College of Southern Nevada

Math 097 Syllabus - Fall 2009

Instructor Information
Name: Michael Greenwich
Biography:

BS. in Mathematics (1983), MS. in Statistics (1984), and Ph. D. in Mathematical Statistics (1987), all from University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Teaching at Talladega College, Talladega, Alabama (1987-1988), at Purdue University Calumet, Hammond, Indiana (1988-2003), and at the College of Southern Nevada since Fall of 2003.
Statistical consulting in industries since 1989.

Home Page: http://www.nevada.edu/~greenwic/
Instructor Contact:

The course e-mail available within this course on Angel should be used to contact the instructor about all the course-related issues. That is, log in this course on Angel and use Course Mail on the course homepage to communicate with your instructor of this course.
Note: Due to the wealth of computer viruses spread through e-mail and the daily barrage of unsolicited junk mail (SPAM), any current student wanting to send the instructor a course-related message must do so using the course e-mail on Angel. The instructor's alternative e-mail address is to be used ONLY if the course e-mail system on Angel is unavailable. Non-emergency e-mail sent to this regular e-mail will be ignored.
Alternative e-mail address: michael.greenwich@csn.edu is used only when the course e-mail is unusable.

Phones (702) 651-5884: However, do NOT use the phone to contact the instructor. Use the course e-mail on Angel or the alternative e-mail if the course e-mail is not usable.
Fax: (702) 651-5881
Office: CSN Charleston Campus, Building H, Room 101-A
Office Hours:

Online-Angel (in Live Office Hours): 10:30 -11:30 am on T & R (except for November 12 & 26).
In Office (H 101-A): 2:00 -3:00 pm on M and 12:00-12:30 W (except for September 9 & November 11)
Online students are welcome to come and see me in my office during the office hours.
Note: These office hours are in effect from August 31 to December 9, 2009.
Additional Hours: By Appointment

   
Course Information
Title/Number: Elementary & Intermediate Algebra, MATH 097 (5 Credits)
Section(s): DED01 (53230) & DED02 (53232)
Dates: Monday, August 31 through Saturday, December 19, 2009
Description:

One semester course equivalent to the combination of MATH 095 and 096. Topics include solving linear equations, polynomials, integer and rational exponents, factoring, rational expressions and equations, graphing linear equations, inequalities, systems of linear equations, radicals and rational exponents and quadratic equations.

Prerequisite: MATH 093 with a grade of C or better (C- is unsatisfactory) or a satisfactory ACT/SAT/Placement Test score.
Method of Instruction:

Students read and the study the materials in the textbook (hard copy or on line), do the assigned homework on line, and take the tests on line and the final exam at the Testing Center on West Charleston Campus.
Note: Technical difficulties and any difficulties (beyond your control or not) will not be an acceptable excuse for missing deadlines or neglecting to complete these homework assignments, tests and exam.

Location(s):

Internet: Angel, http://www.csn.edu/pages/2212.asp, for course e-mail and CourseCompus/MyMathLab (CC/MML) for homework assignments and tests.
CSN West Charleston Campus: Testing Center for proctored final exam.

Angel
Access:

Where: Go to http://onlinecampus.csn.edu/default.asp
Login Instructions: Login with the last 8 digits of your student ID and the password you use for your network account. If you have not activated your network account or forgot your C Number click below:
Activate Account/Forgot C Number

CC/MML Access:

Where: Go to http://portal.mypearson.com/cclogin.jsp if you have already been registered/enrolled in this course on CC/MML.
Not Registered in this course on CC/MML: Go to http://www.coursecompass.com, click on the "Register" button under "Students" and follow the instructions. The following is what you need to register in this course on CC/MML.
Course ID: greenwich73376
Access Code: Purchased with a new hard copy of the textbook (inside the MML packet) or separately purchased on line.
Valid Email: Your e-mail address (recommended to be your login name).
Help: Go to http://tours.pearsoncmg.com/smscc/index.html. If you have no access code, click on the top button on the left. If you have an access code, click on the second button.

