Syllabus for MAT 0024  Elementary Algebra

Professor:  Angel Miranda

Office: 3-102

Phone:  321- 697-4816

e-mail:  amiranda@valenciacollege.edu

Office hours:  By appointment

 

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.

 

Minimum Competencies:

 

The state of Florida requires that all students demonstrate mastery of certain minimum competencies in a standardized test in addition to receiving a grade of “C” or better in the course.  Two of your tests this semester will include these minimum competencies.  If you are unable to demonstrate these skills you will not successfully complete this course.  To receive a grade of “C” or better you must demonstrate these minimum competencies and perform all other required assignments in a satisfactory manner.

 

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 (work choice and grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation skills)

 

Required Course Material:  Elementary Algebra, Alan S. Tussy & R. David Gustafson (SECOND EDITION)

 

CLASS POLICIES:

 

ATTENDANCE

1.     REGULAR ATTENDANCE AND CLASS PARTICIPATION ARE     

      SIGNIFICANT FACTORS THAT PROMOTE STUDENT’S SUCCESS  

      IN THIS COURSE.

2.  THE STUDENT IS EXPECTED TO ATTEND EVERY CLASS, BE

      PUNCTUAL, AND COMPLETE ALL ASSIGNMENTS.

2.      THE STUDENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL WORK PRESENTED

      WHEN THEY WERE ABSENT.

3.     THE STUDENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ANNOUNCEMENT MADE,

      WHETHER OR NOT PRESENT, IN CLASS.

 

EXCESSIVE ABSENCES

1.     MORE THAN 3 - WITHOUT ADEQUATE EXCUSE MAY RESULT IN WITHDRAWN FROM COURSE. 

2.     THE STUDENT IS REQUIRED TO REMAIN IN CLASS FOR THE WHOLE PERIOD, UNLESS PRIOR PERMISSION TO LEAVE EARLY HAS BEEN GRANTED BY THE INSTRUCTOR; IT IS DISRUPTIVE TO DEPART WHILE CLASS IS IN SESSION. 

 

TARDINESS: 

1.     ALL CLASSES START AT THE TIME INDICATED BY YOUR CLASS SCHEDULE.  BEING LATE TO CLASS IS A DISRUPTION AND IS DISCOURTEOUS TO THE PROFESSOR AND THE STUDENTS. 

2.     STUDENTS WHO PERSIST ON BEING TARDY OR LEAVING EARLY WILL BE DEALT WITH ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS.

 

ACADEMIC HONESTY

1.      Each student is expected to be in complete compliance with the college policy on academic honesty as set forth in the admissions catalog and the student handbook.

2.        Providing information to another student or receiving information concerning exam content is considered cheating.  The professor reserves the right to determine the appropriate penalties within Valencia Community College academic honesty policies.

 

Evaluation:

                                                                                                         

1.  CHAPTER QUIZZES:  (30%)

 

                 A. the student will go to the following site:                 

           http://faculty.valenciacollege.edu/amiranda/

 

 B. THE STUDENT WILL go to the learning center

(3-100) to PRINT THE QUIZ, DEPENDING ON THE

     CHAPTERS BEING STUDIED IN CLASS. the student

WILL DO ALL THE EXERCISES on the scrap paper and

will write THE SOLUTIONS in the blanks provided.

 

 C. IF THE QUIZ IS SUBMITTED AFTER THE DUE DATE (THE DAY

    OF THE TEST) 5 POINTS WILL BE DEDUCTED FROM THE

    TOTAL SCORE.

 

  

2.  Tests:  2 (100 pts. each)  (50%)

 

A.  Every test will include from 30 - 50 “multiple choice” problems.  the student WILL DO ALL THE EXERCISES on the scrap paper and will write THE SOLUTIONS in the blanks provided.

