Rick Hobbs, Mission College, Santa Clara, CA

MATH C: INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA

Math C main page • Math C Assignments

GREEN SHEET
SPRING 2010

SECTION: 87146
TIME: Monday & Wednesday: 4:20 pm - 6:50 pm
UNITS: 5
ROOM: N2-401
PREREQUISITES: Math 903 (grade C or above) or equivalent
Math C is the second part of a two-course sequence. You require proficiency with the definitions, processes, procedures and problem-solving skills from Chapters 1 -7 of your textbook, as covered in Math 903.
TEXTBOOK: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra Algebra by Elayn Martin-Gay
4th edition OR Custom edition for Mission College (Volume 2)

Both editions of the textbook contain the same material. The advantage of the 4th edition is that it possibly can be purchased online at a lower price than in the bookstore. The advantage of the Custom edition is that it is packaged with MyMathLab, a useful program that contains tutorials, unlimited practice exercises and an electronic version of the textbook.Click on a photo for a link

SUPPLEMENTS:
(OPTIONAL)		 Student Solutions Manual : more explanations, examples and exercises
MyMathLab : Online source for practice and tutorial. Includes textbook and solution manuals online, as well as tutorial videos and practice exercises. The course code for this class is

hobbs97867
How To Solve Word Problems (Johnson): detailed examples and strategies for solving applications of equations

Managing the Mean Math Blues (Cheryl Ooten): a wonderful book for you to explore your own attitudes towards mathematics and a coaching manual for being successful in your current math course

Overcoming Math Anxiety (Davidson & Levitov): a great book to help you overcome fears and create a good structure in which to learn math
Overcoming Math Anxiety (Cynthia A. Arem): a great book to help you overcome fears and create a good structure in which to learn math; includes CD-ROM
Mastering Mathematics: How to Be a Great Math Student (Richard M. Smith): a great book to help you to develop and practice good study skills to be successful in your math courses
Algebra Facts: Survival Guide to Basic Algebra, 1st ed. (Szymnaski)

Math Study Skills Workbook, 3rd ed (Nolting)
SUPPLIES: Scientific calculator
Graph paper, compass, ruler
Pencils and erasers
Stapler
CONTENT: Selected topics from Chapters 8 - 14, Sections 4.4 and 4.5, Appendices C, E and F in the textbook.
OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
  • Develop, interpret and perform operations on algebraic expressions, functions and equations.
  • Apply algebraic vocabulary, symbols, graphs and/or data tables to reading, interpreting and solving algebraic problems.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking in the problem-solving process that involves both symbolic and real-world application problems.
  • Demonstrate the skills to communicate mathematics clearly and confidently.
HOMEWORK: Will be assigned daily. Any skill you want to learn or improve needs practice. The more you practice, the greater your ability and understanding. When doing homework, compare your answer to the book's answer; if the answers differ, then find the error and rework the problem. Homework will normally be collected on test days. Late homework will not be accepted. Your grade will be based on format and quality of solutions to selected problems. See homework guidelines for required format. Also, keep up with the homework so that you can ask questions relevant to the topics under discussion in class. Read the book carefully and study the example problems. Come to class with a list of any questions you may have on the readings or exercises. This is essential.
ATTENDANCE: If you want to learn, you need to attend class and participate. Ask questions! Please be on time; walking in late is disruptive to the rest of the class. Continual tardiness will result in being dropped. You are responsible for any information given in class during your absence.
QUIZZES: There will be short quizzes throughout the semester and three comprehensive tests. There will be no make-up quizzes. You may not take a quiz if you arrive after it has started. Your lowest two quiz scores will be dropped in the computation of your final grade. There will be no make-up tests unless you notify me in advance of your absence. Most quizzes will be unannounced. Occasional projects may be assigned.
FINAL EXAM: Will happen on Thursday May 27, 2010: 4:20 PM - 6:50 PM
GRADING:
Quizzes 15%
Tests (3 @ 21%) 63%
Final Exam 22%
FINAL GRADE:
90 - 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
70 - 100% = Credit

If you want a Credit/No Credit grade, let me know by the end of the sixth week or you will receive a letter grade.

CHEATING: Cheating is defined as the providing or using of unauthorized resources (people, notes, cell phones, iPods, etc.) on quizzes and tests. Examples of cheating are: talking during a test, letting someone else see your quiz, looking at someone else's quiz, asking for someone's help on a quiz, using notes, collaborating with other people on a quiz, accessing a cell phone. If you are caught cheating, you will receive a zero grade for that quiz or test. If cheating occurs a second time, you will need to see the college Dean and possibly be removed from the course. Cheating is a serious offense in the academic world. Don't do it!
CLASSROOM
BEHAVIOR:		 Come to class prepared and ready to learn. Kindly conduct yourself in a mature manner in accordance with rules specified in the college catalog. Please be polite, thoughtful of others, and non-disruptive. All cell phones must be turned off and put away while in the classroom. Neither eating nor texting are allowed in the classroom.
DROPS:
 Students are responsible for dropping themselves from the course. However, the instructor may drop students for missing more than ten percent of class time (7.25 hours) during the semester. (See college catalog for details).
RESOURCES: If you have any questions, problems or conflicts, see me and I will be glad to help you. You should plan to visit me in my office at least once during the semester in order to review your progress.

Tutors are available every day in the Math Learning Center in S2-301. Tutors can help you develop good study skills as well as assist you with your math. The Math Learning Center is a unique and valuable service at Mission College: take advantage of it! The Math Learning Center has many audio-visual materials, including a series of algebra video tapes and tutorial software that match our textbook.

There are a number of websites that you may find useful in this course. Check them out!

Mission College makes reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. You may contact the Disability Instructional Support Center (DISC) in S2-201 (408-855-5085 or 408-727-9243 TTY) if you would like to be tested for a learning disability or have other special needs.

Not-so-new smoke-free policy: In accordance with the Statutes of the State of California (AB 846, Chapter 342), Mission College has established a smoke-free campus. Effective July 1, 2006, smoking is prohibited in all campus areas with the exception of the college parking lots. All smoking materials must be extinguished and properly disposed of in ash urns distributed along the boundary of the parking lot and main campus.

If you are interested in saving your money and your health by quitting smoking, check out the Center for Disease Control website for information and resources. Other resources include the American Lung Association and Why Quit.com.

You can also make an appointment with Mission College Student Health Services for assistance with quitting smoking or other physical and mental health-related issues.

Swine (H1N1) flu issues:

School emergency?

  • The county may close down specific public schools in the event of a local flu epidemic.
  • You need to keep an up-to-date email address on Angel in order to be contacted as to how this course will proceed in the event of a Mission College closure.
  • Check the Mission College home page for up-to-date information.
You can help prevent the spread of flu by:
  • Keep your hands washed and away from your face.
  • Cover your mouth when coughing.
  • If you develop a fever or flu, do not come to Mission College. See a doctor if appropriate. Stay at home until you are symptom-free for at least 24 hours.
  • Check out the CDC website for prevention tips and other information regarding the flu. Stay informed!

Back to top of page • Math C main page • Math C Assignments

To contact me:

Instructor: Rick Hobbs
Email: rick_hobbs@wvm.edu
Phone/voicemail: (408) 855-5325
Office hours: Click here


last update: 1/22/10