Fall 2010 Porterville College
Professor: Jon D. Satko
Office: SM 211-K Phone: 791-2345 E-mail: jsatko@pc.cc.ca.us
www.portervillecollege.edu/satko
Class meetings:
MTWR 8:00 am – 9:10 am Room SM 114
Materials required:
Text: Elementary & Intermediate Algebra, Bittinger, Ellenbogen, Johnson, 5th ed.
Notebook
Graph paper
Scientific calculator
Course description:
This course includes the study of elementary algebraic theory and techniques carried into greater detail. It extends beyond elementary algebra in quadratics, rational functions, complex numbers, binomial theorem, ratio, proportion, variation, exponential and logarithmic functions, and conic sections (if time allows).
Learning Objectives:
1. Perform operations with radicals.
2. Solve exponential and logarithmic equations.
3. Solve quadratic equations and inequalities.
4. Solve nonlinear systems and graph basic conic sections.
Prerequisites:
Students will have passed MATH P055 Elementary Algebra (or the equivalent) with a grade of "C" or higher, or a "C" or higher in second semester of high school geometry.
Contacting the professor:
The best way to reach me, especially if you want a response, is by email (jsatko@pc.cc.ca.us).
Attendance:
Regular attendance is essential for your success in any course. Missing six class meetings will result in your being dropped from the course.
Disability resources at Porterville College:
Students with verified disabilities may qualify for alternate media, extended time testing, and other various accommodations provided by the Disability Resource Center. Contact the DRC in AC 115 (791-2215) for further information.
Course content:
Chp. 7 Functions and Graphs
Chp. 8 Systems of Linear Equations and Problem Solving
Chp. 9 Inequalities and Problem Solving
Chp. 10 Exponents and Radicals
Chp. 11 Quadratic Functions and Equations
Chp. 12 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Chp. 13 Conic Sections
Expectations for personal conduct in class:
(1) Please be on-time to class, both at the beginning of class, and also when returning from scheduled breaks. If you do come to class while it is already in session, please enter through the rear door (if possible), and do your best not to disturb your classmates.
(2) Please do not disrupt class with conversations/noise.
(3) If you have a cell-phone, please silence it before coming to class.
GRADE REPORTS
You can access your grade report at any time on www.mygradebook.com. To log on to the website, type math51 for Username. You will receive your individual password from me.
Consult the course catalog for the College’s definitions of cheating and plagiarism. If at any time I suspect that a student has cheated / plagiarized on an assignment, he/she will receive a zero grade for that assignment, and will be referred to the Dean’s office for probationary action.
There will be approximately six tests.
The purpose of the homework is to help you to learn and to understand the concepts presented in the book and in my lecture, and to help you prepare for each test.
Tutoring: 120 points total (40 points x 3 months)
Each student is expected to seek tutoring from a mathematics professor in the Learning Center, at least four times per month (for at least twenty minutes). At the end of each month (September, October, November), you will turn in a Math 51 Tutoring Form showing that you received help in the Learning Center.
This assignment is due in class on the following dates: October 4, November 1, December 1.
There may be periodic quizzes in class; this will encourage you to stay up to date with the course material.
Extra Credit: up to 70 points
Book report – see attachment.
The final exam will be a cumulative exam, covering all material from the semester.
No credit will be earned for late work, and there will be no make-up test, except in cases of emergency.
Mathematics 51 Tutoring Form
Professor Jon Satko
When you receive Math 51 help from a professor in the Learning Center, record the date and time in the table below. You will only receive credit for tutoring if the form has been signed by the math professor who helped you.
Professor, please sign in the appropriate space, showing that you helped this student with intermediate algebra for at least twenty minutes.
Student’s name ________________________________
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Extra Credit assignment for Mathematics 51-1
(70 points)
Read one of the following books by Joel Best:
· Damned Lies and Statistics: Untangling Numbers from the Media, Politicians, and Activists
· More Damned Lies and Statistics: How Numbers Confuse Public Issues
· Stat-Spotting: A Field Guide to Identifying Dubious Data
Write a paper (at least five typewritten pages) about one of these books.
The paper should include a description of:
· at least four themes the author presents
· at least eight relevant examples the author presents.
The report should also include your impressions/opinion of the book.
DUE: Friday, December 3, 2010