MATH 91 1004 – Basic Mathematics
Fall Semester, 2014
Course Description: This course reveals the fundamental operations of whole numbers, fractions
and mixed numbers, decimals, percentages, measurement, and integers. It
is intended to provide a review of basics needed in later math courses and
on the job.
Prerequisite: None.
Objectives:
The course will provide students with the fundamental concepts and thought
processes that are most useful in preparation for work in algebra. Central
to this preparation are: refreshers in the manipulation of fractions, decimals,
and percents; problem-solving techniques; the metric system; and the
systems of integers and rational numbers.
Textbook:
Prealgebra, 3rd Edition, by Baratto, Bergman, and Hutchison, ISBN 9780-073-40623-7
Student Solutions Manual, ISBN 978-0-073-35787-4
To compare textbook prices, visit this site.
Recommended:
Instructor:
Russell Pantello
Class Meeting Time: T, TH 7:00- 8:15
Room:
Ely 109
Phone:
(775) 293-7038
E-mail:
paisan_28@yahoo.com
Learning Outcomes: The successful student will be able to –
perform the four basic operations on integers and extract roots*
simplify integer expressions using the order of operations*
make real life applications of negative numbers*
explain the meanings of the parts of a fraction*
build and reduce fractions*
simplify rational numbers*
perform operations rational numbers*
apply fractions to rate, proportion, and other problems*
explain the decimal notation**
perform operations on decimals**
explain the percent form and the conditions for its use**
convert between the forms – fraction, mixed number, decimal, percent**
solve proportions for an unknown, even if a fraction or decimal is
involved**
make use of the exponent laws for integer exponents**
simplify expressions containing variables (combining like terms and the
order of operations) ***
use the exponent laws to simplify monomials***
identify polynomials***
add, subtract, and multiply polynomials***
correctly employ basic terminology relating to points, lines (parallel,
perpendicular), rays, and polygons (whether a polygon, name of shape)
correctly employ terminology relating to angle measurements
(complementary, supplementary, vertical) ***
give appropriate uses of weights and measures in the English and SI
(Metric) systems***
convert between units within the English system***
convert between units within the Metric system***
convert from English to Metric and vice-versa***
make applications of other course material at instructor’s option***
Measurements:
The concepts listed above are measured as follows:
*Test 1 (and either Quiz 1 or Quiz 2)
**Test 2 (and either Quiz 3 or Quiz 4)
***Test 3 (and either Quiz 5 or Quiz 6)
Makeup Policy:
No make-ups will be allowed except under extreme circumstances. Being
out of town (except due to personal or family illness) is not excusable.
Being absent due to a job is not excusable. Being absent due to a lack of
childcare is not excusable. Essentially, excusable circumstances involve
personal or family illness and must be accompanied by a doctor’s note.
Circumstances will be judged on a case-by-case basis. Usually, make-up
tests are more difficult than the original exams. There are no make-ups
whatsoever for the final exam.
Homework Policy:
If you don’t do homework, it is unlikely that you will pass. However,
homework will not normally be collected for a grade. The student is
expected to work half the problems from each section and subsection that
we cover. Test problems will be similar but not identical to those in the
book. If the completion of homework becomes a problem, I will begin
collecting homework for a grade.
Technology:
Students in this course will not use calculators, computers, or electronics of
any kind unless permission is given by instructor.
Withdrawal Policy: If you determine that you wish to drop the course prior to its conclusion, it
is necessary for you to officially drop, either online through the college's
website, or by visiting one of our college campuses and submitting a drop
form. Any student who does not officially drop will receive a grade at the
conclusion of the course. These grades will be based on the number of
points that you have accumulated (see below).
If you do not officially drop the course as described above, by taking this
class you agree that your "last date of attendance" for official purposes will
be the last day of this course. Since this may affect your financial aid, it
behooves you to drop officially or to complete the entire course.
Academic Integrity: The NSHE Code (Board of Regents Handbook 6.2.2q) expressly forbids all
acts of academic dishonesty, including but not limited to “cheating,
plagiarism, falsifying research data or results, or assisting others to do the
same.” In more detail, these acts include but are not limited to the
following:
 giving/receiving unauthorized assistance during quizzes or tests;
 using study aids (textbooks, notes, calculators) during quizzes/tests;
 failing to adhere to test-taking instructions (e.g., talking,
starting/stopping times).
Students who are accused of academic dishonesty will first be reviewed by the instructor. If the
instructor judges that academic dishonesty has occurred, the matter will be submitted to GBC’s
Academic Officers. Students guilty of academic dishonesty will receive an “F” grade for the
course. If the dishonesty was not isolated (occurred more than once and/or involved others), then
the instructor will recommend a one-year period of academic probation.
In order to provide accurate assessment of the learning outcomes, students
will be tested regularly on the items documented above, as they are covered
in the course. This testing includes quizzes, tests, and a final exam.
Final Exam:
In order to assure student competency, the final exam at the conclusion of
the course is a cumulative test. Any student who has accumulated at least
270 points prior to the final exam will receive an “A” for the course
without having to take the final.
Grading Policy:
In total, there will be
6 quizzes worth 25 points each. These will be given during a
lecture period, normally at the end of the period.
3 in-class tests worth 50 points each. An in-class review will
precede each test, except where noted.
1 final exam worth 100 points.
In addition, at my discretion I may assign an extra credit assignment from
a section we skip, worth up to 20 points.
The total number of points available for the semester is 400.
“Great Basin College is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to qualified
students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations, including the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. A
qualified student must furnish current verification of disability. The ADA Officer will assist
qualified students with disabilities in securing the appropriate and reasonable accommodations,
auxiliary aids, and services. For more information or further assistance, please call 753-2271.”