MATH 90: ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA
Spring Quarter, 2015
#5817 Section G: 11:30-12:20 am Daily in 8-003 (5 credits)
Instructor: Mrs. Melissa Houser (you may call me either “Melissa” or “Mrs. Houser”)
Office: Bldg. 15, room 132
Office Hours: 10:30-11:15 M-Th
Phone:
253-566-5060 (message phone)
E-mail:
mhouser@tacomacc.edu
Mailbox:
Bldg. 15—leave with secretary between 7:30am & 4:30pm.
REQUIRED TEXT: Elementary Algebra, Graphs and Authentic Applications Custom Edition
for TCC by Lehmann ISBN: 978-1-323-04313-4
MyMathLab (MML) will be required for this course. You can purchase it bundled with a new
text or as a standalone on the publisher’s website. MML comes with an e-text. Further
instructions on this to follow...
COURSE OVERVIEW: Welcome to MATH 90! This Elementary Algebra course is designed
to prepare the student for further study of algebra, specifically Math 95. There is a lot of
material, and we will move quickly through it. Remember that I am always happy to meet
with you in my office if you need extra time to understand a concept.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Topics include linear equations, polynomials, factoring, rational
expressions, and graphing. Scientific calculator required.
PREREQUISITES:


MATH 085 with a minimum grade of C or assessment above MATH 085 and
ENGL/ 085 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
COURSE CALENDAR: Dates of exams will be given on a separate course calendar. The
dates when we will have no class are: Apr. 24—Faculty & Staff Prof. Dev. Day; May 7—
Educational Planning Day (no daytime classes); and May 25—Memorial Day.
DEGREE LEARNING OUTCOMES are located on the website at:
http://www.tacomacc.edu/abouttcc/missionvisionandstrategicplan/
MATHEMATICS PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES are located on the website at:
http://www.tacomacc.edu/catalog/13-14catalog/developmental-studies-math.htm
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COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able
to:
(Corresponding Program Learning Outcome is listed in parentheses)
1. Represent and interpret information numerically, algebraically, and graphically.
(1,2,3,4)
2. Graph lines from equations and determine equations from graphs or points. (1,3,4)
3. Interpret slopes of lines as they relate to rates of change. (1,2,4)
4. Find slopes given graphs, equations, or data points. (1,3,4)
5. Add, subtract, multiply and divide polynomials. (3,4)
6. Interpret the meaning of integer exponents (1,4)
7. Perform operations with expressions containing integer exponents including scientific
notation (3,4,5)
8. Factor quadratic and other basic polynomials. (3,4)
9. Solve quadratic equations by factoring. (3,4)
10. Simplify rational expressions. Perform operations with rational expressions and solve
rational equations. (3,4)
11. Create algebraic models and use them to solve application problems (1,2,3,4)
12. Write clear and complete solutions to mathematical problems, including correct
notation and written explanations when appropriate (4)
13. Use a scientific calculator as appropriate. (5)
REQUIRED SUPPLIES: You will need to have available at all times: pencils and eraser; one
colored pen (not red or black); 8 ½ x 11” lined paper (with no chads from spiral notebooks);
graph paper (grid no smaller than 5 squares per inch); a large 3-ring binder for organizational
purposes; a ruler or straight edge; scientific calculator (see below); and the textbook listed
above. If you prefer, you may do all assignments on engineering paper.
CALCULATORS: A scientific calculator is required for this class. The TI-30X IIS is strongly
recommended. Calculators built into other electronic devices like cell phones and PDAs are
not acceptable and may not be used. Also, graphing calculators are NOT recommended, and
will NOT be allowed on any tests or in-class assignments.
COMMUNICATION: It is very important that you stay in contact with your instructor. If you
must be absent or leave early from class, please let the instructor know before class,
especially on test days. If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to check for
announcements made while you were absent. If you communicate with me via email or
phone when you are absent, I can email you handouts and assignments that you missed.
Also, if I must be absent due to extreme weather or illness, I will email you and/or put an
announcement in Canvas no later than 8 am.
Warning: Sometimes I do not receive, or receive very late, emails that come from non-TCC
accounts. If you use a non-TCC account to email me, you do so at your own risk.
