST: The Gate Test is designed as a diagnostic tool to measure whether the student has the prerequisite skills for a particular course. The Gate Test will be given on the second day of class. The Gate Test will count as a quiz score. A sample copy will be distributed the first day of class. In addition to the Gate Test we will have four other quizzes. The lowest quiz score will be dropped.

PROJECTS: There will be 2 projects completed throughout the quarter that I will discuss in detail when assigned. These projects will require the ability to effectively communicate ideas through writing. Point distribution for the projects will be given when the assignment is distributed.

HOMEWORK & IN-CLASS ACTIVITIES: Your homework score is based on two components: problems from the text and in-class assignments. Required problems from the text are listed later in the syllabus. On days homework is due, I will select 4 or 5 problems from the list and will ask for volunteers to come to the board and answer the questions. You will earn up to 10 points for each problem you do. Points will be awarded for volunteering and being prepared to provide an answer to the questions. I expect every student will make at least 3 trips to the board during the quarter. In-class assignments: Occasionally we will have in-class assignments or group mini-projects that will count as homework as well. These in-class assignments may be turned in late, but will be subject to a 10% penalty.

TESTS: Refer to the calendar to see which day tests will be given. All tests with the exception of the Gate Test and the final exam will be given in the Testing and Assessment Center (TAC) in the Rutkowski Learning Center (RLC 173). The TAC is open from 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM except for Fridays when the center closes at 4:30. There will be class held at the regular times on test days. If you have difficulty taking the test during these times, please see me.

FINAL EXAM: The comprehensive final exam will be in class on Tuesday, March 19 from 8 - 10 AM for the 9 AM class and on Wednesday, March 20th from 9 - 11 AM for the 10 AM class.

DECIMAL GRADING: GRCC uses numerical grading. Numerical equivalent of grades is as follows:

95-100% : 4.0 89 : 3.4 83 : 2.8 77 : 2.2 71 : 1.6 65 : 1.0

       94% : 3.9 88 : 3.3 82 : 2.7 76 : 2.1 70 : 1.5 64 : 0.9

       93% : 3.8 87 : 3.2 81 : 2.6 75 : 2.0 69 : 1.4 63 : 0.8

       92% : 3.7 86 : 3.1 80 : 2.5 74 : 1.9 68 : 1.3 62 : 0.7

       91% : 3.6 85 : 3.0 79 : 2.4 73 : 1.8 67 : 1.2 61 : 0.6

       90% : 3.5 84 : 2.9 78 : 2.3 72 : 1.7 66 : 1.1 60 : 0.5 Below 60: 0.0

If you are taking this class as a prerequisite, you must receive a 2.5 or above to go on to Math 97. If you wish to take this class Pass / Fail, you must fill out a form with the registrar by Feb. 6. A grade of P does not meet the prerequisite for Math 97.

AN INVITATION: If you have any questions about the course or the assignments, or have any problems with due dates or your grade, or just want to talk, PLEASE make an appointment to see me during office hours or at an arranged time.

 

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP!

I. Teachers' office hours

Teachers are contractually obligated to have to be in their office at specific times to help students, if office hours conflict w/ your schedule, You can make an appointment to meet at another time. Roughly 50% of my office hours are not used by students.

II. Math Learning Center SMT 355

The MLC often has times when tutors are available for drop in tutoring. Check with your instructor or the Math Learning Center for specifics.

III. Video Tapes

The Math Learning Center has a series of video taped lectures available for checkout.

IV. Student's Solutions Manual.

Available through the bookstore, this book contains worked out solutions to all the odd problems in the text.

V. Attend Class every day.

Although attendance doesn't directly influence your grade, there is a strong correlation between attendance and success in mathematics.

VI. Do your homework.

To be able to do anything well, you must practice. I have selected a list of problems that will be similar to exam questions. If you have any difficulty completing these problems, try some other problems in the same section to get more practice. You can always check your answers in the back of the book.

VII. Form a study group.

Exchange phone numbers with some others in our class or set a time to get together and study. This is a great opportunity to make new friends and a quick source of help if you ever get stuck while working on your own.

VIII. Math 072 Maintenance Modules

A one-credit class that helps keep your algebra skills sharp. See the Math Learning Center for more information.