Fundamentals of Algebra I

Course Description: Beginning algebra introduces the study and application of real numbers, operations with real numbers, exponents, order of operations with linear expressions, mathematical modeling, solving linear equations, methods of problem solving, slope, graphs of lines, equations of lines, and systems of linear equations. Working with real data, formulas, and applications will be stressed.

Prerequisites : MTH 20 and RD 30, or designated placement test score as shown on current indicator chart.

Students with Disabilities: Students who believe they may need academic accommodations for a disability such as those related to vision, hearing, orthopedics, learning, psychological functioning, and/or other medical conditions should make an appointment with the Rogue Community College Disability Services office. Redwood Campus, Wiseman Tutoring Center, 541-956-7337. Any student who feels she or he may need an accommodation for any disability should advise me of this.

Grading: This course is Pass/No Pass. If you need a grade, let me know before the fourth week of class. The term grade is based on total percentages accumulated during the course. Percentages are awarded for homework, quizzes, chapter tests, and the final exam. Attendance at all class meetings is expected. If you miss a class it is your responsibility to obtain all materials missed.
Incompletes: In general, incompletes will not be given. If 75% of the course work has been successfully completed, incompletes may be given for special cases. Each case will be evaluated on an individual basis. Incompletes will not be considered in lieu of a poor grade.

Grade Breakdown

Homework 20%
Chapter Tests 70%
Final Exam 10%
Total 100%

70%-100% Pass

< 70% No Pass

*** Homework is in-class work, written homework, and on line homework. You must show work for credit. Everything is due on due dates, unless otherwise noted. Additional problems from the book will be added to assignments as needed. Late assignments will not be accepted.

*** The online homework will be computer scored as a percentage out of 100%. The due dates are in My Math Lab. The online homework must be printed and turned in showing work on the day after the online assignment is due.

*** Quizzes may be unannounced and are no notes, no calculator.

*** There will be 4 chapter tests given during class, tentatively on the dates listed. Make-up tests will be penalized by 10% automatically. If you are unable to attend on the day of a test for a serious and compelling reason, you must contact me in advance to arrange to a make-up. Chapter tests are no notes and no calculator.

*** The final exam will be a cumulative knowledge exam. To pass this course a 70% is required on this exam!

Cheating in this class will be grounds for disciplinary action in accordance with the “Students Rights and Responsibilities” manual. These consequences include, but are not limited to, removal from this class and removal from the college. Academic honesty is important here!

Important Dates to Remember:
April 10 Last day to add classes ; deadline to drop a class without a grade of “W”
May 25 Holiday – Memorial Day
June 5 Deadline to withdraw, change to audit
June 12 End of term

Required Materials:
• Text: Introductory and Intermediate Algebra for College Students, 3rd edition, Pearson Education, Inc., Blitzer, 2009. (We will cover Chpts 1-4.)
• A scientific calculator is required .
• Other: pencil, graph paper , ruler

Tentative Class Schedule:

Week	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY
30-3 April	Intro, MyMathLab Sec 1.1 Sec 1.2		Sec 1.3 Sec 1.4 Sec 1.5
6-10 April	Sec 1. 6 Sec 1.7	HW Due: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5	Sec 1.8 Review Ch 1
13-17 April	TEST Ch 1 Sec 2.1	HW Due: 1.6, 1.7, 1.8	Sec 2.2 Sec 2.3
20-24 April	Sec 2.4	HW Due: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3	Sec 2.5
27-1 May	Sec 2.6/ Unit Analysis	HW Due: 2.4, 2.5	Sec 2.7 Review Ch 2
4-8 May	TEST Ch 2 Sec 3.1	HW Due: 2.6, 2.7, Unit A	Sec 3.2 Sec 3.3
11-15 May	Sec 3.4	HW Due: 3.1, 3.2, 3.3	Sec 3.5 Review Ch 3
18-22 May	TEST Ch 3 Sec 4.1	HW Due: 3.4, 3.5	Sec 4.2 Sec 4.3
25-29 May	Holiday	HW Due: 4.1, 4.2, 4.3	Sec 4.4
1-5 June	1-5 June	HW Due: 4.4	TEST Ch 4
8-12 June	Final Review		FINAL Exam	End of Term

Getting Help:
• Please feel free to email me with any questions.
• View my website for online versions of the syllabus and other class information at
• The Tutoring Center in the Wiseman Building has tutors all day long and into the evening. Monday and Tuesday 9-4, Wednesday and Thursday 9-7, and Friday 9-12.
• The online resources are abundant! and log on to your account . Use the Study Plan button to try practice problems. The Multimedia Library button has many good resources – including videos and power point presentations.