Syllabus
Math 85, Spring 2008
Pre-Algebra
Section: 5756, 85 E
Time: Daily 11:30am – 12:20pm
Location: 8-??
Instructor: Meredith LaFlesh
Phone: (253) 460-4337
E-mail: mlaflesh@tacomacc.edu
Office: 9–55
Office Hours: Daily 9:30am – 10:15am or by appointment
Course Overview: Welcome to algebra! The algebra you learn in this course will be used in Math 90 and in most of
the science and economics classes you will need to take. Most people think algebra is only about solving equations.
But the true goal of algebra is to use symbols to describe things that happen in real life. If you think you are not good
at math, remember that I am here to help.
Course Description: Beginning algebra is specifically designed for students with no algebra background. Topics
include introduction to variables and signed numbers, solutions to linear equations and inequalities, simplification of
algebraic expressions, evaluation and manipulation of formulas, an emphasis on word problems and graphing of linear
equations. Scientific calculator required.
Instructional Methods Used: In class, we will use a combination of lecture and small group work. Outside of class,
projects may require the use of some web research.
Learning Objectives: The abbreviation following each objective refers to the College-Wide Learning Outcomes:
COM=Communication; CRT=Critical Thinking; IIT=Information and Information Technology.
Students will demonstrate the ability to:
1. demonstrate an understanding of the concept of a variable by identifying variables and using them in
equations and expressions (CRT, COM),
2. perform operations with signed numbers (CRT, COM),
3. solve linear equations and inequalities using a vertical format (CRT, COM),
4. apply the commutative, associative, and distributive properties (CRT, COM),
5. substitute values into formulas and solve for the remaining variable (CRT),
6. solve formulas for a specific variable (CRT, COM),
7. solve the following types of basic word problems (CRT, COM),
a. translation of an expression or equation from words to algebra,
b. area, perimeter, distance-rate-time, coin, consecutive integer, etc.,
8. produce clear and complete written solutions (CRT, COM),
9. use a scientific calculator appropriately (ITT),
10. perform operations and solve equations involving rational expressions (CRT),
11. understand lines and linear equations from a symbolic and graphical viewpoint (CRT),
12. graph lines from equations and determine equations from graphs or points (CRT, COM), and
13. understand slope both symbolically and graphically; find slopes of lines given graphs, equations, or data
points (CRT, COM).
Required Text: Elementary and Intermediate Algebra 3rd Edition by Alan S. Tussy and R. David Gustafson
Recommended Text: Student Solutions Manual for Elementary and Intermediate Algebra
Calculator: A scientific calculator is required for this course. The TI-30X IIS is strongly recommended. If you choose
to use a different calculator, you need to know how to use it yourself. Graphing calculators will not be allowed on
group solves or exams, although students are welcome to bring graphing calculators to class. Only a calculator
distributed by a recognized calculator manufacturer will be allowed in this class. Specifically, no calculator on a cell
phone or a personal digital assistant (PDA) will be allowed, especially on exams. If you have a question about the
appropriateness of your particular calculator, please see me.
Additional Supplies: Graph paper (¼ inch squares), 6-inch plastic ruler, and colored pencils or pens for graphing.
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Class Rules
Each person in this class is entitled to respect. It is important to me that you show respect for your fellow students and
for the learning process. These rules are designed to ensure that all students get the respect they deserve and the
learning they have paid for.
1. When one person is talking, please listen quietly.
2. Please turn off your cell phone, pager, etc. before class begins, as the noises they make distract people who are
trying to learn.
3. Please do not engage in disruptive behaviors (unacceptable talking, arriving late, leaving during class, etc.).
The first time, you will receive a verbal warning.
The second time, you will be required to leave class.
You may not return to class until you have made an appointment with me, and we have come to an
agreement as to how to better support learning in the class. Assignments missed because of behavior
cannot be made up.
4. If you intend to bring people (especially children) who are not enrolled to class, you must get permission from the
instructor first, and the visitors must follow all class rules.
