Business Math, Winter 2015
BUS 110 HOB 1316
5 credits
Instructor
Dr. Tia Pliskow
Building 18, Adjunct Faculty Center
Office Hours:
Friday: 11:20 – 12:30 (in the BEC)
If you wish to meet me in my office or at a time outside my office hours, please
email me through the Canvas Inbox or at tpliskow@tacomacc.edu To cancel your prearranged appointment, please call or email.
Schedule
Daily from 10:30 am to 11:20 am in 16-208
Contact Info
Office: Building 18, Adjunct Faculty Center
Telephone number: 253-566-5253
E-mail: tpliskow@tacomacc.edu or Canvas Inbox
Catalog
Description
A review of basic math and its application to business problems. Topics include bank
reconciliation, discounts, taxes, installment buying, payroll, insurance, depreciation, and
interest. Prerequisites: Math 085 with a C or higher.
Instructional
Methods
Used
Class sessions will include lectures, group and individual work. Assignments will be from
the textbook, worksheets and Connect, an on-line tool. Students will have assigned
homework each day. Students must purchase the textbook and a Connect code in order to
fulfill the requirements of this course.
Textbooks &
Supplemental
Materials
 Textbook: PRACTICAL BUSINESS MATH W/CONNECT PLUS ACCESS CARD by
Jeffrey Slater, 11th Full Edition. (Note: you can buy a used book without the code and
purchase the code online at the publisher’s website – credit card/debit card required)
 Other Supplies: Notebook paper (grid paper is recommended), pencil and eraser,
basic calculator (not solar powered). A cell phone cannot be substituted for a
calculator.
 Computer: Student-owned computers should have access to high-speed internet (see
computer requirements. Alternatively, students may use college computers in the
Commons in Bldg 16 or the Business Education Center, 16-308. Please see the
technology requirements for online students on the TCC website.
If you have a problem with your home computer or internet connection, it is your
responsibility to find another computer or use the Commons or Business Education Center
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in building 16 in order to complete your work by the due date.
College Wide
Learning
Outcomes
Tacoma Community College has identified six college-wide student learning outcomes that
form the foundation of our educational emphasis: 1) communication (COM), 2) critical
thinking & problem-solving (CRT), 3) responsibility & ethics (RES), 4) information &
information technology (IIT), 5) living & working cooperatively (LWC), and 6) core of
knowledge (COK).
Program
Learning
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to:
1. Be able to identify, select, communicate, and implement sound and appropriate
business management or logistic concepts, strategies, and best practices in the pursuit
of effective and efficient business operations (COK, COM, CRT, IIT, LWC, RES).
2. Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate, problem solve, make and communicate
effective decisions about business or logistic situations (COK, COM, CRT, LWC, RES).
3. Display effective interpersonal communication; leadership; motivation; and team
dynamics skills in their interactions with others (COK, COM, CRT, IIT).
4. Communicate effectively about business management or logistic issues, including the
demonstration of competence with a wide variety of electronic tools to research,
analyze, manage, and present information orally and in writing (COK, COM, CRT, IIT).
5. Consistently apply, role model, and communicate high standards of ethical judgment
and behavior in the conduct of personal and business affairs (COK, COM, CRT, LWC,
RES).
Course
Learning
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Solve business-related word problems using any of the following: whole numbers,
decimals, fractions, mixed numbers, and percentages. PLO: 2
The final
exam will
evaluate all
of these
learning
objectives.
2. Round whole numbers, decimals, and percentages to a stated place value. PLO: 2
3. Convert between whole numbers, decimals, fractions, mixed numbers, and
percentages. PLO: 2
4. Convert between American and any foreign currency given a conversion rate. PLO: 2
5. Use algebra to solve business-related word problems. PLO: 2
6. Define and state the purpose of signature cards, checks, deposit slips, check stubs,
check registers, and endorsements. PLO: 1, 2
7. Complete bank documents including a check register, deposit slip and bank
reconciliation. PLO: 1, 2
8. Solve for the unknown in the percentage formula. PLO: 2
9. Calculate percentage increase or decrease. PLO: 2
10. Define, compare, and contrast weekly, biweekly, semimonthly and monthly pay periods.
PLO: 1
11. Calculate gross pay with overtime for the following types of pay: salary, hourly, straight
piece, differential pay, straight commission with draw, and salary plus commission.