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COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Grades will be based upon a number of factors, including homework,
projects/writing assignments, tests, quizzes, and participation. Chronic tardiness or absenteeism
will lower your grade because you will miss in-class activities and quizzes and will not be allowed
to make them up. Also, you will miss important instruction and announcements. The grading
categories are detailed below:
1. HOMEWORK
A. You should expect to work on homework and review of the material a minimum of
2 hours per day outside of class. The assigned homework is selected to help you
learn the necessary material for this class and to prepare you for future classes and
careers. Some students need more practice in one area and others in other areas. The
assigned problems are suggestions, but on certain topics you may need to do more than
what is assigned. Besides doing homework daily, you should review daily because
that is the most effective way to make the concepts stick in your memory. Take personal
responsibility and do what YOU need to in order to understand and retain the material.
B. Working practice problems every day is critical to your success in this class. Most of this
work will be in MyMathLab, which allows you to repeat problems as desired in order to
get the amount of practice you need. You know you are done with practice problems for
the day when you can do each type of problem without help.
Since math builds one concept upon another, it is to your advantage to keep up so
that you can follow instruction in class. You will be allowed to do the online
homework late, with a percentage penalty, but this is strongly discouraged unless you
become sick or have some other emergency. Cramming the homework of several
sections into one night or weekend will result in lack of understanding. All work will be
due before each exam; no late work will be accepted after the corresponding exams.
C. Even numbered problems from the textbook will be due at the start of class on the
day after the material is covered. The course calendar shows on which dates each
section will be covered. These problems should be done AFTER you complete the
corresponding homework in MyMathLab. Besides doing your work correctly, and
showing all the steps, you must follow the homework and graphing guidelines to earn all
the points on these even numbered problems. To be sure you understand how to do a
problem, it can often be helpful to do the odd numbered problem before it, and check it,
before doing the corresponding even problem.
This quarter I am allowing you to turn in 4 of these written assignments up to one
week late, up until the corresponding exam. Please save these free late passes for
emergencies. They are meant to cover you when you must be unavoidably absent. If
you use them when you do not have an emergency, I will not give you more when an
emergency comes up. Except for exceptional circumstances, all work must be turned
in before each exam, even late work.
Here are your options if you know ahead of time that you must be absent:
 Be proactive, and turn in your work early.
 Send or bring your work to the building 15 secretary before class on the day it is due.
She will time/date stamp your work and put it in my mailbox.
 Scan your work and email it to me as an attachment, but I must receive the email
before class.
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2. IN-CLASS WORK/QUIZZES/PROJECTS
In class work cannot be made up. This work will include individual and group work and
(for the most part) unannounced quizzes based on the previous day’s homework. If you
are late for a quiz, you will not be allowed to take it.
3. TESTS
I am planning three to four 50-minute tests and one comprehensive final exam. All of
these will be announced in advance. Tests will cover material in a manner similar to how it
was covered in class and in the assigned homework. Do not be late to a test. If you are
late for a test, or the final exam, you will lose an automatic 5% off your score and
will not be allowed extra time to complete your test. Also, if you leave the classroom
during a test, you will be considered finished with the test. Do all bathroom breaks and
such prior to coming to any exam.
Accommodation for realistic absences: There are no make-up exams. If you must
miss an exam due to an emergency, you must leave a message on my message phone or
e-mail me before the time of the exam, explaining the reason for missing the exam. When
you return I will need to see official documentation to support your explanation. If I agree
that the situation is an emergency that could not be avoided, I will replace your missing
exam score with 95% of your final exam score. A second missed exam will result in a 0
grade.
4. EXTRA CREDIT
You can earn 2 pts per week of extra credit by attending the MARC for two hours (the
hours don’t have to be consecutive.) You must sign and out in order to earn this credit. At
the end of the quarter Leonard, from the MARC, will email me your hours
GETTING YOUR GRADE:
 Log in to the MyTCC Portal at http://my.tacomacc.net
 Click on the “Canvas” Quick Link.
 Choose this math class from the “Courses” drop-down menu.
 Click on the “Grades” Tab on the left.
Your grades will be updated at least after every test.
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GRADING: The grading of each individual assignment or test will be based on your ability to
demonstrate your understanding of a given concept or skill. This can’t be done by just writing
down the answer; all work and steps must be shown as well. Problems just showing the
“right answer” with no back-up work may receive no credit.
Grading Breakdown
 MyMathLab online homework .............................................. 25%
 Written homework, group work, quizzes, & projects ......... 15%
 Unit Tests ............................................................................... 40%
 Comprehensive final Exam .................................................. 20%
Grading Scale
Percentage of Points
Grade
93-100 ............................................. A
90-92 ............................................... A87-89 ............................................... B+
83-86 ............................................... B
80-82 ............................................... B77-79 ............................................... C+
73-76 ............................................... C
70-72 ............................................... C67-69 ............................................... D+
60-66 ............................................... D
<60 .................................................. E
This scale may be altered at the instructor’s discretion, but will only be altered to the students’
advantage.
