FALL SEMESTER 2010
MA 099
Elementary Algebra
3 Credit Hours
Textbook:
Beginning Algebra with Applications, 7th edition
Aufmann, Barker, & Lockwood
Division of Mathematics & Applied Science
Instructor: Mary Therese Blecha
The learning outcomes and competencies detailed in this syllabus meet, or exceed, the learning outcomes and
competencies specified by the Kansas Core Outcomes Project for this course, as sanctioned by the Kansas
Board of Regents.
Elementary Algebra
Fall 2010
Course Number:
MA 099
Time & Day: 9:00 A.M. – 9:55 A.M., Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Location:
Room 301
Instructor:
Mary Therese Blecha
Office:
Learning Skills Center, Room 210
Phone: 243-1435, x231
Email:
tblecha@cloud.edu
Required Materials: The text, Beginning Algebra with Applications, 7th edition, Aufmann, Barker &
Lockwood, Houghton Mifflin, 2008 and a scientific calculator that does not have a built-in CAS (Computer
Algebra System).
Office Hours: MW: 10-11, 2-4, 5-8; TR: 10-11, 2-4; F 10-11. .
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed for students with little or no high school algebra, or those
who have appropriate math scores on the ACT and ASSET/Compass exams. Topics covered will include
number systems, solution and application of linear and quadratic equations, properties of the graphs of linear
equations, solution of systems of linear equations, polynomials, factoring, and radicals. You will need a grade
of a C or higher in this course to be able to take Intermediate Algebra.
PREREQUISITE: Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra with a C or better, or appropriate ACT/ASSET/COMPASS
scores.
SEQUENCING:
This course is offered both fall and spring semesters, and summer/interterm sessions at instructor’s discretion.
METHOD OF EVALUATION/GRADING: Your grade will be based on the standard percentage grading
system of total points possible.
90-100% A
80-89% B
70-79% C
60-69% D
0-59% F
*Homework will make up 20% of your final grade.
Quizzes will make up 20% of your final grade.
Exams including the Final Exam will make up 60% of your final grade.
TEACHING METHODS:
This class will consist mainly of illustrated lecture explanations of new content. Also included will be
individual or group practice time in class for new topics. There will be homework assignments and quizzes.
You are expected to bring your text book and scientific calculator to each class period.
ASSIGNMENT POLICY:
Homework
 Homework assignments will be given on a regular basis. Please pay attention to when homework has been
assigned and when it is due. If you miss a class, it is YOUR responsibility to find out if homework has been
assigned.
 You will need to show all of your work for each of the problems assigned. If you get an incorrect answer
due to a small error in your work you will get partial credit for working the problem.
 Late homework will be accepted until the beginning of the next class period. After that late homework will
not be accepted unless there is a valid reason for handing it in at a later date. Please check with your
instructor. If late homework is not accepted you receive zero points.
Quizzes


Quizzes will be given on a regular basis at the beginning of the class period. They will consist of a few
problems similar to those in the homework assignment.
If you have a valid reason for being absent from class or being late to class you will be able to make up a
quiz of different but similar problems. This quiz must be made up before the next class period. If you do not
have a valid reason for being late or absent you will get a zero for that quiz.
COURSE POLICIES
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
It is imperative that each student does his/her own work. The following policy will apply to all students in
class.
Infractions of academic integrity (honesty) shall include:
 Using another student’s work without giving the student credit for the work. In other words, taking
someone else’s file and placing your name on it and claiming it is yours, using another student’s quiz, or
help on a quiz/exam.
 Giving another student your file(s) knowing that he/she intends to turn it in as his/her own creation,
giving another student your quiz, or help on a quiz/exam.
It is not an infraction of the policy to help another student understand how to do an assignment if he/she does
the work himself/herself with your assistance.
Cheating:
“Cheating means getting unauthorized help on an assignment, quiz or examination.”
1. You must not receive from any other students or give to any other students any information, answers, or
help during an exam.
2. You must not use unauthorized sources for answers during an exam. You must not take notes or books
to the exam when such aids are forbidden, and you must not refer to any book or notes while you are
taking the exam unless the instructor indicates it is an “open book” exam.
3. You must not obtain exam questions illegally before an exam or tamper with an exam after it has been
corrected.
Materials taken from “Academic Dishonesty in Our Classrooms.” Instructional Exchange, 1990, 2 (2), 1-4 (Newsletter available from the Office of
University Assessment and Intellectual Skills Program, Western Michigan University)
Plagiarism:
“Plagiarism” means submitting work as your own that is someone else’s. For example, copying material from a
book, the Internet, or another source without acknowledging that the words or ideas are someone else’s and not
your own is plagiarism. If you copy an author’s words exactly, treat the passage as a direct quotation and
supply the appropriate citation. If you use someone else’s ideas, even if you paraphrase the wording,
appropriate credit should be given. You have committed plagiarism if you purchase a term paper or submit a
paper as your own that you did not write.
PENALTIES FOR INFRACTIONS:
If it is evident that you are cheating on a quiz or exam you will be given a zero for that quiz or exam.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Attendance in class is your responsibility. You are expected to attend class unless you are participating in
scheduled school activities or have been excused by the instructor. It will be difficult for you to do well in this
class if you don’t attend regularly. If you are late or absent from class, it is your responsibility to get the lecture
notes and assignments.
