Einstein’s quote implies that although mathematical knowledge is important, it is imagination that allows you to utilize knowledge to attain personal goals.

The course goals are to:

(1) stimulate your imagination

(2) enhance your understanding of mathematics at a conceptual level

(3) demonstrate and communicate your knowledge to others

(4) improve your use of self-assessment methods

(5) think critically

(6) develop effective study and group skills

(7) apply quantitative reasoning to real world contexts

(8) master the use of a scientific calculator as a tool for quantitative analysis

Course Objectives

The course objectives provide a foundation to develop mathematical knowledge and intellectual imagination. This is accomplished through the study of mathematics concepts at a level that will enable you to think critically, demonstrate and communicate your knowledge to others, and apply those skills to real world contexts. Listed here are the mathematical skills you should be able to demonstrate upon completion of this course:

1. Understand basic rules of exponents and how to work with negative exponents

2. Ability to add, subtract, and multiply polynomials (introduction to division of polynomials)

3. Recognize and use a variety of factoring methods

4. Factor expressions by finding common terms and trinomials with any leading coefficient

5. Be able to recognize the difference of squares and use it to factor and solve a quadratic

6. Understand square root and know how to simplify radicals

7. Apply quadratic formula to solve problems

8. Understand how quadratic equations are related to parabolas

9. Know how to graph a parabola accurately given its equation

10. Know how to simplify simple rational expressions

11. Solve application problems and explain the mathematics in the context of the problem

12. Connect math with real world context

Course Expectations

As a student in this course, you are expected to attend all class sessions, arrive on-time and be prepared for the daily lesson. Being prepared means that homework assignments are complete, and you have all the necessary supplies for full participation in the daily coursework, such as pencil, notebook paper, graph paper, straight-edge or ruler, and scientific calculator.

Assessment

Tests and Quizzes

Much of the learning in this class is done through group work, therefore group tests and quizzes are used to assess your understanding. This does NOT mean that you will get a group grade. Test problems are complex and require an explanation of your reasoning. The testing format provides an opportunity to discuss your solution process with group members prior to writing solution processes in your own words. A correct answer to a problem is sufficient for a passing grade (which is a 75% or a 2.0); however, if you wish to earn a higher grade, you must clearly communicate your thinking and demonstrate your solution process. The group work is designed to hone your communication skills (this is a course objective). The individual write-up is how you provide evidence of your understanding for a formal assessment grade. This process will be explained in more depth and your questions will be answered prior to the first formal quiz or test.

Partnership/Small Group/Whole Class Activities

Communication is an important aspect of this class, therefore you are responsible for providing evidence that you understand the material presented. One way to do this is to fully participate in partnership, small group, and whole class activities. The partnership and small group formats provide support to: (1) ease math anxiety, (2) learn to work collaboratively, (3) develop problem solving and critical thinking skills, and (4) clearly communicate your solution process to convince others that your answer is correct. Also, you will be expected to summarize and communicate your group’s findings to the whole class. The small group you will be working with to do class work will be the same people in your quiz/test group; therefore it is important to contribute your thinking, questions, and insights to the collective process. As a productive group member it is your responsibility to listen carefully, provide positive feedback, ask clarifying questions rather than depend upon assumptions, and share your thinking, concerns, and critique of solution processes with one another.

Homework

Completing and submitting homework on time is essential as it prepares you to be a full participant in the class activities. For each assigned section, you should:

Reading Response: Study the assigned section and respond to the questions about the readings that are listed on the Course Calendar.

- take notes and work through the sample problems

- work through some of the problems at the end of the section

- check your work with the answers at the back of the book or in your solution manual

- write up your responses to the questions in the Course Calendar for that section

Hand-in your reading responses on the day it is listed on the Course Calendar. The reading responses are worth 10 participation points and can only be made up by handing it in on the day of your return to class after an absence.

When you feel confident that you understand the material presented in the section and can perform the required skills then complete the on-line assignment. I strongly recommend that you do the assignment each night so that you are prepared for the daily in-class work.

On-line assignment: Go to WAMAP: Online Homework Access, log in using your ‘first name_last name’ as your student name and your pass code is your student number (with NO dashes). Find the homework section you just studied. Open and complete the problems for the section. You can print the problems, work on them off-line (get help at the math lab, etc.), and then go back to the computer to submit your answers. If you are NOT satisfied with the grade you receive, you can ask for a new problem. Once an assignment is submitted, the grade you receive is recorded. On-line assignments can be completed ahead of time; however the final submission date is midnight before the quiz/test. After midnight, you will not be able to earn credit for the on-line problems for those sections.

