PREPARATORY_ALGEBRA_Syllabus

SOUTH FLORIDA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
COURSE SYLLABUS

COURSE TITLE:
MAT 0024 PREPARATORY
ALGEBRA
(Computer Assisted Instruction)
(4 COLLEGE PREP CREDITS )

INSTRUCTOR: Mrs. K. Zimmer

OFFICE: Building B Room 309

TELEPHONE: (863) 784-7320

E-MAIL: zimmerk@southflorida.edu

OFFICE HOURS: as posted at office

WELCOME: Welcome to Preparatory Algebra. This should be a fun
course that will help you recognize the usefulness of mathematics and provide you the ability to:
(1) think, (2) solve problems, and (3) learn how to learn. Business and industry leaders have
listed those three abilities as the more critical requirements for employment and career
advancement.

I want you to be successful in this course and I will give you the tools to help you succeed. But
ultimately it is you who must be responsible for doing the work necessary to achieve the grade you desire.
Keep in mind that college is not an institution where students receive all of their education in the
classroom. Most learning must happen individually, so be prepared to work hard on your own. But do
remember that I will be available for help.

COURSE MATERIALS:

TEXT: InteractiveMathematics
Elementary Algebra
AUTHOR:
PUBLISHER: Plato – Academic Systems
EDITION:
CALCULATOR: Calculator with y^x or x^y key.

CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Prepares the student for MAT 1033. Topics include real
numbers and their properties, polynomials, linear equations and inequalities , quadratic
and rational equations, formulas and applications , and graphing. This college preparatory
course does not count toward the Associate degrees. This class utilizes computer assisted
instruction.

PREREQUISITES: An appropriate score on the mathematics placement test. A
willingness to devote sufficient time to reading, studying, and working problems outside of class.

PURPOSE: This course is designed to serve as the first course in algebra
for those who have not completed an introductory course in high school. It is also designed for
those students who may have taken algebra several years ago and need a refresher course to brush
up on their basic algebra skills.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHOD: Lecture, demonstration, question-answer format, multimedia
graphics, homework assignments, quizzes, exams and computer assisted instruction.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of MAT 0024 Preparatory Algebra, the students should be able to:
1. Define real numbers including natural, whole, integer, rational and
irrational numbers.
2. Add, subtract, multiply and divide integers, decimals , and rational numbers.
3. Apply properties of real numbers.
4. Apply order of operations.
5. Evaluate algebraic expressions in one variable .
6. Solve linear equations in one variable using the addition and multiplication principles.
7. Solve percent problems.
8. Solve linear inequalities.
9. Apply the laws of exponents.
10. Define polynomials with one or more variables including degree.
11. Add, subtract, multiply and divide polynomials.
12. Factor polynomials.
13. Factor using grouping .
14. Factor the difference of two squares and perfect square trinomials.
15. Solve quadratic equations using the factoring method.
16. Be familiar with the Cartesian plane and its quadrants.
17. Name and plot points on the Cartesian plane.
18. Determine x and y-intercepts of a line.
19. Graph a line on the Cartesian plane.

COURSE OUTLINE

Real Numbers
1.1 Number Line and Notation
1.2 Factoring and Fractions
1.3 Arithmetic of Numbers

Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities
2.1 Algebraic Expressions
2.2 Solving Linear Equations
2.3 Problem Solving (Number, Age, and Geometry)
2.4 Solving Linear Equations

Introduction to Graphing
3.1 Plotting Points
3.2 Slope (Rise and Run)

Graphing Linear Equations
4.1 Graphing Lines/Slope of a Line
4.2 Finding the Equation of a Line

Solving Linear Systems
5.1 Solving by Graphing

Exponents and Polynomials
6.1 Negative Exponents
6.2 Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials
Multiplication and Dividing of Polynomials
Motion and Mixture problems
6.3 Multiplying and Dividing Binomials

Rational Expressions
8.1 Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions
Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions

Factoring
7.1 Factoring a Monomial from a Polynomial
7.2 Factoring Polynomials by Grouping
Factoring Trinomials with a =1
Factoring Trinomials with a ≠ 1
7.3 Special Factoring Formulas and a General Review of Factoring

Quadratic Equations
10.1 Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring
10.2 Solving Applications by Factoring Quadratic Equations

Rational Exponents and Radicals
9.1 Simplifying Square Roots
Adding, Subtracting and Multiplying Square Roots
Dividing Square Roots
Cube Roots

LEARNING PHILOSOPHY: Mathematics is a participation sport and the best way to
learn mathematics is to practice, practice, practice. Homework preparation will enable you to
understand and remember the material of this course. Study the text and work the problems
everyday. This class will utilize both teacher presentation/discussion and computer instruction.
Each section will begin with a teacher-led discussion of the material followed by two or three
days of working on-line. While you are working on-line your teacher will be present to clarify
and/or reteach any concepts. REMEMBER: Your teacher will help you as much as possible but
the ultimate responsibility for learning is Yours!

With your textbook you will receive a clientele disk and lesson disks. These disks will allow you
to load the program on your computer and go over the EXPLAIN and APPLY sections as much
as you need. This program is also loaded on the computers in Room 210 in Building I.

Take notes during the teacher lecture/discussion sessions and the online computer EXPLAIN
sections. (You will be able to use the notes that you take for the online evaluates.) Go over these
notes each evening and use them to assist you with completing the homework assignments. Do
your homework as neatly as possible and in an organized fashion. Understand the reasons for
doing each step of the homework problems rather than memorize how to do problems. Do not
get behind in your math homework. You will need to read and study the text before the class
period, bring the text to class, and be ready to ask questions in class. I am available in my office
to provide additional explanations or to answer questions on
homework. If you do not understand how to do a homework problem:
• Review the material in your textbook that relates to the problem(s).
• Review your lecture notes that relate to the problem(s).
• Review any similar problems, examples, or rules that explain the material.
• Check the student solutions manual , if available.
• Check video collection in the LRC for the topic of difficulty.
• Go online to a math help website.
• Call or stop in to see your instructor.
• Call another student in the class.

TIME MANAGEMENT: Don’t stack the deck against yourself by taking on more
activities than you can possibly complete successfully. The first step to time management is to
decide how much time it will take to:
• Attend class
• Work (if you have a job).
• Socialize
• Rest or sleep

After deciding how much time you will need to spend on each of these, you should be able to determine if
you need to cut back on something. Secondly, you must set some priorities. What is the most important
to you at this time—school, job, social life? If you don’t have enough time, you either have to commit to
making time or cut back on something. Planning ahead is a key to success.

COURSE POLICIES

ATTENDANCE: Class attendance is important and you are expected to attend
all classes. It is your responsibility and for your benefit to attend all class sessions. While
your attendance will not be computed directly into your course grade, note that missing class
almost always adversely affects a student’s grade. No make-up quizzes will be given
because of your being absent from class. Any tests that you miss will be made up at the end of the
semester on a specified date. If you miss that date, you will receive a zero on that test . A student
with more than 4 absences will be issued a second warning (this syllabus is the first
warning). If absences continue I reserve the right to drop you from the class. In extremely rare
instances, an exception to this policy may be granted if you contact me prior to the absence and
have a reason deemed appropriate. If it is necessary for you to miss a class, you are responsible
for all material covered and assignments made during your absence. Out of courtesy to your
instructor and fellow classmates arrive before class begins.

WITHDRAWAL: An official withdrawal from this class must be initiated by the
student in the student records department. If you stop attending class without an official
withdrawal, you will receive a grade of “F”.

EXIT EXAM: Every MAT 0024 student must qualify for, take and pass
the FLORIDA COLLEGE BASIC SKILLS TEST before he/she is permitted to take MAT
1033 or other college-level, math courses. This exam will be administered at the end of the
semester. There are 30 problems on the exam. A passing score is correctly responding to 21 or
more of the problems.

