Math 121-7881 Elementary Algebra
Hartnell College
Summer 2015
Instructor: Dr. YaoTang Liao
Email: yliao@hartnell.edu
Office: N
Class meets: MTThF 12:00-3:30 PM in C-106 Aliso Campus
Office hours: email or by appointment
To obtain class information such as syllabus, announcements and messages, go to
http://www.hartnell.edu/directory/dr-yaotang-liao(tentative)
To access the learning material and online exercises, we will be using the website
www.connectmath.com
Instructions to register are included in this syllabus.
PREREQUISITE
Completion of Math 201: Prealgebra or placement based on STARR test placement or
multiple measures.
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MATERIALS
A scientific calculator.
Miller, O’Neil & Hyde, Introductory Algebra with Connect Math Access Code, 3rd
edition.(You can get an e-book bundled with the access code directly from
Connect Math for cheaper than the bundle at the bookstore—and
environmentally friendly!)
Scantron, form 882-E (for all exams)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Topics include operations with real numbers, simplifying expressions, solving equations,
linear graphing techniques, linear equations and inequalities (both one and two variables),
polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, exponents, radicals, and applications.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
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Given an equation students will choose a strategy and solve.
Given an expression students will simplify it.
Given a linear equation students will graph, identify intercepts, and identify slope.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon satisfactory completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. perform arithmetic operations with real numbers and reason and/or draw conclusions
from the numerical information.
2. analyze and employ the most effective strategies to simplify various mathematical
expressions and evaluate expressions.
3. analyze and employ the most effective strategies to solve various mathematical
equations and inequalities, and evaluate the reasonableness of the results.
4. construct graphs related to linear equations and inequalities.
5. model (with mathematics) and solve problems found in various fields of study.
6. recall and use formulas and definitions.
7. communicate the mathematics of algebra in oral and written form.
8. use appropriate technology to enhance mathematical thinking.
SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
In compliance with equal access laws, I am available to discuss appropriate academic
accommodations that you may require as a student with a disability. Request for
academic accommodations should be made as soon as possible, if possible during the
first week of the semester. Students are encouraged to register with Disabled Students
Programs and Services (DSP&S) for disability verification and for determination of
reasonable academic accommodations. For more information, visit CALL building, room
107 or call (831) 755-6760.
GRADING CRITERIA
Online(connectMath) Exams
40%
A
90 – 100%
B
80 – 89%
Online Homework
C
70 – 79%
D
60 – 69%
F
below 59%
25%
Classwork(includes attendance) and
Quizzes
10%
Final Exam
25%
Classwork and Quizzes
Approximately every one to two weeks, you will have the opportunity to work in groups to
complete assignments during class. Additionally, we will have a quiz approximately every
two weeks, some will be individual, some will be in pair or groups and most will be
unannounced. Keep in mind that if you are absent and there is assignment was due at the
end of class, you will not be able to make up those points. If you know ahead of time you
will be absent for a doctors appointment or a school related activity such as a field trip or a
sports event, please let me know and I will give you the opportunity take the quiz or activity
prior to your absence.
Connect Math Online Homework
Homework is your opportunity to practice what you have learned during the lectures and
the reading, which is a necessary step in understanding the concepts. Homework will be
graded for accuracy and correctness to ensure that you are practicing the skills correctly
and learning the designated concepts. Each problem will be worth one point. However,
since homework will be completed electronically, you will have unlimited opportunities to
correct your mistakes and receive on-line tutorials or hints to achieve the best score
possible before you submit it. Homework will be assigned daily and DUE weekly on
Sunday night. Late homework will not be accepted. You are strongly encouraged to work
with other students on the homework and to seek tutoring assistance at the many
available sources on campus, but make sure you know how to do all the problems on your
own and are able to perform where it really counts.
Your Course Code is: 39LW9-4LDTQ
Your Financial Aid Access Code is: 283CC-739DD-36A5C-B0489
The Financial Aid Access Code does not add an additional two weeks to your account.
NOTE: This code gives you temporary access to Connect Math for a two-week period. Once the
code expires, you will be locked out of your Connect Math account until you purchase a regular
Student Access Code. It is highly recommended that you purchase the Student Access Code
BEFORE the two weeks expire to prevent interruptions with your Connect Math account.
To sign up to Connect Math using the Financial Aid Access Code, go to:
http://www.connectmath.com
Click on the "Sign up now!" link located under “NEW USER?”
Enter your "Course Code" and press "Continue".
Verify that you are registering for the correct course and click on "Continue." Enter the 20character Financial Aid Access Code.
Continue with the registration process until your account has been set up successfully.
