PRE - ALGEBRA
Spring 2015_Cuyamaca College
Course Syllabus (01/26/15 – 06/01/2015)
Instructor: Lamia Raffo
Email: lamia.raffo@gcccd.edu
Math 88 (4 units)
Section 6967
Class Times & Locations: Mon: 9:30 – 11:45 am room H – 114
Wed: 9:30 – 10:45 am room H – 114
Wed: 10:55 – 11:45 am room H – 119 LAB
Office: room H-135
Office Hours: 11:45 am - 12:30 pm
Course ID: raffo90236
MyMathLab: www.mymathlab.com
Course Description:
Operations with signed numbers are emphasized. The derivation and use of selected
measurement concepts and the development of pre-algebra ideas such as variable and
equation are included. Area and volume formulas for fundamental shapes are stressed.
These topics are explored in the context of problem solving and appropriate calculator
use. Offered as Pass/No Pass only. Non-associate degree applicable.
Recommended Preparation
Grade of “Pass” in MATH 080 or equivalent
Course Content
1) Operations with signed numbers
2) Whole number exponents and roots
3) Definitions of shapes, perimeter, area, volume and units of measurements
4) Derivation, use and conversion of measurement formulas
5) Metric system
6) Identify and manipulate variables using arithmetic operations
7) Solving equations in one variable
8) Appropriate use of calculators to factor integers and simplify expressions with
combined operations, power and roots
Text and Material:
 Textbook (Required): Mathematics in Action – Pre-Algebra Problem Solving
(Third Edition), The Consortium for Foundation Mathematics.

My Math Lab code (Required): This will come with your textbook free if you
buy a new book from our bookstore. If not, you will need to buy a code on-line,
or at the book store. On-line is usually cheaper. When you purchase the code, you
will have access to the electronic version of the textbook (e-book). If you would
like to have a physical textbook to do the homework you can purchase a used one.
Any information above may change at the discretion of the instructor at any time.
This course adheres to the policies outlined in the Cuyamaca College catalogue.
For further information, see Academic Policies stated in the catalogue.
1

Calculator: calculators are not allowed on exams or quizzes, but you can
use them when you do your homework.
Scientific Calculator,
TI-30X IIS is a
very good scientific calculator.
Important Dates:
January 26 - February 6
February 9
February 16
February 27
March 21
Program Adjustment (Last day to add classes/Last day to
drop and qualify for a refund and to drop without receiving a
“W”).
Census Day (Semester length Classes)
Holiday (Washington's Birthday Observed)
Last day to apply for Pass/No Pass (credit/no credit)
Semester Length Classes
End of First 8-weeks Session
March 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, & 28
Spring Recess & Holiday
Last day to drop with a “W‟. (It is the student’s responsibility
to take care of any administrative procedures involved in
dropping should he/she stop attending class.)
May 25
Holiday (Memorial Day)
May 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, & June 1
Final Examinations
April 24
Final Exam day, Monday, June 1st



