Get it on Google Play Get it on Apple Store

Elementary Algebra

B. COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course is an introduction to elementary algebra with basic math skills and concepts. The
course is for students who need to satisfy the prerequisite for Intermediate Algebra (MAT1073). It
includes real numbers , equations and inequalities, graphing equations and inequalities, exponents
and polynomials and factoring polynomials.

C. METHOD OF INSTRUCTION

This will be a problem- solving oriented class. Lesson presentations may include WriteBoard or
chalkboard, power point , and practice problems from the courseware. Homework will be either
online or paper/pencil and unit tests will be given over the homework assignments. Due dates for
the homework will be given determined by the homework option selected by the student.
Optional practice tests will be available.

D. COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course will:
1. Help the student develop skills which will enable him or her to solve problems and
communicate effectively using the language and techniques of algebra.
2. Acquaint the student with some of the general concepts and principles of mathematics that
will serve as a basis for further studies in mathematics.
3. Help the student build confidence in his or her ability to solve problems in mathematics.
4. Encourage the student to develop and use a sound mathematical vocabulary.

E. COURSE TOPICS/UNITS

1. Integers and Real Numbers (Chapter 1)
 A. The Real Number Line and Absolute Value
 B. Addition with Integers
 C. Subtraction with Integers
 D. Multiplication and Division with Integers
 E. Exponents, Prime Numbers, and Order of Operations
 F. Properties of Real Numbers
2. Fractions, Decimals, and Algebraic Expressions (Chapter 2)
 A. Multiplying and Dividing Fractions
 B. Adding and Subtracting Fractions
 C. Decimal Numbers and Fractions
 D. Change in Value and Average
 E. Simplifying and Evaluating Algebraic Expressions
 F. Translating English Phrases and Algebraic Expressions
3. Solving Equations and Inequalities (Chapter 3)
 A. Solving Linear Equations
 B. Applications (optional)
 C. Solving Linear Inequalities
4. Graphing Linear Equations in Two Variables (Chapter 4)
 A. The Cartesian Coordinate System
 B. Graphing Linear Equations in Two Variables
5. Exponents and Polynomials (Chapter 6)
 A. Exponents
 B. More on Exponents and Scientific Notation
 C. Identifying and Evaluating Polynomials
 D. Adding and Subtracting Polynomials
 E. Multiplying Polynomials
 F. Special Products of Binomials
 G. Dividing Polynomials
6. Factoring polynomials and Solving Quadratic Equations (Chapter 7)
 A. Greatest Common Factor and Factoring by Grouping
 B. Factoring Trinomials
 D. Factor Special Products
 E. Solving Equations by Factoring

F. COURSE COMPETENCIES

At the completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Evaluate arithmetic expressions (including absolute values) using the order of operations and
properties of real numbers. *
2. Evaluate algebraic expressions. *
3. Solve linear equations in one variable. *
4. Solve proportion equations. *
5. Solve linear inequalities in one variable showing solutions on a number line. *
6. Solve literal equations that do not require factoring. *
7. Develop and solve mathematical models including number, geometry, and percent
applications. *
8. Plot points on a coordinate plane. *
9. Graph linear equations, by plotting points. *
10. Apply the laws of exponents to simplify expressions containing integer exponents. *
11, Express numbers in scientific notation. *
12. Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division on polynomial expressions. *
13. Factor expressions with common factors, expressions that require grouping, trinomial
expressions, and difference of square expressions. *
14. Solve quadratic equations by factoring. *

* Designates core outcomes and competencies for Computational Skills from the Kansas Core
Outcome Project (2001, 2004, 2005).

