MATH 0315 (3:3:1) Beginning Algebra MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT Division of Arts & Sciences South Plains College Reese Center Spring 2012 Traci SandersSpring 2012 Math 0315.204: Beginning Algebra RC 265, MW 1:00 – 2:45 Instructor: Traci Sanders E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 716-4616 Office: Reese Center 268-C Office Hours: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 10:00 – 11:00 2:45 – 3:30 12:45 – 2:00 10:00 – 11:00 2:45 – 3:30 12:45 – 2:00 9:00 – 11:00 Appointments are available for other times. Course Description: This course is designed for those students who need Math 0320. It includes properties of signed numbers, algebraic expressions, linear equations in one unknown and geometry. Time in a math lab is required. This course will not satisfy graduation requirements. Prerequisite: a grade in the range 42 – 61 on the Accuplacer, a grade in the range 100 – 179 on the THEA, or a grade of C or better in Math 0310 Text: Elementary & Intermediate Algebra, Second Edition, by Sullivan, Struve, and Mazzarella Supplies: notebook paper (to be turned in without spiral edges), scientific or graphing calculator (calculators on cell phones or other electronic devices will not be allowed), pencils, graph paper, straightedge Grading Policy: Grades will be averaged according to the following percentages: Lab Average 20% Test Average 60% Final Exam 20% Grading Scale: A: 90 and above B: 80 – 89 C. 70 – 79 D: 60 – 69 F: 59 or belowTests: There will be 4 tests and a comprehensive final exam. There will be NO MAKEUP TESTS! Dates are listed for all tests, including the final exam, so PLAN AHEAD! Homework: Homework will be assigned for all of the sections covered in the course. It will not be collected or graded. However, the questions on the tests and labs will reflect homework problems and time will be given during each class to answer questions on the homework. I will keep a list of the homework assignments on Blackboard. Lab: Excluding test days, approximately the last 30 minutes of class (2:15 – 2:45) will be our lab time. The lowest three lab grades will be dropped. THERE ARE NO MAKEUP LABS! Here are the two different types of labs we will have: 1. Work on homework. As long as you participate, you will receive a 100 for these labs. If you are absent, you will receive a 0. 2. Work a few problems to be turned in for a grade. If you are absent, you will receive a 0. Attendance: Attendance and effort are the most important activities for success in this course. Whenever you have 4 consecutive absences or 6 total absences, the instructor may withdraw you from the course with a grade of X or F. Therefore, if you stop attending class, you should go through the procedure for dropping a course to obtain a grade of W or U. For more detail, see p. 20 of the South Plains College General Catalog. Perfect attendance will result in 4 points added to your final grade. If you must miss, find out what the homework assignment was and stay caught up! Expectations: 1. Read the syllabus! 2. Attend class, arrive on time, do your homework, and be prepared to participate. 3. Keep all cell phones and pagers turned off and put away for the duration of the class. 4. Maintain a classroom environment that is conducive to learning. For more detail, see page 23 of the South Plains College General Catalog. 5. Be the best you can be! Important Dates: March 12 – 16 Spring Break April 9 Easter Holiday April 24 Last day to drop May 9 Final Exam: Wednesday, 10:15 – 12:15Course Outcomes: Successful completion of this course should reflect mastery of the following objectives: (Chapter and section numbers are indicated in parentheses.) 1. Add, subtract, multiply and divide real numbers. (1.5) 2. Use the order of operations to simplify an expression. (1.7) 3. Simplify algebraic expressions. (1.8) 4. Solve linear equations. (2.1, 2.2, 2.3) 5. Translate and solve word problems. (2.5, 2.6, 2.7) 6. Solve linear inequalities. (2.8) 7. Graph equations in two variables by the intercept method and the slope intercept method. (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4) 8. Evaluate expressions using exponent rules. (5.2, 5.4) 9. Add, subtract, multiply and divide polynomials. (5.1, 5.3, 5.5) 10. Factor polynomials, (6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5) 11. Solve quadratic equations by factoring. (6.6) Academic Integrity: The attempt of any student to present as his or her own any work which he or she has not honestly performed is regarded by the faculty and administration as a serious offense and renders the offender liable to serious consequences, possibly suspension. For more detail, see p. 23 of the South Plains College General Catalog. Equal Opportunity: South Plains College strives to accommodate the individual needs of all students in order to enhance their opportunities for success in the context of a comprehensive community college setting. It is the policy of South Plains College to offer all educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability or age. Disability Statement: Students with disabilities, including but not limited to physical, psychiatric or learning disabilities, who wish to request accommodations in this class should notify the Special Services Office early in the semester so that the appropriate arrangements may be made. In accordance with federal law, a student requesting accommodations must provide acceptable documentation of his/her disability to the Special Services Coordinator. For more information, call or visit the Special Services Office in rooms 809 and 811, Reese Center Building 8, 885-3048 ext. 4654. Diversity Statement: In this class, the teacher will establish and support an environment that values and nurtures individual and group differences and encourages engagement and interaction. Understanding and respecting multiple experiences and perspectives will serve to challenge and stimulate all of us to learn about others, about the larger world and about ourselves. By promoting diversity and intellectual exchange, we will not only mirror society as it is, but also model society as it should and can be.Math 0315.204 Course Outline – MW 1:00 – 2:45 – Spring 2012 This