Course Syllabus: Math 97 Elementary Algebra I Whatcom Community College – Winter 2017 – Item # 5566 – Section B – 5 Credits

Instructor: Nathan Hall Email: nhall@whatcom.edu

Office: LDC 234 Phone: 360-383-3575 Office Hours: 10:30am-11:20am M-F

Web: http://mathyourmind.wordpress.com Class Info: LDC 125; M-F 11:30am-12:20pm

Course Description: The first in a two course elementary algebra sequence. The course will include solving one variable linear equations, formulas and applications, polynomial operations, factoring, and an introduction to solving non-linear equations with quadratic formula or by using inverse operations. Prerequisite: Math 94 (Basic Mathematics) with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent.

Required Course Materials

Text: Algebra: A Combined Course, McKeague, xyztextbooks, 2013.

Calculator: A calculator is required for this course; I suggest either a TI-83 or TI-84, however a scientific calculator will work as well. This is definitely a good investment if you plan on taking more math classes; a limited number are available for checkout from the library. You may not use calculator “alternatives” (cell phones, etc), or share calculators on tests.

Notebook: Organize your work using a binder, take notes daily, and bring a pencil for all tests.

Course outcomes: Students will be able to… 1. Solve linear equations and inequalities of one variable. 2. Solve application problems involving linear equations. 3. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide polynomial expressions. 4. Factor polynomials. 5. Solve quadratic equations.

General Policies and Procedures

Internet Usage and Email: This is a “digitally enhanced course”, which means you will need access to a computer with a reliable internet connection for some graded portions of the class. We will use WAMAP (more info below) for regular quizzes online, and this will also be a place for you to discuss content from class, access some materials from lecture, as well as help keep track of your current grade.

Email is my preferred method of communication, and you can expect me to reply to your emails within 24 hours during the work week, although usually I check my messages every few hours. As a responsible student, you should check your email on a daily basis.

Attendance and Participation: Daily attendance is crucial to mastering the material and to understand what will be required of you for exams. Excessive tardiness will result in point deductions at the instructor’s discretion. Please ask questions when you need help understanding a topic; the whole class will benefit from these discussions! Students are responsible for any announcements made in class concerning scheduling, change in exam dates, etc.

Emergency Closure: If the school closes due to an emergency, or class is cancelled, necessary course information will be conveyed via email. Refer to the school website for closure announcements.

Special Needs: Any student with a disability requiring auxiliary aids, services, or other accommodations should contact the Disability Support Services office in the Entry and Advising Center (LDC 116) at 383-3080 or 255-7182 (VP) to make an appointment. If your accommodations involve taking exams in the testing center, please confirm this with your instructor.

Academic Honor Code: Academic honesty and integrity are taken seriously at WCC. Any and all forms of cheating or plagiarism will result in disciplinary action. This can range from earning a score of zero on an assignment or exam, to probation, suspension, or expulsion after review by the college administration.

Classroom Conduct: Everyone is expected to act in a responsible, professional manner at all times while in the classroom. To achieve this, here are some guidelines you should follow: -silence and put away all electronic devices other than a calculator -do not arrive late to class or leave early without discussing with me beforehand, it is disruptive -refrain from excessive talking during lecture or exhibiting disrespectful comments or behavior

Specific Course Requirements and Policies

Homework: Homework will be assigned for each section, and should be completed daily to prepare adequately for quizzes and tests. Homework will not be collected as part of your grade.

Quizzes: We will have quizzes periodically on WAMAP to help you assess your progress with the course material, and prepare for tests. Instructions on accessing can be found below. These quizzes will typically be available a few days before they are actually due. The lowest quiz score will be dropped.

Tests: Tests will be given for roughly each chapter covered. (refer to calendar)

Final: The comprehensive final exam will be given in two parts, on Monday, March 20th and Tuesday, March 21st. This MUST be taken on the dates scheduled. You will be allowed one 3x5” note card (both sides) on each day.

Note: You may not share calculators during any assessments. There will be no make-up tests or quizzes. An absence on a test day will result in a grade of zero. In case of valid family or medical emergency that you are able to document, you must contact me prior to an exam to make alternative arrangements.

Assessment Weights: Your final grade will be determined by one of the following weighting systems: Option 1: Test Average: 60% Final Exam: 25% Quiz Average: 15% Option 2: Test Average: 40% Final Exam: 45% Quiz Average: 15% The option resulting in the highest grade will automatically be chosen for you. This system rewards you for performing better on the final exam than you have historically on previous tests.

Grade Scale: Your letter grade will be determined using the following scale:

93% ≤ A 83% ≤ B < 87% 73% ≤ C < 77% F < 60%

90% ≤ A- < 93% 80% ≤ B- < 83% 70% ≤ C- < 73%

87% ≤ B+ < 90% 77% ≤ C+ < 80% 60% ≤ D < 70%

Incompletes: An “incomplete” for this course is strongly discouraged. However, for some verifiable personal emergencies this option may be considered as long as you have shown sufficient progress as determined by the instructor, including at least an average of 73% on assessments. If circumstances prevent you from being able to complete this course, you should withdraw and try again later.