PLO: 1, 2
12. Calculate Federal Income Tax (FIT), Social Security and Medicare (FICA), and state
and federal unemployment taxes (SUTA) and (FUTA). PLO: 1, 2
13. Calculate simple interest and maturity value.
14. Solve for the unknown in the simple interest formula. PLO: 2
15. Calculate partial note payments before due date using the US Rule. PLO: 1, 2
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16. Calculate the amount financed, finance charge, APR, monthly payment and deferred
payment for any installation loan. PLO: 1, 2
17. Calculate the rebate and payoff amounts for Rule of 78 for any installment loan. PLO:
1, 2
18. Calculate the Average Daily Balance and finance charge for a credit card (open credit)
account. PLO: 1, 2
19. Calculate the monthly mortgage payment and prepare an amortization schedule. PLO:
1, 2
20. Calculate the total cost of interest over the life of a mortgage. PLO: 2
21. Calculate depreciation using the following methods: straight-line, units-of-production,
and declining balance. PLO: 1, 2
Homework /
Assignments
/ Projects
The class will consist of lectures, in-class assignments, homework, group and individual
work. The final exam is held in our classroom but is scheduled by the college. Please see
the college final exam schedule for the date and time.
Evaluation
Criteria
Final Grades will be based on the following
Final Exam
Tests and Quizzes
Homework & Assignments
30%
35%
35%
All homework and Documented Problem Solving assignments are due according to the
dates on the schedule and are due at the beginning of our class session and will not be
accepted late. Late Connect assignments and Connect quizzes will not be accepted for full
credit and the grade earned will be reduced by 10% per day or portion of a day after the
due date and time – this is done automatically by Connect. Late homework assignments
and documented problem solving assignments will not be accepted late for credit if
submitted after the due date and time.
Quizzes &
Tests
All midterms and the final exam are scheduled and conducted in the classroom on the
scheduled date. During partner midterms, students will be working with one other
classmate. If you arrive late on the day of the partner midterm, you may need to take the
test individually. If you are unable to take a test on the scheduled day, contact the
instructor before the scheduled test day. Then you may make arrangements to take it as
long as you do so BEFORE YOU RETURN TO THE CLASSROOM. If the graded midterm
has already been returned and you have not contacted the instructor to make alternate
arrangements, you may not have the opportunity to make up the midterm. Tests taken
outside the classroom are taken individually without notes or aids. If you are permitted to
have additional time to take the test, you must make arrangements to take it outside the
classroom. If the test is taken outside the classroom, it will be taken individually. The final
exam is scheduled by the college. Online students will arrange to have all tests to be
proctored by the online due date in consultation with the instructor.
Grading
Grades will be posted to Canvas as soon as assignments are graded. If you need
assistance accessing your Canvas account, please see your instructor. If you think there
has been an error, see you instructor as soon as possible to have it corrected.
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Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
E
Percent
94 to 100%
90 to 93%
87 to 89%
83 to 86%
80 to 82%
77 to 79%
73 to 76%
70 to 72%
67 to 69%
63 to 66%
62% and below
Course
Calendar
Distributed Separately and posted on Canvas.
Caveats
On days when the college is closed and/or our class is cancelled due to weather or
other extenuating circumstances, you will be expected to submit any assignments
that are due on the day of the closure or cancellation as usual if the assignment is an
online assignment (using Connect) or in the appropriate drop box in Canvas if it is a
paper assignment (homework, DPS, or Learning Journal). Please check your TCC
email for updates. The schedule may be changed and any changes will be announced
by email and posted in the Canvas calendar.
The syllabus and schedule are subject to change in the event of extenuating
circumstances. If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to check email or
Canvas for changes to the schedule. It is also your responsibility to turn in assignments
and take care of any other missed worked.
The instructor may need to communicate with you outside of class. This is will be done
via your school email available on your student portal or through Canvas email. Check it
frequently to check for important information about changes, updates, tips, etc.
