MATH 95 INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA
Instructor: Mary Borman Office: WOH 109 main campus
Office Hours: After class T H Phone: 917-4981 (office) leave a message
Other times by appointment 757-6573 (home) feel free to call me at home
Email: before 9pm or leave a message
Class meets: 2:30-4:20 T H
Text: Intermediate Algebra 6th Edition by Elayn Martin-Gay or Custom Edn for LBCC
And "Course Materials" packet for MTH 95
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course expands upon the concepts learned in Elementary Algebra to explore more abstract topics and their applications. Topics include problem solving strategies, systems of linear equations, function notation, quadratic and other equations and their graphs, Nth roots and radicals, factoring, complex numbers and variation. It is designed to produce algebraic readiness for college algebra and therefore incorporates a great deal of practice of symbolic manipulation.
COURSE FORMAT: The course format will include lecture and group work. Students will be expected to share solutions to various assignments both orally and in writing. Because we meet for only 4 hours per week, it is imperative that we make good use of the class time. We will begin the discussion of the topic of the day on time. Whether the topic is something you're already familiar with or not, I'd like you to take part because you may be able to offer a "window" for another student to see his/her way through a problem with which they are struggling and often insights into our own difficulties come unexpectedly while looking at something else or listening to someone else. Please note that this is not a self-study course. Check the catalog for the availability of such a course if you are interested in that style of class.
ATTENDANCE: You are expected to be in class on time for every session. Attending class regularly is one of the most important things you can do to be successful as a student. This is a lecture class. If you do not plan to attend class, you should enroll in a self directed class. If you are unable to attend class for some reason or need to be late, be sure to give me a call and/or leave a message.
HOMEWORK: Homework will be assigned daily and collected as scheduled. The tentative lecture schedule tells which sections will be covered that day in class and they should be read before coming to class. The homework for that section will be due as scheduled. All homework should be completed before you take the mod test. There will also be in class assignments (ICA’s). These can only rarely be made up if I’m notified in advance or there are some extenuating circumstances. Attendance in class is an important part
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of being a student. I will score and record these on your homework sheets. These will give you and me an opportunity to check for your understanding as we proceed.
Do your homework on a separate piece of paper in a neat and orderly fashion. Remember that your problem solving is a form of mathematical communication. I need to be able to follow your work easily. Staple multiple pages together. At the top of your paper record the class (Math95), your name and the homework section number. The problem numbers should be highlighted. Please note that half points are given for late homework. However, it will not be considered late if you are able to complete it on the day it is due and turn it in to the LC with my name and the class code on it. They will date stamp it and put it in my file. It may take a couple of days for me to get it, but you won't lose any points.
GRADING APPROXIMATE SCALE
3 Mod Tests @ 100 pts each 300 90 – 100 % A
Hw & In Class Assignments 200 80 – 89 % B
Comprehensive Final 100 70 – 79% C
3 Activities 100 60 - 69% D
Total Points Possible 700 Less than 60% F
HELP: Please let us know when you first need help. There are many resources available. I have scheduled office hours and you can make an appointment to meet me at other times. The LC (WH 226)has one or two Math help desks available all hours it is open. The "Math Angle" is designed to help with the developmental classes and there are free tutors available for anyone in this class.
You should meet with your instructor during the first week of class if
§ You have a documented disability and need accommodations,
§ Your instructor needs to know medical information about you, or
§ If you need special arrangements in the event of an emergency.
If you think you may need accommodation service, please contact the Center for Accessibility Resources, 917-4789.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS: In this transitional developmental course, the module tests will be taken outside of class time in the Learning Center WH 226. In order to take a module test you will need a "ticket" from the Module packet signed by your instructor and a photo ID. You may take only one mod test late, which includes a grade penalty. The highest score on a late test is 75. There is a comprehensive final at the end of the term given according to the final testing schedule. Your grade will be determined by the percent of the total points available. Since there are no retests allowed, you have the option of dropping your lowest module test score and replacing it with your comprehensive final exam score if it is higher (i.e. dropping one mod test and making the final exam worth 200 points). In the event you do not take any mod tests, you will need to drop the course or receive a grade of F.
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ACTIVITIES: The activities are very important, be sure to mark the dates on your calendar. These will be done in assigned groups. The activity is due the class period following the day it is scheduled. It usually requires about a week to score and return activities. Late activities are penalized 5 points if turned in before the others are returned and 10 points or more later. You may have the opportunity to make up one activity at the end of the term.
EXPECTATIONS: I expect that my students will be involved in class. This includes being present, asking questions and participating in discussions. You should come to class prepared (this means you should have the assigned sections read, bring your book, calculator, etc. as well as your homework). I expect you to be respectful of everyone in the class, in word as well as behavior. Along these lines, I ask that you turn off your cell phone and music devices during class and put them away so as to avoid causing a distraction.
ACADEMIC HONESTY: I assume that you are ethical and honest. However, if there is an incident of academic dishonesty (including but not limited to cheating, plagiarism, forgery, or aiding or abetting cheating or plagiarism), you will be subject to disciplinary action. They may include reporting the incident to the administration where it will be noted in your file, as well as receiving a grade of F for the course.
LBCC POLICY: LBCC prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, ethnicity, use of native language, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status, age or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local laws. (for further information http://po.linnbenton.edu/BPsandARs/). The LBCC community is enriched by diversity. Everyone has the right to think, learn and work together in an environment of respect, tolerance and goodwill. We will work toward creating a community without prejudice, intimidation or discrimination. (related to Board Policy #1015). Smoking is allowed only in designated smoking areas. All other areas of the campus will be smoke-free, including building walkways, the courtyard, building interiors and in front of doorways. Smoking areas are clearly marked.
RIGHT TO PRIVACY: I like to return assignments, activities and test results at the beginning of class when possible and because we do some things in groups, there may be times during the term when other students may become aware of your scores. If you are uncomfortable with this, please let me know so we can arrange a time when you can collect your assignments from me privately.
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One last note: The responsibility for being a student rests with you, but having been a student for many years, raising a family, having children in college, and teaching at LB for almost 20 years, I know that being a college student is not easy work. At times it's downright frustrating and there may be times when life seems overwhelming. There are also very exciting and rewarding times. But, if you ever get the feeling things are hopeless, please see me immediately. I thank you and your mother will too.
Math 95: Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1. Interpret and analyze functions to find information such as domain, range, variable values and function values by using a variety of tools that may include graphs, tables or given equations.
2. Model application problems using appropriate algebra such as a linear system of equations, quadratic regression equations, and variation equations.
3. Verbally explain mathematical concepts, processes and solutions.
4. Apply algebra skills to simplify expressions such as exponential, radical, rational and complex number expressions.
5. Apply algebra skills such as factoring, completing the square, the quadratic formula, to solve various types of equations.