Angel & CC/MML: Most of the course work is done on CC/MML, and, hence, you are required to register and enroll in this course on CC/MML. However, Angel and CC/MML are separate. That is, registering/enrolling in this course on CC/MML does not register or enroll you in this course with CSN. You need to be officially enrolled in this course with CSN to receive a grade from CSN for this course. You will receive no grade for the course no matter how well you do in the course on CC/MML unless you are enrolled in this course officially with CSN.
Angle is based on the CSN registration/enrollment. So, if you are not enrolled in this course with CSN, you cannot log into this course on Angel. Logging in this course on Angel time to time is a good practice.
Hardware & Software Requirement: Students are required to have a computer with necessary hardware and software to access and use internet, Angel and CourseCompass/MyMathLab. If a student does not have such a computer, he/she may use one at any of CSN's computer labs. To use a lab, students must provide identification and proof of enrollment in a course at CSN. You can also find Internet access at a local public library. It is students' responsibility to access this course on Angel and CourseCompass/MyMathLab. You are also required to do all the homework and take tests on line unless otherwise specified (such as the final exam).
Note: Various features in this course make use of pop-up windows. Thus, to be able to participate in this course, you should disable any "Pop-Up Blocker" software installed on your computer.
CSN Computer Labs:
Most of you will probably do your homework or take un-proctored tests at home or at work. Technical problems will NOT serve as a valid excuse for missing deadlines or incompletion of any homework/test. If you are having problems with your computer or do not have the required software, feel free to use any of the on-campus Computer Labs. Do not wait till the last day to do/take a homework/test. Visit http://www.csn.edu/pages/444.asp for more information on the labs.
 
Textbook
Required:

Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, 4th Edition, Lial, Hornsby & McGinnis
ISBN 0-321-44233-4

Note: It is not required to purchase a hard copy of this textbook since it is available in MyMathLab on line after registering/enrolling in this course on CC/MML. However, for some reasons, you wish to have a hard copy of the textbook as well. If you buy a new textbook with a MML packet (comes with an access code), you do not have to pay for registering/enrolling in this course on CC/MML by using the access code. On the other hand, if you buy a used copy, you have to pay for the course registration/enrollment on CC/MML because the access codes of used textbooks are invalid. Of course, if you do not buy a hard copy (new or used), then you need to pay for the CC/MML course registration/enrollment. Please make sure not to buy a new copy of the textbook with an access code and pay for your CC/MML registration/enrollment.

Purchase
Information:
In Person: Available at any CSN Bookstore
Order Online:
E-Follett.com, Half.com.
Note: Again, you need not to purchase a hard copy of the textbook since it is available with CC/MML on line. A used book does not come with a valid access code for the course registration/enrollment on CC/MML.
   
Course Objectives
Goals:
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
  1. Work with real numbers, exponents and polynomial arithmetic.
  2. Solve linear equations and inequalities.
  3. Setup and solve word problems using linear equations.
  4. Factor polynomials and solve quadratic equations by factoring.
  5. Understand and solve absolute value equations and inequalities.
  6. Graph linear equations in two variables.
  7. Work with functions and function notation.
  8. Solve systems of linear equations.
  9. Simplify rational expressions and solve equations with rational expressions.
  10. Perform simple operations such as multiplication on irrational numbers.
  11. Solve non-linear equations such as quadratic equations.
  12. Apply and extend any concepts learned in the course.
   
Policies
Calculators: Calculators are allowed in this course (you are required to learn how to use it yourself) but not required.
ADA Notice:

Any student who qualifies for "reasonable accommodations" in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act must notify the instructor in writing of such by the end of the first week of class. If you have a documented disability that may require assistance, you will need to contact the Disability Resource Center located in the Student Service Center on each campus. Their phone numbers are (702) 651-4700 at Cheyenne, (702) 651-3086 at Henderson, and (702) 651-5089 at West Charleston. Please visit http://www.csn.nevada.edu/drc for more information.