5. You are welcome to bring food and beverages to classes held in most buildings on campus as long as you do not
distract other students and you clean up after yourself.
6. If you want to succeed in this class, you need to attend regularly. If you cannot be in class on a given day, let me
know ahead of time, otherwise, there will be no way for you to make up credit for missed in-class assignments. But,
notifying me does not guarantee you can make up the missed assignment.
7. Come to class on time. Arriving late to class distracts your fellow students and disrespects the learning process.
8. Late work will be NOT be accepted. If you are late (even one second), your work will be late. Work turned in after
the start of the next class will receive no credit.
9. TCC e-mail accounts are provided for each student. You can check your TCC e-mail from any computer on
campus as well as from any off-campus computer that has access to the Internet. You should check your e-mail at
least once a day because I will use your TCC e-mail account to send you class assignments and information. If class
is canceled due to weather, or if I will not be able to attend class due to illness, I will e-mail you no later than 6:30am. I
will also occasionally send information about scholarships and other things I think you could use, but I will never send
spam.
10. Cheating is unacceptable. As stated in the TCC catalog: “students are expected to be honest and forthright in
their academic endeavors. Cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, or other forms of academic dishonesty corrupt the
learning process and threaten the learning environment for all students.” Students who engage in behaviors that may
be interpreted as cheating will receive a zero score on the assignment in question. A second offense will result in an
“E” course grade. Common "cheating" behaviors include
 communicating with another person while an exam is going on in the room,
 using notes or other resource material not specifically allowed during an exam,
 looking at a cell phone (or allowing it to ring, buzz, or make noise) during an exam,
 copying or allowing another student to copy answers during an exam,
 talking to someone outside of your group during a Group Solve, and
 presenting another person’s work as your own.
It is your responsibility to be honest and to appear honest.
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General Information
Students with Special Needs: All students are responsible for all requirements of the class, but the way they meet
these requirements may vary. If you need specific academic auxiliary aids or services due to a disability, please
contact the Access Services Office in Building 7 (253) 566-5328. They will require you to present formal, written
documentation of your disability from an appropriate professional. When this step has been completed, arrangements
will be made for you to receive reasonable auxiliary aids or services. The disability accommodation documentation
prepared by Access Services must be given to me a minimum of one week before the accommodation is needed so
that appropriate arrangements may be made.
Withdrawing From The Class: If you decide for any reason to stop attending class, you should withdraw. It is your
responsibility to withdraw yourself. No one else can do it for you. This may allow another student who wants to take
the class to enroll. If you do not withdraw yourself, you will receive a “V” or an “E” grade for the class.
For Help With Homework
The Al-Kwarizmi Math Advising and Resource Center: The Math Center is located in 19-22.
 Math instructors are available to help with math questions 8:30am-1:30pm Monday through Friday and
5:30pm-8:30pm Monday through Thursday.
 Math tutors are available Monday through Thursday from 7:30am to 8:30pm and Fridays 8:30am to 2:00pm.
 For best results, bring specific questions or problems you are working on to ask about. Even if you do not
have any problems, the Math Center is a pleasant place to study. You are always welcome there!
The Tutoring Center: The Tutoring Center is located in building 7, room 20. Student tutors are available by
appointment for one-on-one tutoring. The hours during which tutoring is available in specific subjects may vary from
quarter to quarter. Call the Tutoring Center at (253) 566-6032 to find out what their current schedule is.
The Open Door Policy: I want you to get the help you need when you need it. If my door is open, please come
in, sit down, and tell me what I can do for you. I am, of course, always available during my scheduled office hours.
Good Websites
For extra practice and explanations:
http://purplemath.com
http://www.sosmath.com
For nice graph paper:
http://printfreegraphpaper.com
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Grading
Letter grades will be assigned based on the following:
Percent Letter Percent Letter Percent
Grade
Grade
87 – 89 B+
77 – 79
93 - 100 A
83 – 86 B
73 – 76
90 – 92 A80 – 82 B70 – 72
Letter
Grade
C+
C
C-
Percent Letter Percent Letter
Grade
Grade
67 – 69 D+
63 – 66 D
0 – 59 E
60 – 62 D-
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Grade: A grade of "Satisfactory" will only be given for grades of D or above (that is, 63%
or above). If you are planning on taking another math class for which this course is a prerequisite, you must receive a
C- or above (that is, 70% or above) to go on. A "Satisfactory" will not be sufficient to get you into the next class.