G. GRADING PLAN

The grade will be calculated as follows:

15% - Homework (Option A, B, or C)
70% - Unit tests (lowest dropped if all unit tests are given)
15% - Comprehensive final exam

There will be three options for homework and each student must decide which option he/she wants by
the end of the second week of class. For homework option A, 80% achievement level must be
reached. Once it is mastered, the student will receive 100% credit for the assignment if submitted on
time, 0% if not mastered, but can be made up later for either 80% or 90% credit due to late penalties.
These due dates will be at midnight before each test and will also be listed on the student’s Progress
Report on the math software. For homework option B (must have an internet connection), the student
may do the homework as many times as he/she wishes before the due date and receive the highest
grade. If it is not attempted by the due date, the student will receive 0% and not be able to make it up
later. These due dates will be at midnight before each test and will also be listed on the student’s
Progress Report. For homework option C, the student must purchase the bundle and do homework
assignments given in class from the textbook. Each homework assignment must be completed and
turned in at the beginning of the following class period. Five problems will be randomly chosen and
graded on each assignment. With this option, the student will not be able to repeat the homework for a
higher grade or make up the homework if class is missed. If the student is excused by the Dean of
Students, the student must turn in the homework assignment(s) prior to the absence.

All grades for homework assignments and tests can be accessed on the student’s Progress Report
anytime during the semester. This includes the student’s overall current grade.

H. ATTENDANCE POLICY

Students are expected to attend class regularly and to be on time. A record of attendance will be kept.
After attendance has been taken, the door of the classroom will be closed. Students may still enter
after the door has been closed, but the student will be considered absent. No tardies will be counted.
Students are expected to stay in the classroom during the allotted time or will be considered absent.
No homework assignments will be accepted late for homework option B or C.

If the absence is a school related absence in which the Dean of Students excuses the student, the
student will be excused from class. But, for students choosing homework option C, all homework
must be turned in prior to the absence. Any bonus points given during class can’t be made up for any
reason.

If the student is absent on the day of a test, the student will be required to make up the test online in the
MILL within one week and he/she will not receive any partial credit on that test. The score showing at
the end of the test will be the score for that test. If the student does not make up the test within the
week, the student forfeits the right to take that test and a zero will be entered for the test grade.

I. COURSE COMPONENT SPECIFICS

Student Getting Started Directions

Purchase the software required by your instructor. Please note that once you open the package,
the materials are NOT refundable.

TO INSTALL THE SOFTWARE AT HOME:
1. Place CD #1 in the CD-ROM drive. (CD#1 is the only CD needed for the installation.)
2. The installation will begin automatically. Follow the on-screen instructions.
3. You will be prompted for a Course ID.
-If you have internet access, select “Yes, the HLS Course ID is:” and enter FortScottIDA
-If you do not have internet access, select “No, I will not be accessing an online grade book from this computer”

TO ENTER THE SOFTWARE AND SAVE YOUR ACCESS CODE:
1. Double-click on the purple diamond icon on the Desktop (or go to Start, Programs, Hawkes
Learning Systems).
2. Enter your Access Code when prompted. You may type it, paste it, or load it from disk (if you
saved it) by clicking the “F1-Load From Disk” option and browsing to the path where you saved it.
If you type or paste your Access Code, you will be prompted to save it. We recommend you save
your Access Code to a floppy disk or another option to avoid typing it each time you enter the
software.

TO ENROLL IN YOUR INSTRUCTOR’S GRADE BOOK:
1. If you have internet access and have entered your HLS Course ID (which is FortScottIDA), you
will be asked to enroll in your instructor’s grade book. Choose your instructor’s name and the
correct section.
2. If you do not have internet access, you will need to enroll in your instructor’s grade book by
going to any computer that has an internet connection and go to
www.hawkeslearning.com/FortScottIDA. After entering your Access Code, you will be prompted
to choose our instructor’s name and the correct section.

TO CERTIFY (DO YOUR ASSIGNMENT IN THE SOFTWARE):
1. The Certify option is where you will complete your assignment.
2. After certifying, you will be given a certification code (this verifies that you completed your
assignment). It is recommended that you print and/or save your certification code.
3.
a. If you have internet access, you should receive a message that says your certificate has been
submitted in your instructor’s gradebook. You are now done with that assignment! If you do not
receive this message, follow the directions under “b.”
b. If you do not have internet access, you will need to manually submit your certification code on
the internet to get credit for your assignment in your instructor’s gradebook. To do this,
  - click the Register Certificate(s) link
  - select the Lesson Name from the drop down list. Load from disk or type in your
certification code and click OK. Your certification code is now submitted!
  - you need to perform these steps after you Certify to get credit for each of your
assignments

* Be sure you register your Certification Code ON or BEFORE the due date to get credit for the
assignment.