Dishonesty:
Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. It is a serious offence. Any incident of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the most serious course of action will be recommended.
Missed Homework & Tests:
There are no acceptable excuses for missing or failing to complete any homework/test. This includes technical difficulties (or other computer problems), children, illness, deaths in the family, traffic court, vacations, or any other legitimate (or imaginary) problems. The homework and tests are available for an extended period of time so that students can make appropriate arrangements to complete the required work. Thus, any missed homework or test will be scored as a zero, and no deadline extension, no retake, or no make-up work of any kind will be offered. Stay ahead of the deadline schedule for the homework assignments and tests. Do not wait till the last day to do/take the homework/test.
Religious
Holidays:
(From the CSN Student Handbook) CSN is sensitive to the religious obligations of its students. Any student missing class, homework assignments, examinations or any other course work because of an observance of religious holidays shall, whenever possible, be given an opportunity to make up the missed work. You must notify the instructor in writing of such an event before the date of occurrence. This policy shall not apply in the event that administering the assignment at an alternate time would impose an undue hardship on the instructor or the College which could not have been reasonably avoided.
Withdrawals:
If you stop logging into the course or quit completing the required homework/tests, you will NOT be assigned an automatic "W" or "Withdrawal" grade. If you wish to withdraw from this course, it is your responsibility to officially drop the course by the drop date listed in the college catalog. The instructor does not assign a "W" to the students under any circumstance, no exception.
Incomplete:
An Incomplete is issued only when the requirements for Incomplete are completely satisfied; see the CSN Student Handbook/Planner for the requirements. A student must request and substantiate the satisfaction of the requirements, in writing, for incomplete to receive the incomplete.
No Exception:
All the policies and such given in this syllabus and anywhere else apply to every student in this course without any exception. No special arrangement is made even for students who register in this course late. Please do not think you are special or exempt for any reason. Every student is treated equally in this course, no discrimination and no special treatment; your backgrounds, situations, circumstances do not make any difference. You will be evaluated by nothing but your performances on the tests as described in this syllabus.
Times & Dates: All the hours (times) and dates used in this course and by CSN are local to Las Vegas, NV, USA.
Language: English is the instructional language of this course.
Changes:
The instructor reserves the rights to change and not to change anything in this course syllabus as necessary. If any change, it will apply to all the students in the course.
 
Grading
Homework:
Each homework assignment must be completed at a score of 80% or higher before you are allowed to do the nest homework assignment. Of course, you may do any homework assignment as often as you need before its deadline (the highest score is used). The homework is a very important part of this course although the scores of your homework assignments do not directly contribute to your course grade. You should keep all your notes from the homework and tests in a Course Notebook. This Course Notebook will not be graded, but will serve as a study reference. You can go back and work on any homework assignment that you have already completed, even after its due date. This can help you review and prepare for tests and the final exam.
Tests:

There will be eight tests (one test for each chapter) to be taken on line, only once each, before their deadlines. Each test consists of 20 questions for 90 minutes (20 points each). Any test not taken by these specified deadline will be scored as a zero. Absolutely no make-up test, no deadline extension, and no retake test will be offered for any reason (beyond your control or not), no exception. Each test must be completed within the posted time limit. Answers saved after time has expired will not be accepted.
You cannot access any other webpage, website, or application while taking your tests (a calculator is allowed). If you do, you will not be allowed to continue the test. You must finish all the homework assignments leading up to an test with at lest 80% of the score each before you are allowed to take the test. Be aware of the test deadlines; do not wait till the last minute to take an test or homework assignments. There will be no exception to the test deadlines and the 80% homework score rule for any reason including technical problem (even it is beyond your control).

Final Exam:

There will be one final exam (FE) taken on the specified day only once at the Testing Center on West Charleston Campus (visit http://www.csn.edu/administration/student/services/testing/main/wcharleston.asp for hours and other information). It is a hand-written exam provided by the CSN Math Department. The final exam must be completed within the posted time limit. Only a calculator is allowed for the final exam. It is for 40 points. More information on the final exam will be provided as the scheduled date approaches.
Absolutely no make-up final exam, no deadline extension, and no final exam retake will be allowed for any reason (beyond your control or not), no exception.

