Prerequisite:  Mathematics 23 or Mathematics 25 with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite, or qualification by testing (El Camino College Mathematics Placement Test) and assessment.

This course will cover chapters 1 – 9.

Course Description:  This course reviews introductory algebraic concepts, and includes the study of real numbers, the solutions and applications of linear equations and inequalities as well as systems of linear equations, and introduces coordinate graphing of linear equations, factoring techniques, and simplification of rational and radical expressions, and the solution of quadratic equations. This course bridges the gap between arithmetic and formal algebra, developing.

This is not a traditional math class, where everyone is forced to work at the same pace and you listen to lectures every night. It is different for two main reasons: First, it is self-paced. You may cover the material as fast as you can, or as slowly as you need to understand the material and be successful in the course. I do, however, recommend that you follow the schedule to complete the assignment on time; due to the fixed due date.

The second reason this class is different is that it’s a “hybrid” course, a combination of classroom and online learning. All of the instructional material required to learn the subject matter and help you succeed in the course is online but attendance in class every Friday morning is required. Emphasis will shift from the familiar lecture-based classroom to a more interactive environment. We’ll discuss our progress, answer questions, help each other, and practice communicating mathematically. Our goal is to foster permanent and authentic learning so you may succeed in future mathematics courses, as well as develop mathematical understanding and quantitative literacy for the world outside the classroom.

Course Objectives:

1. Course objectives are:

1.  Use the properties of the real numbers to evaluate, simplify, and factor algebraic expressions, including expressions with fractions and radicals.

2.  Solve linear equations and inequalities, systems of two linear equations with two variables, and quadratic equations.

3.  Set up and solve application problems using linear equations and inequalities, systems of two linear equations with two variables, and quadratic equations.

4.  Graph linear equations and systems of linear equations by plotting points or by using intercepts and the slope.

5.  Starting with a linear model in tabular, graphical or symbolic form, translate the model into the other two forms.

SLO Statements

A.   Upon completing this course, a student will be able to:

1.      Simplify arithmetic expressions and algebraic expressions including exponential, rational, and radical.

2.      Solve multiple-step linear, quadratic, rational, and radical equations algebraically.

3.      Graph points, lines and basic parabolas and use their graphs to find solutions to linear and quadratic equations on a rectangular coordinate system.

4.      Determine the equation of a line given a graph or points from a line.

5.      Solve systems of linear equations algebraically and graphically.

6.      Solve application problems.

7.      Use a calculator to evaluate or check, simplified expressions and solutions to equations.

Calculators:    Calculators will be allowed in class.  No cell phones use will be allowed in class!  Cell phones must be completely off otherwise you will be asked to leave the class and one absence will be granted to you.  Cell phones may not be used as calculators!!

Homework:     Success in any math class is dependent upon completing and understanding all  assignments.  Most homework will be given on-line. The work you need to do to complete your on-line homework should be neatly written in your notebook together with the title, section and the grade you earn. Absolutely no late homework will be accepted!  It is the student’s responsibility to obtain the assignment during an absence.

Class work:     You will often be given class work and it may be collected at any time during class. No makeup work is possible for missed class work.

Quizzes:         There will be on-line and in-class quizzes. There are no make-ups on quizzes. The work you do to complete online quizzes should be neatly written in your notebook together with the assignment title and the grade you earned.

Exams:            There will be four exams and a comprehensive final at the end of the 16 weeks semester. No make-up exams will be given but your final exam will only replace one missed exam.  Contact me immediately if you miss an exam. Students who miss two or more exams will be dropped from the class.  Tentative exam dates are noted on the Class Schedule at the end of this syllabus.

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

Keys to success:  It is expected that students spend a minimum of at least two hours outside of class foreach hour spent in class.  Spending more time on material from class and explaining concepts to other students in class is an excellent way of achieving success.  Active participation is very important.  Ask questions, answer questions, talk to other students in class, form study groups outside of class, and always remember to ponder beyond what we discuss in class!  Next, remember to keep an open mind.  A big part of learning and understanding mathematics is believing that you are capable of succeeding.  Always  remember to have fun!! 

Students will be assessed through class participation, their performance on exams, quizzes, and assignments.  The completion of the assignments will prepare you for each quiz/exam.  You are expected to complete each assignment by the next class meeting so that you are ready to ask questions in class.  You should see me for assistance as soon as an exercise is not understood, but not without first seriously attempting to do the problem on your own.  It is highly recommended that you also take advantage of the various tutoring services offered on campus.  It is your own responsibility to have an interest in your education!

I look forward to a fun Spring of 2010!

Grades:           Discussion Board                              54 points (2pts/thread and 4pts/week max)

Exams (4):                                      100 points each

                        Quizzes (18 on-line)                         180 points

                        Quizzes (10 in-class)                        100 points

                        Homework (on-line)                         112 points                           

Final Exam:                                      200 points

Grading Scale: A 90 - 100%    C 70 – 79%     F under 60%

                        B 80 - 89%      D 60 – 69%

Last day to drop without notation on permanent record is Friday, March 5^th, 2010.

Last day to drop with a W is Friday, May 7^th, 2010.

MATH STUDY CENTER HOURS (MCS 106):

Monday – Thursday: 9 A.M. – 8 P.M.

Friday: 9 A.M – 3 P.M.

Saturday: 10:30 A.M-3 P.M.