Math 131: Intermediate Algebra

Math 32: Plane Geometry Summer 2010 • LA 228 • MTWR 12.30 – 2.35 pm • Section 1512

Instructor: Thomas Harjuno Email: [email protected], [email protected] (put “Math 32:…” in the subject) Classweb: http://www.harjunoxie.com/harjuno/103/Su08m32smc/ Office Hour: by appointment only, one or half an-hour before the class.

Pre-requisite: Math 31 (Elementary Algebra), or an equivalent preparation and satisfactory placement to this course. However, students are advised to take this course after Math 20 (Intermediate Algebra)

Course Description: This course is equivalent to one year of high school plane geometry. Topics include sets, postulates, theorems, proofs, constructions, congruent triangles, parallels, similar polygons, regular polygons, right triangles, circles, loci, and area. Emphasis will be made on thinking, memorizing, and analyzing abstract mathematical concepts.

Textbook: Elementary Geometry for College Students, 4th ed., by Alexander - Keoberlein ISBN: 978-0-618-64525-1: Material to cover: Chapter 1 – 7.

Important Dates: Drop and Receive enrollment refund: 06/24 Drop without W: 06/28 Drop with guaranteed W: 07/11 To receive a W with faculty approval: 07/21 (need me to drop you online).

Grades compositions: Homework 20% Due at the beginning of class, by 12.40pm. Quizzes 15% Always a pop. Two Tests 40% (20% each; T1 07/08, T2 07/27) Final 30% (07/29/08, 12.30-2.35pm)

Grade cut-offs: F – 63% – D – 68% – C – 79% – B – 90% – A

Notes:  Having a textbook is a MUST. You need to always bring: a ruler, a compass, a mechanical pencil, and a protractor.  Attendance is so important such that you should consider another section of the same course if you will miss more than two meetings. Even come late or leaving early will put your progress in great jeopardy. Lesson from the past tells that students missing more than 2 meetings EXTREMELY HARDLY pass my class. I deserve the right to drop any students accumulating more than 4 hours of absence.  Each student should review the material discussed in the previous session and read-in-advance the next-session material. You should dedicate at least 2 off-class hours for each in-class hour. You surely need much more when it comes to Tests or Final. I personally recommend you to set aside at least 3 hours everyday to study.  No make-up Quiz, Test, nor Final; exception for Test 1 or Final is given in case of emergency upon the demonstration of the proof of emergency OR unavoidable, legitimate, documented absences. At most one of Test1 or Final is allowed to make-up. No make-up for Test 2.  Homework dues at 12.40pm! No late HW accepted!  Approximately 10-20 minutes at the beginning of each meeting is dedicated to answer students’ questions and/or for quiz and review of quiz-of-the-day. We will cover 2-3 sections after that.  Studying hard SOMETIMES results in a good grade, but NEVER expect a good grade if you don’t study hard enough.  Testing policy: close book, close note, no calculator and close neighborhood.  WARNING FOR REPEATING STUDENTS: Since you’re repeating, you may have seen these materials in the past. However, you should not (even think to) skip classes on the topics you think you’ve mastered. Instead, you should utilize your familiarity for a more in-depth understanding. While repeating may be excusable for your academic record, THREE-PEATING is NEVER understood the same way.