Syllabus of ALGEBRA I

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Description:
Covers the topics of Algebra I including, real numbers, equations and inequalities,
exponents, polynomials, Cartesian coordinate system, rational expressions, and
applications. Develops the mathematical proficiency necessary for selected curriculum
entrance. Credits not applicable toward graduation. Prerequisites: a placement
recommendation for MTH 03 and Arithmetic or equivalent.

Credits: 5 – Graded as S (satisfactory) and U (unsatisfactory)
Submissions: Certifications (and Tests) through Software provided with the Textbook
Assessments: 8
Proctored Assessments: None
Online Activities: Required

COURSE MATERIALS

Textbook:
Introductory and Intermediate Algebra, by D. Franklin Wright.
Hawkes Publishing, 2006. ISBN: 0-918091-98-5.
Bundled with the Hawkes Learning System (HLS) Software CD and license.

Other Materials:
Calculator: A scientific calculator is suggested;
either a TI-36X (basic) or a TI-83, (graphing).
Notebook and graph paper
Computer storage device (recommended): Floppy disk or flash drive

COURSE INFORMATION

Prepared By: Harriette Roadman
Approved By: Carol Hurst

I. INTRODUCTION
This is a Distance Education course designed specifically for those students whose learning
styles are best served by providing instructional opportunities beyond the traditional classroom
setting. The student will be working with a textbook and computer software. The computer
software is not Internet based. The software must be installed on the student’s home
computer. The learning components of the software are available without Internet access;
however, Internet access is required for registering Certification Codes and for testing.
Installation and use of the software is fully explained in the Course Documents in Blackboard.

II. COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon the successful completion of this course, the student will be able to perform basic
algebra skills and be prepared to succeed in Algebra II. In addition to developing a strong
base of algebra skills, this course is intended to help you learn "how to learn" mathematics.
It is intended to help relieve your anxiety and build your confidence in your mathematics
skills. With the understanding of mathematics and the study skills you will develop in Math
03, you should be able to move to the next mathematics course with increased confidence
and a higher expectation of success.

III. COURSE COMMUNICATION
Additional information regarding the structure of the course is posted in Blackboard.
Communications throughout the semester will be through announcements in Blackboard, via
email, or telephone. Responses to email and questions will be posted in the Discussion Board
in Blackboard. You are encouraged to use the Discussion Board for information exchange with
your classmates. Please read all course documents posted in Blackboard.

IV. COURSE CONTENT

Chapter 1 Real Numbers
1.1 The Real Number Line and Absolute Value
1.2 Addition with Integers
1.3 Subtraction with Integers
1.4 Multiplication and Division with Integers
1.5 Exponents, Prime Numbers, and Order of Operations
1.6 Multiplying and Dividing Fractions
1.7 Adding and Subtracting Fractions
1.8 Decimal Numbers and Change in Value
1.9 Properties of Real Numbers

Chapter 2 Algebraic Expressions, Linear Equations, and Applications
2.1 Simplifying and Evaluating Algebraic Expressions
2.2 Translating English Phrases and Algebraic Expressions
2.3 Solving Linear Equations: x + b = c and ax = c
2.4 Solving Linear Equations: ax + b = c
2.5 Applications: Number Problems and Consecutive Integers
2.6 Applications: Percent Problems

Chapter 3 Formulas, Applications, and Linear Inequalities
3.1 Working with Formulas
3.2 Formulas in Geometry
3.3 Applications
3.4 Ratios and Proportions
3.5 Linear Inequalities

Appendix A.1 Absolute Value Inequalities
Chapter 4 Straight Lines and Functions
4.1 The Cartesian Coordinate System
4.2 Graphing Linear Equations in Two Variables
4.3 The Slope-Intercept Form: y = mx + b
4.4 The Point-Slope Form: y - y₁ = m( x - x₁)
4.5 Introduction to Functions and Function Notation
4.6 Graphing Linear Inequalities in Two Variables

Chapter 5 Exponents and Polynomials
5.1 Exponents
5.2 More on Exponents and Scientific Notation
5.3 Identifying and Evaluating Polynomials
5.4 Adding and Subtracting Polynomials
5.5 Multiplying Polynomials
5.6 Special Products of Polynomials
5.7 Dividing Polynomials