WITHDRAWLS/INCOMPLETES/S, U, and V GRADES: While faculty permission is not
required, a completed add/drop form must be submitted to Registration and Records to
complete drops from the 11th instructional day through the 55th calendar day of the quarter.
The instructor must sign the form or send an e-mail to Registration acknowledging the
withdrawal. If the instructor is not available, a signature from a full-time advisor in the Advising
Center
is
an
acceptable
substitute.
Withdrawal
dates
are
available
at
http://www.tacomacc.edu/areasofstudy/academiccalendar/.
After the 55th calendar day of the quarter (May 22 this quarter), students can no longer
get a “W” grade. They can only drop with the instructor’s permission. THAT MEANS: you
need to tell me your reasons for wanting to withdraw (warning: “I’m getting a bad grade,” is not
reason enough to get a withdrawal after the 55 th day). In general, if you are receiving a C
grade or better at the time of your request, a WI grade will be given if you have completed 60%
of the coursework for the quarter. Otherwise, a V grade would be given. If your grade is lower
than a C, an E grade will be given (exceptions may be made, depending on the
circumstances). Students who simply stop coming to class will receive an E.
Incompletes will be given only in VERY RARE instances, which must be discussed with
the instructor before the final. An “I” grade is reserved for students who have generally done
well throughout the quarter but miss a small amount of work (say, the final) due to exceptional
circumstances.
S/U grade requests must be processed through the registration office and meet their
deadlines.
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FINAL GRADE GRIEVANCE: Students who believe they have received a final course grade
that has been awarded improperly or in an arbitrary or capricious manner may grieve or appeal
the grade. Details of the process are located on the TCC Portal at :
https://my.tacomacc.edu/uPortal/p/StudentForms.ctf9/max/render.uP?pCm=view&pP_NSHisto
ryParam=21426%2C21435%2C21435%2C26224&pP_struts.portlet.action=%2Fview%2Findex
&pP_ticket=ST-215398-bcm1AKn0zYfxmqTwgrVm-portalsvr2.tccnet.edu
CLASSROOM 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 do not engage in disruptive behaviors (excessive talking, frequently
arriving late, packing up before class is dismissed, 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.
3) 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. Also, please let me know if you have
a reason you need to arrive late or leave early.
4) Students are expected to be fully engaged in class discussions and activities. Because
of the need to give one’s full attention to the class session, no listening devices (other
than hearing aids) will be allowed during class.
5) Turn off or up on vibrate all cell phones. If you are expecting an urgent call, please talk
with the instructor prior to class. Never answer calls in the classroom.
6) 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.
7) 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.
8) Cheating is unacceptable. TCC Students are expected to be honest and forthright in
their academic endeavors. Academic dishonesty is inconsistent with the values and
mission of Tacoma Community College. Cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of
academic dishonesty are violations of the Code of Student Conduct. In this course,
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, cell phones, or other resource material not specifically allowed during
an exam,
 copying or allowing another student to copy answers during an exam,
 presenting another person’s work as your own, and
 giving other students the opportunity to do any of the above.
It is your responsibility to be honest and to appear honest.
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STUDENT CONDUCT: Admission to Tacoma Community College carries with it the
expectation that the student will conduct himself/herself as a responsible member of the
academic community and observe the principles of mutual respect, personal and academic
integrity and civility. The Code of Student Conduct establishes rules governing academic and
social conduct of students, including due process rights. Violations of the Code may result in
dismissal from class for the day and/or referral to the Student Conduct Administrator for
sanctions.
CLASSROOM CONCERNS/DISPUTES: If you have questions or complaints about your
grade or have a personal matter you need to discuss, please follow the steps below:
1. Come see me in my office (not in the classroom) 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 Chair of the Math Department Carol Avery, Bldg. F2. The Chair can assist
with information about additional steps from there, if needed.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Students with Disabilities: If you need auxiliary aids or services due
to a disability, please contact the Access Services office in Building 7 (253-566-5328 or
accesstesting@tacomacc.edu). Accommodations are not retroactive; please act promptly to
make sure your letter of accommodation is in place.
