Math 115 Syllabus

Important Information

	Mandatory Orientation: Thursday, February 12, 2004 from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. in the Student Center.
	You will be dropped from the class if you do not come to the orientation.
	You will be dropped from the class if you do not login to Course Compass by Thursday, February 19, 2004 (Your Course Compass access code expires on Friday, February 20, 2004).
	*Read Welcome Page and FAQ, and then print out all the files: Getting Started, Syllabus, and Calendar.*

Course Information

Course Title

Math 115 - Elementary Algebra

Course Description

This course covers chapters 1 – 6, sections 8.1 - 8.3, and Appendix C (Geometry section) of the required textbook, which include: Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities; Solving System of Equations; Operations on Polynomials; Solving Rational Equations; Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring; Perimeter and Surface Area of a Geometric Figure.

Prerequisite

Satisfactory completion of Math 112 (Pre Algebra) or acceptable level of skills as demonstrated in Mathematics placement process.

Textbook
Package

Please make sure that you buy the textbook by Tuesday, the first week of class. You need to start working on the material as soon as possible because we will cover approximately 7 sections in 15 weeks. The textbook should be purchased from ELAC bookstore because it is a custom textbook.

	Bittinger, Ellenbogen, Johnson, Elementary and Intermediate Algebra, Custom Edition for East Los Angeles College. (REQUIRED)
	Student Solution Manual for Elementary and Intermediate Algebra. (REQUIRED)

A lot of students feel that the textbook does not have enough examples; therefore, it is important that you buy the Student Solution Manual in order to see more worked out problems.

Required Supplies

	You can use a scientific calculator for all class work and test. Graphing calculators are not allowed.
	Graphing Paper and Ruler for graphing.

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Course Goals

By the end of the course, students will be able to, through reading, exercises, discussions, quizzes, and exams:

	Understand the differences between linear and quadratic equations.
	Solve linear equation in one variable, including fractions.
	Solve systems of linear equations by graphing, addition method, and substitution method.
	Solve quadratic equation primarily by factoring.
	Solve rational equations.
	Solve and graph inequalities in one and two variables.
	Apply the knowledge of solving word problems to real - life situations.
	Understand geometric figures and be able to calculate perimeter and surface area.

Mandatory Meetings

Mandatory Orientation:	Thursday, Feb 12, 2004, 1:00 - 2:30 in Student Center
Mandatory Midterm Exam 1:	Saturday, Mar 20, 2004, 12:30 - 2:30 in Room TBA
Mandatory Midterm Exam 2:	Saturday, May 1, 2004, 12:30 - 2:30 in Room TBA
Mandatory Final Exam:	Saturday, June 5, 2004, 12:30 - 2:30 in Room TBA

PICTURE ID IS REQUIRED FOR ALL ON-CAMPUS EXAMS.
PLACE AND TIME ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE SEE YOUR SYLLABUS.

Optional Meetings **

Review Midterm Exam 1	Thursday, March 18, 2004, 1 - 2:30 in Room N2 - 101
Group Study	TBA
Review Midterm Exam 2	Thursday, April 29, 2004, 1 - 2:30 in Room N2 - 101
Group Study	TBA
Review Final Exam	Thursday, June 3, 2004, 1 - 2:30 in Room N2 - 101

**Even though the review sessions are optional, you are strongly encouraged to come. We will discuss Sample Tests, which are very similar to the actual tests, during the reviews.

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Methods of Evaluation

Grading

Final Exam	30% (On Campus)
Midterm Exams	40% (On Campus)
Take-home Tests	10%
Online Quizzes	10% **
Participation	5%
Homework (Paper Based)	5%
Total	100% + Extra Credits

Letter Grades

	A 90 - 100* B 78 - 89.9* C 65 - 77.9*
	D 55 - 64.9* F Below 55*

* Important: You need a total score of 180 on those 3 on-campus tests in order to get an A, B, or C. If your total of the three on-campus tests is less than 180, then you will get D or F regardless of your other grades in this class.

**You can take an online quiz unlimited number of times by its deadline and only the highest score is counted.

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