syllabus


 * Math 118**
 * Elementary Algebra**
 * (a 5 unit course)**

=**Instructor:** Sue VanHattum = **Section:** #1154 (meets MW 10:10-11 and TTh 9:40-11) or #1156 (meets MW 11:10-noon and TTH 11:10-12:30) in room H-1, or #1369 (meets TTH 2:40-5) in room AA137, plus one hour by arrangement (see below) **Office:** H-2 **Office Hours:** MW, 9:30-10, noon-1, TTh, 1:30-2:30 **Phone:** work: 235-7800 x4531, home: 236-8044 (don’t call after 8pm, or before noon on weekends) **Email:** svanhattum@contracosta.edu

**Required Materials:**
 * //Any// Beginning Algebra textbook. The college lists //Beginning Algebra, 5th Edition//, by K. Elayn Martin-Gay as the official required text, but it’s expensive, and I won’t be working directly from the book. Do 5 homework problems per day (covering that day’s topic).
 * Any scientific calculator (needs exponent key and parentheses, widely available for under $10)
 * Bring the above daily, along with graph paper, regular paper, pencil or pen, and a working brain.

**Grading:**

Tests. 9 mastery tests. Must get 85% or above on each one to pass the course. May repeat. Very short. 45% Final. Cumulative. 2 pages of notes. 25% Projects. Internet research, puzzles, journaling, HBA, etc 30%

[Doing the math tells you that anyone who does all their projects, and passes the tests (after multiple attempts), can easily get a B in the course.]
 * Important note: You may be dropped from the class for more than 4 absences, unless you’ve made arrangements with me. (To be allowed to stay with more absences, you must be participating positively and doing well with the work.)
 * Final grade is as follows: 90-100%=A, 80-89%=B, 65-79%=C, 50-64%=D, below 50% = F. If you’d like to check on your grade-so-far at any time, please see me.
 * Please select a day and time for your hour by arrangement (HBA). There are many choices. If you want to meet with me for HBA you must pick one of the Friday HBA sections, 10-11 or 11-noon . You must pick a section and attend regularly. It is part of this course, and your participation will be reported back to me to use in your grade. The hour by arrangement allows you to play with math (often as puzzles), and develop some problem-solving skills.

**Preparation (for each day of class):** · Do homework for what we just covered in class; · List any problems you get stuck on and put them on the board at the start of class.

= = =**Prerequisites:**= Mathematical knowledge at the level of Math 115 (pre-algebra), including fractions, decimals, and negative numbers. If you have a weak background in basic math, take Math 101 (basic math) or Math 115 (pre-algebra). If you already have strong algebra skills, take Math 120 (intermediate algebra) or higher.

**Methods of Instruction:** Most topics will be introduced by a puzzle or real-world problem, which we’ll work on as a group and in small groups. I will offer mini-lectures on certain details. Then you’ll be asked to try problems in class, often with a partner. Putting your question into words is often the first step toward understanding, so do ask questions. Typical class will include: Warm-up, Questions, Puzzle/Cool Problem, Presentation, and Practice.

We will cover most of what’s in any beginning algebra text (see table of contents for description of topics). Among other things, by the end of the course you will be able to:
• Set up, simplify, and solve algebraic equations, both linear (straight lines) and higher order (with x squared), • Graph lines and other functions, • Determine the equation of a line from 2 points, • Solve a system of 2 equations in 2 variables, and • Use algebra tools to help solve meaningful problems.

Classroom Etiquette:
I’d like for our class to feel like a safe place to take risks, so that it’s easier to stretch and really learn. Many people have had bad experiences in previous math classes and bring that with them into the present. Please do your best to start fresh in this class. • How to participate: Offer your ideas. If you’re frustrated, come talk about it in my office, so we can find a constructive way to deal with it. Ask for help, and offer help. Contribute to a smooth flow during class discussion (i.e. don’t interrupt, raise your hand). Focus on math during class. Work with a partner outside of class; get tutoring, if needed. · Be on time, unless an emergency prevents it. · Make sure any electronic devices are silenced before entering the classroom. (If you must be accessible to a childcare provider by cell phone, then: set it to vibrate instead of ringing audibly, sit in the row by the door, and leave before answering any call. Anyone else must have their cell phone off completely during class.) • Put away any cell phones, headphones, or games before entering the classroom. · Be respectful of the teacher and other students. (Some people like to joke around with their friends by putting each other down. Math is too intimidating for that. **No put-downs in this class**, please.) · If you //must// leave early, please let me know at the beginning of that class. Otherwise, be sure you wait until class is //really// over to pack your bag. • [Just in case… Anyone who interferes with the learning environment is taking away from lots of other people who paid good money for this course. That will not be accepted. Anyone whose behavior is disruptive will be asked to leave. If that does happen, you must see the Dean of Students, and then see me in my office, before coming back to class.]

**Tutoring & Other Services:** · Math Department Tutoring, H-2, Peggy Abrams. · Campus-wide tutoring at Skills Center, Library, Jason Berner. · Center for Science Excellence, PS 107 · Disabled Students Programs & Services, Student Services Center.

**Schedule:** Weeks 1 & 2 Prologue = Review: multiplication facts, fractions, negatives, order of operations, distributive property Weeks 3-8 Act I, Linear: Solving Equations, Graphing, Systems of Equations Weeks 9-14 Act II, Quadratic: Scientific Notation, Quadratics, Quadratic Formula, Graphing Weeks 15-18 Epilogue: Other fancy graphing, inequalities, rational expressions, etc, Final Exam

=**“The secret key to mathematics is pattern”** (Marilyn Burns, math educator) =