Math 099: Elementary Algebra
Fall 2008
Instructor:
Dr. Lori Carter
(619) 849-2352
office: RS 214
Office
hours:
Monday 8:30-9:30
AM, 2:30-4:00 PM
Tues, Thurs 8:30 AM-10:00 AM
Wednesday 8:30-9:30 AM, 12:30 1:30 PM
Friday 8:30-9:30 AM, 10:30-11:30 AM
Text:
Practical Algebra: A Self-Teaching Guide 2nd
Edition: Wiley and Sons 1991
Textbook should be
brought to each class period.
Course Objectives:
·
This
course constitutes an introduction to algebra designed to meet the requirements
for graduation and to prepare you for other classes for which this class is a
prerequisite. We will study the real number system, solutions of linear and
quadratic equations, polynomials, factoring, graphing, inequalities, and
radicals.
·
Mathematics
is learned primarily by doing mathematics not simply listening to it; that
is, the effective learning of mathematics is an active process, involving
participation. Thus, the course aims to maximize student involvement, hence
student achievement. Individual concepts in mathematics are learned (mastered
as opposed to memorized) by thinking and working
through numerous examples and exercises which involve these concepts; by this
process mathematical concepts become familiar and less abstract.
Course Organization:
Lectures:
The goal of lectures is to present the
concepts and a few examples. You will then work on problems from the book. It
is essential to bring your book to class. Homework questions will be answered
at the beginning of each lecture.
Homework:
Homework will be assigned from the book, but may also include additional
problems. Note that all of the answers are in the book. Therefore, I will only
be checking to see if you did your homework. If the problems require work, you
will only get credit if I also see the work. You will only get out of this
class what you put into it. Although you can probably get away with copying
some of the answers, this will not help you to learn the material or to prepare
you for exams! Late homework is not
accepted. Homework is considered late after the professor has checked it
off during class. Homework points are assigned as follows:
Completely done, with work: 2
More than half done, with work: 1
Anything less: 0
Exams: There are 4
exams scheduled. Each exam will cover 3 chapters. The scheduled dates are September 9, October 9, November
6, and December 9. If you dont take an exam, you
will earn zero points for the exam. No
make-up exams will be allowed without prior arrangements
being made. Make-up exams must be taken when scheduled.
Should
you earn 93% or better on each of these exams, you will not be required to take
the final exam.
Final
Exam: The final exam will
comprehensive. It is scheduled for Thursday
of finals week at 1:00.
Attendance:
As stated in the
school catalog, Whenever the number of accumulated
absences in a class, for any cause, exceeds ten percent of classes, the faculty
member sends a written report to the Associate Provost for Academic
Administration which may result in de-enrollment. If more than 20% is reported as missed, the
student may automatically be de-enrolled. If the date of de-enrollment is past
the last date to withdraw from a class, the student will be assigned a grade of
F or NC.
Grading:
Homework 10%
Exams 60% (90% if not
required to take final)
Final Exam 30%
Final grades will be determined as follows:
100-93% A
90-92% A-
87-89% B+
83-86% B
80-82% B-
77-79% C+
73-76% C
70-72% C-
67-69% D+
63-66% D
60-62% D-
0-59% F
Academic Accommodations:
All
students are expected to meet the standards for this course as set by the
instructor. However, students with learning disabilities who may need
accommodations should discuss options with the