Foothill College
Elementary Algebra Green Sheet
Title of Course:
Math 220 Elementary Algebra
Section Numbers:
12 (21191)
Days/Times:
MW 6:00 PM 8:15 PM
Location of class:
4604
Instructor’s Name:
Ms. Graciela Cochran
Instructor’s Office:
4604 (our classroom)
Office Hours:
5:40 to 6 and 7:20 to 7:30 pm Mondays and Wednesdays
Phone:
Math department phone: (650) 949-7259
Email Address:
cochrangraciela@foothill.edu
Class Webpage:
www.foothill.edu/directory.php?s=1&rec_id=1858
Mailbox Location:
Please do not drop homework in my mailbox; any papers must be handed to me during class.
Prerequisite: Satisfactory score on the mathematics placement test; MATH 230, 230J & 234
Other details:
Advisory: Not open to students with credit in MATH 101 or 224.
Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
4 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (84 hours total per quarter.)
GE Area: Non-GE Applicable
Transferability: None
Course Contents
Includes linear equations inequalities in one variable, graphs of linear and quadratic functions, solving linear systems,
integer exponents, operations on polynomials, factoring, and proportional reasoning. Ch 1 through 6
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to
1. Solve algebraically, graphically, and numerically linear equations, linear inequalities in one variable, linear systems
of equations, and quadratic equations.
2. Model and solve application problems using linear equations, linear inequalities, and linear systems of equations.
3. Simplify polynomial expressions and exponential expressions with integer exponents.
Materials:
1. Required Textbook: Elementary and Intermediate Algebra, Graphs and Models, custom edition for Foothill College,
Student ISBN: 978-1-269-43377-8
2. Calculator: none required, but you may use one for homework and all tests. However, if you want to use a calculator,
you must have your own; there will be no borrowing of calculators during a quiz/test. A simple scientific calculator is
sufficient for this course; however, if you plan to continue on to advanced mathematics courses, you might want to
purchase a TI 83 plus or TI 84. You can borrow one from the library. Phones will not be allowed as calculators.
3. Blue pen, red pen, pencil, eraser, graph paper, straight edge/ruler, highlighters.
4. Green SCANTRON, form no. 882-E
Class conduct:
Because we all deserve and have the right to a safe, peaceful, conducive to learning environment, I follow the guidelines
outlined in the Foothill College Student Code of conduct. I encourage you to read it.
Some students have difficulty concentrating and need--and deserve--a minimum distraction environment to learn. We all
need to be sensitive to their needs. To accommodate them I have a few requests, which include not leaving the classroom
before class is over and refraining from leaving your seat unless it’s an emergency. If you have a medical condition that
requires you take frequent trips to the bathroom, please notify DRC so you can take test and quizzes there as I can’t
accommodate this need in my classroom.
Also I ask you to turn off and put away cell-phones, lap tops, tablets, iPods, or any other electronic devise
unless you use an e-book. If you use an e-book, you will need a tablet and sit on first row. No laptops please. To
improve your learning experience I request your full attention, therefore, I ask you remove headphones, hoods,
hats, and sunglasses (unless prescribed by a physician), and please don’t check/send text messages. Or this is
what happens: Brazil style:
To maintain a clean and comfortable environment we request you don’t bring food into the classroom. Keep in mind that
some people get sick with certain food smells in a closed room. It’s possible a student is pregnant and with morning
sickness and certain smells can trigger considerable discomfort. Bottled water or a closed cup with a beverage is ok.
In all cases, I have in mind your comfort, safety, and promotion of an environment that is conducive to learning.
Remember: Foothill College is a smoke-free campus. Smoking is permitted only in the public sidewalks around the
perimeter of the campus and on the public streets nearby.
Attendance:
Because I believe you need to be in class to have a good learning experience-listen to the lecture, ask questions, do group
work, talk to the in-class tutors amongst other reasons-- attendance to my class is mandatory. If you are sick or have any
emergency, please let me know so I can help you make arrangements to get the material you missed. But if you have more
than two consecutive unexcused absences I might have to drop you. My classes always begin promptly, so I ask that you
be on time. All quizzes and tests will be given at the beginning of class, or after the break.
Grade:
Determined as shown below. There will be several quizzes, two midterm exams, a Cultural Awareness project (probably),
and Comprehensive Final Exam.
