Math 98 – Fall 2012 (Pilot)
Developmental Mathematics, 4 Credits(Pass/Fail)
1001 – MW 1:00–2:45 Ced 331A/1002 – TTh 10:00–11:45 Ced 331C
This class does not transfer. This class does not satisfy any prerequisites for other courses.
Instructor Information
Office Hours
Gary Schwartz
Aspen Building, Rm. 228
775–445–4296 (Fax: 775–445–3141)
schwa102@wnc.edu
11:00am–12:30pm M—Th
D. Jean McNeil
Aspen Building, Rm. 230
(Fax: 775–445–3141)
mcneil@wnc.edu
By appointment
Course Description
This pass-fail course is designed to prepare students for college-level mathematics courses. It is a selfpaced, computer-aided course designed to provide students with the concepts and skills of pre-algebra,
elementary algebra, and intermediate algebra. There is also written work for some of the material so
students can practice working math problems by hand.
Course Objectives
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Unit 1: Pre-Algebra
o Perform arithmetic operations with integers, rational numbers (fractions, decimals, and
mixed numbers), real numbers, and linear algebraic expressions.
o Solve linear equations in one variable.
o Read bar graphs, histograms, line graphs, circle graphs, and pictographs.
o Apply the order of operations to numerical and linear algebraic expressions.
o Apply the laws of exponents.
o Convert among fractional, decimal, and percent forms, and apply to basic percent problems.
o Apply geometric concepts of perimeter, area, and volume.
o Use simple tools to measure lengths and distances.
o Solve applications involving measurement, percent, fractions, decimals.
o Solve applications involving ratio and proportion.
Unit 2: Elementary Algebra
o Use the terms, definitions, and notation of basic algebra.
o Use real number properties to identify and find equivalent algebraic expressions.
o Use real number properties and scientific notation to evaluate algebraic expressions.
o Solve linear inequalities and applications involving linear inequalities.
o Solve linear algebraic formulas for a given variable.
o Solve applications involving percent, ratio, proportion, and variation
o Solve mixture problems.
o Graph linear equations and inequalities in two variables.
o Identify slope and intercepts of a linear equation in x and y.
o Solve applications involving slope as a rate of change.
o Write equations of lines given a graph, or two points, or one point and the slope.
o Write equations of lines that are parallel or perpendicular to other lines.
o Perform arithmetic operations with polynomials.
o Apply the rules of exponents to negative exponents.
o Use scientific notation
o Factor quadratic polynomials, including difference of squares.
o Solve quadratic equations by factoring and by using the quadratic formula.
o Solve applications involving quadratic polynomials.
 Unit 3: Intermediate Algebra
o Simplify and perform arithmetic operations with rational expressions.
o Solve rational equations.
o Solve applications involving rational equations.
o Simplify and perform arithmetic operations with radical expressions and complex numbers.
o Solve radical equations.
o Solve applications involving radical equations.
o Solve systems of linear equations in two and three variables.
o Solve applications involving systems of linear equations in two and three variables.
o Graph polynomial and rational functions.
o Find the intercepts of graphs of polynomial and rational functions.
o Solve absolute value equations and inequalities.
o Use interval notation.
o Graph simple exponential and logarithmic functions.
o Convert between exponential and logarithmic forms of an equation.
o Solve exponential equations and applications involving exponential equations.
o Solve logarithmic equations and applications involving logarithmic equations.
Note: It is possible (but difficult) to complete all three units in one semester. Most students will need
more than the minimum (8 hours per week) to complete all three units at this pace. The purpose of this
course is to give motivated students the opportunity to complete three semesters of work in one, and
get started taking college-level courses as quickly as possible. See proposed schedule for details.
This is a “pilot” course
Fall 2012 is the third semester this course is being offered. It is likely that the instructors will make
changes to course policies, requirements and/or content during the semester. Students should maintain
close communication with the instructors to stay aware of these changes.
Grading Policy
This course is pass/fail. Attendance is mandatory. Students who have more than 2 unexcused absences
will automatically fail. Timeliness is also important. Students who are 15 minutes late will be marked
tardy. If you are tardy 4 days this will be equivalent to 1 unexcused absence. Students will take the
Accuplacer exam as their final no later than the last class meeting. The results from the Accuplacer
exam will be used to place students in their next math class at WNC. Students must pay a $15 fee to
the Counseling Office in order to take the Accuplacer. This fee is not included in the cost of the course.
