Math 115 Elementary Algebra

Room: BUNG 5
• Monday, Sept. 1 Labor Day Holiday, college closed
• Tuesday, Sep. 2 classes begin
• Friday, Sep. 12 last day to add classes
• Friday, Sep. 26 last day to drop classes without “W”
• Friday, Nov. 7 last day for section transfers
• Monday, Nov. 10 Veterans Day, college closed
• Friday, Nov. 21 last day to drop with a “W”
• Thursday Nov. 27-30 Thanksgiving Holiday, college closed
• Saturday, Dec. 13 classes end
• Sunday, Dec. 14-20 final exams week

• COMMON FINAL EXAM TIME: Saturday, Dec. 20, 10:15AM-12:15PM in the bungalows
Course Description: We will cover the following topics:
• Chapter 1: Basic Concepts of Arithmetic and Algebra
• Chapter 2: Real Numbers
• Chapter 3: First Degree Equations and Inequalities of One Variable
• Chapter 4: Formulas and Problem Solving
• Chapter 5: Exponents and Polynomials
• Chapter 6: Factoring and Solving Equations
• Chapter 7: Algebraic Fractions
• Chapter 8: Coordinate Geometry and Linear Systems
• Chapter 9: Roots and radicals
• Chapter 10: Quadratic equations

Student Learning Outcomes:
Write and solve linear algebraic equations and inequalities.
Simplify algebraic expressions.
Construct and analyze a linear graph in a Cartesian coordinate system.
Solve quadratic and rational equations .
Solve a system of two linear equations.
Setup and solve application problems.

Class Structure:
Most of the class time will be used for lecturing and answering questions. Some time will also be used for
students to work in groups . Students should also expect to be called upon to solve problems on the board. Class
environment is to be informal, open and relaxed; hence students are strongly encouraged to participate fully in
class and to ask questions.

Exams:
1. There will be five examinations of 100 points each. The lowest grade of these five examinations will be
dropped. There will be no make-up examinations, since the missed exam will be the one dropped. Any
other missed examination will receive a grade of 0. Exams will be announced in class in advance

A comprehensive Common Final examination of 200 points. There are no make-ups for the final and all
students must take the final exam on schedule.

Homework: Homework will be assigned on a regular basis, but will not be collected nor will it be counted in the
grades. Questions on the homework will be answered in the class.

Attendance: Students are expected to attend all class meetings. Unexcused absences of four meetings may result
in excluding students from class. Students themselves are responsible for dropping a class they no longer attend;
failure to do so may result in a grade of F.

Grades:
Grades will be based on the total number of points earned for tests and the final:

NO "INCOMPLETE" GRADES WILL BE GIVEN
NOTE: STUDENTS THEMSELVES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR DROPPING THE CLASS,
ACCORDING TO COLLEGE REGULATIONS

Study Tips:
General:
• Attend all class meetings
• Do not fall behind on your homework or study
• Math is cumulative , what you study now will be needed later
• Avoid anxiety, the best way to do that is by being well- prepared
• Motivate yourself by remembering what a good education means for the future
• Do not rely too much on memorization, concentrate on understanding ideas
• Math is like a foreign language, it must be practiced-- often
• Develop responsibility for your education

Before the test:
• Do the Chapter Tests in the book
• Do not stay up late the night before the test
• Arrive ahead of time

During the test:
• Read the instructions
• Begin with the problems that you know how to do
• Show all your work neatly
• Review your work