El Camino College Compton Center

Math 23, Pre-Algebra

Spring 2016 Course Syllabus

Mission Statement

El Camino College makes a positive difference in people’s lives. We provide excellent comprehensive educational programs and services that promote student learning and success in collaboration with our diverse communities.

Instructor: D. Roach, Ph.D.

Class: Math 23 Credit Hours:3 (Lecture)Section: 9726

Days/Time:MW12:30-2:35Location: MS 202

Phone (310) 900-1600 x 2332 Email:

Course Dates: January 16 to May 13, 2016

Office Hours:

MW: 10:30-12:30, TTH: 10:30-1:30 in MS 225 (D 31G)

Text:Prealgebra (7th edition) by McKeague

Prerequisite: Math 10B or Math 12 with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite or qualification by testing (ECC Math Placement Test) and assessment

Credit: Not degree applicable

Transfer:None

Course Description

This course bridges the gap between arithmetic and formal algebra, developing number sense and operation sense, in order to formulate and solve algebraic equations with integers, fractions, and percents. Algebraic principles are applied to problems from a variety of fields. Other topics include: proportional reasoning, spatial reasoning, informal geometry and measurement, coordinate graphing, informational graphs, and data collection and description.

Course Objectives

1)Acquire effective study skills including the use of the calculator in appropriate situations.

2)Perform various operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and exponentiation) on different sets of numbers (whole, integer, and rational) and recognize equivalence when it occurs, particularly with fractions, decimals, and percents

3)Formulate mathematical representations of real-world applications including the recognition of proportional relationships.

4)Estimate to determine the reasonableness of results.

5)Recognize and apply the concepts of variable, expression, and equation.

6)Solve linear equations.

7)Find perimeters, areas, and volumes of various geometrical shapes and use in applications.

8)Represent linear relationships with tables, graphs, and equations (coordinate graphing).

9)Read, interpret, and construct tables, charts, and graph

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

SLO #1 Application Problems / Students will recognize the underlying mathematical concepts in order to successfully evaluate expressions and formulas in a given context (word problems, data, diagrams, etc.) and apply those concepts correctly in authentic, real-world application problems.
SLO #2 Solving Equations and Manipulating Expressions / Students will use numerical and symbolic representations of mathematical ideas to simplify linear expressions and solve linear equations.
SLO #3 Visual and Graphical Methods / Students will be able to use visual or graphical methods to solve linear equations and problems involving geometry and measurement.
SLO #4 Articulating Mathematical Reasoning / Students will verbally articulate (orally or in written form) the mathematical reasoning they used to solve a numeric or linear problem or analyze a numeric or linear situation.

Methods of Evaluation

Tests:There will be nine tests (10 points each), a pre-final examination (10 points) and a final examination (20 points). All tests are closedbook, without notes, cards, etc.Tests are given at the end of each chapter. Make-up tests are not given but your lowest test score (except the final) will be dropped if you take them all. This will accommodate any student who must be unavoidably absent for one test.Show your work on all tests. No credit is given for just the answers. No electronic device must be out or on the desk during tests.

Class-work: Your assignment will be to do the work assigned on days we have class-work. Then, exchange papers and award 2 points if all the assigned work is completed, 1 point if half is completed. Do not grade by answer, right or wrong, but by effort. Then write your initials (not your name) next to the points awarded on the front sheet only. No one must grade one’s own work. The class-work will be worth 10 points at the end of the semester.

Homework:For every chapter covered, your assignment is to do every 6th odd-numbered problem in each exercise 1, 7, 13, 19 etc.It will be collected on the day of the test, and will be worth 10 points at the end of the semester.

WebAssign: For online assistance with this course 24/7 you can log in to WebAssign.

“Developed by professors based upon their classroom experiences, WebAssign is designed to provide a convenient and engaging way for students to solve math problems and/orsubmit online homework while receiving immediate feedback and tutorial help. The math exercises are tied to resources from the textbook – including video, interactive tutorials, and pages of the text – which maximizes the student’s efficiency while studying. WebAssign is available at all hours of the day, through a variety of web browsers and operating systems.”

Use the following steps:

Go to

Click on I have a class key. For Math 23, the class key is:

elcamino 0578 2770

Note: The name of the instructor that pops up will be a generic name (e.g. Kerry Behymer), not the name of your current instructor.

Grading:90-100% A; 80-89% B; 70-79% C; 60-69% D; 0-59% F.

Attendance: Students will not be permitted to attend classes in which they are not enrolled. Students are expected to attend their classes regularly. Students who miss the first class meeting or who are not in regular attendance during the add period for the class may be dropped by the instructor. Students whose absences from a class exceed 10% of the scheduled class meeting times may be dropped by the instructor. For this class that means you can be dropped if you are absent four or more times in the semester. This rule also applies to excessive absences due to illness or medical treatment. Children are not permitted in classrooms while class is in session. However, it is your responsibility to drop the class when you know that you will no longer be attending.

Academic Integrity: Students are responsible to inform themselves of college policies regarding the code of academic integrity. Dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating, plagiarism or knowingly furnishing false information to the college will result in disciplinary action. This could range from an F for that piece of work, suspension from all classes for that or following semesters, or expulsion from the college.

Students with Special Needs: Any student who feels that he/she may qualify for accommodations for any type of disability, please see me immediately with the proper documentation.

Important Dates Spring 2016:

Spring 2016 Online Registration Begins Tuesday, November 17, 2015

First Drop for Non-Payment for Spring Classes Deadline -

For students who register November 17 – December 4 Monday, December 7, 2015

Concurrent Enrollment (11th & 12th Grade)

Web Registration Begins Thursday, December 10, 2015

First Day to Apply for Spring Degrees and Certificates Monday, January 4, 2016

Second Drop for Non-payment for Spring Classes Deadline -

For students who register December 5 – January 8 Monday, January 11, 2016

All Registration Ends (Full Semester Classes) Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Saturday Classes Begin Saturday, January 16, 2016

Martin Luther King Holiday - Campus Closed Monday, January 18, 2016

Weekday Classes Begin Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Add/Drop Period Begins (Full Semester Classes)

(Short Term Classes Differ - See Short Term Calendar) Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Last Day to Add (Full Semester Classes) Friday, January 29, 2016

Last Day to Challenge Residency Status for Current Semester Friday, January 29, 2016

Last Day to Drop for an Enrollment Fee Refund

(Full Semester Classes) Friday, January 29, 2016

Last Day to Drop Without Notation on Permanent Record Friday, January 29, 2016

Last Day to Apply for Spring Degrees and Certificates Thursday, February 11, 2016

Lincoln’s Day Holiday - Campus Closed Friday, February 12, 2016

Washington’s Day Holiday - Campus Closed Monday, February 15, 2016

Spring Recess, No Classes Saturday - Friday

March 12 - 18, 2016

Mid-Term Classes Begin Saturday, March 19, 2016

Last Day to Drop with a “W” Friday, April 15, 2016

Last Day of Spring Semester Friday, May 13, 2016

Commencement Thursday, May 12, 2016

Schedule:

Weeks 1-3 Chapters 1, 2

Weeks 4-6 Chapters 3, 4

Weeks 7-9 Chapters 5, 6

Weeks 10-12 Chapters 7, 8

Weeks 13-14 Chapter 9, Review

Week 15 Review and prefinal

Week 16 Review and final

Notes:

  • This syllabus is tentative and it may be modified at any time.
  • All electronic devices must be turned off, or phones put on vibrate, in class.
  • Do not have any device (other than hearing aid) in your ear in class.

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