Student Responsibilities
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Students are responsible for attending class 4 hours each week, or making arrangements with
the instructors in advance of any absence or delay.
Attendance will be taken at the beginning of class.
Students are responsible for maintaining communication with the instructors in order to stay
aware of new information and course changes.
Mandatory Mini-Lectures
Certain topics, such as learning to use the Carnegie Learning online system, will be taught during
mandatory mini-lectures held throughout the semester.
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2.
3.
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7.
Getting Started with Carnegie
The Carnegie System
Note-taking & Studying Mathematics
TI-30XS Multiview Calculator Basics
More on Carnegie – help & hints
Calculator – Fractions, grouping & order of operations
Calculator – Decimals & scientific notations; exact vs. approximate
How the class works
Each of the three units is divided into four modules. Each module includes a pre-test, lessons, exercises,
and a post-test. The pre-test is used to determine how much practice you will need to complete the
module. Students who score at least 79% on the pre-test will be allowed to skip that module. After the
pre-test, you will be given a certain number of exercises you must complete. When working the
exercises, correct responses will boost your “skill-o-meter,” and incorrect responses will reduce it. Once
you get a “red box” go ahead and take the hint – the system has already noted an error. (Note: Viewing
“Examples” does not affect the skill-o-meter, but getting “Hints” other than after a “red box” will result
in more exercises for you to complete before moving on.) Once your skill-o-meter is filled, you will move
on to the next topic. Once you have completed the exercises within a module you will do the written
exercises prior to taking the post-test. Students will need to work the problems in the post-test without
the aid of “solver” and other aids in the CLS. It is important that students practice working some
problems using paper and pencil to ensure they can perform on the post-test and on the Accuplacer at
the end of the semester. If you earn a 70% on the post-test your instructor will assign the next module.
If you do score below a 70% on the post-test your instructor will review your exam results. You will use
the Review Mode (tab below the Cognitive Tutor on the homepage) to review the material that you did
not master for the post-test. After your review you can retake the post-test. Once you have
successfully completed all modules within a unit, you will receive credit for completing that unit and
have the opportunity to start the next unit.
All pre- and post-tests are to be taken during class time. Students may take pre- and post-tests in
either section provided space is available and the instructor gives permission.
Required Materials
All required materials are available at the WNC Carson City bookstore.
Online Access
Carnegie Learning Student License (includes Return Option, Support, and Maintenance)
Calculator
A TI-30XS Multiview calculator is required for all students in this course.
Withdrawal Policy
The grade of ‘W’ (withdrawal) is an administrative assignment, and will not be assigned by the
instructor. Students must officially withdraw from the course in order to receive a W grade. Students
who do not withdraw will receive the letter grade that their score indicates, regardless of attendance.
Academic Integrity
Western Nevada College is committed to providing a high quality educational experience for all students
who attend the college. Academic integrity and honesty in all educational classrooms and programs are
critical in providing this high level of education attainment. Students at Western Nevada College are
expected to be honest and forthright in their academic endeavors because academic dishonesty disrupts
the learning process and threatens the educational environment for all students.
Accommodations for Disabled Students
If you have a disability for which you will need to request accommodations, please contact the Disability
Support Services office (Bristlecone building, Room 103) at 445-3266 or 445-3275 as soon as possible to
arrange for appropriate accommodations. In order to insure that all students are treated fairly, no
accommodations can be made until the student can provide the necessary paperwork from the
Disability Support Services office.
Early Warning System
In accordance with the WNC Security-Related Procedures and Practices Manual, the Public Safety
Department is authorized to make student notifications that are of an emergency or police nature.
Otherwise, college employees can only disseminate designated directory information regarding current
and past students.
A note on web-based learning environments
Carnegie Learning’s Cognitive Tutor is a valuable learning tool designed to help you master the skills
necessary for success in college-level courses. However, when using a computer-based learning system,
some students forget that the goal of homework is to be able to work problems without help from the
computer. During your studying, you must get to the point where you do not need to ask for help in
order to finish a problem, or you will not perform well on the tests where help is not available.