Math 81 Materials You Will Need

INFORMATION ABOUT MATH 091 COURSE MATERIALS

Rev: 1/3/10

Purpose of this Handout

To help you navigate all the options for obtaining materials and computer access for this class. This Math 91 class uses a website called “CourseCompass” (or “MyMathLab”) to help you practice and learn the ideas we cover in class. It is related to the textbook for the class, but they don’t have to be purchased together. That’s good and bad – it allows you to pay less money for your class materials, but it can require more than simply going to the bookstore.

What you need for class:

• A version of the textbook Beginning Algebra, 5th Edition, by Elayn Martin-Gay
• MyMathLab Access
• Access to the internet for at least 5 – 8 hours a week. (Consider using libraries.)
• A notebook, folder, pens/pencils, eraser, extra paper (possibly graph/grid paper)
• A scientific or graphing calculator
• Scientific: look for one with an exponent key (usually labeled xy or ^) and trig functions (sin, cos, and tan). Examples are any TI-30X model and most Casio FX models (like the FX-115). You shouldn’t have to pay more than $20 for one.
• Graphing: You may want to consider a graphing calculator (preferably a TI-83 or 84), since you will be required to have a graphing calculator in Math 97, 111, 141, and 146. These may be rented from the mathematics department for about $23 per quarter.
• (Optional) A ruler

If you used MyMathLab in your last math class: (If you didn’t, skip this section.)

1. Go to and log in, BUT DON’T click on your previous course.
2. Instead, click on the “Enroll” button or “Enroll in another course” if you see a screen like this.

1. When asked, enter the Course ID for your class. ONLY USE THE CODE FOR YOUR CLASS!

1. Make sure everything is correct, and follow the on-screen prompts to finish adding the course.

If you have the book, BUT NO MyMathLab access: (If you don’t, skip this section.)

Obtain access one of two ways.

1. From the Highline Bookstore – Cost is approximately $76.

Purchase the “MyMathLab Student Access Kit.” If you use the bookstore’s website ( it’s the second item listed. NOTE: There is no such thing as a “used” copy of the access kit – all copies are new.

1. From the CourseCompass website – Cost is approximately $72.
2. Go to the website and click on the “Register” button on the right side of the screen.

1. Make sure “Get access to a new course” is selected then click “Next.”
2. When asked, enter the Course ID for your class. ONLY USE THE CODE FOR YOUR CLASS!

1. Make sure the listed course is for your class, then select “Buy Now” at the bottom of the page.
2. Click the “Buy” button and follow the instructions. (One of the pages will be a privacy policy and license agreement page – this is common for software – click “I Accept” to continue.)

If you DO NOT have the book OR MyMathLab access:

You have some choices to make.

1. If you can take notes from a book on your computer screen, but might print a few pages,

Follow the instructions on the previous page for people who have the book but no MyMathLab access.

1. If you learn best by reading, writing in, or “flagging” important pages of a physical book, choose one of the following options.

1. [Easiest, but most expensive] Get a regular book and MyMathLab access.

Go to the Highline bookstore and purchase “Beginning Algebra w/CD + MyMathLab.” It costs approximately $156. This is the first item listed if you use the bookstore’s website.

1. [Cheaper] Get a softcover version of the book and MyMathLab access. The book doesn’t include the problem sets, but that doesn’t matter since you’ll do them on MyMathLab.

Go to which is the publisher’s website and get the “Beginning Algebra, MyMathLab Edition Package, 5th Edition.” It costs approximately $106. You’ll see a screen like:

1. [Cheapest] Buy or borrow a used copy of the textbook for less than $30, and just get MyMathLab access.

Get MyMathLab access by following the instructions on the previous page for people who have the book but no MyMathLab access. Then check with a friend, the bulletin board in the Student Union, or try online sites – you can use the 4th edition of the book for most of what you need.

If you get MyMathLab access WITHOUT a book now, but change your mind later:

1. When you’re on campus, use the copies on reserve in the tutoring center and library.

1. Purchase the softcover version of the book from the publisher for approximately $54 by going to You’ll be purchasing the “Beginning Algebra, MyMathLab Edition, 5th Edition.” It won’t have the word “package” in the description.

1. Buy a used copy of the 4th edition online (just be careful about the delivery time!).

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