Course Description 

An introduction to elementary algebra emphasizing basic algebraic concepts. Topics will provide an introduction to symbol manipulation, and the analytical methods for solving applications problems appropriate to the introductory level. A core of mathematical topics, including: real numbers, order of operations, linear equations and graphs. This course is equivalent to the first half of MATH 110 – Elementary Algebra.

Prerequisite: Completion of MATH 806 or MATH 811 with a grade of C or better, or appropriate placement test score and other measures as appropriate, or equivalent.

Syllabus

Math 111: Elementary Algebra 1

Thursday   6:30 – 9:30pm

Room 8304 in Building 8

Spring 2008

Instructor: Christopher Lippi

Office hours: By appointment only, email me to set up a time.

Email: lippic@smccd.edu (best way to reach me)

Or you can leave a note for me in my mail-box.

Website: www.smccd.edu/accounts/lippic

Text: Elementary Algebra, by Jay Lehmann

***A graphing calculator is required for this course (preferably TI-83 Plus).

Click on the blue link above for more info on the required calculator.

We’ll cover material from chapters 1-3:

Your final grade will be determined by the following scheme:

5% Group Labs

15% Homework

20% Quizzes

30% Midterm

30% Comprehensive Final

Homework will be collected once a week and evaluated using a + , , - system, depending on amount/quality of work done. Students will be able to turn in late homework assignments with the stipulation that the maximum grade achievable under this circumstance will be a - . Students are expected to check their own answers, but if there are questions concerning any problem, they may insert a note to me next to the problem. The quizzes will contain problems directly from the homework. Therefore, the effort spent on homework will also be demonstrated in the quizzes. There will be no makeup quizzes for any reason, but your lowest quiz score will be dropped. A student can miss 1 quiz without it affecting his/her grade.

Consistent attendance is strongly recommended, but if a student misses class they are responsible for ascertaining material covered and associated homework. It is also the student’s responsibility to drop the course, if desired.

IMPORTANT: There will be no make-up quizzes or exams given. The lowest quiz grade will be dropped. Homework and important dates will be posted on the class website.

You are encouraged to work together on homework assignments, but for all quizzes and exams you are to work independently. Sharing work of any kind on quizzes or exams is considered cheating. Academic honesty is essential. Any student caught cheating will be given an F on the associated assignment. Should this behavior be repeated, a failing grade will be issued for the entire course.

If you require extra help with homework or quizzes, simply send an email and we will make other arrangements. There is also free tutoring available at the Learning Center on the 1 st floor of building 5, M-F.

Materials

The required texts are:

Elementary and Intermediate Algebra, 3rd edition, by Hubbard and Robinson

***A graphing calculator is required for this course (preferably TI-83 or TI-83 Plus).

Evaluation

Your grade will be based on the following scheme:

5% Group Lab

15% Homework

20% Quizzes ( 1 per week )

30% Midterm

30% Comprehensive Final

Important Dates

January 22

Day and Evening Classes Begin

February 4

Last Day to Drop Semester Length Classes With Eligibility for Partial Refund

February 4

Last Day to Add Semester Length Classes

February 15

Last Day to Drop Semester Length Classes Without Appearing on Record

February 15

Lincoln’s Birthday (Holiday)

February 16, 17, 18

Declared Recess

February 18

March 7

Last Day to Apply for Degree – Certificate

March 17 - 23

Spring Recess

May 1

Last Day to Withdraw From Semester Length Classes

May 24, 25

Declared Recess

May 26

Memorial Day (Holiday)

May 27 - June 2

Final Examinations (Day and Evening Classes)