S/U or Auditing: Consult with an academic advisor to determine if changing to S/U grading, or auditing the course is the best choice for your current situation. The deadline for these changes is listed below. Important Dates:

100% Refund Deadline: Jan. 10 Presidents Day: Feb. 20/21

MLK Day Jan. 16 Last Day to Withdraw

Last Day to Drop Without “W”: Jan. 23 or Change S/U Grade: March 1

Core Learning Abilities

WCC’s core learning abilities (CLAs) – quantitative literacy, information literacy, communication, critical

thinking, and global consciousness – are skills taught and reinforced throughout our curriculum. These

skills are integral to students’ professional and personal lives. This course will give you the opportunity

to practice and develop quantitative literacy.

Course Content 1.1 Real Numbers 1.5 Properties of Real Numbers 1.6 Simplifying Expressions 2.1 Addition Property of Equality 2.2 Multiplication Property of Equality 2.3 Solving Linear Equations in One Variable 2.4 Formulas 2.5 Applications: Number, Age, Perimeter, Coin 2.6 Applications: Integer, Interest, Triangle, Misc. 2.7 Linear Inequalities in One Variable 5.1 Exponent Rules (Mult. and Scientific Notation) S.3 Division with Exponents (No Negatives) 5.4 Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials

5.5 Multiplication of Polynomials 5.6 Special Products 5.7 Dividing a Polynomial by a Monomial 5.8 Dividing a Polynomial by a Polynomial S.1 Roots of Real Numbers S.2 Solve Simple Non-Linear Equations 6.1 Factoring (GCF, Grouping) 6.2 Factoring Trinomials (a=1) 6.3 Factoring Trinomials (a≠1) 6.4 Special Factoring Formulas 6.6 General Factoring Review 6.7 Solve Quadratic Equations by Factoring 6.8 Applications of Factoring

WAMAP

WAMAP is an online testing tool for educators in Washington. To use WAMAP you will need to create a

free account. Simply go to http://www.wamap.org/ and you will see a login area to the right and a link

below to register as a new student. You will need to fill out a username and password, provide your

email address, and enter in the following course ID and enrollment key:

Course ID: 13666

Enrollment Key: M97_Winter17

After registering and signing in, you should see an introductory quiz and further information about the

online classroom. Quizzes will become available a few days before they are due, and must be completed

by midnight on the due date. Feel free to ask me questions regarding the quizzes; since they are taken

outside of class they are open book, but I encourage you to attempt them without outside assistance.

Affirmation of inclusion

WCC is committed to maintaining an environment in which every member of the college community

feels welcome to participate in the life of the College, free from harassment and discrimination. We

welcome people of all races, ethnicity, national origins, religions, ages, genders, sexual orientations,

marital status, veteran status, abilities and disabilities. Toward that end, faculty, students and staff will

treat one another with respect and dignity; promote a learning and working community that ensures

social justice, understanding, civility and non-violence in a safe and supportive climate; and influence

curriculum, teaching strategies, student services and personnel practices that facilitate sensitivity and

openness to diverse ideas, peoples and cultures in a creative, safe and collegial environment.

Non-discrimination policy, Title IX, and sexual misconduct

WCC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, honorably

discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, genetic information or age in its programs and

activities. WCC’s discrimination and harassment policy (policy 615) and the student rights and

responsibilities policy (WAC 132U-125) strictly prohibit sexual harassment, intimidation, and violence.

Anyone who has experienced sexual misconduct is encouraged to contact a WCC counselor in entry and

advising (Laidlaw 116) at 360-383-3080 to receive confidential support and learn about reporting

options. Any disclosure of such misconduct shared with another faculty or staff member is non-

confidential and requires a report to WCC’s Title IX coordinator, who has been designated to handle

such reports. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination, Title IX, and sexual misconduct policies can be

directed to the executive director for human resources, 237 W. Kellogg Road, Bellingham, WA

98226, 360-383-3400.

Math 97: Winter Quarter 2017 Schedule (Subject to Change)

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1/2 1/3

1/4 Intro/Syllabus

1/5

0.2

1/6 0.6

1/9 1.1

1/10 1.5

1/11 1.5

1/12 1.6

1/13 2.1

1/16 MLK Day

1/17 2.2

1/18 2.3 Quiz 1 Due

1/19 2.4

1/20 2.4

1/23 2.5

1/24 2.5

1/25 2.6

1/26 2.7

1/27 2.7

1/30 Review Quiz 2 Due

1/31 Exam 1

2/1 5.1

2/2 Supplement 3

2/3 5.4

2/6 5.5

2/7 5.5

2/8 5.6

2/9 5.7

2/10 5.8

2/13 5.8

2/14 Review Quiz 3 Due

2/15 Exam 2

2/16 Supplement 1

2/17 Supplement

2/20 Presidents Day

2/21 College Closed

2/22 Supplement 2

2/23 Supplement 2

2/24 6.1

2/27 6.2 Quiz 4 Due

2/28 6.3

3/1 6.3

3/2 6.4

3/3 6.5

3/6 6.6

3/7 Review Quiz 5 Due

3/8 Exam 3

3/9 6.7

3/10 6.7

3/13 6.8

3/14 6.8

3/15 Wrap-Up

3/16 Review

3/17 Review Quiz 5 Due

3/20 Final Part 1

3/21 Final Part 1

3/22 Grading

3/23 No

3/24 Class