| Announcemnts! | Syllabus | Lecture Slides | Assignments | Quiz and Exam Calendar |
Course description
This course is intended for students with an elementary knowledge of algebra who
need more work in algebraic topics before taking more advanced mathematics
courses. Topics include properties of the real numbers, problem-solving using
equations and inequalities, algebraic functions, graphing, and systems of
equations. A graphing calculator is required for this course.
A tentative lecture slides can be found
here, and you are encouraged to print them out ahead of time and bring them
to the class.
Prerequisites
Two years of algebra at the high school level.
Textbook
College Algebra: Graphs and Models, Second Custom Edition for Kutztown University by Bittinger, Beecher, Ellenbogen and Penna.
Calculators
A graphing calculator is required:
Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus or
Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus.
Academic Dishonesty
You will receive a zero on the quiz or exam. There may be other penalties as well
depending on the situation.
Grading
Final Exam: 25%
Exams (3): 45%
Quizzes: 20%
Assignments & Participation: 10%
Grading Example
If a student achieves 60% on the Final, 70% on Exams, 80% on Quizzes, and 90% on
Assignments & Participation, then his/her overall weighted average grade is
(0.25 * 60%) + (0.45 * 70%) + (0.20 * 80%) + (0.10 * 90%) = 15% + 31.5% + 16% +
9% = 71.5%.
Final Grade will be determined as follows:
A: 90% − 100%; B: 80% − 89.99%;
C: 70% − 79.99%; D: 60% − 69.99%;
F: below 60%.
Participation
Attendance at each class meeting is required. Furthermore, I require that you
come to class on time, and don’t leave until the class is finished. Attendance
will be taken WITHOUT prior announcement. You are expected to actively
participate in class by contributing to the discussion, asking meaningful
questions, making comments, and sharing your ideas with others (In the event
that your course grade falls on the borderline between two letter grades, I will
use your attendance/participation to determine whether or not to assign the
higher grade.)
I have no tolerance for disruptive or inappropriate behavior in class such
as constant talking, exceeding an acceptable noise level, sleeping in class,
frequently lateness, missing classes, or leaving early etc.
You may end up with a negative score in the Assignments & Participation category.
Assignments
There are daily assignments, which are posted
here. These assignments will not be
collected unless otherwise mentioned. However, the quizzes and the exams
will mainly based on the assignments. You are expected to complete all
assignment by the beginning of the next class. I will reserve the beginning of each class to go over any questions
you may have.
Exams
There are three in-class written exams and one comprehensive final exam during the semester. All missed exams will be given grades of “0”, unless there is a documented significant reason for missing the event. The (tentative) dates for MAT 105 are:
Exam 1: Friday, September 23rd, 2011
Exam 2: Friday, October 21st, 2011
Exam 3: Friday, November 18th, 2011
Final Exam: TBA
Quizzes
Periodic short quizzes based on assignments will be given throughout the course.
The lowest quiz score will be dropped. The schedule can be found
here.
Tutoring
If you are having trouble in this course, it is important that you seek help
immediately. I would be more than happy to help you during office hours or
during another scheduled time. I also encourage you to work together with other
students in class. Furthermore,
Miscellaneous