J. SERVICE LEARNING – N/A

K. CLASSROOM RULES OF CONDUCT

Students are expected to show respect to others in the classroom at all times. If a student is disruptive
in class, the student will be asked to leave and an absence will be recorded. If this continues to be a
problem, the student and the instructor will meet with the Dean of Students to see if a solution can be
worked out. The instructor reserves the right to tell a student to leave the class for behavioral problems
and the student will be considered absent for that day.

L. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

When completing homework assignments, students may NOT receive ANY help on the certification
phase for homework option A, or on the WebTest homework on homework option B, or copy
paper/pencil homework for homework option C. Do not ask tutors, instructors, staff, or peers for
assistance during the certifications phase or WebTest phase since it will be labeled as “academically
dishonest” and will result in no credit given for the particular assignment or quiz. The instructor also
reserves the right to fail a student for any act that may be labeled "academically dishonest" when
taking any tests. All tutoring must be on the practice and/or instruct phases of the software.

No notes or formulas may be used during a test. No partial credit will be given if the test is taken
late and tests must be made up within one week.

No cell phones are allowed!!!!!! Absolutely no cell phones can be used as a calculator! A
scientific calculator is recommended for the class, but this can’t be a calculator on a cell phone.

M. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

1. Evacuation procedures:
  a. In case of fire: Class will exit out of Room A-134 going east and out through the south
doors. Each student must either stay or check in with the instructor so the instructor will
have a record of each student’s whereabouts.
  b. In case of tornado: Class will stay in Room A-134.
2. Location of first aid kit: Faculty Lounge in the Academic Building
3. Campus security: Cell phone number for Security: 620.719.7000
4. Universal Precaution Kit: Faculty Lounge in the Academic Building

N. MISCELLANEOUS

The courseware has an instruct phase that explains how to do the problems in the section with an oral
description if you have speakers or headphones and also a short video lesson, the practice phase
including tutorial buttons to help you learn the concept, and also the certify stage to see if mastery has
been achieved.

The last date to drop a class with a full refund is September 14, 2009. The last date to withdraw from a
class and receive a grade of “W” is December 3, 2009.

The final exam will be given in the classroom during the designated time according to FSCC Fall 2009
Finals Schedule posted on the website, under Course Schedule.

Do not have a cell phone in view at any point during the class unless it is an emergency situation
that has been discussed with the instructor prior to the class.

Please do not have your spouse, parent or anyone else contact the instructor regarding this
course. By law, I am not allowed to give information to anyone except the student.

O. WEEKLY OR DAILY TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Week 1: Introduction & Syllabus, 1.1a, 1.1b, 1.2
Week 2: 1.3, 1.4, 1.5b
Week 3: 1.5c, 1.6
Week 4: Review, Test Ch. 1, 2.2
Week 5: 2.3a, 2.5a, 2.5c, 2.5d
Week 6: 2.6, Review, Test Ch. 2
Week 7: 3.1a, 3.1c, 3.2
Week 8: 3.7, 4.1, 4.2
Week 9: Review, Test Ch. 3&4
Week 10: 6.1, 6.2a, 6.2b
Week 11: 6.3a, 6.3b, 6.4, 6.5a, 6.5b
Week 12: 6.6a, 6.6b, 6.7a, 6.7b
Week 13: Review, Test Ch. 6, 7.1b
Week 14: 7.1c, 7.2, 7.3a
Week 15: 7.4, 7.5
Week 16: Review, Test Ch. 7, Review for final

Final given during scheduled time according to FSCC’s final schedule.

Prev Next