from 9:30 am – 11:30 a.m.
Additional Support: Blackboard Website: https://gcccd.blackboard.com/
You have a Blackboard account for Math 88 with links to the syllabus, all handouts,
notes, study guides, checking grades, final exam information, etc…
Use the gray menu panel to the left to check your browser’s compatibility and to
check that the necessary plug-ins are installed use this link:
http://www.cuyamaca.edu/helpdesk/
Class Procedure &Participation:
You are expected to arrive on time and attend all class meetings. Completing the
course successfully involves satisfactory performance on tests, homework, group work,
quizzes, and computer lab work. This 4-unit course requires at least 8 hours of
homework per week. If you don’t have 12 hours per week for this class, RECONSIDER
your plans and priorities so you can get the grade you want.
Any information above may change at the discretion of the instructor at any time.
This course adheres to the policies outlined in the Cuyamaca College catalogue.
For further information, see Academic Policies stated in the catalogue.
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Homework:
Homework is assigned for every class from the textbook. You will not be successful
without doing daily homework. It is important for you to complete all assignments in a
timely manner. Complete your homework papers following this specific format:
(1) Start each new section of HW on the front of a new piece of paper.
(2) Place your name, the chapter, section, and the assignment at the top right of the first
page. Your name must be written in PEN, but do the work in PENCIL.
(3) I recommend loose leaf 3-ring paper since random sections will be collected.
(4) Staple the assignment before hand in.
I will collect the homework on the day of the exam at the beginning of the class. Bring
your stapled collection of chapter homework to each test as one of the sections may be
collected. Homework is graded on completeness. Each homework assignment will be
worth 10 points. (0 = no work or answers only, 10 pts. = completely). Otherwise, I will
not grade the homework! No late homework will be accepted. Any homework
questions will be covered at the beginning of class.
NOTE: To view the chapter exercises from the MyMathLab eBook,
1) click Chapter Contents,
2) click Chapter #, and
3) click Section # , then go to EXERCISES: ACTIVITY # .
Quizzes:
All quizzes are closed book. No make-up on collected quizzes. Refer to the assignment
sheet for daily assignments. The assignment sheet is subject to change. Changes are
announced in class; you are responsible for all changes even if you are absent. Each quiz
is worth 10 points.
Group Work –Students are expected to solve problems and work together with other
students in groups on some special assignments and class activities. Each group work is
worth 10 points.
Computer Lab Work:
Our class meets in the computer lab once a week on every Wednesday in room
H- 119 from 10:55 – 11:45 am. Computer lab assignments will be given as the semester
progresses. They are due on the specified dates. It is your responsibility to regularly
check your computer account for the assignments and their due dates. Please obey the
computer lab rules and remember that food and drink are not allowed in the Math Lab
and STEM center. Points earned for lab work contribute to the total grade that is roughly
the same as one test (100 points). Any assignment not completed during the lab time
must be finished within one week of the assignment. Attendance will be taken regularly
in the lab.
Any information above may change at the discretion of the instructor at any time.
This course adheres to the policies outlined in the Cuyamaca College catalogue.
For further information, see Academic Policies stated in the catalogue.
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MyMathLab Setup
Course ID: raffo90236
Course Name: Math 88 – Spring 2015 – section (6967) – MW 9:30 am – 11:45 am
Use the zip code: 92019 and click Cuyamaca College.
Exams:
There are 5 exams throughout the semester, worth 100 points on each exam. You
CAN NOT make-up a missed test! However, in the event of an emergency, communicate
with me immediately or preferable a few days before the test to possibly arrange an
appointment for you to take the test. Students will have assigned seating during test, so
for each test day sit according to the instructor’s rule.
Can you drop your lowest exam?
Yes– you earn the privilege by good attendance (missing less than 8 hours of class).
You cannot drop the first test or the final.
Final Exam:
There will be a comprehensive final. You are not allowed to drop the
comprehensive final. In order to pass the course, you must earn at least 60% or
better on the final AND have an overall percent of at least 70%. If you
fail the final, you fail the class.
Final Exam: Wednesday, June 1st in Room H_114 from 9:30 – 11:30 am
Grades:
This is a Credit/No Credit class. Students who earn 70% or more receive a credit
(CR); below 70% will receive no credit (NC).
Your final grade will be based on:
 HOMEWORK
 QUIZES
 GROUP WORK
 EXAMS (including LAB)
 FINAL
10%
10%
10%
50%
20%
Attendance: Attendance for MATH 088 will follow the same rules set up by the district
as outlined in the college catalog
 Regular class attendance is a requirement for this class. You are allowed 8 hours
of absences (combination of excused and unexcused absences). You may be
dropped from the class on your 9th hour. If for some reason you decide to
withdraw from this class, please do so officially. Do not assume that I will drop
you by the required date. Dropping the course is ultimately the student’s
responsibility. You are reminded that a “W” cannot be recorded for you after
Any information above may change at the discretion of the instructor at any time.
This course adheres to the policies outlined in the Cuyamaca College catalogue.
For further information, see Academic Policies stated in the catalogue.
4
April 24th. If you fail to withdraw by this date, I cannot drop you from class and
an appropriate academic grade will be assigned.

Being late to a class one or two times during the semester is understandable.
However, consistent tardiness is strongly discouraged, for it is both discourteous
and disruptive to class procedures. Consistent tardiness will be sufficient cause
for exclusion from the class. You will be expected to stay until the class is over to
receive credit for attending that session.

Arriving late or leaving early may be counted as an absence
Supervised Tutoring Services:
Students needing additional help to achieve the learning outcomes for this class are
encouraged to enroll in Math 198, Supervised Tutoring. The H-building STEM center
tutor station will provide students with an add code to enroll in this free non-credit class.
There students will have access to instructors, student tutors and other recourses
including instructional videos, calculators, and solution manuals. The hours are M -- TH
from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and Friday from 9am to 12 noon.
Method of Instruction
1) Lecture and discussion
2) Instructor-guided discovery
3) Teamwork
4) Computer-facilitated instruction
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1) Formulate tools for success in future mathematics courses.
2) Recognize and correct computational errors.
3) Order signed numbers.
4) Perform the following fundamental arithmetic operations using integers.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Addition
Subtraction
Multiplication
Division
Exponents
5) Perform fundamental arithmetic operations using signed decimals.
6) Apply the order of operations on problems involving
a) exponents,
b) roots of whole numbers, and/or
c) absolute value.
Any information above may change at the discretion of the instructor at any time.
This course adheres to the policies outlined in the Cuyamaca College catalogue.
For further information, see Academic Policies stated in the catalogue.
5
7) Perform calculations with signed fractions and signed mixed numbers that
involve
a) fundamental arithmetic operations,
b) reducing fractions,
c) simplifying complex fractions,
d) simplifying powers of fractions,
e) simplifying roots of fractions, and
f) converting between improper fractions and mixed numbers.
8) Convert between
a) fractions and decimals,
b) fractions and percents, and
c) decimals and percents.
9) Write linear equations to solve word problems involving
10)
a) percents,
b) geometric measurements such as linear measurements, perimeter, area
or volume, and
c) proportions
Solve linear word problems completely.
11)
Simplify algebraic expressions.
12)
Solve single-variable linear equations involving
13)
a) integers,
b) fractions,
c) decimals, and
d) distributive property.
Apply coursework management skills to succeed.
14)
Make consistent and regular preparations to maximize learning inside and
outside the classroom.
Class Policies:
 Cheating: Students are encouraged to work together on homework, but you
need to write them on your own work. Plagiarism (copying) of other
people’s work is not acceptable. If you are found cheating, or help someone
cheat, you will get an F on the quiz or test and will reported to the Student
Affairs Officer for disciplinary action.
 Behavior: Disruptive behavior in the classroom will not be tolerated. This
includes inappropriate talking, tardiness, leaving early, or any other action
that is not conductive to a proper learning environment. If you exhibit
unbefitting a college classroom, you will be asked to leave and appropriate
action will be taken.
Any information above may change at the discretion of the instructor at any time.
This course adheres to the policies outlined in the Cuyamaca College catalogue.
For further information, see Academic Policies stated in the catalogue.
6


You may not use your cell phone as a calculator on exams or quizzes.
Your cell phone should be switch to silent mode or should be off
during the class (vibrate mode is not silent). DO NOT text and sharpen




pencils during class.
There are no bathroom breaks, so use the restroom prior to beginning the
exam.
Put away MP3/Music players
If you know you need to leave class early, take a seat near the door.
RESPECT YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS AT ALL TIMES!!!
Disability Support Services (DSS):
Academic accommodations are available for students with disabilities. If you
suspect that you have a learning disability, or require services for any other type of
disability please contact the DSPS office and work out the accommodations with them
before you come to see me, but make sure to resolve the matter and discuss it with me
during the first two weeks of class.
Contact information for the DSPS office is 660-4239 in the LRC room A-300.
Good Luck and Have a Great Semester!
Any information above may change at the discretion of the instructor at any time.
This course adheres to the policies outlined in the Cuyamaca College catalogue.
For further information, see Academic Policies stated in the catalogue.
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Calendar for Spring 2015
Tentative-subject to change
Monday
1/26
1/28
Introduction & 1.1, 1.2
2/02
2/04
1.6, 1.7
Lab CASAS Pre-Test
2/11
2.2, 2.3
Lab #1
2/18
2.4 – 2.6
Lab #2
1.3 – 1.6
2/09
1.7, 2.1, 2.2
2/16
HOLIDAY
No School (Washington's Birthday)
2/23
2/25
2.6, Group Work 1, Quiz 1
3/02
3.1, EXAM #1
(covers chapters 1 & 2)
Lab #2
3/04
3.1, 3.2, 3.3
3/09
3/11
4.1, 4.2
3/16
3/18
4.4, Group Work 2, Quiz 2
3/23
Wednesday
1.2 – 1.3
Pre-lab
Spring Recess
3/25
HOLIDAY
3/30
3.3, 3.5, 3.6, skip 3.4
NO Lab
4.3, 4.4
Lab #3
EXAM #2
(covers chapters 3 & 4)
Lab # 4
Spring Recess
HOLIDAY
4/01
5.3 , 5.4
4/08
NO Lab
5.6 , 5.7
Lab #5
5.1, 5.2
4/06
5.5 , 5.6
4/13
4/15
6.1, Group Work 3 & Quiz 3
4/20
4/22
6.3, 6.4, 6.8
6.2, EXAM #3
(covers chapter 5 )
Lab #5
6.8
Lab #6
Any information above may change at the discretion of the instructor at any time.
This course adheres to the policies outlined in the Cuyamaca College catalogue.
For further information, see Academic Policies stated in the catalogue.
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4/27
7.1, 7.2
Group Work 4, Quiz 4
4/29
5/04
7.4 – 7.5
5/06
5/11
7.8
5/13
7.3, EXAM #4
(covers sec 6.1 – 6.4 , 6.8)
Lab #6
7.7, 7.8
Lab #7
EXAM #5
(covers sections 7.1 - 7.7 )
Group Work 5, Quiz 5
CASAS Post-Test
5/18
5/20
7.9, 8.1
Monday
FINAL EXAM
Review for Final Exam
Finish Lab #7
5/25 – NO CLASS
Monday, June 1st in Room H 114
from 9:30 – 11:30 am
Any information above may change at the discretion of the instructor at any time.
This course adheres to the policies outlined in the Cuyamaca College catalogue.
For further information, see Academic Policies stated in the catalogue.
9
Pre-Algebra: Math 88
Required Math 88 Homework from the Textbook
Section Assignments
Section Assignments
1.1
See handout given in class 5.1
1.2
See handout given in class 5.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
See handout given in class 5.3
See handout given in class 5.4
See handout given in class 5.5
1.6
1.7
See handout given in class 5.6
See handout given in class 5.7
# 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 10.
2.1
# 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 11, 13.
6.1
6.2
2.2
# 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7.
6.3
2.3
# 2, 3, 4, 5.
6.4
# 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11,
12.
# 1, 3, 5, 7, 8.
2.4
# 1, 3, 4C only, 5.
6.8
# 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 15,
16, 17.
2.5
2.6
# 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
# 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13,
17.
7.1
# 1, 3, 5, 6, 7.
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
# 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
# 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10.
# 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8.
SKIP
# 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12.
# 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13.
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.7
7.8
7.9
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
4.1
# 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10,
11a, 11b, 11c
# 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11.
# 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13,
15, 17, 19, 21, 25, 28, 33,
35, 37.
8.1
# 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
4.2
4.3
# 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10,
13, 15, 17, 18.
# 1, 2, 3, 5, 9, 11, 13, 21,
23, 25.
# 1, 2, 3, 4a, 4c, 7, 9a, 9b.
# 3, 5, 6, 7, 10.
# 1 (a-f), 3, 5, 6 (a-d), 7, 9,
10.
# 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8.
# 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11,
12.
# 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
1, 3, 4.
1, 2, 4.
1, 3, 5.
2, 3, 4.
2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10.
1, 3, 4, 6.
1, 2, 3, 5.
Any information above may change at the discretion of the instructor at any time.
This course adheres to the policies outlined in the Cuyamaca College catalogue.
For further information, see Academic Policies stated in the catalogue.
10
4.4
# 1, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7, 8a, 8b.
Any information above may change at the discretion of the instructor at any time.
This course adheres to the policies outlined in the Cuyamaca College catalogue.
For further information, see Academic Policies stated in the catalogue.
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