Math 031 Introductory Algebra Chesapeake College Wye Mills Maryland 21679 MAT 031 101 104 INTRODUCTORY ALGEBRA Monday Wednesday 10 a m 9 45 a m 11 30 a m 12 45 p m Fall 2006 Instructor Adugna Mekonnen Page 1 2006 Math 031 Introductory Algebra 2006 Introductory Algebra 031 101 104 Chesapeake College P O Box 8 Wye Mills Maryland 21679 Fall Semester 2006 Instructor Adugna Mekonnen Office H 107 Tel 410 822 5400 x 261 E mail amekonnen chesapeake edu College FAX 410 827 5814 Attn Mekonnen Class Schedule Monday and Wednesday Monday and Wednesday 10 00 a m 11 15 a m MAT 031 101 11 30 a m 12 45 p m MAT 031 104 Office Hours Monday and Wednesday 11 30am 12 45 p m Tuesday Thursday 1 00 pm 2 15 p m COURSE DESCRIPTION An introduction to algebra Topics included are properties of whole numbers integer and rational numbers solving equations polynomials factoring systems of equations and graphs Three hours per week 3 load hours 0 credits Now you have decided to take this course remember that a positive attitude will make all the difference in the world Your belief that you can succeed is just as important as your commitment to this course Make sure that you are ready for this course by having enough time and positive attitude that it takes to succeed REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS o TEXTBOOK Prealgebra Introductory Algebra and Intermediate Algebra Second Edition by K Elayn Martin Gay 2005 Prentice Hall Inc ISBN 0 15 144972 9 o CALCULATOR o Pencil and a notebook to keep a very good set of notes INTRODUCTION This course Introductory Algebra is approximately equivalent to the first year of high school algebra and is the first of two sequential courses in algebra taught at Chesapeake College in preparation for college level mathematics courses Students must complete Mat 031 Most students must also complete Mat 032 in order to gain entry to the credit level mathematics courses In this course you will study o Solving Equations and Inequalities Chapter 9 Page 2 Math 031 Introductory Algebra o o o o o 2006 Graphing Equations and Inequalities Chapter 13 Exponents and Polynomials Chapter 10 Solving Systems of Equations Chapter 14 Problem Solving Chapter 3 9 Graphing and Introduction to Statistics optional as time permits In order to comfortably succeed in MAT 031 you will need to be proficient in the following skills o Basic number sense o Add subtract multiply and divide integers and fractions o Use of exponents and the order of operations o Arithmetic operations of sign numbers If you need to brush up on any of these skills please ask for help immediately In addition to the lectures the average student should plan to spend at least six hours outside of class each week 2 hours for every hour spent in class Grades o o o o 6 quizzes best five will be counted for total of 100 points 20 points each Homework total of 100 points 4 tests best 3 will be counted for total of 300 points 100 points each Comprehensive final Exam 100 points Letter grades will be assigned as follows please note that to earn a D your total point must be at least 390 Letter grade A B C D F Points 539 points 480 539 points 420 477 points 390 419 points 325 points TESTING Dates for tests are given on the course break down table see page 8 9 You should make a special effort to be present for class on those days but should it be absolutely necessary to miss a scheduled test the student should contact the instructor as early as possible to make other arrangements for testing A separate make up test will be given only for an extreme emergency and will be scheduled at the instructor s convenience HOMEWORK GUIDELINES Homework Assignments for each section assigned on the course break down table see page 8 9 Difficulties will be discussed at each class meeting It is expected that each student will be able to solve ALL of the exercise problems in each section covered In order to receive full credit for your homework each assigned section of homework handed in I will grade these The solutions to each problem must be written out and all work must be shown Page 3 Math 031 Introductory Algebra 2006 In order to effectively learn mathematics you must be prepared to work the problems yourselves No amount of watching someone else perform mathematical manipulations will allow you to fully understand the process Homework is to be done by you individually I really do not like grading copies Acceptable homework will Be turned in on the due date Be turned in on clean edged paper I prefer loose leaf paper but notebook paper is satisfactory PROVIDED you remove the ragged edges prior to turning it in Be written on only one side of the paper and stapled in the corner If you do not have a stapler stop by my office prior to class and use mine Do not rip the corner of your homework and turn it down Have the problem written out along with your complete solution If the problem is one of the many application problems we will attempt you need only write out the pertinent information from the problem If your background in mathematics is below average or you normally work at a slower than average pace then you should schedule more study time in order to keep up with the course materials You can get assistance at Academic Support services located at L105 Learning Resource Center Wye Mills Campus Cambridge Multi Service Center Cambridge Center For more information visit http www chesapeake edu asc ATTENDANCE Students whose attendance is sporadic often so not do well because of the nature of the course In addition since in class activities constitute over 50 of the student s final grade one half of a letter grade it is the benefit of each student to be present at every class session Most students need guidance in understanding the procedures involved in developing a new mathematical process It is the student s responsibility to make up any work missed due to an absence for any reason If you find yourself unable to keep up with the class make an appointment to see me at my office NOTE College policy prohibits young children from accompanying parents to class CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE It is assumed that all students will respect each others rights to fully participate in the discussion of the day To that end it is expected that students will not engage in behaviors that distract not only the instructor but also their fellow classmates Students who engage in activities such as talking Page 4 Math 031 Introductory Algebra 2006 to each others talking on cell phones or text messaging leaving