Classroom
Concerns/Dis
putes
If you have questions or concerns about this class or me, please do not hesitate to come
to talk with me about your concerns. If we are unable to resolve your concerns, you may
talk next with the Division Dean, Krista Fox at 253.566.5147. Ms. Fox can assist with
information about additional steps, if needed.
Accommodations
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 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 before the accommodation is needed so that appropriate arrangements can be
made. If you have an accommodation, please make an appointment to see me during the
first 2 weeks of the quarter so we can talk privately about how your accommodation can
best be fulfilled. If you are given extra time for midterms or exams, you must make
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arrangements at least one week before the scheduled date of the midterm or exam.
Academic
Dishonesty
“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 educational environment for all
students.’ The complete Administrative Process for Academic Dishonesty is available on
the TCC website at: http://www.tacomacc.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=149&pageId=12205
In this course, sanctions for academic dishonesty will be as follows:
During an test, exam or quiz, if you are found to have received or given
unsanctioned help or if you have used unsanctioned outside materials, you will be
dismissed from the class and receive a failing grade for the course. If you submit
an assignment that is the work of someone else, you will be dismissed from class
and receive a failing grade for the course. If you allow someone to use your work
to be represented as his/her own original work, then you will be dismissed from
class and receive a failing grade in the course.
Classroom
Policies
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Attendance: Adherence to the due dates is essential for this class because the
material builds on the previous lesson. From time to time, the instructor may modify the
schedule (due dates and test due dates) or announce extra credit opportunities. These
changes will be announced in class. Students are expected to communicate with the
instructor in advance by Canvas email if you are unable to attend class on a midterm,
test, or exam day.
Late work: Will not be given full credit. Late penalties will apply.
Withdrawals: The last date for requesting a withdrawal is scheduled by the college.
Please check the portal for the exact date for this quarter. Instructor withdrawals are
generally not given.
Incompletes: An “I” grade (incomplete) will be given if a student has attended class
regularly and maintained a “C” average but is unable to take the final exam because of
an emergency. It will be the instructor’s judgment what constitutes an emergency. If
you receive an “I” grade, the unfinished work must be completed the following quarter,
or the grade will be changed to an “E”. School policy requires a written contract; it is
your responsibility to get the paperwork to me.
Cell phones: These devices must be silenced in the classroom during class time. If
an unusual or emergency situation exists it will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Cell phones cannot be used as calculators during tests and quizzes.
Children in class: By college policy, children are not permitted in the classroom while
class is in session.
Food/beverages in class: no food or drink is allowed in class. Water in closed
containers is permitted. The use of e-cigarettes is not permitted in class.
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Other
Information
Classroom Behavior Standards:
Students in this class are expected to
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Instructor
As the instructor, I will work to create an atmosphere that will encourage and support your
mastery of business math concepts. As such, objectives for which I will strive to meet
include to:
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Instructional
Services
Attend class and/or check Canvas / Connect website (instructor and publisher) daily.
Come to class fully prepared to be present in class.
Actively participate in your partner groups.
Ask relevant questions.
Give the instructor your full attention during lectures –computer work is not permitted
unless directed to do so.
Work cooperatively with other students.
Behave with respect toward each other, students and instructor alike.
Refrain from profane language or emotional outbursts in the classroom.
Be prepared to sit anywhere in the classroom and work with any other student.
Refrain from wearing strong perfumes or colognes – this is a scent-free class.
Act as you would in a professional work environment.
Keep your instructor apprised of any circumstances that will not allow you to complete
your work as per the course schedule.
Administer fair and equitable policies and procedures to all students.
Provide a schedule of activities that is clear and communicate changes by email and on
Canvas.
Grade assignments, quizzes, etc. and hand them back to students in class no later than
3 class sessions after the stated due date.
Answer email within 24 hours during the week (Monday to Thursday) and by Monday at
noon for emails sent on the weekends.
Provide feedback and comments that are thorough and meaningful.
Be available for students during my office hours and by appointment and inform
students of any changes to my office hours by email and Canvas.
Equip students with general skills applicable to multiple career paths.
For assistance with Business Math, please make use the tutors in the Business Education
Center. You are entitled to book up to 2 hours per week to work individually with a BEC
tutor. I highly encourage you to use these resources. Successful students do!
Business Education Center (BEC) 16-308 (hours vary depending on the quarter and
the day).
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