Math115 0359 spring 2013

Math 115    Elementary Algebra (Section   0359)                                            spring 2013

Days and Time: TTh 12:20-14:50 pm    CMS 022                                          (2/05/2013-5/23/2013)

Instructor: Samvel Hovasapyan, contact: hovasasa@lamission.edu

Office hours: TTh 11:45am -12:15 pm, CMS 121.

Textbook:  Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, by Elayn Martin-Gay, Custom Edition for Los Angeles Mission College. The textbook is highly recommended as you will be using it for a whole year (for Math 115 and Math 125). You will only find this book at the bookstore since it is a new custom edition. It comes bundled with an access code we will use to access online assignments, including practice and sample final.

Online Assignments:  Students enrolled in Math 115 are automatically registered in an online system called MyLabsPlus. Homework and quizzes will be assigned online through this system. The access code for MyLabsPlus will be packaged with the new textbook sold in the Mission College bookstore. The same textbook and software will be used for the Math 125 continuation course next semester.  Textbooks purchased online or at other bookstores may not include the access code for MyLabsPlus.  Assistance in registering/purchasing the access code will be available the first day of class.

Students should work on their homework as each section is completed in class. There are due dates posted online for each HW and it is the students’ responsibility to turn in the assignments by the due date. No extensions will be granted. All scores will be automatically transferred to the instructor after a student hits the submit button. Since the system does not grade each step of students’ work, it is important that students write down their solving steps clearly on a HW notebook in order to identify the mistakes made. Instructor may require students to turn in this HW notebook as part of the HW points. Points may be deducted if work was not shown in a clear and organized manner and labeled neatly indicating the section being worked on, and the problem number.

Classwork /Quizzes: Quizzes will also be given to get you ready for upcoming exams. These will be announced and usually include 4 to 6 questions. Short and sometimes unannounced quizzes will be given at mid- chapter; they will often have problems taken directly from the HW assignment. It will help me to recognize quality of students’ works. NO make- up quizzes will be given. No quiz score will be dropped.

Tests/Exams: Approximately 5 tests will be given. They cover about two chapters each. Tests are all free response, and you have to show all your work to earn full credit. Students are not allowed to use notes during exams.  No electronic devices during the tests. For some tests you may use scientific calculator only. No make- up tests  will be given for any reason. The lowest test score will be dropped.

Cheating is a form of theft. There is no excuse for it. Student, cheating on the test receives a score of “0” and this score will not be dropped as a lowest score.

Final Exam:  This class has a common departmental final exam. It is cumulative, and has a free answer portion and a multiple choice portion. The Final Exam is scheduled for Monday, May 28 from 12:30 pm to 2:30pm.  Please make necessary arrangements now (with your employer, for childcare, etc.) because attendance on that day is mandatory. There are no make-ups for the final. Students who miss the final exam will receive a grade of “0”, and it will be counted in the final grade.     

Classroom Participation: I highly encourage classroom participation. Taking notes is mandatory.

Prerequisites:  Math 112 with a grade of “C” or better or appropriate skill level demonstrated through the Math assessment process, or by permit.

Course Description:  This is the first course in Algebra. There will be a brief review of concepts learned in pre-algebra using more challenging illustrations and examples. Topics include the real number system, integer exponents, polynomials and factoring, rational expressions, radicals, solving different types of equations (linear, quadratic, rational and radical), linear equations and inequalities in two variables, systems of linear equations in two variables, and problem solving involving the different types of equations.

Student Learning Outcomes:  By the end of the course, the successful student will be able to:

1.  Simplify and evaluate various algebraic expressions.

2.  Solve, graph, and analyze various algebraic equations and systems of equations, including utilizing

     them to solve application problems.

Attendance: Daily attendance is required. Class will start at 12:20pm sharp. Students are required staying up to the end of the each class meeting. Reporting to class late or leaving early will be recorded as one hour absence. Ten hours of absence constitutes bases of dismissal from the course. Students missing class are responsible for finding out what they missed and what is due. I suggest you to get phone numbers from a few classmates. It is student’s responsibility to drop the class no longer being attended.  Side conversations between students that disturb the flow of the lecture will not be tolerated. Positive learning behavior is required. Cell phones during class time must be turned off or be on silent mode.  

Grading policy: Online Assignments (HW) – 10%, Quizes-8%, Tests – 52%, (The lowest test score of the 5 will be dropped), Final exam -30%.

Grading: A: ≥ 90, B: 80-89, C: 70-79, D: 60-69, F: <60.

Help: You can get help as free individual and group tutoring at the Math Tutoring Center located in the Center of Mathematics and Science Building (CMS) room 121. The hours of the Center are: M-Th 11am-8pm, and Sat from 10am-2pm.

Important Dates:

 Last day to add classes:                                                 Friday, February 15

 Last day to drop without a “W”:                         Monday, February 18

 Last day to petition for credit/no credit:               Friday, March 8

 Spring Break                                                    March 29- April 05                 

 Last day to drop with a “W”:                              Sunday, May 5

Final Exam:                               Tuesday, May 28 from 12:30 pm – 2:30pm

Math 115 Spring 2013 Tentative Schedule