MATHEMATICS 56 - PREALGEBRA (4 units)
Section MATH 56-30
Fall 2007 – Off-Line Distance Learning
Instructor: Mr. Roland Maier
E-mail: rmaier@taft.org (for routine communications)
Telephone: 763-4236 (Jefferson School)
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Catalog Description
Goals
Text and Suggested Aids
Attendance Policy
Grade policy
Schedule
Assignments
Test Procedures
Test Schedule
Grade Reports
Catalog Description:
This course reviews basic skills necessary for beginning algebra and provides an introduction to
algebra. Topics include number systems, operations with signed numbers, whole number
exponents, order of operations, introduction to the idea of variables, introduction to inequalities,
solutions to simple linear equations, and substituting into formulas.
Goals:
Math 56 will introduce the concepts of basic math and algebra. It is the transition between Math
57 and Math 50. This course covers an introduction to the concepts needed to be successful in
Algebra. All ten chapters in the text/workbook will be covered. Lectures are available via
videotape. The text/workbook is excellent and provides abundant examples that will allow you
to determine areas where you need instructor or tutorial help. If you are planning to take
additional math classes, you should plan to get an “A” or “B” in Math 56 in order to be ready for
the next class.
Text and Suggested Aids:
Required materials:
1. Have the text “Prealgebra”, 3rd edition, Lial and Herstwood. ISBN 0-321-26662-5
Other materials available:
1. Videos of the lectures are available for viewing in the LRC and at the TCI Education
Department.
2. Tutors are available in the LRC and at TCI, if needed.
3. The instructor is available via email and other times you schedule with him. You
don’t have to do this on your own.
4. The most valuable resource you have is time. Unless you already have a good
background in math and Prealgebra, expect to spend at least 8 to 12 hours a week on
mastering this subject. It is critical that you get an “A” or “B” if you plan to take
Math 50 or Business 50 math classes.
Attendance Policy
An orientation meeting will be held on Monday, August 27, 2007 in S-4 at 5:00PM. It is
recommended if this is your first distance learning course, you should plan to attend this
orientation session. All work (homework and tests) must be completed and turned in by
December 17, 2007. The Final Exam must be taken by December 20, 2007. Unless other
arrangements are made, the tests and the final will be taken in the LRC or at the scheduled test
proctoring times at TCI. Students may be dropped from the class if they are not making
“continuing progress” in the class. “Continuing Progress” is defined as taking the chapter tests
no later than the last day scheduled. That schedule is attached. Work on this class every day.
Continuous work is necessary for success!
Grade Policy:
Grading will be according to the following breakdown:
100% - 90%
89% - 80%
79% - 70%
69% - 60%
Below 60%
A
B
C
D
F
FINAL
TESTS
HOMEWORK
15%
70% (The lowest test grade will be dropped)
15%
Schedule:
When the studies and homework for each chapter are completed, schedule your test with the
LRC staff or the TCI proctors at TCI. See the attached test schedule. Note there is a “LAST
DAY TO TAKE THE TEST”. If you have not completed your test by the “LAST DAY TO
TAKE THE TEST” you may receive a zero on that test unless the delay was approved
BEFORE-HAND by the Instructor. You may move forward in this course as quickly as you
would like. But, you must be completed by the end of the semester.
Assignments:
The book has ten chapters; we will cover most of the sections in the ten chapters. Review
of basic arithmetic is covered in the appendix. Refer to that when you have problems with basic
math.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Algebra: Integers (Sections 1 – 8)
Chapter 2: Understanding Variable and Solving Equations (Sections 1 - 5)
Chapter 3: Solving Application Problems (Sections 1 – 4)
Chapter 4: Rational Numbers: Positive and Negative Fractions (Sections 1 – 7)
Chapter 5: Rational Numbers: Positive and Negative Decimal (Sections 1 – 9)
Chapter 6: Ratio and Proportion, and Line/Angle/Triangle Relationships (Sections 1 – 6)
Chapter 7: Percent (Sections 1 – 5)
Chapter 8: Measurement (Sections 1 – 5)
Chapter 9: Graphs (Sections 1-5)
Chapter 10: Exponents and Polynomials (Sections 1 – 5)
Homework:
1. Every odd problem in each section in the text, plus the summary exercises,
2. Every problem in the review exercises at the end of each chapter,
3. Every problem in the practice chapter test.
You should have 100% on all homework before you hand it in. This will demonstrate that you
have mastered the concepts and are ready for the chapter test. On the practice test, all the
answers are in the back of the book. Grade your practice test! If you don’t get a very good score
on the practice test, you are not ready for the real chapter test. Study some more and re-take the
practice test. Have all your questions answered before the chapter test is taken. Homework is
due when you take the tests. Turn it in when you get the test.
Note: No credit will be given on the homework unless all work is shown
Retest Policy:
Two Chapter tests may be retaken with permission of the Instructor. Retests will be
available after the respective chapter test is taken and prior to the final. The last day for
the retakes is December 17, 2007. Tutoring will be required before a test can be retaken.
No more than two tests can be retaken. Four hours of tutoring will be required to retake
each test. The new test grade will replace the first test grade. The lowest test grade will
still be dropped from the average.
Math 56-30 Distance Learning Summer 2007
Sections
Test Schedule
Last day for test
August 27, 2007
Orientation
Chapter 1
8
Week of 9-3-2007
9-14-2007
Chapter 2
5
Week of 9-17-2007
9-28-2007
Chapter 3
4
Week of 9-24-2007
10-5-2007
Chapter 4
7
Week of 10-8-2007
10-19-2007
Chapter 5
9
Week of 10-22-2007
11-2-2007
Chapter 6
4
Week of 10-29-2007
11-9-2007
Chapter 7
5
Week of 11-12-2007
11-26-2007
Chapter 8
5
Week of 11-26-2007
12-7-2007
Chapter 9
5
Week of 12-3-2007
12-14-2007
Chapter 10
5
Week of 12-10-2007
12-17-2007
Week of 12-17-2007
Last Day 12-20-2007
FINAL EXAM
Grade Report
The progress of the class will be available on the web at all times and will be updated on a
weekly basis. Please check for progress on the website via this syllabus.
The student’s last four digits of their social security number are used as the password and ID
number. The website is www.eclassinfo.com. The TCI students will have an updated class
grade book report available for display on a regular basis.