COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA

Fall SEMESTER OF 2016

COURSE: Math 126. Precalculus 1(Course Code for Aleks is PPR9R-VGRDH)

Section: 3011 MoTuWeTh: 9:30 AM to 10:50 AM

W. Charleston – I bldg. – room 308

INSTRUCTOR: Eun J. Cha

Office: W. Charleston – H bldg. – room 101-H

Phone: 651-7681

Email: eb-page:

Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday 8:00 AM to 9:20 AM.

Tuesday and Wednesday 12:10 PM to 1:10 PM.

REQUIRED MATERIALS:You must purchase an ALEKS 360 student access code that accompanies our course textbook Precalculus, 1st edition,by Julie Miller/Donna Gerken. This can be purchase online as you register. My registration instructions at the end of this syllabus will walk you through registering. Make sure you purchase 52weeks of access since CSN has special pricing. The eBook is included as part of the required ALEKS access. If you do not have the funds for the code by the start of the semester, you may use the student access code to give you 14 days of free access to ALEKS.

Financial Aid Access code is: 50C90-97FB3-7C227-F528D

We will cover the following chapter:

Course Readiness and Review – Section 5, 6, and 8

Ch. 1 – Sections 1.1 – 1.8 (Test1)

Ch. 2 – Sections 2.1 – 2.6 (Test2)

Ch. 3 – Sections 3.1 – 3.6

Ch. 7 – Sections 7.1, 7.4 (Test3)

DESCRIPTION: A rigorous discussion of algebra concepts necessary for calculus is the focal point of this course. Topics include an in-depth investigation of algebraic functions and their graphs and solutions of systems ofequations.

PREREQUISITE: Math 096 or Math 097 both with a grade of C or better; or a satisfactory ACT/SAT/Placement Test score.

NOTE: This course serves as a prerequisite course for Math 127 and is essential for students planning to take calculus.

CORSE OBJECTIVES:

  • Solve polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic equations.
  • Work with Cartesian coordinate system, being able to graph linear, exponential, polynomial, absolute value, square root, piecewise-defined, rational, and logarithmic functions.
  • Understand function concepts, including operations on functions, and inverse functions.
  • Solve systems of linear and nonlinear equations.
  • Apply and extend all concepts.

CALCULATORS: Although a calculator is not required, a ‘Scientific Calculator’ is recommended. The student

is expected to learn how to use their calculator on their own.

FINAL EXAM: Monday, December 12at 9:30 AM.There will be absolutely no Make-up for Final exam.

HOMEWORK: Your homework will be done online in ALEKS, and ALEKS calls this “objectives”. Each week there will be an ALEKS objectives due on Monday nights at 11:59pm. Your first objective is due Monday 9/5. You will have more than one objectives (sections) per week, so you will want to start working immediately once the course begins. These objectives make up 20% of your overall grade. These objectives are not something you can do it an afternoon. There are numerous problems to do so it’s best to work on it in short chunks several time a week versus spending hours and hours on one day.

ATTENDANCE: Class attendance is very important in the study of mathematics. I expect you to attend class regularly and be on time, also notify me if you must leave class early. If classes are missed, students are responsible for all materials missed and any homework assignment. The rolls will be taken from graded assignments, quizzes, worksheets, tests or randomly. If you stop attending class and do not officially withdraw, you will receive a grade of “F”.

GRADING: Ave. of Exam:55%

H.W. Average:20%

Final Exam: 25%

There will be no make-up Exams, and Final. (In order to take a make-up exam, a student has to have 90% or better of attendance, and the instructor must be notified of the emergency by phone or e-mail on the day of test. Also, the instructor must receive a documentation of emergency within a reasonable time period.)

Pop Quizzes at any time, tests announced one week in advance.

GRADING SCALE: 90 -100 = A 80 - 89 = B

70 – 79 = C

60 – 69 = D

Below 60 is an F

Final grading adjustments are left to the instructor. Determining factors are attitude, class participation, and attendance. Each student’s class grade will be determined by the breakdown above, period. So, please don’t ask for a grade you did not earn through satisfactorily completing the above assignments.

WITHDRAWLS: If you stop attending class or quit completing the required work, you will receive a grade based on your percentage shown above on the grading scale. If you wish to be withdrawn from this course, it is your responsibility to officially drop the course by the drop date listed in the college catalog/schedule of classes, which for this semester is November 6th. CSN policy prohibits an instructor from issuing a W grade.

EXTRA CREDIT: Absolutely no extra credit work will be offered in this course.

CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE:

  1. Headphones, and smart watches are not allowed in class. (More importantly on the test days)
  2. All cell phones, iPods, mp3 players, etc. should be turned off during the class time. This is especially important on the test days!! (No text message)
  3. No computer must be open.
  4. If you have to leave class before the time, you should let me know advance.
  5. Be on time.
  6. Cannot use cell phones or smart watches as calculator.
  7. No children and guests.
  8. The student is expected to behave in a courteous manner towards the class and instructor.
  9. No private conversations with other students and no disruptions during the class time.

CHANGES: The instructor reserves the right to change the course syllabus, schedule, and policies as necessary. Students will be given appropriate notification in the event of any corresponding changes.

DISABLILTY:If you have a documented disability that may require assistance, you will need to contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) for coordination of your academic accommodations. The DRC is located in Student services on each campus. Cheyenne 651-4045, West Charleston 651-5089, and Henderson 651-3086.For those students that would like to perform community service or earn extra money, stop by the DRC to fill out a job interest card. This office hires students as note takers, proctors, scribes and research assistants as needed.

AVAILABLE HELP: If you find yourself having difficulty with the material and would like extra help, then you can utilize CSN's tutorial services. CSN provides free tutoring for all enrolled math students. There is a free walk-in tutorial lab on all three CSN campuses that is staffed with tutors and math instructors.

Charleston Campus: The Science and Mathematics Resource Center in Room K -406 offers free tutoring. The tutorial center in the lobby of the D building on the Charleston Campus also offers free tutoring.

Henderson Campus: The Mathematics Resource Center in C - 119 offers free tutoring.

Cheyenne Campus: The Mathematics Resource Center in room 2651 offers free tutoring.

Tutorial Services/Learning Centers: The Tutorial Services’ mission is to foster a positive and caring learning atmosphere that supports classroom instruction and overall student success. One-on-one tutoring and drop-in labs are available – visit for more information. Tutors are available in most subjects to provide learning support and help you improve your academic motivation and performance, enhance your self-esteem and confidence as an independent learner, and achieve your educational, professional and personal goals. Register for FREE and UNLIMITED one-on-one tutoring and schedule appointments at or contact one of our offices at: Charleston Campus – (Room D-203 - 651-5732) – Cheyenne Campus (Room S-247 - 651-4232) – Henderson Campus (Room B-201 - 651-3125)

Scholastic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent. You are expected to have read and understood the current issue of the student handbook.

Tentative Schedule for Math 126 Fall 2016