EVALUATION: The qualifying grade is used to determine whether students
have successfully mastered the competencies of this course. Only students with a qualifying
grade of 70 or better are permitted to take the EXIT EXAM.

Your Qualifying Grade will be determined by averaging the following scores: Homework
Assignments (5 points each), Average of all Online Evaluates (100 points), 6 Tests (100
points each), and 1 Final Exam (100 points).

No make-up homework assignments will be awarded points because of absence or tardiness
in meeting the due date. You must be able to present the concepts and skills discussed in class
in a written format. Algebraic steps must be shown. I will not accept work/assignments
which have only answers written on it.

COURSE GRADE: Students who PASS the EXIT EXAM will receive one of the
following course grades based on the students Qualifying Grade:

Students whose Qualifying Grade is BELOW “70” will NOT be permitted to take the EXIT
EXAM and will receive one of the following course grades:

Students who take but DO NOT PASS the EXIT EXAM will receive a “D” for their course
grade. NOTE: A semester grade of A, B, or C is needed to register for Intermediate Algebra
(MAT 1033).

TUTORING: The College provides free tutoring in the Math Lab, located in
the Learning Resource Center (library) on the first floor. Don’t wait until you are hopelessly lost
before you seek help from the tutoring center. It takes some time to arrange for a tutor and to
coordinate your schedule with that of the tutor. The day before an exam is an inappropriate time
to seek help from a tutor.

LEARNING DISABILITIES: In keeping with the institution’s open door philosophy, SFCC
provides reasonable accommodations to educational/training opportunities for all otherwise
qualified individuals with documented disabilities. It is the responsibility of the student or
potential student to self-identify (before the end of the first week of classes) with the SFCC
Office of Disabled Student Services and to provide the College appropriate documentation of the
disabling condition. Services are varied and include, but are not limited to admission and
registration assistance, special campus orientation, note taking, tutoring, testing, audiovisual aids,
readers, and mobility aids. Disabled Student Services (DSS) is a unit of SFCC Student Services
in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The purpose of DSS is to provide services to students
with disabilities. These services permit students access to the same educational opportunities as
their non-disabled peers and are offered within the institution’s philosophical framework that
stresses student independence and self-reliance. DSS operates in cooperation and conjunction
with other units in Student Services (Assessment Center and Student Support Services) to ensure
continuity of services. In addition, DSS works closely with other public and private rehabilitation
agencies to facilitate the coordination of service delivery. Inquiries should be directed to the
Disabilities Specialist, Student Services/Classroom Complex Suite B152, Avon Park.

ACADEMIC HONESTY: You are expected to be honest with yourself, others, and the
instructor. Cases of cheating on an exam/quiz/homework assignment will result in a score of “0”
for that exam/quiz/homework assignment. A second case of cheating will result in a grade of “F”
for the entire course.

CLASS ENVIRONMENT: The classroom is to be considered a place of business. Food,
drinks and tobacco products are inappropriate and not allowed in the classroom.

SFCC’s policy prohibits visitors in the classes. Please make arrangements for children and
visitors prior to class. All visitors must be registered with Community Relations in Building C.

Students are expected to turn-off all cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices before
entering the classroom, and keep them in their purses, pockets or belt/pocket sheaths. They are
to be kept “out of sight” in order to avoid causing a disruption. An exception to this stipulation
will be considered only in an emergency situation. In these cases, the student must verify the
need to the instructor prior to the beginning of class and must renew this exception on a class-byclass
basis. Violators will be asked to leave the classroom for the remainder of the class that day.

Students are expected to conduct themselves as mature, responsible adults. Avoid conversations,
mini-tutoring sessions, and moving about the room during lecture/discussion/review sessions.
Student behavior considered by the instructor as inappropriate may result in immediate
suspension from class. Suspended students must be accompanied by their counselor if/when they
seek readmission to class.

