MAT 014, MAT 015 & MAT 016 Algebra Review Parts 4-6
(3 units CR/NC)

CRN: , Room: , and Time:
No Classes On: Monday, February 18, 2008
                           Spring Break: March 31, 2008 to April 5, 2008
Quizzes: First 15 minutes Mondays
Exam Schedule:         1) Wednesday, February 26: covering MAT 014
                                    2) Wednesday, April 10th: covering MAT 015
                                    3) As scheduled during finals week covering MAT 016

Instructor:        
Office:                         
Office hours:    
Phone:                         
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The Entry Level Math (ELM) requirement

Most MAT 011-MAT 014 students take the course to satisfy part of the ELM requirement. Students may satisfy the ELM requirement by earning CR grades every course in our 4 unit remedial math sequence MAT 011 (1 unit), MAT 012 (1 unit), MAT 013 (1 unit), and MAT 014 (1 unit). Each one unit course lasts five weeks, so the whole sequence can be completed in one and one-third semesters.

There are other ways to satisfy the ELM requirement. For example, one may satisfy the ELM requirement by earning a score of 50 or above on the ELM exam, or a score of 550 or higher on the math SAT. You may repeat the ELM exam as many times as necessary to earn a passing score. Please consult the University Advisement Center http:www.csudh.edu/uac/ or the Testing Office http://www.csudh.edu/oir/testing/ for details.

Preparation for Courses in Math and Science Majors

Remedial math courses MAT 011-014 are not enough to prepare students for the more demanding courses like MAT 153 College Algebra and Trigonometry or MAT 191 Calculus I that are required in math and science majors. MAT 011-014 are designed only to prepare students for general education math courses MAT 105 and MAT 131 and general education science courses. Students with rusty math skills who are planning to major in science or math and should take a full course in Intermediate Algebra at a local community college.

Required Text: A Review of Algebra Skills for College Students, Second Edition 2007, by Susan McClory. Addison-Wesley. ISBN # 0-536-40037-7.

Prerequisites

To enroll in MAT 014 students must show they have credit in MAT 013 or equivalent. MAT 014 is intended for students who scored 42 through 49 on the current ELM exam.

Course Description

MAT 014 through MAT 016 is a pre-collegiate sequence of courses that meets for three hours of lecture per week with a co-requisite lab component that meets for 3 hours per week. It is graded on a CR/NC basis and does not count toward the Bachelor's degree.

MAT 014, 1st 5 weeks consists of: Quadratic formula, solving quadratic equations, graphs, brief and practical introduction to logarithms and exponential functions, word problems, applications. Satisfies the ELM requirement.

MAT 015 and MAT 016, 2nd and 3rd 5 weeks respectively consists of: topics chosen by instructor.

Objectives

After completing the MAT 014 to MAT 016 series, the student should be able to:

First session: MAT 014

  • Solve quadratic equations using the quadratic formula.
  • Solve word problems that lead to quadratic equations.
  • Graph quadratic functions. Locate the vertex of the graph, and use it to solve optimization problems.
  • Understand and use the Pythagorean theorem to solve simple geometrical problems.
  • Solve simple problems involving radicals.
  • Understand and use exponential and logarithm functions to solve problems involving growth, decay, compound interest, etc., as well as simple symbolic problems.

Second session: MAT 015

  • Understand “topics chosen by instructor.”

Third session: MAT 016

  • Understand “topics chosen by instructor.”

Expected outcomes

Students must be able to demonstrate through written assignments, exams, and discussions, that they have achieved the objectives of MAT 014, MAT 015, and MAT 016.

Method of Evaluating Outcomes

Evaluations are based on homework, class participation, quizzes, and scheduled examinations covering students' understanding of the topics covered in MAT 014 through MAT 016.

Grading Policy: Each 5 week session is graded separate from the previous session:

MAT 014 is a CR/NC course covering the 1st session and is graded as follows:

10% of grade =

Homework & class participation.