Your grade, calculated to the nearest integer, will be calculated as follows:
Quizzes*
20%
Midterm 1**:
Midterm 2**:
Homework/class work:
Final exam:
20%
20%
10%
30%
That is: to calculate your grade you can follow these steps:
Quarter score = 0.20 x average quiz score +
0.20 x Midterm 1 score +
0.20 x Midterm 2 score +
0.10 x HW/CW score +
0.30 x Final exam score
Then your course grade is determined as follows:
90% and over
A
80 to 89%
B
70 to 79 %
C
60 to 69%
D
0 to 59%
F
* If you are absent for a quiz, your grade for it is zero, but since I know you might have emergencies, I will drop your
lowest quiz score.
** If you are absent for a midterm, you will get the grade you get for the final for that midterm. If you are absent for both
midterms, one midterm gets the grade of the final and the other gets a zero.
Reward for Good Attendance and Study Habits:
Some students study a lot, do their homework, and attend class regularly, but take longer in understanding concepts than
others. It’s possible a student did not do well in his/her tests and quizzes, but at the end of the semester the concepts
“click” and the material is understood. For these responsible learners, if they have 90% attendance AND 70% on
homework or higher, and if they pass the final with a 70%, they will pass the class with a C.
Homework: On paper or Online – Tell me your choice before the fist midterm
Choice 1: Paper Homework
Do problems: 4, 8, 12,…, 80 (include one application, so, there are 20 problems, if a lesson has less than 80 problems,
then choose some more to complete 20 problems)
Due dates:
Will be collected (due) in three parts:
Set 1. Class of the first midterm (all chapters and lessons included in the first midterm)
Set 2. Class of second midterm (all chapters and lessons included in the second midterm)
Set 3. One class before the final (all chapters)
Late homework accepted for ½ credit
Format: for full credit:
On right, top corner:
Last name, first name
Math 220, section number: 04, SP 13,
Set # (1, 2, or 3)
Copy problems in blue ink (5 points extra credit per packet that has all questions written in blue), solve in pencil, skip a
line between problems, start each lesson in a new sheet of paper. Staple all lessons for the set. You will grade your own
homework and give yourself the grade you believe you deserve.
Grade your own homework: Each lesson will be worth 20 points
1 point per correct problem
You should have 100% in all homework. But you might think, “what if I don’t know how to do a problem?” Solution:
look for an example in the textbook similar to the problem you are trying to solve and copy it neatly and completely.
Choice 2: Online homework: MyMathlab
 See directions on how to get started on the handout I will give you on the first class

You will be doing the same sections as the ones shown on the class calendar on each week.
Class Work: It is work assigned in class, mainly group work. It will be part of the homework/class work grade. Class
work is turned in before the end of class and cannot be made up. Usually reviews for tests and quizzes.
Quizzes, midterms, final exam:
There will be several quizzes (some might be unannounced), two mid term exams, and a Comprehensive Final Exam.
There are no make-ups, to make since we know emergencies happen, as I explained above, you can miss one midterm and
get the score of the final on it. A ¼ piece of binder paper hand written on one side only (for midterms and final only) is
allowed, calculators will be allowed unless otherwise announced.
Important Dates & Deadlines
Oct. 3 Deadline to add/drop a class
Sept. 22-Oct. 3 - Late registration accepted with instructor's add code/signature
Nov. 10 Veterans Day observance; campus closed.
Nov. 27-30 Thanksgiving observance; campus closed. Weekend classes do not meet
Nov. 14 Deadline to drop a 12-week class with a W.
Dec. 9-12 Final exams
Please check the school calendar for any changes. In every case a student is responsible for dropping him/herself. You
should not assume that you are automatically dropped from the class for non-attendance. Students on the final grade roster
who have not dropped, and who do not show up for the final exam, automatically receive an F in the course. Please notify
me if you are going to drop the class.
Plagiarism - Academic Honesty Policy:
We take plagiarism seriously. It includes looking at someone else’s exam, helping another student during an exam,
talking to anyone else during an exam, or using an external source of information for which you were not given
permission. Plagiarism may result in a zero for the exam, an F for the class, or in being dropped from the class, and will
be reported to the Dean of Students. I encourage you to read Foothill College guidelines and consequences of plagiarism.