CODE OF CONDUCT: When students are admitted to South Florida Community
College they are subject to the jurisdiction of the College during their enrollment. As members of
the college community, students are expected to act responsibly in all areas of personal and social
conduct. Students are responsible for the observance of all Board policies and procedures as
published in the College Catalog, the Student Handbook, and other College information bulletins.
Violation of any of these rules may lead to disciplinary action in accordance with prescribed
procedures for the handling of disciplinary cases and may range from reprimand to expulsion
from the College.

RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS: Students who must miss class in order to observe a religious
holiday must notify the instructor at least seven (7) days in advance of the day(s) to be missed and
shall have until the next class meeting after the observance/holiday to make up missed
assignments and/or exams.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
1. Student Solution Manual:
a. Available in the Panther College Bookstore
b. On strict reserve in the College LRC (Library)
2. DVD/Tapes: On strict reserve in the College LRC (Library)

ONLINE RESOURCES: You may find the URLs listed here useful for this course. Their
relevance and utility will be discussed during the introduction/orientation session.

www.algebra.com
www.algebrahelp.com
www.sosmath.com
www.purplemath.com
www.metamiga.com
www.homestead.com/stroh/mathpage.html
http://schooldiscovery.com/homeworkhelp/bjpinchbeck/bjmath.html
http://forum.swarthmore.edu/dr.math
http://www.bremenbraves.com/algebra/index.html
http://ths.org/academics/math.html
www.quickmath.com/
www.mathpower.com/
www.math.com
www.gomath.com/algebra.html/
www.mathdork.com
www.softmath.com/algebra25.html
www.cowrug.org/cow%apperat.html
www.cwa.7970.org
www.pazonyc.com/winelist.html
www.mathworld.wolfram.com
www.ies.co.jp/math/java/
www.lessontitor.com
www.mathleague.com/hrlp/algebra
www.edhelper.com/algebra
www.cyberedinc.com/
www.mathgoodies.com
www.webmath.com
www.yourotherteacher.com
www.freemathhelp.com
www.jamesbrennan.org/algebra
www.free-ed.net
www.math.armstrong.edu/mathtutorial/
www.aplusmath.com

Preparatory Algebra
Computer Assisted Instruction

SEQUENCE FOR WORKING ONLINE

The EXPLAIN is a second lecture on the lesson material. Listen to it
carefully and take notes. You may repeat the EXPLAIN as many times as
you wish. Make sure you complete ALL bullets. Follow
each EXPLAIN bullet by the matching APPLY bullet.

The APPLY contains online practice problems. Whether
you get them right or not, a thorough explanation
follows each problem. You may repeat this section as many times as
you need. You may work on the EXPLAIN and APPLY sections at home
or in room 210 in Building I. EVALUATES can ONLY be done in the
classroom with the instructor present..

The OVERVIEW will serve as a practice quiz before you attempt the
EVALUATES. When the computer gives you the option of using ythis
score as your Evaluate score click NO. Only the highest of the two
Evaluates will count toward your grade. Review the OVERVIEW item
before you exit the OVERVIEW section.

The EVALUATE is the final quiz which shows what you’ve
learned in the lesson. Your score on the quiz is your score for
the computer lesson. It is important to prepare for it by
working the Homework Problems and the Practice Test in
your text. ONLY attempt the EVALUATE after completing
the Homework Problems and Practice Test.

The EVALUATE section contains two quizzes. The best of the
two scores will be retained as your score on this lesson.
IMPORTANT: Once you start a quiz you cannot quit. Allow
yourself at least 20 minutes to take a quiz (some may require
a longer time ).

You must complete at least one quiz before
going on to another lesson. The second quiz may be taken at
a later date if you choose to do so. After scoring a quiz make
a copy of the score page for tour records. See your instructor
for an EVALUATE WORKSHEET before beginning a quiz.
Directions are printed on this sheet.

Note: You mat OMIT the EXPLORE section!