 

 B.  iF A STUDENT IS ABSENT TO A TEST AND THERE IS A VALID

     EXCUSE (TO BE DECIDED BY THE PROFESSOR), A MAKE-UP

     WILL BE TAKEN IN THE TESTING CENTER (1-125).  THIS  

     MAKE-UP SHOULD BE DONE WITHIN THE WEEK OF THE TEST.

 

3.  FINAL EXAM: Competency Test (20%)

 

a.   Final Exam: THERE will be a comprehensive final exam given at the end of the course during the final examination period the week of december 12-16.  EXAM DATE:Monday, December 12, 2005 from 1:30 – 3:30 at 3 – 105.

 

B.  THIS IS THE COMPETENCY TEST (30 PROBLEMS) FOR WHICH THE STUDENTS HAS 140 MINUTES TO FINISH.  TO PASS, tHE STUDENT CAN ONLY GET AT MOST 6 INCORRECT PROBLEMS ON THE TEST.  GO TO THE PROFESSOR’S WEBPAGE AND ON THE MENU FOR MAT 0024 CLICK ON “COMPETENCY tEST’, AND ON THE NEW MENU CLICK ON “PRACTICE”.   fOR EVERY GROUP OF PROBLEMS YOU HAVE FORMS A, B, C, D, AND E, TO CHOOSE FROM.

 

 

stipulation: nOT FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN ABOVE WILL

RESULT IN A DEDUCTION OF 3 POINTS ON ANY WORK DONE BY THE STUDENT.

 

Disclaimer: Changes in the evaluation procedure may be made at the discretion of the instructor.

 

ATLAS ACCOUNT:  CHECK YOUR EMAILS REGULARLY.  MOST OF THE OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION IS DONE THROUGH ATLAS.  

 

 

Withdrawal Policy: The withdrawal deadline for receiving the non-punitive grade of "W" is november 4.  After that deadline, if you try to withdraw, your average will determine whether YOU RECEIVE a grade of "WP" or "WF". Students who do not take the final exam will automatically receive a grade of "WF".

 

Tutoring Center: Tutors are available at the learning center   (3-100) free of charge to Valencia students.

 

 

 

 

TENTATIVE HOMEWORK SCHEDULE

 

Chapter 1      

                        Sections 1.3 – 1.8     every other odd number

           

Chapter 1 Review                 page   82 – 87                       1-101 odd

 

Chapter 1 Test                                  page 90 – 91              even numbers 1 – 40

 

________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 2      

                        Sections 2.1 – 2.5, and 2.7     every other odd number

 

                        Section 2. 6                            every other odd number 1 - 55

 

Chapter 2 Review                 page 172 – 178                      1 – 93 odd

 

Chapter 2 Test                                  page 178 – 180                      even numbers 1-20

 

 

Chapter 3      

                       

Sections 3.1 – 3.5                  every other odd number

 

Chapter 3 Review     page 264 – 268                                  1 – 33 All        

 

Chapter 3 Test                      page 269 – 270                                  1 – 16 All

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4      

 

                        Sections 4.1 – 4.7                  every other odd number

 

                        Section  4.8                            every other odd number   1 - 57

 

Chapter 4 Review     page 344 – 348          1 – 99 odd

 

Chapter 4 Test                      page 349 – 350          even numbers 1 – 32, except 18

 

________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 5      

                        Sections 5.1 – 5.7      every other odd number

 

Chapter 5 Review                 page 415 – 418          1 – 71 odd     

 

Chapter 5 Test                                  page 419                    even numbers 1 – 26

 

 

________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 6      

 

                        Section 6.1                             pages 430                  37 – 91 odd

 

Section 6.8                             page 494                    9 – 19 all, except 17

 

                        Section 6.8                             every other odd number 25 – 62  

_______________________________________________________________________

 

Chapter 8      

 

Sections 8.1 – 8.3      every other odd numbers 

 

Section 8.4                 every other odd number   1 – 85

 

Section 8.5                 every other odd number   13-73

 

Chapter 8 Review                 page 625 – 628                      1 – 57 odd

 

Chapter 8 Test                                  page 629                                even numbers 1 – 20