El Camino College
Syllabus
Fall 2013
Course Title: Basic Arithmetic Skills
Course Number: Math 12
Section Number: 0168
Classroom: MBA 309
Class time: 11:30am – 12:45am, MWF
Credit hours: 4
Instructor: Wei-Feng Chen
Office Hours: before or after the lecture, or by appointment
Email: wchen@elcamino.edu
Phone: (949)394-9389
Web: http://www.elcamino.edu/faculty/wchen
Textbook: Basic College Mathematics 4th edition by Elayn Martin-Gay
Software: MyMathLab software is included as a bundle with the purchase of the above book, or can be
purchased as a standalone kit for a discounted price at the bookstore or online for a higher fee. Note, if
you purchase MyMathLab, you receive an electronic file of the textbook. You could purchase just the
software and have the ebook included. Website: http://www.coursecompass.com
It is recommended that you sign up with MyMathLab. Homework must be done online – saving paper and
providing feedback.
****** Your course ID is: chen25223 ******
Course objectives:
1. Read and write whole numbers and decimal numbers in standard, expanded, and written form.
2. Order a given set of numbers.
3. Use the order of operations to add, subtract, multiply and exponentiate whole numbers, fractions
and decimals.
4. Use rounding techniques to estimate results of operations on whole numbers, fractions and
decimals.
5. Use divisibility tests and prime factorization to reduce fractions to lowest terms and perform
operations on fractions.
6. Convert rational numbers into decimals, fractions and percentages.
7. Solve various application problems requiring the use of ratios, proportions, and percentages.
Expected Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Perform operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, exponentiation, factoring, and
order of operations) on whole numbers, fractions and decimals.
2. Perform conversions among different forms of numbers. (Standard form, expanded form, verbal
form, decimal form, fractional form, percentage).
3. Order sets of numbers containing fractions, decimals and whole numbers.
4. Solve arithmetic applications on whole numbers, fractions and decimals as well as test the
reasonableness of solutions using estimation techniques when applicable.
1
Class Policies:
1. Attendance: Regular attendance is essential for success in this class. Students are responsible for
all announcements and activities in class regardless of their presence. It is a good idea to
exchange phone numbers with a few trusted fellow classmates in case you are absent.
2. Disruptions policy: Disruptive Behavior or any other violation of ECC's "Standards of Conduct"
will result in disciplinary actions, including dismissal from the class. See the college’s full policy
on this matter, in the 2013-2014 College Catalog on page 35 .
3. Academic Honesty: Absolutely no cheating will be tolerated. Please consult your college catalog
for details. Note that talking during an exam or quiz for any reason is considered academically
dishonest. If you have something to say or something to look at other than your test, make sure
your instructor is aware of what it is so that no action will be taken. See the college’s full policy
on this matter, in the 2013-2014 College Catalog on page 34 – 35.
4. Cell phones: students have to turn off their cell phone when class is in session.
5. Add/Drop policy: student’s responsibility
Course Evaluation:
Homework (online): Success in any math class is dependent upon completing and
understanding all assignments. The homework will be given on-line. The grade will be sent to
the instructor.
In class activity: There will be class activity in every meeting if there is no test.
Exams: There will be four exams during the term and one comprehensive final at the end of the
term. There are no make-ups on exams but the lowest score of the four exams will be dropped.
One cheat sheet is allowed in the four exams and two cheat sheets are allowed in the final exam.
Grading
Homework (online)
In class activity
Four term exams
Final exam
Grading Scale: 90 – 100
80 – under 90
70 – under 80
60 – under 70
Below 60
10%
10%
60%
20%
A
B
C
D
F
Important Dates:
9/6
Friday Last day to drop without notation on permanent record
9/6
Friday Last day to drop for an Enrollment Fee Refund
11/15 Friday Last day to drop with a “W”
2
Schedule (subject to revision by instructor)
Wk 1 (8/26, 28, 30)
Introduction, syllabus, introducing CourseCompass Lab and registration
1.1 Tips for Success in Mathematics
1.2 Place Value, Names for Numbers, and Reading Table
1.3 Adding Whole Numbers and Perimeter
Wk 2 (9/2)
Labor Day Holiday – no class
Wk 2 (9/4, 6)
1.4 Subtracting Whole Numbers
1.5 Rounding and Estimating
1.6 Multiplying Whole Numbers and Area (long)
Wk 3 (9/9, 11, 13)
1.7 Dividing Whole Numbers (long)
1.8 An Introduction to Problem Solving
1.9 Exponents, Square Roots, and Order of Operations
Wk 4 (9/16, 18, 20)
2.1 Introduction to Fractions and Mixed Numbers
2.2 Factors and Prime Factorization
Review
Test #1
Wk 5 (9/23, 25, 27)
2.3 Simplest form of a Fraction
2.4 Multiplying Fractions and Mixed Numbers
2.5 Dividing Fractions and Mixed Numbers
Wk 6 (9/30, 10/2, 4)
3.1 Adding and Subtracting Like Fractions
3.2 Least Common Multiple
3.3 Adding and Subtracting Unlike Fractions
Wk 7 (10/7, 9, 11)
3.4 Adding and Subtracting Mixed Numbers
Review
Test #2
Wk 8 (10/14, 16, 18)
3.5 Order, Exponents, and Order of Operations
3.6 Fractions and Problem Solving (three examples)
4.1 Introduction to Decimals
Wk 9 (10/21, 23, 25)
4.2 Order and Rounding
4.3 Adding and Subtracting Decimals
4.4 Multiplying Decimals and Circumference of a Circle (long)
Wk 10 (10/28, 30, 11/1)
4.5 Dividing Decimals and Order of Operations
Review
Test #3
Wk 11 (11/4, 6, 8)
4.6 Fractions and Decimals (long)
5.1 Ratios (short)
5.2 Rates (short)
Wk 11 (11/11)
Veterans Day Holiday – no class
Wk 12 (11/13, 15)
5.3 Proportions (short)
5.4 Proportions and Problem Solving (short)
Wk 13 (11/18, 20, 22)
6.1 Introductions to Percent (short)
6.2 Percent and Fractions
6.3 Solving Percent Problems Using Equations (long)
Wk 14 (11/25, 27)
6.5 Application of Percent (long)
6.6 Percent and Problem Solving: Sales Tax, Commission, and Discount
Wk 14 (11/29)
Thanksgiving Holiday – no class
Wk 15 (12/2, 4, 6)
6.7 Percent and Problem Solving: Interest
Review
Test #4
Wk 16 (12/9, 11, 13)
Review
Final
3