Course:  MAT 0024C Elementary Algebra       

Section:  308 (CRN 12108)   

Time:  Class 1:30-3:45 pm MW Room: 2-233   

Contact Information

Required Materials

Text Book:       Elementary Algebra- by Alan Tussy and R. David Gustafuson

Lab Manual:     Blue Lab Manual for MAT0024C found at Osceola VCC bookstore

Course Information

Course Description

This course is designed to supplement the algebraic background of students prior to taking certain courses at the college level.  Topics include sets, fundamental operations with polynomials, linear equations and inequalities with applications, factoring and its use in algebra, introduction to graphing of linear equations, introduction to radicals, and use of calculators.  This course does not apply toward the mathematics requirements in general education or toward any associate degree.  A grade of “C” or higher is needed for entry into MAT 1033C.

Competencies of a Valencia Graduate

THINK:  think clearly, critically, and creatively.  Analyze, synthesize, integrate, and evaluate in many domains of human inquiry.

VALUE:  make reasoned value judgments and responsible commitments.

ACT:  act purposefully, reflectively, and responsibly.

COMMUNICATE:  communicate with different audiences using varied means.

CLAST Competencies

1.  Mathematics Skills (arithmetic and algebra skills)

2.  Reading Skills (literal and critical comprehension skills)

3.  English Language Skills (word choice and grammar, spelling, capitalizations, and punctuation skills)

Grading

Grading for this course will be derived from the following sources:

1.  A minimum of four exams                                                     25% of overall grade

2.  Quizzes and labs                                                                  25% of overall grade

3.  Homework and class notes (Collected on exam days)          25% of overall grade

4.  Final exam                                                                           25% of overall grade

Final Exam

Date:  Wed., Dec. 18, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

This final exam is a state exam that will cover all material in this course and previous math courses.  Students must earn a grade 80% or higher on the exam to pass this course.

Grading Scale

The scale used in this course to determine your grade is as follows:

                                                90 – 100          =          A

                                                80 – 89            =          B

                                                70 – 79            =          C

                                                60 – 69            =          D

                                                0 – 59              =          F

Make-up Work

It is the responsibility of the student to make-up any homework, notes, or quizzes that are missed.  If possible, homework or quizzes should be completed before missing a class.  There are NO MAKE-UP EXAMS after the examination has been given to the class unless the instructor allows it, but exams may be taken early.

Attendance Policy

You are expected to attend all classes.  If you miss a class, you are still responsible for covered material, assigned homework, and quizzes.  The instructor has the authority to withdraw any student who misses more than 10% of the class, which is 3 days.

Withdrawal Deadline is November 1, 2002 to receive a grade of “W”

Calculator

A calculator is not used in this class heavily due to the fact that the state competency does not allow the use of calculators.

Instructor Availability

The instructor is here to help, so please do not hesitate to ask for assistance.  Instructor is available before and after class, by appointment, or stopping by his office.  Appointments are highly recommended because the instructor has many other duties.

Recommendations for Success

Ask Questions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Do all the assigned homework to the best of your ability.

Do homework as sections are covered in order to be prepared for the next class and have questions and maintain a good notebook.

Find a study partner in class and someone who can get missed notes and assignments.

Use Valencia’s facilities such as free tutoring in 1-131 and the computer labs.

Academic Honesty

In the taking of an exam or quiz either in or out of class, no student shall give or receive any assistance in the answering of any question designed to be part of the grade.  Any student found cheating will be given a zero on the exam or quiz in question.

Changes

Changes in this syllabus may be made at any time by announcement of the instructor.

MAT0024C Assigned Homework

Chapter 1         Chapter 1 Review         page 73 – 79                1 - 53 Odd

Extra Credit      Chapter 1 Test             page 79 – 80                1 - 28 All

Chapter 2         Chapter 2 Review         page 177 – 182            1 - 51 Odd

Extra Credit      Chapter 2 Test             page 183 – 184            1 - 34 All

Chapter 3         Chapter 3 Review         page 271 – 276            1 – 17 All

Extra Credit      Chapter 3 Test             page 276 – 277            1 – 13 All

Chapter 4         Chapter 4 Review         page 346 – 349            1 – 28 All

Extra Credit      Chapter 4 Test             page 350 – 351            1 – 27 All

Chapter 5         Chapter 5 Review         page 419 – 422            1 – 25 All

Extra Credit      Chapter 5 Test             page 423                      1 – 22 All

Chapter 6         Chapter 6 Review         page 513 – 515            1 – 15 All

Extra Credit      Chapter 6 Test             page 518                      1 – 20 All

Chapter 7         Chapter 7 Review         page 592 – 596            1 – 10 All

Complete all four sample competency exams in lab manual.

Recommended Homework:

The cumulative reviews after each chapter are great to judge strengths and weaknesses.

Especially cumulative review Chapter 1 – 7, page 662 – 665, 1 – 56 All, for the final.

Note:  You bought the whole book so please feel free to as many problems from the different sections for extra practice.