MAT 0024, Elementary Algebra
Spring, 2007

Instructor Richard Martino
B.S. Physics, B.S. Mathematics, Pennsylvania State University
martino.richard@spcollege.edu, (727)341-4605
Textbook Introductory Algebra, 10th Edition, Marvin L. Bittinger
Addison Wesley Publishing Company, Pearson Education, Inc.
More information at www.aw-bc.com
Prerequisite MAT 0012 or appropriate score on the SPC mathematics placement test

Course Description

This course is a study of the basic skills & concepts of elementary algebra from the view of a college student who needs an understanding of basic algebra. Major topics include language & operations on sets, operations on signed numbers, simple linear equations & inequalities in one variable, operations on polynomials (including beginning techniques of factoring), integer exponents, brief introduction to radicals, introduction to graphing & applications.

Course Objectives

In addition to the skills listed in the course description, the students will learn how to:

  1. Convert word problems into mathematical equations
  2. Classify numbers into integers, real, rational, irrational
  3. Determine when a quadratic equation cannot be factored across real numbers
  4. Set up and solve intermediate algebraic equations
  5. Pass the State of Florida official test for algebra

State of Florida Algebra Test

MAT 0024 requires that the student pass the official State of Florida test for algebra. Study guides are available in our campus bookstore. Required skills will be emphasized throughout the course.

Method of Instruction

Students will be taught through fifteen (15) of 2 hour and 40 minute lecture periods, one lecture period per week. Student participation is encouraged, welcomed and beneficial to one's grade. Real-life relatable examples will be emphasized. At least three scheduled tests will be given, and a few pop quizzes may be given. The final exam will be the State of Florida official algebra test. Active participation is expected.

Attendance

Attendance will be taken at the start of each class, and will contribute to the student's grade. SPC official policy states that a student may have up to two (2) unexcused absences. Any unexcused absence after two absences requires the instructor to withdraw the student, if on or before the 60% point in the term, or to give the student a grade of WF if after the 60% point. Students in their third attempt at this course will be given a grade of WF at any point in the term. Excused absences do not count against the student.

Homework

Homework will be assigned & expected to be completed before the start of the next class. The student is expected to seriously attempt every homework problem. The teacher understands that not all students will complete all homework correctly. Therefore, it is the responsibility of each student to verify the correctness of his homework & to ask questions to learn the correct method(s). Time will be allocated at the start of each class to address homework issues. Homework will not be graded; however, tests & quizzes may be taken directly from homeworks.

Success

History has shown that, to be successful in this course, the student should: show up, pay attention, do the homework, ask questions, and read the next lesson.

Grading

The final grade will be determined as follows:

25%Attendance & Participation
25%Quizzes
25%Tests
25%State of Florida Final Exam
90%<A 
80%<B<90%
70%<C<80%
60%<D<70%
 F<60%

Course Outline

# Section Subject Exercise Set: Every Other Odd
11.1-1.4 Real numbers, add, subtract, number line §1.1:1-43, §1.2:1-65, §1.3:1-73, §1.4:1-103
21.5-1.8 Real numbers, multiply, divide, properties, simplify §1.5:1-75, §1.6:1-67, §1.7:1-113, §1.8:1-81
32.1-2.4 Equations and formulas: addition, multiplication methods. §2.1:1-51, §2.2:1-39, §2.3:1-91, §2.4:1-47
42.5-2.8 Percentages, Inequalities: applications and methods of solution §2.5:1-55, §2.6:1-45, §2.7:1-83, §2.8:1-49
5TestChapter 1 & 2 Test Test A Test B
63.1-3.5 Stuff You Should Know Graphing linear equations, x- & y-intercepts §3.1:1-61, §3.2:1-59, §3.3:1-55, §3.4:1-33, §3.5:1-29
74.1-4.4 Stuff You Should Know Polynomials, exponents & scientific notation §4.1:1-103, §4.2:1-91, §4.3:1-99, §4.4:1-63
84.5-4.8 Polynomials: products, operations, division; Chapter 4 Quiz §4.5:1-71, §4.6:1-101, §4.7:1-77, §4.8:1-41
9Spring Vacation - No Classes
105.1-5.4 Factoring Polynomials: trinomials, FOIL method, ac-method §5.1:1-45, §5.2:1-63, §5.3:1-75, §5.4:1-93
115.5-5.8 Polynomials: trinomial squares, difference of squares, quadratic equations §5.5:1-83, §5.6:1-77, §5.7:1-65, §5.8:1-35
12TestChapter 5 Test  
136.1-6.2 Rational Expressions: simplify, multiply, divide, recripocals §6.1:1-69, §6.2:1-35
148.1-8.6 Radical Expressions: simplify, multiply, add, subtract §8.1:1-61, §8.2:1-85, §8.3:1-75, §8.4:1-63, §8.5:1-51, §8.6:1-29
15Test Chapter 6 & 8 Test  
16Review Comprehensive review, emphasize State of Florida algebra test  

Office Hours

Mr. Martino is available in room SA-213 forty minutes before class starts.

Helpful Links

Valencia Community College http://valenciacc.edu/east/mathcenter/statetest/
www.AlgebraHelp.comwww.PurpleMath.com
Words for Operations http://www.jamesbrennan.org/algebra/problems/words_for_operations.htm