MATH100 Essentials of Algebra

3 hours of elective cr= edit

(d= oes not fulfill the general education requirement in mathematics)

Instructor: Rich Burkett

Scheduled Class Times: Monday/Wednesday 11:00-12:15

Office Hours= : Monday/Wednesday 2:00-3:00, Tuesday 10:00-1:00 and by appointment

Office: #114A Foundation Village<= /st1:PlaceType>

Phone: (814)768-3624

Email: rburkett@lhup.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Essentials of Algebra<= /span> is a one-term introductory course in algebra that is intended for students = who have a firm background in arithmetic but need to improve their algebra skills. This course contains = work with real and rational numbers, algebraic expressions, solving equations and inequalities, polynomials, graphs, systems of equations, radicals, and quadratic equations.

Prerequisite= : MATH009 or placement by the Mathem= atics Department

OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE

The Essentials of Algebra course aims to:=

1) Significantly raise the level of algebraic skills in students with deficiencies in these skills.

2) Prepare students to be successful in general education mathematics courses.

3) Help students overcome= a “fear of mathematics”.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

Bi= ttinger/B= eecher, Developmental Mathematics, 6^th ed., Pearson Education, Inc., Boston, 2004.

TEACHING STRATEGIES

During class time, there will be a lecture and a discussion on new concepts. All concepts will be practiced and reviewed in class as necessary. Students are encouraged to ask the instructor and their peers for help. Exercises assigned in class are to be finished as homework.

COURSE OUTLINE

Pre-algebra review

Real numbers and algebraic expressions (Chapter = 7)

Solving equations and inequalities (Chapter 8)

Graphs of equations and inequalities (Chapter 9)=

Operations with polynomials (Chapter 10)

Factoring polynomials (Chapter 11)

REQUIREMENTS

Students are expected to attend all classes and read the textbook.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> The student who attends class regu= larly and is prepared will benefit. The instruction for each class is built upon the concepts from the previous classes. Therefore, attendanc= e and participation in class discussions is essential. If you are absent for any reason, = it is your responsibility to get the notes and assignments that you missed.<= /o:p>

EVALUATION

3 E= xams (30% each exam) &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; 90% of the grade

Qui= zzes, homework and participation = ; &n= bsp; = ; &n= bsp; 10% of the grade

Com= prehensive final &n= bsp; = ; &n= bsp; = ; &n= bsp; = ; One exam score

POLICIES

You m= ust be in class to take a quiz/exam or submit homework. There are no make up exams or quiz= zes.

Quizz= es and collection of homework need not be announced. Be Prepared!

The l= owest quiz/homework score will be dropped.

Class participation plays a large part in determining your success in this course. Be an active particip= ant in the course and ask questions.

If at= anytime you are having difficulty with the material, please see me during office ho= urs or make an appointment.

If yo= u are passing the course with a C or better, the comprehensive final is optional = and will replace your lowest exam score. If for any reason you miss an exam, you must take the comprehensive final and it will replace the missed exam score. If you have taken all three exams = but do not have a score of C or better, you must take the comprehensive final. Warning: Do not view the final exam as a “mulligan”. The comprehensive final encompasses all material learned throughout the semester and is very difficult.

Rev. 8/08 R. Burkett