Computer Grading:
All the tests, not the final exam, will be automatically graded by the computer, which, unfortunately, sometimes fails to recognize alternate forms of correct answers. If you have an answer you believe was incorrectly marked wrong, it is your responsibility to contact the instructor for a possible adjustment to your score within one week of the deadline. By the way, the correct notations are part of this course. You will lose points for incorrect or lack of use of necessary notations. Also, you will lose points if you fail to follow instructions.
Extra Credit:
Absolutely no extra work for extra credit will be offered in this course. Please do not even ask for it.
Course Grade Calculation:

Course Grade = (Test1+Test2+Test3+Test4+Test5+Test6+Test7+Test8+FinalExam)/200.
Note that the final exam score weighs twice as each of the other tests and that
the homework scores do not figure in the course grade directly.

Grade Scale:

A: 90% to 100% (180 to 200 points of the total scores)
B: 80% to less than 90% (160 to fewer than 180 points of the total scores)
C: 70% to less than 80% (140 to fewer than 160 points of the total scores)
D: 60% to less than 70% (120 to fewer than 140 points of the total scores)
F: Below 60%

No +/- grades will be issued. Any student who has less than 60%, but has not officially withdrawn from the course, at the end of the semester will receive an F for the course.

   
Tips For Success
Study:
You should read the textbook repeatedly until you understand everything in them and attempt the exercises in the textbook. You should do each homework assignment till you get perfect on it. For each hour of credit hour, you should spend an additional two hours studying each week. Since this is a 5-credit hour course, you should be spending approximately 15 hours per week studying the materials for this course. Study to understand, not to memorize, the materials in this course. Memorization (as opposed to understanding) is the worst thing that anyone can do in a mathematics course and in life as well.
Do not Procrastinate:
Do not wait until the last minute to do homework or take an test. You are strongly advised to complete each test at least a day or two before the deadline. That way, if you experience a technical or any kind of problem, there would be enough time to resolve the problem before the actual deadline. Remember, no make-up work will be offered, for any reason. Generally, you will be better off if you stay ahead of the schedule. Note that this is a fast course, and the deadlines keep on coming fast.
Ask for Help:

If you find yourself falling behind or become even the slightest bit confused, seek help immediately! Feel free to e-mail your instructor at any time. You should receive a response within 24-48 hours. Each student receives 12 free hours of tutoring for each class in which they are registered. The Tutorial Center on the Charleston Campus is located in the lobby of the D Building. Also, there is an open Math Lab on each of the Charleston, Cheyenne, and Henderson Campuses. These Math & Science Resource Centers are staffed with tutors and math instructors, and their use is free of charge.
Visit http://www.csn.edu/pages/1558.asp for more information.

Rework
Examples:
Pay close attention to the examples found in the textbook. After reading through them, write down the problem and try to work it without looking at the textbook or anything else.
Connections:
When doing homework problems, try to identify the process and point of doing the problem. If all you do is crunch out numeric answers, you will not get very much from them. Many homework exercises are intended to enforce the understanding of concepts. If you can see the intended connections, you may find that you need only work a few problems before you understand them.
Instructions & Notations:

First, please read the questions very carefully and understand what they are asking for the answers. If you do not give what is required for the answer, you do not receive any points for your answer. Many questions come with instructions and you are required to follow the instructions. Your answers that do not follow instructions would not receive any points even if otherwise correct. Also, you are required to give you answers in the simplest forms unless otherwise instructed.
Notations are very important part of mathematics. It is not just a symbol. It is mathematics. Please pay your close attention to notations in this course. You are required to learn, understand, and use notations correctly.

Check
Answers:

Use the book wisely. After completing an exercise, compare your result with the answer in the book. If the results are different, try to solve the exercise again. If you believe your answer to be correct, feel free to ask your instructor, a tutor, a classmate or a friend.
Also, check all your answers thoroughly before you finish a homework/test and the final exam. It is your responsibility to give correct answers as instructed with appropriate notations.

