Welcome to Math 55, Accelerated Pre-Algebra with Arithmetic …
(Note: This e-mail is only a courtesy to wait-listed students, and does not guarantee eventual enrollment.)
I want to make this class the best Math learning experience that you have ever had.
Get off to a great start before class begins: Buy the textbook. Practice basic arithmetic.
A - Make sure you have a correct textbook by the second day of class.
You will have over 40 textbook homework assignments (1 to 3 most class days), starting on Day 1.
Each major test will also require some homework sections to be submitted for grading.
Daily lecture will present most chapter section examples, but some may be assigned for self-study.
Warning: This textbook is BRAND NEW in Fall 2015!
You cannot use texts from older Math55 classes.
Your textbook can be obtained in 3 ways:
1. The MSJC bookstore has a custom package with MathXL created for MSJC:
ISBN 0-13-434720-X PreAlgebra 7th Edition, by Bittinger/Ellenbogen/Johnson
Note: The Math XL facility wil not be used in the class.
Approx cost: new $146, used $110. Note: this ISBN is for a package containing the book below:
2. .You can also order just the text from an outside vendor (make sure they deliver quickly):
ISBN-13 9780321997159 PreAlgebra 7th Edition, by Bittinger/Ellenbogen/Johnson
Cost: new Price varies $160-$203, used difficult to find. Rentals about $90
3. .E-books: WiFi access in the classroom is not guaranteed.
Kindle editions can be ordered, but cost is similar to a new text from the MSJC bookstore.
Got a Laptop or Tablet? You can rent an E-Text from CourseSmart for 180 days for about $90.
E-Text Free trial: http://www.coursesmart.com/IR/3704213/9780133920062?__hdv=6.8
Other Editions (newer or older) won’t work:
Homework assignments don’t match.
This is a picture of
your textbook cover.
B - Practice your basic arithmetic skills before the start of this class
You might find it useful to review the first few sections of Chapters 1 and 2.
Arithmetic topics will be covered in detail in class.
C - Don’t miss class. Be on time.
If your job, child care schedule, transportation situation or any other circumstance causes you
to be chronically late, absent or leaving early, it will severely affect your performance.
Class participation sessions are part of your grade. Absences cannot be made up.
I may drop you for excessive attendance problems in the first eight weeks.
Attendance problems are a major reason that students fail math classes.
If you miss the first class, you will be dropped and replaced by a
student on the wait-list... unless you send me an e-mail beforehand.
- More information:
Daily in-class Participation exercises require you to work with a partner. If you plan more than
3 or 4 absences, or you are habitually late or leave early, this may affect your grade.
Your class syllabus will contain detailed class information and homework assignments.
Click on the link below to go to my faculty website and then click on your class icon.
http://www1.msjc.edu/instructor/dvandewater/
Don’t print it… I still may make a few updates.
I will hand out a printed copy of the final syllabus to each of you on the first day of class.
I look forward to meeting you and helping you to succeed,
Your instructor, MrV
(David Vandewater)