A grade of Incomplete, I, will be given only in emergency situations, at the instructor’s discretion, and only if at least
75% of the work has been completed with a passing grade.
A grade of WI is given at the instructor’s discretion when a student has completed all assigned work and is forced, due
to circumstances beyond her control, to withdraw from class after the 50th day of the quarter.
A grade of V is given to a student who has attended class at least once and stops attending before doing enough work
for the instructor to evaluate the student’s performance.
A grade of Z is given to a student who has never attended class.
How You Earn Your Grade: Your final grade will be determined by your performance on the following graded events:
3 Exams
50 points each
4 Group Solves
25 points each
1 Project
50 points
Final
100 points
4 Gateway Quizzes
25 points each
Class Participation and Homework
About 75 points
All work that is not word-processed must be in pencil!
Exams: Each exam is comprehensive and may cover material from previous chapters; however, most of the material
tested will be from the most recently covered topics. There are no make-up exams. If you must miss an exam due to
an emergency, leave a message on my voice mail or send me an e-mail explaining the reason for missing the exam
before the time of the exam. If I agree that it is an emergency, I will give you 95% of your final exam percentage
for the exam you missed. A second missed exam will result in a 0 grade.
Group Solves: The ability to work effectively in a group is essential in many industries. Group Solves are designed to
challenge you and motivate you to work with others. You will be grouped with a few other students in the class and
given a set of problems to work out within a designated time frame. Each group will submit one set of solutions to be
graded. Group Solves are usually scheduled shortly before exams and are designed to prepare you for the exam.
Group Solves may not be made up.
Project: The project is an assignment that requires writing about math. The write-up must be between 250 and 500
words word-processed, and a portion of the grade will be based on correct use of the English language. No electronic
versions will be accepted.
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Class Participation: Pop quizzes and small group activities will also earn you class participation points. Pop quizzes
are essentially free points for students who arrive ready to work on time, stay until the end of class, and attend
regularly. Pop quizzes may be given at any time during the class period.
Gateway Quizzes: When you leave Math 85, you are expected to have certain skills. The Gateway Quizzes are two
or three problems, frequently from homework, that test your mastery of these skills. The quizzes are graded on a
pass/not pass basis. You must do every problem completely correctly in order to pass the quiz. If you pass the quiz,
you get 25 points. If you do not pass the quiz, you may retake it five more times. In order to retake a quiz, you must
work with a tutor from the MARC or the Tutoring Center, or me to review the material. When the tutor feels you are
ready to retake the quiz, she will sign a permission slip allowing you to retake the quiz. You must come to my office to
retake Gateway Quizzes. You may retake a quiz only once per day. You have two weeks to pass each quiz. If you do
not pass the quiz within the two weeks, you will not earn the points for this quiz.
Final Exam: The final exam is comprehensive and will assess your mastery of course objectives.
Substituting the Final Exam grade for the course grade: If your final exam score is higher than your computed
course grade, I will assign your final exam score as your course grade if you have:
1. completed all Group Solves, Gateway Quizzes, projects, and exams,
2. missed no more than one class participation event, and
3. earned at least 80% of the possible homework points.
This is a great way to recover from low grades at the beginning of the quarter!
Homework: Please see pages 6 and 7 for complete requirements.
Study Groups: Students who score in the top 10% of the class on the first exam may be invited to be Study Group
Leaders. Study Group Leaders will hold a 1-hour study session at a regularly scheduled time once a week on campus.
Students wishing to participate in a study group will choose a Study Group Leader. The groups will meet together
regularly to study, work homework problems, etc. Each Study Group Leader who (1) meets the requirements for
substituting the final exam grade for the course grade, (2) maintains a 90% (or greater) course average, and (3)
conducts a 1-hour study group session each week will not have to take the final exam.
Extra Credit
1. You may earn extra credit for volunteering to do homework problems on the board if you have already done the
problems and have your solutions with you.
2. You may earn a maximum of one point for each class study group you attend per week.
3. You may earn as many as five points for each written response to an article or chapter from a book about math. I
will e-mail a list of readings that qualify for this extra credit and a description of the requirements for the writing
assignment after the first exam. A maximum of 3 written responses may be written.
Getting Your Grade: You can check your grade regularly on-line by following these directions.
Log in to the MyTCC Portal at http://my.tacomacc.net
Select the “My Classes” tab.
Next to the listing for this class, you should see an OIS icon that looks like
this:
When you click on the icon, a new window will open with a “Grade Book” link that will show you
your
grades for this class.
If you find an error, you have one week from the day the assignment was recorded to bring it to my attention.
Chain of Command: If you have questions or complaints about your grade or any other aspect of the class, please
follow the steps below:
1. See me and present your case in a professional, unemotional manner. I am always willing to listen to a good
argument. If I am wrong, I will admit it. If you are not satisfied, go to step 2.
2. See the Mathematics Department Chair, Greg Ferencko, in Building 29. If you are still not satisfied, go to step 3.
3. See the Dean of the Science Division, Mike Flodin, in Building 29.
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Homework
Mathematics is not a spectator sport. You can’t become a great baseball player by watching Ichiro. You need to
practice the moves yourself. In the same way, you need to practice math by doing the problems yourself. You should
expect to spend two to three hours every night on homework and studying for this class.
Homework will be collected at the beginning of class twice a week. Homework assigned on Monday,
Tuesday, and Wednesday is due on Friday. Homework assigned on Thursday and Friday is due the following
Wednesday. The reason for this is that I hope you will take the additional time to ask questions in class. For example,
new material is presented Wednesday; you try the homework problems on Wednesday after class and find that you
have questions; so you ask the questions Thursday in class and finish the problems Thursday after class to turn in
Friday.
If you cannot attend class the day homework is due, you should give your assignment to a friend to turn in or give it to
a Building 9 Secretary to time stamp and put in my box.
Late homework: Homework is due before the start of class on the day it is due. Late homework (even one
second late) will not be accepted.
I expect a professional job.
How Homework Is Graded
Each assignment will receive a check (√), a minus (–) or a zero (0). A plus (+) is given for outstanding papers that will
receive extra credit for that assignment. Please see the rubric on page 8 for more details.
Homework Requirements:
Homework must be
done in pencil
stapled (all assignments in one staple when they are turned in),
neat and organized (The instructor’s aesthetics are the criteria for neatness.)
in sequence, with each problem clearly identified and copied completely, including the
instructions.
Problems requiring explanations must include complete explanations in complete sentences. “Yes” and “No”
are not complete explanations.
For application problems, a brief description of the problem may be used instead of copying the whole
problem. All supporting work (five problem-solving steps) must be included.
When you have used a calculator to solve the problem, a narration of all steps needed to complete the
problem, not calculator key strokes, as well as a clear statement of the solution must be included.
Abstract, symbolic problems (problems that do not involve words) must have all work shown vertically in
columns with at least one inch of blank space between the columns. Please see the example below:
For full credit, problems must look like this:
1. Solve for x.
The following are examples that would receive no credit.
1. Solve for x.
3x  5  44
3x  39
x  13
1. 3x  5  44
x  13
1. x  13
x  13
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All problems that involve graphs must be on graph paper. That is, the problem, the work needed to graph the
equations, and the graph must be on the same page. The words “see graph” are not
acceptable. See the Graphing Guidelines below.
Answers to virtually all homework problems are at the back of the text book, and solutions to all the odd problems are
in the Student Solutions Manual, a recommended text book. Additionally, students may ask questions on homework at
the beginning of most class sessions and attend study groups. Therefore, I expect that all problems will be correct;
and I will grade homework based mainly on clarity, organization, and completeness.
Graphing Guidelines
AXES:
1. Axes and any straight lines are drawn with a straight edge.
2. Axes and any straight lines that continue infinitely have arrows on the ends of them to show that they go on
forever.
3. If the scale is anything other than one square = one unit, it must be clearly indicated on each axis.
4. Axes are labeled with appropriate letters and with the meaning and units of each axis. (See Graph B.)
ACCURACY:
1. Graph paper is used.
2. If the graph of a function continues infinitely, the ends of what is drawn must have arrows (see Graph A). If
a graph terminates, the ends must have closed circles or dots (see Graph B).
CLARITY:
1. All problems that involve graphs must be on graph paper. That is, the problem, the work needed to graph
the equations, and the graph must be on the same page.
2. The coordinates of important points (intercepts and points of intersection) are clearly labeled.
3. If multiple equations are graphed on a single set of axes, the graph of each equation is labeled with its
equation.
4. Separate problems must be graphed on separate axes.
5. Each graph is neat, big, and dark enough to be easily read.
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Homework Grading Rubric
Mark
+
Precision
Applications
Explanations are complete and
insightful.
Professionalism
Analysis of the meaning
of the solution is given.
Problems are copied completely,
including instructions.
Work is shown vertically, using
correct vocabulary and notation.
All problems have been attempted.
√
Fractions and rational expressions
are shown vertically:
54
9 x
or
,
31
x3
not like this: 54 .
31
2
like this:
Problems show the five
steps of problem-solving:
1. Familiarize
2. Translate
3. Carry Out
4. Check
5. State (in a complete
sentence)
Handwriting is clear and easy to
read and there are at most two
columns of problems per page.
Problems involving graphs are on
the same page as the graphs that
illustrate them.
Graphs are drawn following the
graphing guidelines on page 7.
Problems are copied completely, but
some instructions are missing.
Most work is shown vertically.
–
Some vocabulary or notation is
correct, but most is not.
Only a few problems have been
attempted.
Most of the five steps are
shown, and it is clear how
the answer was found.
Handwriting is difficult to read and
problems are too close together to
be easily distinguished.
Problems involving graphs are on
a different page from the page
where the graph is shown.
Graphs are present, but they do not
meet the standards in the graphing
guidelines on page 7.
0
Problems are not copied.
Work is not shown vertically.
Problems are not copied.
Work is not done in pencil.
Work is not shown.
Pages are not stapled.
Solutions are not written
in full sentences.
Edges from spiral notebooks are
not trimmed.
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Tentative Course Organization
Subject to change as the instructor sees fit to best meet the needs of the students.
Please see the Homework Packet for specific problems, assignments, and exam dates.
Week 1: 3/31
 Introducing the Language of Algebra (1.1)
 Fractions (1.2)
Week 2: 4/7
 The Real Numbers (1.3)
 Adding Real Numbers (1.4)
 Subtracting Real Numbers (1.5)
Week 3: 4/14
 Multiplying and Dividing Real Numbers (1.6)
 Simplifying Algebraic Expressions (2.3)
 Exam 1
Week 4: 4/21
 Solving Equations (2.1)
 Problem Solving (2.2)
Week 5: 4/28
 Exponents and Order of Operations (1.7)
 Algebraic Expressions (1.8)
Week 6: 5/5
 Problem Solving (2.2)
 More about Solving Equations (2.4)
 Exam 2
Week 7: 5/12
 More about Problem Solving (2.6)
 Solving Inequalities (2.7)
Week 8: 5/19
 Formulas (2.5)
 Graphing Using the Rectangular Coordinate System (3.1)
Week 9: 5/26
 Graphing Linear Equations (3.2)
 Exam 3
Week 10: 6/2
 The Slope of a Line (3.4)
 Slope-Intercept Form (3.5)
Week 11: 6/9
 Review
 Final Exam Tuesday, June 10th 11:30 to 1:30 (2 hours) No make up exams!
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