CONDUCT:
Mature behavior is expected. Please respect others by turning off pagers, cell phones, and other electronic
devices, and by being on time for class. Please do not engage in disruptive behavior. Repeated instances of
disruptive behavior will result in your dismissal from that day’s class, followed by a conference to determine
your future in the class. Please dress appropriately for being in public. Getting involved in the class will help
make your experience better.
EXAMINATION POLICY:
You are expected to take the exam on the scheduled date. If you miss an exam for a legitimate reason, you
should contact your instructor as soon as possible to arrange a time for you to make up the exam.
TUTOR ASSISTANCE:
Tutors are available in the Math Center, Room 204, and in the Learning Skills Center, Room 210. Contact the
Learning Skills Center for more information as to the times these Centers are open. There are also web
resources available for tutoring; just google “math tutoring” or something similar.
INCOMPLETE POLICY:
Students will not be given an incomplete grade in the course without sound reason and documented as described
in the Student Handbook. The incomplete must be made up with the instructor assigning the incomplete and
must be completed the semester immediately following the semester in which the class was taken. Refer to the
Student Handbook for a complete explanation.
ACADEMIC COMPLAINTS:
Cloud County Community College has an Academic Due Process Policy to address any student academic
complaints. For any unresolved complaints, the policy can be obtained from the Academic Affairs Office.
GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS:
Not applicable
DEPARTMENT GOALS:
Students who complete a mathematics class at Cloud County Community College should be able to:
 Demonstrate mathematical reasoning or analysis.
 Demonstrate mathematical knowledge.
 Manipulate mathematical expressions.
COURSE GOALS:
Students will be expected to use appropriate technology as one tool to achieve the following outcomes:
I. Arithmetic and Algebraic Manipulation
A. Evaluate arithmetic expressions, including absolute value, using the order of operations and properties
of real numbers.
B. Evaluate algebraic expressions.
C. Apply the laws of exponents to simplify expressions containing integer exponents.
D. Express numbers in scientific notation.
E. Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division on polynomial expressions.
F. Factor expressions with common factors, expressions that require grouping, trinomial expressions, and
differences of squares.
G. Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division on rational expressions.
H. Evaluate radicals, approximating those that are irrational.
I. Simplify numeric radicals using the product and quotient rules.
II. Equations and Inequalities
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Solve linear equations in one variable.
Solve proportional equations.
Solve linear inequalities in one variable, showing solutions on the real number line.
Solve literal equations that do not require factoring.
Solve quadratic equations by factoring.
Develop and solve mathematical models including number, geometry, and percentage applications.
III. Graphs on a Coordinate Plane
A.
B.
C.
D.
Plot points correctly on a coordinate plane.
Graph linear equations by plotting points.
Graph linear equations by using intercepts.
Graph linear equations using the y-intercept and slope.
IV. Analysis of Equations and Graphs
A. Identify the x-intercept, y-intercept, and slope of a line given its graph.
B. Identify the x-intercept, y-intercept, and slope of a line given its equation.
C. Determine the equation of a line given its graph, its slope and y-intercept, or its slope and a point on the
line.
D. Determine equations of both horizontal and vertical lines.
E. Determine whether or not an equation is linear.
F. Calculate the slope of a line passing through two given points.
ASSESSMENT of COURSE GOALS:
Students who complete this course, Elementary Algebra, at Cloud County Community College, will be assessed
on the course competencies, as detailed above.
ACCOMMODATION FOR DISABILITY:
If you need academic adjustments for any type of disability, contact the Director of Advisement and
Counseling, located in the Advisement Center.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY:
In case of extremely severe weather, the college may close. The following radio and TV stations will be
notified:
KNCK
1390 AM
Concordia
KCLY
100.9 FM
Clay Center
KREP
92.1 FM
Belleville
KHCD
89.5 FM
Hutchinson
KVSV
1190 AM
Beloit
KSAL
1150 AM
Salina
WIBW (TV) Chan. 13
Topeka
KWCH (TV) Chan. 12
Wichita
KOLN (TV) Chan. 10
Lincoln, NE
Notification will also be placed on the internet at www.cancellations.com. A text message will also be sent out
on the Emergency Text Messaging System for the students who have signed up for it.
Students should call the switchboard at 800-729-5101 or 785-243-1435 if they are unable to attend class due to
hazardous conditions. Night class and off campus class cancellations are left to the discretion of the instructor.
EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE:
When alarms are sounded or crisis conditions arise, you will be instructed to move to a designated safe area or
to remain in the classroom until the crisis has passed. If you are informed to leave the room, take as many of
your personal belongings as time permits. Cell phones and other electronic devices are only to be used once
you arrive in the safe area outside the building. Students requiring special assistance will be the responsibility
of the instructor or staff person.
Systems of alert for tornado or bomb threat: PA system, phone, or staff interruption of class. In case of fire, the
alarm will sound.
If directed to leave the building, evacuate to the soccer field unless an alternate safe location has been
designated.