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Elementary Algebra

A. TEXTBOOK(S) AND REQUIRED TOOLS OR SUPPLIES


1. Hawkes Learning Systems Intermediate Algebra – ISBN: 0-918091-40-3
2. Required Hardware if installed on home computer:
400 MHz or faster processor
Windows 98SE or later
64 MB RAM (128 MB recommended)
150 MB hard drive space
256 color display (800 x 600, 16-bit color recommended)
Internet Explorer 6.0 or later
CD-ROM drive
3. Optional Textbook (see bookstore for details)
4. Scientific calculator (optional)


B. COURSE DESCRIPTION


The course covers algebra at the intermediate level and will prepare the student for MAT1083 College Algebra. It includes factoring polynomials, rational expressions, graphing linear equations, intro to functions, systems of equations, rational exponents, radicals and complex numbers.


C. METHOD OF INSTRUCTION


This will be a problem-solving oriented individualized class. Problems will be assigned from the software and unit tests will be given over the homework assignments. It is the responsibility of the student to complete all homework assignments in order to be ready for unit tests. Due dates for the homework will be listed on your progress report when entering the software. If you complete the homework after that date, you will only receive partial credit. Optional practice tests will be available for each unit test and the final.


D. COURSE OBJECTIVES


This course will:
1. Help the student develop skills which will enable him or her to solve problems and communicate effectively using the language and techniques of algebra.
2. Acquaint the student with some of the general concepts and principles of mathematics that will serve as a basis for further studies in mathematics.
3. Help the student build confidence in his or her ability to solve problems in mathematics.
4. Encourage the student to develop and use a sound mathematical vocabulary.


E. COURSE TOPICS/UNITS


1. Real Numbers, Solving Equations, and Exponents (Chapter 1) (Optional)
A. Operations with Real Numbers
B. Linear Equations and Absolute Value Equations
C. Properties of Exponents
D. Exponents and Scientific Notation


2. Straight Lines and Functions (Chapter 2)
A. Cartesian Coordinate System and Straight Lines
B. Slope-intercept Form
C. Point-Slope Form
D. Introduction to Functions
E. Graphing Linear Inequalities


3. Systems of Linear Equations (Chapter 3)
A. Systems of Linear Equations (Two Variables)
B. Applications


4. Polynomials (Chapter 4)
A. Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials
B. Multiplication of Polynomials
C. Division with Polynomials
D. Introduction to Factoring
E. Special Factoring Techniques
F. Polynomial Equations and Applications


5. Rational Expressions (Chapter 5)
A. Multiplication and Division of Rational Expressions
B. Addition and Subtraction of Rational Expressions
C. Complex Fractions
D. Equations and Inequalities with Rational Expressions
E. Applications


6. Roots, Radicals, and Complex Numbers (Chapter 6)
A. Roots and Radicals
B. Rational Exponents
C. Arithmetic with Radicals
D. Functions with Radicals
E. Introduction to Complex Numbers
F. Multiplication and Division with Complex Numbers


7. Quadratic Equations and Inequalities (Chapter 7)
A. The Quadratic Formula


F. COURSE COMPETENCIES


At the completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Solve applications. *
2. Solve linear inequalities and absolute value inequalities. *
3. Understand and apply properties of exponents. *
4. Understand scientific notation.


9. Solve linear inequalities in one variable showing solution on a number line and in interval notation. *
10. Solve linear absolute value equations and inequalities in one variable. *
11. Graph linear inequalities. *
12. Determine an equation of a line given two points, perpendicular to a given line, through a specific point, parallel to a given line through a specific point. *
13. Distinguish between functions and non-functions using the vertical line test. *
14. Identify the domain and range of a function given its graph. *
15. Solve systems of linear equations in two variables. *
16. Develop and solve mathematical models including variation, mixture, motion, work and geometrical applications. *
17. Factor quadratic, quadratic forms, special forms and grouping. *
18. Solve literal equations including those that require factoring. *
19. Solve equations by factoring and quadratic formula. *
20. Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division on rational expressions. *
21. Simplify complex fractions. *
22. Solve equations containing rational expressions. *
23. Apply the laws of exponents to simplify expressions containing rational exponents. *
24. Apply the laws of radicals to perform addition, subtraction, and multiplication. *
25. Rationalize denominators containing radicals. *
26. Simplify radicals containing negative radicands. *
27. Perform operations with complex numbers. *
28. Evaluate functions using function notation. *


* Designates core outcomes and competencies for Intermediate Algebra from the Kansas Core Outcome Project (2001, 2004, 2005).


G. GRADING PLAN


Grades can be accessed at any time by logging into the courseware and selecting Progress Report.
The grade will be calculated as follows:


15%  -  Homework
70%  -  Unit tests (lowest unit test score dropped)
15%  -  Final exam


Homework will be completed online only. Be sure to read through the PowerPoint on Blackboard showing you how to choose your homework option. Homework due dates are listed on the student’s Progress Report.


H. ATTENDANCE POLICY


The online student must follow the following online attendance policy to be counted as attending:
Week 1:

1. The student must read the syllabus and sign and return the affidavit (second to last page of this document or under Course Information on Blackboard).
2. Find an appropriate proctor using the guidelines listed in Blackboard. When the proctor agrees, the student and the proctor must sign the proctoring agreement form (last page of this document or under Course Information on Blackbaord) and send it to the instructor for approval. All students from Fort Scott must use FSCC’s MILL for proctoring. You may ask any MILL staff member to sign the
proctoring form.
3. The student must purchase and download software onto an IBM-compatible computer. See Online Intermediate Algebra PowerPoint under Course
Information on Blackboard.
4. Begin ASSIGNED lessons. (Not all lessons from Chapter 1 are assigned.)


Week 2:

4. The student must complete at least the first four assigned lessons. See progress report on Hawkes Learning Systems software to determine the assigned lessons.
5. The student should adhere to deadlines listed on the progress report or otherwise be penalized for late assignments.
6. Send an email to Mrs. Malone at kathym@fortscott.edu  stating you understand how difficult this course will be and you understand you will need to spend around three times as much time as an on-ground course.


Week 3:

7. The student must have completed all assigned lessons for chapter 1. Otherwise, the student may be DROPPED from this course.
8. Take Test 1 in the presence of the approved proctor. *


Week 5:

9. Take Test 2 in the presence of the approved proctor. *


Week 6:

10. Take Test 3 in the presence of the approved proctor. *


Week 10:

11. Take Test 4 in the presence of the approved proctor. *


Week 13:

12. The student must complete the evaluation survey on Blackboard.
13. Take Test 5 in the presence of the approved proctor. *


Week 16:

14. Take Test 6 in the presence of the approved proctor. *
All tests and homework must be completed. Otherwise, the student will receive zeros for any missing tests and/or assignments.


Finals Week:

THE FINAL MUST BE TAKEN ON MONDAY, TUESDAY, OR WEDNESDAY OF FINALS WEEK.


* Five bonus points will be added to any unit test score if the test was taken by the due date.

I. COURSE COMPONENT SPECIFICS

Please read through the PowerPoint on Blackboard showing how to download software, how to choose the homework option that is best suited for you, and how to create practice tests using the software to better prepare you for the tests.


J. SERVICE LEARNING – N/A


K. CLASSROOM RULES OF CONDUCT


Students are expected to show respect to others in the classroom at all times. If a student posts a derogatory remark about another student on the discussion board, the student will be not be permitted to participate in any future discussions and may be considered as not attending class.


L. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY


Academic dishonesty will result in no credit given for the particular assignment, quiz, or test. The instructor also reserves the right to drop/withdraw a student from the course for any act that may be labeled "academically dishonest." All tests will be proctored. See the following guidelines.


FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
EXAMINATION PROCTOR GUIDELINES
FOR DISTANCE LEARNING ALGEBRA STUDENTS


Students may take examinations off campus as long as security measures for administering the tests are strictly maintained before, during and after testing. Off campus examinees should be testing under the same conditions as their on-campus peers to ensure the academic integrity of the examination.

Appropriate Proctors Inappropriate Proctors
Professional educators High School students
Approved police personnel College peers
Human Resource professionals Relatives
Community librarians Co-workers
Pastors Neighbors/Friends


Proctors must allow the HLS math courseware to be installed on an IBM-compatible computer available for student testing. The student may download the courseware with his/her copy of the courseware. A copy of a picture I.D. (driver’s license) of the proctor must accompany the Proctor Agreement Form. Proctors must have either fax capability and/or an email address. Passwords will be either emailed or faxed to the approved proctor prior to any tests given. The Proctor Agreement may be terminated for any just cause by FSCC upon written notification to all parties.


The examination should be administered in a quiet, well-lit office or classroom setting conducive to concentration. Examination administration in private homes is NOT appropriate.


Proctor Responsibilities:
• Proctors should remember that exam security is of utmost importance at all times, and that they are responsible for safeguarding all exam passwords in their care.
• Check student photo ID to ensure the examinee is actually the person scheduled to test.
• Ensure that the student does not access notes, books, or articles during the exam unless the test specifies otherwise. The student may use a calculator and blank scratch paper.
• Proctors should enter the password for the student after the student calls up the test and the proctor should match the name on the computer screen with the name on the ID.
• Proctors may answer any questions on testing-taking procedures, but should not answer any questions on test content.
• Proctors should be present during the entire exam period.
• Note any testing irregularities and email these to the instructor.
• If a fee is charged for exam supervision, request payment from the student at the time of testing. FSCC will NOT pay proctor fees.


Student Responsibilities:
• Students must find an appropriate proctor from the above list that will be willing to proctor and supply that name, email address, physical address, and phone number to the instructor during the first two weeks of class.
• Pay any proctoring fees if applicable to the proctor before taking any exams.
• Schedule and keep all appointments with the proctor for taking tests.
• Supply photo identification to the proctor before taking each exam.
• Do not use any textbooks and/or notes when taking an exam.


(Proctoring Form attached to last page.)


M. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES – N/A


N. MISCELLANEOUS


The courseware has an instruct phase that explains how to do the problems in the section with an oral description if you have speakers or headphones and also a short video lesson, the practice phase including tutorial buttons to help you learn the concept, and also the certify stage to see if mastery has been achieved. Feel free to contact the instructor by email at any time or by phone during office hours listed on this syllabus regarding any issues.


O. WEEKLY OR DAILY TENTATIVE SCHEDULE


Assignments for Week 1 (1/12 - 1/16):
Read syllabus, sign and return syllabus affidavit, find an appropriate proctor and return signed proctoring agreement, buy and download software onto an IBM-compatible computer. When asked for the course id, enter fortscottima. Go to http://www.hawkeslearning.com  and click on Get an Access Code. Enter the appropriate information and save this access code on both the computer desktop and on a floppy/memory key to take with you when testing. You will need this access code every time you log in. Work on lessons 1.2e, 1.3a. (Note: Some lessons are not assigned.)


Assignments for Week 2 (1/19 - 1/23):
1.3b, 1.3c, 1.7 (at least the first four assigned lessons should be completed by 1/23/2009)
The signed proctoring form and syllabus affidavit needs to be returned by January 30, 2009.


Assignments for Week 3 (1/26 - 1/30):
1.8a, 1.8b, Practice Test (take as many times as you wish) – the practice tests are not for a grade, but it will help you prepare for the real test. (See Course Information on Blackboard for directions on taking a Practice WebTest.). Take Test 1 with the approved proctor. (5 bonus points if taken by 1/30/2009)
Note: If all assigned lessons from chapter 1 have not been completed 1/30/2009, you should strongly consider dropping this course.


Assignments for Week 4 (2/2 – 2/6):
2.1a, 2.1b, 2.2, 2.3a


Assignments for Week 5 (2/9 – 2/13):
2.3b, 2.4, 2.5, Practice Test (take as many times as you wish) Take Test 2 with the approved proctor. (5 bonus points if taken by 2/13/2009)


Assignments for Week 6 (2/16 – 2/20):
3.1a, 3.1b, 3.1c, 3.2, Practice Test (take as many times as you wish) Take Test 3 with the approved proctor. (5 bonus points if taken by 2/20/2009)


Assignments for Week 7 (2/23 – 2/27):
4.1a, 4.1b, 4.2a, 4.2b, 4.3a


Assignments for Week 8 (10/6 – 10/10):
4.3b, 4.3c, 4.4a


Assignments for Week 9 (3/9 – 3/13):
4.4b, 4.4c , 4.5a


Assignments for Week 10 (3/23 – 3/27):
4.5b, 4.6, Practice Test (take as many times as you wish) Take Test 4 with the approved proctor. (5 bonus points if taken by 3/27/2009)


Assignments for Week 11 (3/30 – 4/3):
5.1a, 5.1b, 5.2, 5.3


Assignments for Week 12 (4/6 – 4/10):
5.4a, 5.4b, 5.6, Practice Test (take as many times as you wish)


Assignments for Week 13 (4/13 – 4/17):
Take Test 5 with the approved proctor. (5 bonus points if taken by 4/17/2009) 6.1a, 6.1b, 6.1c


Assignments for Week 14 (4/20 – 4/24):
6.2, 6.3a, 6.3b


Assignments for week 15 (4/27 – 5/1):
6.4, 6.5, 6.6


Assignments for Week 16 (5/4 – 5/8):
7.2, Practice Test, Take Test 6 with the approved proctor. (5 bonus points if taken by 5/8/2009) Practice Final (take as many times as you wish). All assigned lessons and unit tests must be completed by 5/8/2009; otherwise, those scores will become zeros.


Final: Take the final on 5/11, 5/12, or 5/13 with the approved proctor.

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