Affirmations:
Stop saying "I am not good at math." The more you say it, the more likely you are to fail. Instead, start telling yourself "I can do this."
Study Together:
Studying with other students could be very beneficial. Often, another student can relate to a simple problem and offer advice. If you can clearly explain how to work a problem to another student, your own understanding will be greatly reinforced. Also, if you cannot explain how to correctly work a problem, you may find you may need to work a little harder on some topics. You can communicate and study with other students. However, discussions on specific questions in tests before their deadlines are prohibited. All the correspondences and activities on Angel are recorded and monitored. Check your e-mail and Announcements regularly for messages from your instructor.
Do Not Be Afraid of Making
Mistakes But Catch Them:
Do not be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone, including your instructor, makes a few careless or other mistakes. Mistakes are part of the natural learning process. Do not get discouraged by them; profit by them. Always take the time to review your work, graded homework assignments and graded tests. The best way to start reducing the number of careless mistakes you make is to identify the kind of mistakes you are prone to making. That way, you know what to watch out for when working future problems. However, always, check your answers to catch your mistakes and incorrect answers in every homework/test before you submit it. Checking your answers improves your grade.
   

Important Dates as Listed in the College Class Schedule
Visit http://www.csn.edu/pages/2681.asp for more information (this is a 16-week course)

08/31 First day of the 2009 fall semester.
09/06 Final date to receive a 75% refund.
09/06 Final date to drop a course without a grade or W.
09/07 Labor Day (CSN closed)
11/08 Final date to drop a course (the grade will be W). You cannot receive a W after this date.
11/11 Veteran's Day (CSN closed)
12/19 Final day of the 2009 fall semester.
   
Course Schedule
Dates
Topic & Textbook Sections Homework/Test Due Dates
1
8/31-9/9

Chapter 1 (Review) &
Sections 2.1 to 2.4

Homework Assignments 1 to 5 due on 9/9

2
9/8-9/16

Sections 2.5 to 2.8

Homework Assignments 6 to 9 due on 9/16
Test 1 (Chapter 2) due on 9/16

3
9/17-9/23

Sections 4.1 to 4.4

Homework Assignments 10 to 13 due on 9/23
4
9/24-9/30

Sections 4.5 to 4.7

Homework Assignments 14 to 16 due on 9/30
Test 2 (Chapter 4) due on 9/30
5 10/1-10/7 Sections 5.1 to 5.4 Homework Assignments 17 to 20 due on 10/7
6
10/8-10/14
Sections 5.5 & 5.6
Homework Assignments 21 & 22 due on 10/14
Test 3 (Chapter 5) due on 10/14
7
10/15-10/21
Sections 3.1 & 3.2
Sections 9.1 & 9.2
Homework Assignments 23 to 26 due on 10/21
Test 4 (Chapters 3 & 9) due on 10/21
8
10/22-10/28

Sections 6.1 to 6.4

Homework Assignments 27 to 30 due on 10/28
9 10/29-11/4 Sections 6.5 to 6.7 Homework Assignments 31 to 33 due on 11/4
Test 5 (Chapter 6) due on 11/4
10
11/5-11/11

Sections 7.1 to 7.4

Homework Assignments 34 to 37 due on 11/11
Test 6 (Chapter 7) due on 11/11
11
11/12-11/18

Sections 8.1 to 8.5 &
Section 9.3

Homework Assignments 38 to 42 due on 11/18
Test 7 (Chapters 8 & 9) due on 11/18
12
11/19-11/25
Sections 10.1 to 10.4
Homework Assignments 43 to 46 due on 11/25
13
11/26-12/2

Sections 10.5 to 10.7

Homework Assignments 47 to 49 due on 12/2
Test 8 (Chapter 10) due on 12/2
14 12/3-12/9 Section 11.1 to 11.3 Homework Assignments 50 to 52 due on 12/9
15 12/10-12/16 All the sections Final exam review due on 12/16
16
12/16

Final Exam

Final Exam on 12/16 at the Testing Center on CSN West Charleston Campus
Final Exam covers all the topics (sections) introduced and studied in this course.

Updated on 08/21/09