20% of grade =

Quiz (or quizzes)

70% of grade =

End of Session Midterm

MAT 015 is a CR/NC course covering the 2nd session and is graded as follows:

10% of grade =

Homework & class participation.

20% of grade =

Quiz (or quizzes)

70% of grade =

End of Session Midterm

MAT 016 is a CR/NC course covering the last session and is graded as follows:

10% of grade =

Homework & class participation.

20% of grade =

Quiz (or quizzes)

70% of grade =

Finals week Midterm

End of session midterm exams are common exams written and graded by the math department. Quizzes etc. may be common or written and graded by the individual instructors. Homework assignments and other requirements are determined by the instructors.

Exams Information and Dates

Dates for quizzes, homework, etc. are determined by the instructor. The first two exams are given on Wednesday of the 5th and 10th week and the third exam is at the scheduled date and time for finals week.

Academic Integrity

The mathematics department does not tolerate cheating. Students who have questions or concerns about academic integrity should ask their professors or the counselors in the Student Development Office, or refer to the University Catalog for more information. (Look in the index under "academic integrity".)

Homework and Class Participation

Homework: Homework is to be turned in on time (no late assignments accepted - the lowest two grades will be dropped) and will be graded with feedback given on some of the problems. Take homework seriously! It is the main vehicle for learning in math classes.

Attendance: Students are expected to attend every scheduled class. It is the student’s responsibility to initial the attendance roster at every meeting and to keep informed of any announcements, syllabus adjustments, or policy changes made during scheduled classes. Students who miss the first week of classes may be dropped if instructor is not contacted by the end of the second week of classes.

Behavior: The most important rule for this class is RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS. Therefore, no disruptive behavior will be permitted during class time; this includes but is not limited to coming to class late, leaving early, loud talking or laughter, and use of cell phones or other communication devices. Cell phones must be turned off or set to vibrate.

 

Participation: Student participation is expected such as contributing to group and class discussions.

Policy on Due Dates and Make-Up Work

Assignments are due at the start of the class. There are no exceptions; no late or make-up work will be accepted. It is the student’s responsibility to have homework delivered to the instructor by the start of class on the due date. This can be done either by email or by having a classmate bring it to class. There are no makeup tests except in an extreme emergency, but then proof of the emergency must be provided when requesting a makeup and you must contact instructor by email or voice mail as soon as possible; do not wait until the next class to ask about a makeup test.

Classroom Norms

As we will spend a lot of time working in partnerships, in groups, and in class discussions, here are some rules to help you navigate what may be an unfamiliar experience in a math class.

  • Never call out an answer until the person leading the classroom has given permission. Raise your hand.
  • This is a safe environment. That means that you should feel free to ask a question or offer an opinion or an answer, and no one will make fun of you for what you say.
  • If you are working with classmates, work with them. Do not wait and hope that others will do your work for you, and do not move on to other assignments while your classmates are struggling to understand the current one.
  • Be considerate of others. In addition to the ways to be considerate listed above, do not dominate group or class discussions. Remember that everyone needs an opportunity to share his/her ideas.
  • Do not expect me to validate your answers or those of anyone else. You are responsible for making sense of answers and solution methods and you should always look for ways to verify your work.

These classroom norms are meant to benefit the entire class, and to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute and to learn.

Creating Conditions for Successful Learning

Research shows success in math class depends very much on two factors:  the amount of time spent working on the material, and the student’s beliefs about mathematics and what it means to understand and do mathematics. With this in mind, here are some suggestions:

 

  • Be in class, every class, and be on time.
  • Be prepared to participate in group work and discussions every day so that class time is not wasted, and
  • Spend at least 1 hour every day, not including class time, working on homework assignments, and studying.
  • Realize that mathematics is not just a set of procedures, and that mathematical concepts involve a lot of thinking and reasoning. Consequently, being able to execute procedures accurately is only one part of doing well in this class.
  • Realize that success in mathematics is less about “ability” and more about willingness to think and to work hard to make sense of things.

