East Los Angeles College ----- Spring 2009 Department of Mathematics Math 115 – Elementary Algebra (0980) MTWTh: 9:45 – 10:55pm Rm: E3-101

Instructor: Melanie Xie

Office: E5-102 (the Math Department) Phone: 323-415-4178 Office Hours: TTh 11:00am -12:15pm (E5-102)

Hours in the MathLab: MW: 3:00 – 8:00pm Saturday: 9:00 – 4:00pm

Email: [email protected] Website: www.harjunoxie.com

Text: Elementary & Intermediate Algebra, by Carson, Gillespie, & Jordan, Custom Edition for ELAC.

Calculator Policy: Absolutely no calculator is allowed for quizzes and exams.

Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of Math 112 or Math110, or acceptable level of skills as demonstrated in the mathematics placement process.

Course Description: In this course, students will develop their knowledge of basic algebra. We will cover the following topics:  Solving linear equations and its applications  Graphing linear equation and linear inequalities.  Solving systems of equations in two variables and its applications.  Find the slope of a line and obtain the equations of a line.  Rules of exponents and scientific notation.  Polynomial operations, factoring and simplify rational expressions.

Outline: Chapter 1 – 7 (Except 4.7& 6.7)

Grade: Tests (5)------45% Quizzes ------10% Class work/homework------20% Final ------25%

Test: There will be FIVE tests and each counts as 9% of the overall grade. All tests are closed book and closed notes.

Quizzes: There will be weekly quizzes, and they will count as 10% of the overall grade. Problems for the quizzes is either similar to or take from assigned homework problems. Classwork / Homework: Homework from each section is assigned. I will only collect some selected sections for credit. (To be announced in class). I will assign classwork daily.

Final: The final exam is cumulative and will count 25% of the overall grade. The exam is closed book and closed notes. Final exam is mandatory and failure to attend will result in an “F”.

Student Learning Outcome (SLO): At the end of this class:

1. Students will solve a quadratic equation by method of factoring.

2. Given a linear equation in standard form, students will:

a. Write the equation in slope-intercept form

b. Determine the slope

c. Determine the y-intercept

d. Graph the equation

Grading Scale: A: [90%, 100%] B: [80%, 90%) C: [70%, 80%) D: [60%, 70%) F: [0%, 60%) Note: I do not assign incomplete grade, except for reasons that are totally beyond your control.

Attendance: Two tardy/leave early will equivalent to one absence. If you miss eight classes, you may be excluded from the course or will receive a grade of “F”. It is student’s responsibility to drop the class if he/she decides to withdraw from the class.

Academic Honesty: Any form of dishonesty will not be tolerated. Any form of cheating on an assignment will earn an automatic 0 (or F) on that assignment.

Class Rules & Regulations:  Turn off your cell phone (or set it to silent) during class time  Do not text message during class time  Show up on time and don’t leave early.  Always bring your textbook

Important Dates:  Last Day to Add ---- Friday, Feb. 20  Last Day to Drop classes without having to pay fee ---- Tuesday, Feb. 24  Last Day to Drop without class appearing on transcript --- Friday, March 6  Last Day to Drop classes with a ‘W’ --- Friday, May 8