St. Louis Community College At Florissant Valley

Mathematics, Science, Engineering, & Technology Division

Mathematics Department

Course Syllabus

MTH 040 505 Elementary Algebra & Basic Math (5 Credit Hours)

Fall 2008 Semester

12:00 –1:24 MWF

Room E291

Instructor: Chris McDonald

Office: SM 270

Phone: 513-4170

E-Mail: cmcdonald@stlcc.edu

Web Page: http://users.stlcc.edu/cmcdonald

Office Hours:

Monday 10:00 – 11:00, 1:30 – 2:40

Tuesday 7:00 – 8:00, 9:15 – 11:00

Wednesday 10:00 – 11:00, 1:30 – 2:40

Thursday 7:00 – 8:00, 9:15 – 11:00

Friday 10:00 – 11:00, 1:30 – 2:40

Course Description:

This course combines the topics of Basic Mathematics (operations on whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, signed numbers, and word problem applications) with those of Elementary Algebra (operations on polynomials, operations on rational expressions, and solving equations). It is intended for students who need to review the materials in these two courses.

Course Prerequisite:

Satisfactory score on placement test

Text:

Integrated Arithmetic & Basic Algebra: 4^th Edition; Bill E. Jordan and William P. Pallow; Pearson, Addison-Wesley.

This course requires the use of a scientific calculator.

Course Objectives:

The student will…

1. Perform the basic binary operations on whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and signed numbers
2. Solve basic word problems using the basic operations on numbers including geometrical applications, metrics, Pythagorean Theorem, unit analysis and graphs
3. Solve and apply the percent equation
4. Solve proportions as well as apply them
5. Translate word phrases into algebraic expressions as well as evaluate algebraic expressions
6. Apply the distributive property and simplify algebraic expressions
7. Perform the binary operations on polynomials
8. Solve linear equations in one variable; solve polynomial equations in one variable by factoring
9. Solve and graph solution sets to linear inequalities in one variable
10. Plot points in two dimensions; read graphs (finding domains and ranges of basic relations); find slopes of the linear relations as well as equations; apply the basic properties of slopes (such as slopes for parallel and perpendicular lines).
11. Perform the basic binary operations on rational algebraic expressions; solve equations containing rational algebraic expressions
12. solve application problems using the techniques and ideas developed in this course.

Method of Evaluation:

Tests: 400 points

There will be 5 unit tests worth 100 points each. The lowest test grade will be dropped.

Comprehensive Final Exam: 100 points

There will be a comprehensive final examination worth 100 points.

Grading Policy:

A superior 90 – 100 %

B above average 80 – 89 %

C average 70 – 79 %

D passing, below average 60 – 69 %

F failure 0 – 59 %

PR Students with at least an average of 50% and having attended at least 85% of the classes may request a PR grade. The PR grade carries no credit. Be aware that PR grades may be converted to failing grades at other institutions. Also be aware that a PR grade instead of an F may affect a students financial aid status. PR grades will only be given after written request by the student.

Make-Up Tests:

Students may arrange with the instructor to take a test early. No make-up tests will be given after the test date. If one test is missed, then that will be the dropped test grade. If more than one test is missed, then the student will receive a grade of zero for that test.The final exam grade may be substituted for those grades at the discretion of the instructor.

Attendance:

Attendance is clearly an essential factor in successfully completing any mathematics class.

Homework:

Although homework is not collected, completion of all assigned problems is essential to a thorough understanding of the material.

Course Withdrawals:

A W will be issued if a student initiates and completes the course withdrawal process prior to the end of the 12^th week of classes.

The ACCESS OFFICE:

Disability Support Services has been designated by the college as the primary office to guide, counsel and assist students with disabilities. If you receive services through the ACCESS OFFICE and require accommodations for this class, make an appointment with me as soon as possible to discuss your approved accommodation needs. Bring your Instuctor Notification Memo provided by the ACCESS OFFICE to the appointment. I will hold any infomation you share with me in strictest confidence unless you give me permission to do otherwise.

If you have not made contact with the ACCESS OFFICE and have reasonable accommodation needs, (volunteer notetaker, extended time for tests, seating arrangements, etc.), I will be happy to refer you. The ACCESS OFFICE will require appropriate documentation of disability.

If you have a disability and have no need for accommodations, the use of ACCESS OFFICE is voluntary.

EXPECTED CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR

1. Be respectful
• If you arrive late, enter quietly and sit in an available seat closest to the door.
• Pay attention, do not engage in conversation or other disruptive behavior during class.
• Do not eat or drink during class
• Turn off your cell phone or pager before class.
• If you must leave early, leave quietly and do not block other students view of the blackboard or overhead screen as you leave.
• Do not wait to sharpen your pencil after class has begun. If you need to sharpen your pencil, arrive early enough to sharpen it before class.
2. Be prepared
• Bring whatever materials are necessary to participate in class.(pencils, pens, paper, calculator, assignments due,etc.)
• Make sure your calculator has charged batteries before an upcoming test.
• Do not ask me for pencils, paper, calculators, or batteries.
3. Be punctual
• Attend class on time.
• Be on time for all examinations.
• Make sure that your other responsibilities do not conflict with the class schedule.
4. Be responsible
• Spend at least two hours on outside work for every one hour of classroom work.
• Take responsibility for your attendance, participation and learning in the course.

Fall 08 Week 1	25 1.1-1.2	27 1.3-1.4	29 1.5-1.6
Fall 08 Week 2	September 1 Labor Day	3 1.7-1.8	5 2.1-2.2
Fall 08 Week 3	8 Review	10 Test 1	12 2.7-2.8
Fall 08 Week 4	15 2.3-2.4	17 2.5-2.6	19 2.9-3.1
Fall 08 Week 5	22 3.2-3.3	24 3.4-3.5	26 3.6-3.7
Fall 08 Week 6	29 Review	October 1 Test 2	3 4.4-4.5
Fall 08 Week 7	6 3.8-4.1	8 4.2-4.3	10 4.6-4.7
Fall 08 Week 8	13 4.8-5.1	15 5.2-5.3	17 5.4-5.5 Mid-Term
Fall 08 Week 9	20 Review	22 Test 3	24 6.2-6.3
Fall 08 Week 10	27 5.6-5.7	29 5.8-6.1	31 6.4-6.5
Fall 08 Week 11	3 6.6-6.7	5 7.1-7.2	7 7.3-7.4
Fall 08 Week 12	10 Review	12 Test 4	14 8.2-8.3 W Ddline
Fall 08 Week 13	17 7.5-7.6	19 7.7-8.1	21 8.4-8.5
Fall 08 Week 14	24 9.1-9.2	26 9.3-9.4	28 Thanksgiving
Fall 08 Week 15	December 1 9.5-Review	3 Test 5	5 Review
Fall 08 Week 16	8 Review	10 Review	12 Review
Fall 08 Finals	15	17	19

MTH 040 505 Elementary Algebra & Basic Math

Fall 2008

ATTENDANCE & SYLLABUS ACCEPTANCE

By signing this form, I acknowledge that I have received the syllabus for this course and attended one class.

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NAME ____________________________________

Please SIGN your name here.

NAME ____________________________________