Math M 7 – Elementary Algebra

General Syllabus-Fall 2009

TEXT:

Lial, Hornsby, McGinnis: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, Fourth Edition

PREREQUISITE:

Elementary Algebra students should have placed into this course on the University’s math placement exam.

EXAMINATIONS:

In addition to individual instructor requirements, all M 7 students will be given a common midterm and final. The midterm and final exams are each worth 30% of your final grade. The remaining 40% of your grade may consist of homework, quizzes, tests, attendance, participation, and/or any other component, and is entirely at your instructor’s discretion.

Grades will be assigned according to the following scale:

A+	A	A-	B+	B	B-	C+	C	F
97-100%	93-96%	90-92%	87-89%	83-86%	80-82%	77-79%	73-76%	0-72%

PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS NO “D” GRADE. STUDENTS SCORING LESS THAN 73% WILL RECEIVE A FAILING GRADE!

TEXT COVERAGE:

The class will proceed according to the following outline:

Review of Order of Operations (using provided handout and sections 1.1-1.6 from the book)

1.7 Properties of Real Numbers

1.8 Simplifying Expressions

2.1 The addition Property of Equality

2.2 The multiplication Property of Equality

2.3 More on Solving Linear Equations

2.4 An Introduction to Applications of Linear Equations

2.5 Formulas and Applications from Geometry

2.6 Ratios and Proportions

2.8 Solving Linear Inequalities

3.1 Reading Graphs; Linear Equations in Two Variables

3.2 Graphing Linear Equations in Two Variables

3.3 The Slope of a Line (Teaching parallel and perpendicular lines is optional)

3.4 Equations of a Line

This ends the material that needs to be completed prior to the midterm that will be administered in 7^th or 8^th week of the semester. The midterm is worth 30% of your grade. It covers the material from sections 1.7 to 3.4 from the list above.

8.1 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Graphing

8.2 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Substitution

8.3 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Elimination

8.5 Applications of Systems of Linear Equations (Skip equations in 3 variables, mixture and motion)

4.1 The Product Rule and Power Rules for Exponents

4.2 Integer Exponents and the Quotient Rule

4.3 An Application of Exponents: Scientific Notation

4.4 Adding and Subtracting Polynomials; Graphing Simple Polynomials

4.5 Multiplying Polynomials

4.6 Special Product

5.1 The Greatest Common factor; Factoring by Grouping

5.2 Factoring Trinomials

5.3 More on Factoring Trinomials

5.4 Special Factoring Techniques (Factoring difference and sum of cubes is optional)

5.5 Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring

This ends the material that needs to be completed after the midterm. The final exam will be administered during 16^th week of the semester. It is worth 30% of your final grade. It covers the material in sections 8.1 to 5.5 from the list above.

USE OF CALCULATORS:

Calculators ARE allowed in M007. A student who reaches the algebra course has demonstrated their abilities in arithmetic and may now use the calculator as a tool to assist them. Graphing calculators are recommended for students planning to take M118, M119, or M125.

MATH LAB:

IUN provides free math tutoring services on a walk-in basis at HH 436. All Math Tutors are students majoring in Mathematics, a math-related field or are graduates with a degree in a math related field. In order to accommodate students with varying schedules, we offer evening and Saturday hours. For more information, please call the Math Lab at (219) 981-6979 or check the web page http://www.iun.edu/~math/mlab.shtml . Before visiting the Math Lab remember to organize your questions in advance, and be prepared to show your own homework attempts.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:

If you have a documented disability and need assistance, special arrangements can be made to accommodate most needs. Visit Student Support Services at HH 239 (980-6798) or go to the web page http://www.iun.edu/~supportn/contactus.shtml for more information.

ELECTRONIC COURTESY:

So as not to disturb others please make sure all electronic devices are either turned off or in the silent mode when coming into the classroom. Use of cell phones is prohibited during exams.

DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS AND ACTUARIAL SCIENCE WEB PAGE:

To find more about mathematics courses, programs and faculty visit http://www.iun.edu/~math/ .