Math P055- Beginning Algebra Instructor: Miguel A. Ruelas

Book: Elementary Algebra, 6^th Ed. Office: SM 206, (559) 791-2418

Author: Bittinger & Ellenbogen email: mruelas@pc.cc.ca.us

Scientific Calculator Required Hours: M – R 12pm – 1:15pm

Overview: Click here for Chapter/Section overview

Math is the study of patterns. If you are the type of person that notices shapes of objects, patterns of numbers, or other such things, then you probably don’t have much difficulty with math. If you haven’t seen the movie “A Beautiful Mind” then I recommend that you do. It’s about a man who is genius at math and who was a master at noticing patterns in everything he saw.

The most fundamental of math classes, Algebra, is not based on numbers, but on definitions. If you don’t take the time to learn the definitions presented to you in this course, then you won’t be very successful. For example, the following way I describe Algebra uses four terms that need to be defined: Algebra is the study of the relationships between sets of numbers through the use of variables, expressions, and statements.

Finally, you should focus not only on learning skills such as solving equations, graphing, and factoring, but on the concepts underlying these skills. Doing so will give you a true understanding of Algebra.

Hmwk: Click here for Homework Assignments

Homework will be assigned for each section covered in the book, but it will not be collected/graded. So it won’t figure into your final grade. However, it should be done neatly in pencil, with your work shown. It is important that you attempt the homework to ensure a good understanding of the material being covered. Don’t fall behind.

Tests/Final: Click here for Final Exam Schedule

A TEST will be given the end of every chapter. Each TEST will consist of 20 or 25 questions similar to homework assigned. You will have 1 hour (50 min) to take each TEST. There should be 9 TESTS before the final. Your worst TEST score will be dropped. Each TEST is worth 100(%) points. No TEST can be taken early! No TEST can be made up except in the case of an excused absence. The FINAL EXAM is comprehensive and worth 100(%) points. The FINAL EXAM cannot be made up or taken early!!

Grading: A: 90.0% - 100%, B: 80.0% - 89.99%, C: 70.0% - 79.99%, D: 60.0% - 69.99%, F: 0 –59.99%.

The FINAL EXAM and each TEST are worth 11.11% of your final grade.

8 TESTS @ 100 points each + FINAL EXAM @ 100 points = 900 POINTS POSSIBLE.

Attendance: Consistent attendance, punctuality, and orderliness are appreciated and necessary for a complete understanding of this class. If you are absent for more than the allowed absences (10), miss class for 5 or more consecutive days, or are tardy to/disrupt class consistently then you may be dropped from class!!! Deadlines for dropping the course are August 27 (10%), September 24 (30%), and November 19 (75%). It is your responsibility to verify that you are dropped from the course. Otherwise you may earn a D or F!!!

Help: Please drop by my office hours if you need help understanding a concept that was presented in lecture or help with homework problems. Help is also available through the math lab or the tutorial center located in the Learning Center (Library). A study partner may also help. Don’t be afraid to raise your hand in class if you don’t understand something.

Advice: READ AHEAD! I will assume that you studied the section(s) that will be covered in class beforehand. TAKE NOTES! You will be expected to know the definitions presented in each section. DO WORK! Refer to examples in the book and those covered in class before starting your homework. Show some detailed steps in your homework so that you can go back to them later when preparing for an exam. Keep track of your total score so that you know where you stand grade-wise. Get help if you need it. DON’T FALL BEHIND!

I reserve the right to make any and all changes to the syllabus as I see fit.