After you complete your account set up you will be logged into Connect Math and can
immediately begin working in the course.
You can extend your Connect Math account at any time by clicking on “extend your account” and
entering a purchased Student Access Code. If your temporary access expires before you
purchase a Student Access Code, simply log in to Connect Math and you will be directed on how
to extend your current account.
Exams
There will be four exams and a comprehensive final exam. Notes and calculators will not
be allowed during exams. Exam dates are(tentative):
 Exam #1 TBD
 Exam #2 TBD
 Exam #3 TBD
 Exam #4 TBD
 Final Exam TBD
The exams will be multiple choice, and short answer and will require that you purchase
scantron sheets form 882-E. Please remember to bring the scantron and a #2 pencil
to the exam. Exams will be closed book, closed notes. Absolutely no cell phones
are allowed during the exam.
The week before the exams, I will pass out a practice midterm exam, which will contain
questions that you can use as a guide to study for the midterms. The questions on the
exam will cover what I talked about in class so it is important to take good notes during the
lectures as some of the material will not be covered in the book. The questions on the
actual exam will be similar (but not necessarily the same) as the practice exam
questions so be sure to look up the answers for all the questions on the practice
exam. The actual exam will also contain between 20% additional questions that will
not be covered on the practice exam.
The final exam will be cumulative (will cover everything!) and must be taken in order
to pass the class.
Tentative Schedule and Homework Assignments
Week #
Week 1
All homework will be completed using Connect Math(CM).
Classwork (CW) will be completed during class working in groups
or individually.
CW: Syllabus & Expectations
Fractions
Decimals and Percents
Introduction to Geometry
1.2 Exponents, Square Roots, and the Order of Operations
1.3 Addition of Real Numbers
1.4 Subtraction of Real Numbers
1.5 Multiplication and Division of Real Numbers
1.6 Properties of Real Numbers and Simplifying Expressions
2.1 Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division Properties
of Equality
2.2 Solving Linear Equations
2.3 Linear Equations: Clearing Fractions and Decimals
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2.4 Applications of Linear Equations: Introduction to Problem
Solving
2.5 Applications Involving Percents
2.6 Literal Equations and Applications of Geometry
2.7 Mixture Applications and Uniform Motion
Due Date
See
connect
Math
Week 2
Week 3
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2.8 Linear Inequalities
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Review for unit test 1
Exam #1 (R2, 1.2-1.6, 2.1-2.7)
Monday 2/16/15 Holiday-No Classes
2.5 Applications involving Percent
2.6 Formulas and Applications of Geometry
2.7 Mixture Applications and Uniform Motion
2.8 Linear Inequalities
3.1 Rectangular Coordinate System
3.2 Linear Equations in Two Variables
3.3 Slope of a Line and Rate of Change
3.4 Slope-Intercept form of a Line
CW: Ch3 Problem Recognition (TBA)
3.5 Point-Slope Formula
3.6 Applications of Linear Equations
CW: Review (TBA)
Exam #2 (2.5-2.8, 3.1-3.6)
5.1 Exponents: Common Bases
5.2 More Properties of Exponents
5.3 Definitions of b0 and b-n
CW: Ch5 Problem Recognition A (TBA)
5.4 Scientific Notation
Week #
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
All homework will be completed using Connect Math. Classwork
(CW) will be completed during class working in groups or
individually.
5.5 Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials
5.6 Multiplication of Polynomials
5.7 Division of Polynomials
CW: Ch5 Problem Recognition B (TBA)
6.1 GCF and Factoring by Grouping
6.2 Factoring Trinomials of the form x2+bx+c
6.4 Factoring Trinomials: AC method
CW: Group Quiz
6.5 Difference of Squares & Perfect Square Trinomials
CW: Ch6 Problem Recognition A (TBA)
CW: Review (TBA)
Exam #3 (5.1-5.7, 6.1-6.5)
6.7 Solving Equations Using Zero Product Rule
CW: Ch6 Problem Recognition B (TBA)
6.8 Applications of Quadratic Equations
7.1 Intro to Rational Expressions
7.2 Multiplication & Division of Rational Expressions
7.3 Least Common Denominator
7.4 Addition & Subtraction of Rational Expressions
CW: Ch7 Problem Recognition A (TBA)
7.5 Complex Fractions
8.1 Roots & Radicals
8.2 Simplifying Radicals
Ch9
CW: Review
Exam #4 (6.7-6.8, 7.1-7.5, 8.1-8.3, ch9)
CW: Review for final exam
Final Exam TBD
This syllabus will subject to change as needed during the course of the semester.
Due Date