 

In addition, you need to have:

 

  • your assignments with you and ready to turn in on the day they are due
  • the phone numbers and emails of at least 2 classmates (preferably “study buddies”) who will work with you in partnership to collect any handouts and inform you of important information should you miss a class.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Cal State Dominguez Hills adheres to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations for students with temporary and permanent disabilities. If you have a disability that may adversely affect your work in this class, I encourage you to register with Disabled Student Services (DSS) and to talk with me about how I can best help you. All disclosures of disabilities will be kept strictly confidential. Please note: no accommodation may be made until you register with the DSS in WH B250. For information call (310) 243-3660 or to use telecommunications Device for the Deaf, call (310) 243-2028.

MAT 014 through MAT 016 Calendar

1.      Lecture – Monday, 1/28/08

a)      Introduction to the course.

b)      9.1: Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring

c)      9.2: Solving Quadratic Equations by the Square Root Method

2.      Lecture – Wednesday, 01/30/08

a)      9.3: Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square

b)      9.4: The Quadratic Formula

c)      9.5: Graphs of Quadratic Inequalities

3.      Lecture – Monday, 02/04/08

a)      10.1: Equations with Radicals

b)      10.2: Equations with Rational Expressions

c)      10.3: The Substitution Method

4.      Lecture – Wednesday, 02/06/08

a)      10.4: Variation

b)      10.5: Motion and Work Problems

5.      Lecture – Monday, 02/11/08

a)      10.6: Applications

6.      Lecture – Wednesday, 02/13/08

a)      11.2: The Pythagorean Theorem and Distance

b)      12.1: Inverses of Functions

c)      12.2: Function Algebra

7.      HOLIDAY – Monday, 02/18/08

8.      Lecture – Wednesday, 02/20/08

a)      12.3: Exponential Functions

b)      12.4: Logarithmic Functions

9.      Lecture – Monday, 02/25/08

a)      12.5: Equations with Logarithms

b)      Review Student Questions

10.  EXAM I – Wednesday, 02/27/08 – Covering Chapters 9 through 12

11.  Lecture – Monday, 03/03/08

12.  Lecture – Wednesday, 03/05/08

13.  Lecture – Monday, 03/10/08

14.  Lecture – Wednesday, 03/12/08

15.  Lecture – Monday, 03/17/08

16.  Lecture – Wednesday, 03/19/08

17.  Lecture – Monday, 03/24/08

18.  Lecture – Wednesday, 03/26/08

SPRING RECESS – 03/31/08 through 04/05/08

 

19.  Lecture – Monday, 04/07/08

20.  EXAM II – Wednesday, 04/9/08

21.  Lecture – Monday 04/14/08

22.  Lecture – Wednesday, 04/16/08

23.  Lecture – Monday, 04/21/08

24.  Lecture – Wednesday, 04/23/08

25.  Lecture – Monday, 04/28/08

26.  Lecture – Wednesday, 04/30/08

27.  Lecture – Monday, 05/05/08

28.  Lecture – Wednesday, 05/07/08

29.  Lecture – Monday, 05/12/08

30.  Lecture – Wednesday, 05/14/08

a)      Review Student Questions

31.  EXAM III – Scheduled Date and Time for Finals Week –

Three sources of practice problems are available to students: the end of each chapter; in Appendix A beginning on page 135; the third location is Worksheets created by the Math Department for each section. It is highly recommended that you complete the problems on the worksheets first then, upon the completion of the chapter, do the problems found at the end of each chapter and Appendix A. If you should do poorly on the quiz for a section then you are responsible for completing worksheets on areas that cover your weakness during the required lab time.

Revision history:

Prepared by J. Wilkins 2/17/00. Revised 7/7/01, 7/25/06 (G. Jennings), and 01/19/08 by D. Post. Portions gleaned from course syllabus of both M. Jones and S. Yoshinobu.