Daily in-class process

When you arrive in class, hand in your reading response sheet, pick up your file folder, and start working on the problems listed on the board. The problems are chosen to represent the important concepts covered in the section. Start working on the problem assigned to your group first. When your group agrees to the solution process, have one person from the group put the solution steps on the board so that others in class can follow your solution process. Then you work on the other problems. As your group completes the other problems, either register your agreement with other groups’ solutions, or put up your own solutions. When done put your work in your folder. This process should only take 15—20 minutes of class time.

I will (1) share college announcements, (2) discuss the reading response questions handed in at the start of class, (3) take questions about procedures from the section, (4) discuss the in-class problem solutions posted on the board, and (5) introduce the mathematics concepts and procedures for that evening’s homework.

Grading

The proposed grade distribution is 40% class participation & homework, 60% quizzes and tests.

o Quizzes and tests are given each week. Quiz problems are similar to the in-class problems worked on that week; while tests are cumulative, meaning that the test questions can be taken from any of the problems worked on in class to-date. Quizzes are worth 50 pts, Tests are 100 pts. Since quizzes and tests are designed for working in groups, it is important that you make every effort to attend, arrive on-time, and be prepared. There are NO make-up tests or quizzes. The lowest test grade can be replaced with the grade received on the final exam. (On-line homework section problems must be electronically submitted prior to the test/quiz that assesses your understanding of the sections covered to-date.)

o Final Exam is 100 pts and is a collection of problems similar to the ones presented in the daily class work that cover the material for the entire quarter. The final exam grade will replace the lowest test grade.

o Participation: You will receive 10 points for each day that you attend class. Points are deducted if you arrive late or leave early, are not able to attend a session, and for disruptive and disrespectful behavior. Also, up to an additional 10 participation points can be earned if you hand in a reading response sheet for the section covered that day before group time is over (within the first 15 minutes of class.) If you are absent and want to receive the 10 points for the reading response sheet, then that must be submitted (email is fine) before the class session or immediately upon your return to class. The 10 attendance participation points cannot be made-up even for excused absences.

o On-line homework is worth 10 homework points. Section problems are available on-line up until the day of the quiz/test (midnight before the quiz/test). Please check the Course Calendar for quiz/test dates.

100 > 94% = 4.0 > 3.9 = A

93 > 90% = 3.8 > 3.5 = A-

89 > 87% = 3.4 > 3.2 = B+

86 > 84% = 3.1 > 2.9 = B

83 > 80% = 2.8 > 2.5 = B-

79 > 77% = 2.4 > 2.2 = C+

76 > 74% = 2.1 > 1.9 = C

73 > 70% = 1.8 > 1.5 = C-

69 > 67% = 1.4 > 1.2 = D+

66 > 64% = 1.1 > 0.9 = D

63 > 60% = 0.8 > 0.7 = D-

60% > = 0.7 > = E

If you feel that the grade distribution does not adequately reflect your understanding of the mathematics in this course, then I encourage you to make an appointment to discuss it with me during office hours. This must be done sometime before the last month of the quarter.

“NC” (No Credit) grades are NOT given under any circumstances. If you want to withdraw from the course, request a “W” grade before the published deadline. “I” (Incomplete) grades are only given in strict conformity with the college catalog. Specifically, a student must be in “good standing” to request an Incomplete. For this course, “good standing” will mean, at a minimum, a current grade of at least 2.0. “I” grades can only be requested in situations and circumstances that are out of the control of the student…please read the catalog for details. I reserve all rights about when and if an “Incomplete” will be issued. It is your responsibility to request and submit the signatures and paperwork required for “W” and “I” grades by the deadlines established by the college.

Assistance

Late and Make-up Work

If you are unable to attend class contact me as soon as possible to explain the situation and discuss options. It is also important to notify your group members, as they will have to function without your input (you can also ask them to take notes during the classes that you cannot attend.)

Tutorial Assistance

I am available to help clarify or provide tutorial assistance. However, (since I have approximately 100 students each quarter) please discuss the problem with your group members first. Make an appointment to speak with me if your group members are unable to help you. I am also available to work with the whole group.

If you need tutoring assistance on a fairly regular basis, the math lab is in SAM106.

Individual Needs

For help with dealing with math phobia or test anxiety, please make an appointment to talk with me. We can discuss your particular issues and devise a plan to help you be successful.