FOR HELP WITH HOMEWORK:
The Al-Kwarizmi Math Advising and Resource Center: The MARC is located in 19-22.
 Math instructors and tutors are available on a drop-in basis to help with math
questions. See the MARC website
http://www.tacomacc.edu/resourcesandservices/mathadvisingandresourcecenterm
arc/ or the tutoring bookmark for hours. Even if you do not have any questions, the
Math Center is a pleasant place to study. You are always welcome there!
 The MARC (and the library) has textbooks and calculators that can be
checked out for 2 hour periods.
The Writing and Tutoring Center: The Tutoring Center is located in building 7, room
221.
 Student tutors are available by appointment for one-on-one tutoring, up to 2
hours a week, per subject. The hours during which tutoring is available in specific
subjects may vary from quarter to quarter.
 Call the Tutoring Center at (253) 566-6032 or go to
https://my.tacomacc.edu/uPortal/f/u110l1s928/p/WritingCenter.u110l1n424/max/re
nder.uP?pCp to find out what their current schedule is. Their hours are also listed
on the tutoring bookmark.
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.
IF YOU KNOW YOU ARE STARTING TO GET BEHIND OR FEEL LOST, GET
HELP! ONCE YOU TRULY ARE BEHIND OR LOST, ANY HELP WILL OFTEN BE
TOO LATE.
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CAVEATS:
This syllabus and the corresponding course schedule are subject to change in the event of
extenuating circumstances. If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to check for
announcements made while you were absent. Any changes may be made via class
announcements, via Canvas, or through college email. Be sure you check these avenues of
communication at least once a day.
FINALLY: I hope that you successfully complete this coursework for credit and in order to
help you succeed in your future courses. More importantly, I hope you learn much in this
class and also enjoy it as much as possible!
Remember, you are the only one who can make sure you learn in this
class. Take personal responsibility for your learning!
You are worth it!!! Tell yourself, “I CAN do this!” because YOU CAN!
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WRITTEN HOMEWORK GUIDELINES: I expect a professional job.
Problems must:
Be done in pencil
Be neat, organized, and in order (The instructor’s aesthetics are the criteria for
neatness.)
Include the directions for each section of problems, and the original problems.
Always show your process. If you do work in your head or on a calculator, write
down the steps you did in your head or on your calculator.
For application problems, the critical details of the problem may be written instead
of copying the whole problem. All supporting work must be included. Make sure to
write a complete sentence answer for all application problems and all
problems asking for an explanation.
When writing fractions, use a horizontal fraction bar. Make sure that what you
want in the numerator is indeed in the numerator and what you want in the
3 x
denominator is in the denominator. 3  x / 5 is NOT the same as
5 .
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.
3x + 5 = 44
−5 − 5
The following are examples that would
receive no credit.
Solve for x.
1)
1)
3x  5  44
x  13
1)
x  13
x  13
3𝑥 39
=
3
3
𝑥 = 13
All problems that involve drawing graphs must be on graph paper with the work
shown next to the graph—on the same page. The words “see graph” are not
acceptable. See the Graphing Guidelines on the following page.
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High Quality Graphing Guidelines
Students in Math 85/90 are expected to follow the graphing guidelines below on all homework and
tests. Failure to follow guidelines will result in reduced credit for graphing problems. You may
find it useful to make a “template” of two sets of axes on a sheet of graph paper, and then make
photocopies, to save you some of the time-intensive effort it takes to create clear and accurate axes
on which to graph.
AXES:
 Axes and any straight lines are drawn in with a straight edge
 Axes have arrows in both directions, and are labeled with appropriate letter (usually x or y)
 Consistent scale is clearly indicated on each axis. The scale may vary from problem to
problem.
 For word problems, each axis is labeled with an appropriate letter and with the meaning and
units of the axis (see Graph B)
ACCURATE:
 Graph paper is used
 If the graph extends infinitely, use arrows on the ends of the line to show that.
 Where practical, show your graph crossing both the horizontal and the vertical axes.
CLEAR:
 Important points like points of intersection and y-intercepts are labeled with ordered pairs.
 The equations being graphed are indicated on or near the graph.
 The size of the graph is helpful; it is clearly readable and big enough and dark enough to be
easily read and understood
 Show any work done to obtain your graph RIGHT NEXT TO your graph. The directions,
original problem, and supporting work MUST be together with the graph on the graph
paper!
EXAMPLES
NOTE: These graphs WERE done on graph paper, but the grid lines
don’t always copy well on the scan.
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