Math 154 -- Elementary Algebra – Fall 2009

 

Instructor:  Mark Eastman

Room 825 -:- T Th 12:40 – 3:05 pm

Office: Room 714A

Telephone: 479-6496

mark.eastman”at”cabrillo.edu

 

http://www.cabrillo.edu/~meastman

 

  

 

Text

Elementary Algebra for College Students – Early Graphing

Allen R. Angel, 3rd edition

 

 

Office hours

Monday, Wednesday:     9:30 – 10:30

Tuesday, Thursday:      10:30 – 11:30

Friday:                              9:30 – 10:00

 

 

Student

Learning

Outcomes

Upon completion of this course a student should be able to:

  1. Apply general mathematical concepts and principles to perform arithmetic computations on algebraic expressions.
  2. Choose appropriate methods and then solve equations, inequalities and systems of equations
  3. Create, use, and analyze analytical and graphical representations of mathematical models

 

 

Homework

New homework assignments will be distributed for each test period.  I will be assigning many problems for homework, and I would like you to attempt all of the assigned problems.  Please keep your homework problems separate from your notes, either in a spiral notebook or on separate paper.  I will collect your work at the start of each test.  Late homework will not be accepted.  Homework will be graded on both the number of problems attempted and the number of complete solutions.  Each homework set is worth 20 points.

 

 

Tests

There will be four midterm tests for the course, each covering two or three chapters from the text.  These tests are worth 100 points each.  If you are caught cheating on a test, you will receive 0 points for the test.  If you are unable to attend class on a test day, please contact me, either in person or by phone at 479-6496, so that we can make alternate arrangements.  If you do not contact me and make arrangements before the test is scheduled, you will not be able to make up the test. There will also be a comprehensive final exam worth 200 points.

 

 

Electronics

A scientific calculator is required for some of the material in this course.  You are welcome to use a scientific calculator at any time during the course.  You may also use a graphing calculator when doing your homework, during class discussions, and when preparing for a test, but graphing calculators will not be allowed during tests.  Cellphones should be off or in silent mode during class; should you need to take a call, please leave the room before connecting.  Cellphones need to be turned off during tests.

 


 
MLC / ILC

The Math Learning Center is located in room 1074 in the Library/Learning Resources Center, close to the 700 building, and the Integrated Learning Center is located at the Watsonville Center.   The MLC and ILC are great places to get tutorial help.  You can get individual help from the tutors, work in a group in the conference room, or use the computers for some extra help.   Check the MLC website and the ILC page for information on their hours of operation.

  

 

 

Materials

You should have the following items at each class session:

·         a pen or pencil and paper for taking notes

·         your textbook

·         a ruler for drawing lines and graphs

·         a scientific calculator

·         a second color pen/pencil, or a highlighter to emphasize points

 

 

 
Helpful Hints

Mathematics is a subject you must practice in order to be successful. Plan to attend every class meeting--we cover many sections a day and you can quickly get behind if you don’t attend class.  Spend some time doing math every day: reading the textbook, working on homework problems, making study aids.  It is better to study some every day rather than cramming a lot of study time in the day or two before a test.  In class, ask questions if you don’t understand a concept.  If you are having difficulty with the material, see me during my office hours, or go to the MLC.  Make contacts with other students in the course: you can study together or just keep each other going.

 

 

 
Accommodations

 

Students needing accommodations should contact the instructor as soon as possible. As required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), accommodations are provided to insure equal opportunity for students with verified disabilities. If you need assistance with an accommodation, please contact Disabled Student Services, Room 810, 479-6379, or Learning Skills Program, Room 1073, 479-6220.

 

 

 

Grades

Grades for the course will be assigned based on your total points from homework and tests.  I usually assign final grades based on a sliding scale of your total points for the course.  A credit/no credit option is not available for these courses.

 

 

 

Possible

Points

 

 

Desired

grade

minimum points

needed

(tentative)

 

Homework

100

 

A

630

Tests

400

 

B

560

Final Exam

200

 

C

490

Total Possible

700

 

D

420