Beginning Algebra
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QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Course: MAT 095, Beginning Algebra

Instructor: Maureen Woolhouse
                     Office - Room 257
                     Administration Building
                     1-508-854-2731
 

Course Description: The successful student will understand all basic operations of real numbers; solve linear and literal equations, graph lines (using tables, x and y-intercepts), perform arithmetic operations and apply the properties of exponents to polynomial expressions, solve systems of two linear equations (by graphing and by addition method), and compute perimeters of basic geometric figures. Mathematical modeling, collaborative learning and the application of technology are integral components of this course. All classes will participate in a unifies comprehensive final exam to be administered during final exam week.

 

Prerequisite:  MAT 090, Basic Mathematics Skills (A grade of B or better is strongly recommended.) or placement Computerized Placement Test.


Text: Introductory Algebra ,
7th edition, by Lial, Hornsby, McGinnis
Addison Wesley Publishing Company, 2002


Attendance: Perfect attendance is possibly the simplest and most effective way for a student to maximize his or her academic performance. Attendance will be taken at the start of each class meeting.

Tardiness: Late attendance is a source of distraction to both the students and the instructor. Out of mutual courtesy and respect, please be in your seat and prepared to work at the start of our class time.

Grading Policy: During the course of the semester there will be:
                               4 - 5  one-hour tests
                               6        ten minute quizzes
                               4        writing/project assignments
                               1        final exam

The five best quiz scores out of the six administered quizzes will be counted for twenty points each and then combined to equal one exam grade. The final exam will count as two test grades.

 

Exams:  Missing a test is a serious academic problem. Tests are announced well in advance of the test date. well in advance of the test date. If a student should miss a test, they should contact the instructor immediately or at the very least prior to the next class meeting. After this date there will be no opportunity to take a make-up exam except through the presentation of a written doctor's certificate establishing a valid medical excuse.


Quizzes:  Quizzes will be administered during the first ten minutes of class. If a student is late to class on a quiz day, they will have less than the full time in which to take the quiz. Quizzes are announced in advance. THERE WILL BE ABSOLUTELY NO MAKE-UP QUIZZES FOR ANY REASON. A student will receive a grade of zero on a quiz if they miss the quiz or if they leave class after taking the quiz.
Homework:  Students should prepare for their tests and quizzes by completing all homework assignments in a timely fashion. Homework should be kept in a separate section of the math notebook from class notes. Most students require practice to succeed in mathematics. Homework questions will be reviewed for a limited period of time at the start of class meetings. Students should have their assignment notebooks with them at all class meetings. Homework will be collected at random and receive a grade based upon the completeness of the assignment.
 

Final Exam:  All Introductory Algebra students will participate in a unified, comprehensive final exam to be administered during final exam week.

 

Teaching Methods:  The instructor will present new material with extensive student interaction and participation. Cooperative learning techniques will be employed as frequently as time permits.


Help!!!!
  1. Free tutorial help is available without an appointment in the Math Lab located in the Administration Building.
  2. Videotapes and computer software geared to our textbook are available for your use in the Math Lab.
  3. I am available for help during my office hours.
  4. Help eachother! Organize study groups among classmates. It really works!
  5. Check out the companion website for out textbook at:
    www.MyMathLab.com

 

 

Beginning Algebra Course Objectives:

 

-Review of Real Numbers

a)      fractions, decimals, percents

b)      integers

c)      order of operation

d)      simplifying expressions/combining like terms

e)      evaluating expressions

-Equation Solving

a)      linear equations

b)      literal equations

c)      geometry (compute perimeter and area of basic geometric figures)

-Graphing Lines

a)      using tables

b)      x and y-intercepts

c)      isolating the y variable/plugging in for independent variable

-Systems of 2x2 equations

a)      solve by graphing

b)      solve by elimination

-Properties of exponents

a)      the five properties

b)      negative exponents

-Polynomial arithmetic

a)      add and subtract (vertical and horizontal)

b)      multiplication

c)      division

 

MAT 095 - BEGINNING ALGEBRA

ASSIGNMENTS

 

The following pages contain a tentative list of assignments for this semester. When you have completed a section of the textbook in class, do the problems listed below from that section. You will find the answers to the odd numbered problems in the back of your textbook. Please check your answers against the correct answers to see if you understand what you are doing. If many of your answers are wrong, seek help in the Math Lab or see me in my office. If just a few are wrong, please feel free to ask about them at the start of our class meeting.

 

 

R.1

Fractions

p. 11

# 23 -29

  33 - 47

  51 - 61

R.2

Decimals & Percents

p. 23

# 9 - 25

  27 - 37

  41 - 47

  51 - 67

1.1

Exponents, Order of Operations & Inequalities

p. 31

#7 - 19

  25 - 49

  51 - 61

  71 - 75

 

1.2

Variables, Expressions & Equations

p. 37

#11 - 31

 

1.3

Real Numbers & The Number Line

p. 47

#  7

  13 - 47

 

TEST #1

 

1.4

Addition of Real Numbers

p. 53

# 5 - 33

  63 - 73

1.5

Subtraction of Real Numbers

p. 61

#7 - 41

 57 - 67

1.6

Multiplication & Division of Real Numbers

p. 73

#7 - 41

 45 - 55

1.7

Properties of Real Numbers

p. 83

#9 - 25

 31 - 37

 43 - 65

1.8

Simplifying Expressions

p. 91

#9 - 23

 27 - 33

 37 - 49

 

TEST #2

  

2.1

The Addition Property of Equality

p. 111

#9 - 43

 

2.2

The Multiplication Property of Equality

p. 117

#1 - 19

 23 - 51

2.3

More on Solving Linear Equations

p. 123

#1 - 13

19 - 29

2.5

Formulas & Applications from Geometry

p. 143

#5 - 25

 33 - 41

 49 - 63

 

TEST #3

 

3.1

Reading Graphs; Linear Equations in Two Variables

p. 195

#13 - 27

 31 - 47

 49 - 57

 61 - 69

 71 - 75

3.2

Graphing Linear Equations in Two Variables

p. 209

#1 - 5

 11 - 13

 17 - 31

handout

7.1

Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Graphing

p. 491

# 1

  5 - 11

 13 - 21

 29 - 33

7.3

Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Elimination

p. 73

#5 - 19

 23 - 29

 31 - 35

  

TEST #4

  

4.1

Adding & Subtracting Polynomials

p. 267

#7 - 13

 15 - 23

 27 - 31

 35 - 41

 47 - 49

 55 - 63

4.2

The Product Rule & The Power Rule for Exponents

p. 277

#1 - 11

 25 - 59

 63 - 83

4.3

Multiplying Polynomials

p. 285

#7 - 37

 

4.4

Special Products

p. 291

#3 - 11

19 - 29

4.5

Integer Exponents & The Quotient Rule

p. 301

#9 - 27

 33 - 51

 53 - 67

  

TEST #5

 

4.6

Dividing A Polynomial by A Monomial

p. 305

#7 - 27

 

4.7

The Quotient of Two Polynomials

p. 311

#5 - 15

 21 - 31

 

 

COMMON FINAL EXAM