Math 156 Finite Mathematics
Pierce College Summer 2008
e-mail tjohnson@pierce.ctc.edu
Telephone 253- 588-3603
Ext. 4041
T. Johnson
Course Information
10:40-12:00 pm daily
#3110 AU Room O303
Welcome to Math 156: Finite Mathematics will cover an algebra review, linear equations and functions,
systems of equations and matrices, linear programming, exponential and logarithmic functions, mathematics
of finance, and set theory. Working with the graphing calculator is emphasized. To learn mathematics you
must practice. There will be Daily homework assignments as well as class work.
Prerequisite: Pass Math 98 with at least a decimal grade of 2.0 or place into Math 156 on the Compass
Test.
Tools for Success: Required TEXT: Mathematics with Applications, Eighth Edition, Lial,
Hungerford, Addison Wesley, 2007
Required Calculator: A graphing calculator is required for this class. I will demonstrate on a TI-83 and
be able to assist with the TI-82, TI-83, or TI-84. You must have your calculator by the Second day of class.
You may rent a calculator from the library (TI-83) for $15 a quarter. If you do not have a TI-82, 83, or 84, I
strongly suggest you rent one for this quarter.
Required Goal: To learn the material in Chapters 1 through 8, parts covered, and to become well
acquainted with a grapher.
Materials: You will need the text, graph paper (4 to 5 to the inch) such as Engineering paper, a ruler,
paper, and a graphing calculator. Graph paper needs to be available during class and with assignments.
Assignments with graphing must be done on graph paper for credit.
Notebooks: Notebooks are highly recommended. Your notebook may be used to take daily notes and to do
assigned problems during class. You may earn 20 points for a notebook with dated daily class notes.
Keys to Success: Attendance: Come to class every day with a positive attitude and ready to learn. Prepare
for class by doing the reading for each section and the homework. Prepare a list of questions as you work. I
expect you to come to class on time, stay for the whole period, and act in a manner that supports learning.
We will cover many topics quickly. You are responsible for knowing what happens in class whether
you are here or not. If you must be absent, please get notes and assignments from a classmate. I will keep
a record of attendance for administrative purposes. Attendance will be taken with problems given during
class time. If you are present and do the problems correctly, you will be awarded two points for your
attendance. This will allow you approximately 60 points for attendance.
Participation: Be an active participant. Spend a minimum of two hours of solid study time outside of class
for each hour in class. Review what was covered in class, read the section where problems are assigned,
and work the assigned problems checking solutions with the back of the text or a solution guide when
possible. Preview the next section. In class we will go over the new material using examples and working
problems from the text. We will go over questions on problems from the previous section.
Math 156 page 2
Core Abilities: We will incorporate into Math 156 activities that emphasize the Pierce College Core
Abilities. These abilities are: Critical Thinking / Problem Solving, Effective Communication, Information
Competency, Multiculturalism, and Responsibility.
Homework: Homework problems will be assigned from each section we cover. Homework assignments
will be awarded 5 points for each assignment. You must complete problems, show sufficient work on the
problems, and be correct in your solutions. Ask questions during class from these problems. Please keep
your graded papers to check point totals. Turn in work on time or points will be discounted at the discretion
of your teacher! Assignments are on time if turned in the day after the assignment was made. Late
Assignments will not be accepted after the test date over the given section.
Tutors: The Tutorial Center in room C526 offers Math drop-in tutoring each day and may have
individual tutors available. If this course looks difficult, please see the tutor center immediately to schedule
an individual tutor. It will help! Friday.
Evaluation: Your course grade will be based on the percent of total points you accumulate throughout the
term from homework, attendance, projects, and exams. The Pass/Not Pass option is not available. I do not
give incompletes so the I and Z grades are not available. Cheating is not tolerated in class. Cheating on an
exam results in zero point s on that exam.
Exams: Scheduled exams are worth 100 points each and the final exam is worth 200 points. I expect a
minimum grade of 60% on your final exam to receive a grade of 2.0 or better. You earn your grade by
accumulated points. You must be present to take each exam. If you have an unavoidable conflict with a
class exam, make arrangements in advance to schedule your make-up exam. You may call to leave a
message, or e-mail to leave a message. All make-up exams must be done before the next chapter exam is
given. In general, if you do not take an exam, you will not have enough points to pass with a 2.0 or better.
Points: Approximate Point Totals:
Graded Homework
Attendance
Notebook
Quizzes/Projects
Exams (1 hour)
Final Exam
5 points each
2 points (each class)
20 points
15 points
100 points
200 points
220
60
20
75
600
200
Withdrawals: Please see me if you need to transfer to a different math course or drop. You may change to
audit or drop by Thursday, July 3, and it will not show on your transcript. You may withdraw until
Monday, July 28 . Students who disappear without officially withdrawing will receive a 0.0 grade.
Special Needs: Students with disabilities, who believe they may need academic adjustments, auxiliary aids,
or service to fully participate in course activities or meet course requirements are encouraged to register
with the Access and Disability Services (ADS) Office, Room 115 in the Sunrise Building.
Student Handbook: Students are responsible for knowing what is written in the Student Handbook.
After Math 156: To continue to Math 148 you must have a 2.0 grade point or better.
Math 156 page 3
Available Math Classes: Math classes available to you are Math 146 (Statistics), Math 148 (Business
Calculus), Math 107 (Math in Society) Math 141 (Precalculus), Math 170 (Structure of Elementary
Mathematics). Which math course you choose depends on your intended major. See your faculty advisor to
discuss all of your options.
Emergency Procedures: For life-threatening emergencies call 911 and then Campus Safety. In the event
of an emergency evacuation, gather all personal belongings and leave the building using the nearest safe
exit. Be prepared to be outside for a minimum of an hour and stand a minimum of 200 feet from any
building or structure. Do not attempt to reenter the building until instructed. Should a class be canceled, it
is your responsibility to keep up on reading, homework, and deliverable assignments.
Ending: Class ends Tuesday, June 10. Our Final Exam will be the last day of class.
Grading Scale:
Percentage
100-99
98-97
96-95
94-93
92-91
90
89
88
87
86
85
84
83
82
81
80
79
78
Grade Point
4.0
3.9
3.8
3.7
3.6
3.5
3.4
3.3
3.2
3.1
3.0
2.9
2.8
2.7
2.6
2.5
2.4
2.3
Percentage
77
76
75
74
73
72
71
70
69
68
67
66
65
64
63-62
61-60
59-0
Grade Point
2.2
2.1
2.0
1.9
1.8
1.7
1.6
1.5
1.4
1.3
1.2
1.1
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.0