MATH 007- ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA

COURSE INFORMATION SHEET

SPRING SEMESTER - 2003

SECTION 506: MWF from 9:00 to 9:50 AM SM 266

SECTION 507: TR from 10:00 to 10:50 AM SM 266

INSTRUCTOR: JOHN COBURN

OFFICE: SM #272

PHONE: 513-4343

OFFICE HOURS

M T W Th F

8:30 – 8:55 AM 8:30 – 8:55 AM 8:30 – 8:55 AM

11:00 – 4:00 PM 10:45 – 11:45 PM 11:00 – 12:30 PM 10:45 – 11:45 PM 11:00 – 12:30 PM

and by appointment

TEXT: Elementary And Intermediate Algebra, 3rd Edition, Bittenger, Ellenbogen and Johnson, Addison Wesley Longman, Reading, MA, 2002

COURSE

DESCRIPTION: This course is designed for students who did not take a full year of algebra in high school or who wish to review the fundamental ideas of algebra in order to strengthen their skills and continue in the algebra sequence. Topics covered will include: equations and inequalities, graphs of basic linear equations, properties of exponents, polynomials, factoring and its applications, rational expressions, rational equations and applications in each of these areas. There will be a distinct emphasis on problem solving skills and appropriate use of the scientific calculator

OBJECTIVES: 1) The student will be able to solve linear equations and inequalities.

2) The student will be able to identify a linear equation in two variables, graph linear equations using the intercept method, and compute the slope of a line given two points.

3) The student will be able to apply all properties of exponents.

4) The student will be able to perform the basic binary operations on polynomials in one variable and to solve polynomial equations in one variable by factoring.

5) The student will be able to perform the basic binary operations on rational expressions and to solve equations which involve rational expressions.

6) The student will be able to solve application problems related to the objectives above using a variety of techniques and approaches.

COURSE

WORK: A list of homework problems will be given at the end of each class session. Although homework is not collected on a regular basis, each student should recognize the importance of keeping it complete and current. Completion of all assigned problems is an essential part of understanding and doing mathematics. Your knowledge and comprehension of the material will be measured by six chapter tests, ten quizzes (two per chapter after Chapter 1) and a Final Exam. I require quality work from every student. To compensate for absences (for any reason) or “bad days,” the lowest test grade and the two lowest quiz grades will be dropped.

GRADING FOR EXAMPLE

QUIZZES WILL BE 20% OF YOUR FINAL GRADE QUIZ AVG 93 x 0.20 = 18.6

CHAP TESTS WILL BE 60% OF YOUR FINAL GRADE TEST AVG 78 x 0.60 = 46.8

FINAL EXAM WILL BE 20% OF YOUR FINAL GRADE FINAL EXAM 73 x 0.20 = 14.6

FINAL GRADE = 80.0

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• PLEASE KEEP TRACK OF YOUR OWN GRADES -- COMPUTING YOUR CURRENT GRADE IS A STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY (USE THE GRADE TRACKER).

• THERE ARE A NUMBER OF HANDOUTS IN THIS COURSE. PLEASE GET A TWO-POCKET FOLDER TO ORGANIZE THEM SO THEY CAN EASILY BE USED FOR TEST PREPARATION

AND AS A BRIDGE TO YOUR NEXT CLASS

• SAVE YOUR GRADED PAPERS AS A DOUBLE CHECK ON MY GRADE BOOK.

ATTENDANCE: Students are expected to be present at all scheduled class meetings. Attendance will affect border-line grades and in some cases the grades “I” and “PR.”

Work missed due to an absence is an individual responsibility and every student should recognize the damaging effects of an absence, excused or unexcused. To offset these negative effects, make full use of office hours, use the math lab, and get to know someone else in this class so that you can work together and exchange ideas, notes, and information.

MLC HOURS: Monday through Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Phone 513-4567

Friday and Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

LATE WORK: There are no make-up quizzes or tests given during the semester. If a quiz or test is missed for any reason, that quiz or test grade will be one of those grades “dropped”.

INCOMPLETE: The grade “I” will not be given except in extraordinary cases, and only if a student's work and attendance has been full and regular prior to the request. See Page 7 of this packet for more information.

PROGRESS

RE-ENROLL: The grade “PR” will not be given unless a student’s work and attendance merit the grade. You must continue attending class and have at least a 50% average at semester’s end. The PR grade is intended for those students who have made every effort to attend class and comprehend the material, but who will need to retake the class before continuing their study of algebra. See Page 7 of this packet for more information.

WITHDRAWAL

POLICIES: A student may withdraw with an 80% refund prior to Jan 17th. Refunds of 50% are given if a student withdraws before Jan 31st. A student may withdraw with no refund and a grade entry of “W” prior to Apr 11th, after which grades are based on work completed. Failure to officially withdraw will result in a grade of “F” for the course.

CALCULATORS: As an aid to study in this course, each student should bring a scientific calculator to class as soon as possible (at least by the end of the first week).

AMERICANS WITH

DISABILITIES: Any student with a documented disability who needs special testing arrangements, note taking help, or other accommodations should feel free to discuss these needs with the instructor. All discussions will remain confidential. No information will be shared without permission.

Instructor

EVALUATION: Just prior to the Mid-Term break, students will have an opportunity to formally evaluate the instructor. All comments and suggestions will be carefully considered.

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