In addition, if you need to go to the bathroom, you will be required to turn in your quiz/test and cannot keep on working
after coming back from the bathroom. Using a phone during a test is considered plagiarism.
Academic Honesty Policy: Academic Honesty is expected for all students at FH. Academic Honesty violations will have
serious consequences and may result in a student being suspended or expelled from this college.
Final Exam Date and Location:
Last day of class in your regular classroom. If you have plans that would prohibit you from being present at the final
exam, please make an appointment to discuss it with me.
Natural Disasters/Emergencies:
If for any reason a natural disaster closes the campus, on a day when a test or quiz was scheduled, you should assume the
test/quiz would be given on the next class.
For all emergencies, accidents, or offenses call Foothill College Police Office, from cell phones, call 408-924-8000
If you feel Discouraged:
Please ask for help, there are many resources here at Foothill College to help you achieve your goals. Keep in mind
everyone here wants to help you succeed and expects you will. Nobody says it will always be easy and there will not be
obstacles, but you are not alone and we are here to help you overcome them.
Some Resources Include:
1. Myself, your instructor. Ask questions in class, if you have a question probably other students have it as well and all
will benefit to hear an explanation. Or, if you would rather ask me questions privately, visit me during my office hours.
Actually, it is a good idea to visit me regularly, but definitely before a quiz or midterm, just to make sure you are on the
right track.
2. Your fellow students. On the first day of class you probably wrote your name, email, and/or phone number on a list
number together with those of other students’ with the purpose to contact each other to form study groups or to call in
case you were absent. I have distributed copies of that list, use it!
3. Your textbook: Besides explanations, exercises, and examples, the textbook comes with a Prep Video CD. Many
students have used it and have found it very helpful. On the last pages it contains a summary of formulae, and properties.
4. PSME Center: Room 4215- Tel: (650) 949-7042. M-Th: 9 AM to 6 PM and Friday: 9 AM to 2 PM What is the
PSME Center?
The PSME Center is an inviting and comfortable place for students to learn mathematics, physics and chemistry. Center
staff provides a nurturing environment designed to help students who are either working on assigned homework or asking
questions about unfamiliar concepts The PSME Center is free for students to use. Students can study, eat, and ask for help
for their Physic, Math, Chemistry, Engineering, and Computer Science courses.
5. EOPS Tutorial Center
EOPS Tutorial Services offers students tutoring on an individualized one-on-one basis. Our purpose is to see that our
students are offered "over and above" support in order to achieve academic success.
Tutorial Services Brochure (pdf)
EOPS Tutorial Services Hours
Monday-Thursday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 3:00pm
If you are interested in receiving individualized one-on-one tutoring print out the Tutor Request form & Contract of
Commitment Agreement and submit the forms to our office, located in room 8202.
6. Pass the Torch: http://foothill.edu/services/torch/index.php.
Program Coordinator
(650) 949-7284
arreolatrigonisanabel@fhda.edu
Each team consists of a team leader and a team member. The leader has already completed that subject or a higher level
subject with an “A” grade and the member is currently enrolled in the course. The member is encouraged to become a
leader in the following quarter. This program targets underrepresented minority students but all students are eligible to be
matched in a study team.
7. DRC (Disability Resource Center): Do you still feel you are not learning what you are supposed to be learning?
Are you frustrated?
There is more help. Students who need academic adjustments must meet with DRC staff members to complete an
application form, determine educational limitations and services needed, and complete a student educational contract. This
is confidential. Please contact:
Contact DRC: Tel: (650) 949-7017
Email: adaptivelearningdrc@foothill.edu
8. Your own study habits:
Take clear notes; highlight definitions and important concepts, even if you don’t completely understand the material, it’s
quite normal not to understand concepts immediately. Read your notes later, re work examples done in class, compare
with the textbook explanations. Work problems on your own until you can solve them without looking at your notes or
textbook. Your studying should include reading the material ahead of class.
Remember that most students need to spend two to three hours studying for each hour spent in class.
But mainly, don’t give up, there is a solution to most academic problems, and I am here to help you and guide you,
Sincerely,
Professor Graciela Cochran
“Successful people learned to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones”