FALL 2008
ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY
MATH 0803
BEGINNING ALGEBRA
Instructor: Terre Taylor
DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
SECTION 002 MWF 10:00-10:50 am TOM 004
Office: Corley 245
e-mail: ttaylor@atu.edu
Office phone: 964-0517
Math office phone: 968-0663
Office hours: 9, 11 MWF, 7, 9:30 – 11 TR. Other times by appointment.
Catalog description: Content of this course is as follows: the language of algebra, fundamental
operations, signed numbers, equations and problem solving. The grade in the course will be computed in
semester and cumulative grade point averages, but the course may not be used to satisfy general education
requirements nor provide credit toward any degree. A student who makes a D or F in MATH 0803 must
repeat the course in each subsequent semester until he or she earns a grade of C or better. Students who
make a grade of C or better must enroll in MATH 0903 the following semester.
Prerequisites: None
Text: Beginning Algebra, by Lial, Hornsby and McGinnis, 10 th edition, published by Addison Wesley.
Calculator: A graphics calculator, such as the TI-83, TI-83 Plus, or TI-84 is required for this course.
There may be some exams or portions of exams which must be completed without the use of a calculator.
Homework and quizzes: Some homework and quizzes will be completed using paper and pencil and
some by using the online program, MATH XL that comes with your textbook. To earn full credit for paper
and pencil quizzes and tests:
-
Work is to be completed neatly in pencil
All steps must be shown
NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED
Assessment Method: Tests – 5 (100 points each)
11 Quizzes (10 points each, best of 10)
Homework
Comprehensive Final Exam
Total possible
Grading scale:
= 500 points
= 100 points
= 200 points
= 200 points
=1000 points
900 – 1000 points = A
800 – 899 points = B
700 – 799 points = C
600 – 699 points = D
599 and below
= F
Tests: Tests will be announced at least 2 class periods in advance. If you know in advance you will miss a
test, you must make arrangements with your instructor to take it early. Under extreme circumstances, ONE
makeup test may be taken. A test must be made up within one week of the original test. The instructor will
determine what constitutes extreme circumstances.
Attendance: Attendance is required. Roll will be checked each class meeting. After the 3rd absence,
your name will be reported to the advising center’s Early Warning staff. After the 6 th absence, you may be
dropped from the course with an F* if your grade is below 60%.
Cell Phones: Please turn your cell phone off at the beginning of class. If you are expecting an important
call during class, discuss it with me before class. Do not let your cell phone be a problem!!!!
Cheating/Plagiarism: Cheating will result in a grade of a zero on that assignment. Continued cheating
may result in expulsion from the course with a grade of F. Cheating will not be tolerated.
Resources for help: Math Help Room, located in Corley 231, offers free tutoring to Tech students. It is
staffed with math majors and math instructors. The hours will be announced as soon as they are set.
Student may receive help from the online program, Math XL or from your instructor. If you need
additional help, please come by or call during office hours to make an appointment. Come prepared with
specific questions.
E-mail is the best way to contact me outside of office hours.