Students with Disabilities Statement

Students with documented disabilities, who need course accommodations, have emergency medical information or require special arrangements for building evacuation should contact the instructor within the first week of class.

The instructor reserves the right to reasonably adjust this syllabus if deemed necessary and will make available written changes for students to add to this document.

Course Calendar

The Course Calendar is not fixed, but rather is a working document which may change as we progress through the material. I will inform you of any changes to the calendar as they arise.

The homework site is at:

WAMAP: Online Homework Access

(You will be registered automatically as a student in this class.

Please use your ‘last name space first name’ as your student name

and your pass code is your student number (with NO dashes).

Full credit for online homework is only given

when responses are received before midnight, before the test/quiz.

Reading Response Questions are listed on the day they are due.

Week 1

Class Session Schedule

Assignment

The homework is listed on the day it is due.

Link to in-class problems

Mon. Jan. 5

Course introduction & administrative stuff

Complete WAMAP tutorial and MATH084 Review

by midnight Sunday 1/11

Tues. Jan .6

6.1 Adding and subtracting polynomials

(1) How are adding and subtracting polynomials the same/different from adding and subtracting multi-digit numbers?

(2) Describe what is meant by the degree of a polynomial, provide an example.

(3) Explain why it is not possible to add two polynomials of degree 3 to get a polynomial of degree 4.

Service Learning credits explained

Weds. Jan.7

6.2 Multiply polynomials

(1) Describe the Product Rule in your own words and provide an example.

(2) Describe the Power Rule (Power to Power) and provide an example.

(3) Describe the Products to Power Rule and provide an example.

(4) Provide an example of polynomial multiplication using an area model.

Thurs. Jan.8

Field Trip

Frye Art Museum

(estimate # attending, collect data, find a picture of an art piece)

Fri. Jan.9

6.3 Special Products

(1) Provide an example for multiplying the sum and difference of two terms using FOIL.

(2) Provide an example of the short-cut for finding the square of a binomial sum, and the square of a binomial difference.

Week 2

Class Session Schedule

Assignment

The homework is listed on the day it is due.

Link to in-class problems

Mon. Jan.12

QUIZ

Make sure to complete the on-line homework at WAMAP before midnight to earn homework points for sections 6.1-6.3

Tues. Jan.13

6.4 Polynomials in several variables

(1) What does it mean to evaluate a polynomial in several variables? Provide an example.

(2) Describe how to determine the degree of a polynomial that has more than one variable, and provide an example.

(3) Show how to add / subtract polynomials with more than one variable.

(4) Show how to multiply polynomials with two variables.

Weds. Jan.14

6.5 Dividing Polynomials

(1) Describe the Quotient Rule for exponents and provide an example.

(2) Describe the Zero-Exponent Rule and provide an example.

(3) Describe the Quotients-to-Powers Rule.

(4) Explain how you can divide a polynomial by a monomial, provide an example.

Thurs. Jan.15

6.6 Dividing Polynomials by Binomials

(1) Explain how dividing a polynomial by a binomial is the same/different from doing long division with multi-digit numbers.

(2) What is important to remember to do when dividing a polynomial that has missing terms?

Fri. Jan.16

6.7 Negative exponents and scientific notations

(1) Describe the negative exponent rule, provide an example.

(2) Describe what it means to simplify an exponential expression, and provide an example.

(3) Describe how to convert from scientific to decimal notation and

(4) from decimal to scientific notation, provide examples (one should use very large numbers and the other should use very small numbers.)

Week 3

Class Session Schedule

Assignment

The homework is listed on the day it is due.

Link to in-class problems

Mon. Jan.19

NO SCHOOL

Martin Luther King’s Birthday

Tues. Jan.20

CH6 Test Review

Weds. Jan.21

Field Trip

Pike Place Market

(estimate # people visiting market weekly, collect data)

Thurs. Jan.22

CH6 TEST

Make sure to complete the on-line homework at WAMAP before midnight before the test to earn homework points for Ch.6 problems.

Fri,. Jan.23

7.1 Greatest common factor & factoring by grouping

(1) Describe how factoring a polynomial is like undoing the distributive property, and provide an example.

(2) Describe what is meant by Factoring by grouping, and provide an example.

Week 4

Class Session Schedule

Assignment

The homework is listed on the day it is due.

Link to in-class problems

Mon. Jan.26

7.2 Factoring trinomials whose leading coefficient is one