Appendix A.2 Synthetic Division
Chapter 6 Factoring Polynomials and Solving Quadratic Equations
6.1 Greatest Common Factor and Factoring by Grouping
6.2 Special Factoring Techniques I
6.3 Special Factoring Techniques II
6.4 Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring

V. INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES

Course Deadlines:
This course is designed for the student to master the material in Chapters 1 - 6 of the textbook
utilizing the textbook and the software as learning tools, and utilizing the software for testing.
Due dates for the completion of the assigned material are posted in Blackboard and in the
software. The student may work ahead and complete the material before the given dates. A
lesson certification may be submitted late with a 50% penalty. Except in extenuating
circumstances, a test may not be submitted after the specified due date. Extensions will be
made on an individual basis.

First Assignment:
Review the instructions for the First Assignment in the Course Documents in Blackboard. You
must complete this assignment by the posted due date, or you will be dropped from the course.

Sequence of Study:
1. Read the chapter in the text.
2. Work a representative sample of the problems in the textbook.
3. Work through each part of the software lessons - Overview, Instruct, Practice, and Tutor
• You do not have to be online to complete these lessons.
4. Attempt the Certify when you are confident that you know the material.
• You will be allowed multiple attempts.
• You do not have to be online to complete the certifications.
5. Log the Certification Code.
• If you are logged onto the Internet at the time you complete a Certify, the
code will be registered into my grade book.
• If you are not logged on, you will need to save the Certification Codes on a
storage device to be registered at a later date.
• The date of completion is recorded as the date a Certification Code is
registered in the grade book, not the date the Certify is completed.
6. Complete each Chapter Test, located under the WebTest tab in the software.
• These are NOT the Chapter Tests in the HLS software.
• Internet access is required for the duration of testing.
• Complete the test by midnight of the due date; tests will not be available after
the due date.
• You will be allowed two attempts on each test but you must complete both
attempts by the posted due date. The higher score will be recorded.
• Each test will have a specified time limit and will be automatically scored.
• You must complete the test once it is started.
7. Complete the Final Exam.
• The Final Exam is comprehensive over all material covered.

**If you have intermittent problems with Internet access, consider testing at the Dublin campus
or NRV Mall site.

VI. GRADING/EVALUATION
1. The final grade for the course will be determined as follows:

2. Grading Scale:

If a student has an overall average of 95% on all Certifications and Tests prior to the Final
Exam, that student will be exempt from the Final Exam.

You may monitor your progress and grade records through the HLS software by clicking on
the tab labeled Progress Report.

VII. DIVERSITY STATEMENT
The NRCC community values the pluralistic nature of our society. We recognize diversity
including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, social class, age, gender, sexual
orientation and physical or mental capability. We respect the variety of ideas, experiences and
practices that such diversity entails. It is our commitment to ensure equal opportunity and to
sustain a climate of civility for all who work or study at NRCC or who otherwise participate in
the life of the college.

VIII. DISABILITY STATEMENT
If you are a student with a documented disability who will require accommodations in this
course, please register with the Disability Services Office located in the Counseling Center in
Rooker Hall for assistance in developing a plan to address your academic needs.

IX. CHEATING/PLAGIARISM POLICY
A grade of zero will be awarded to any writing assignments or tests that show cheating or
plagiarism. To plagiarize is “To use and pass off as one’s own the ideas or writings of another.”
(Definition adapted from the American Heritage Dictionary.) Remember that plagiarism includes
lifting words or ideas from Internet sites, as well as copying from print sources.

X. WITHDRAWAL POLICY
Student Initiated Withdrawal Policy
A student may drop or withdraw from a class without academic penalty during the first sixty
percent (60%) of a session. For purposes of enrollment reporting, the following procedures
apply:

1. If a student withdraws from a class prior to the termination of the add/drop period for the
session, the student will be removed from the class roll and no grade will be awarded.

2. After the add/drop period, but prior to completion of sixty percent (60%) of a session, a
student who withdraws or is withdrawn from a course will be assigned a grade of "W." A
grade of “W” implies that the student was making satisfactory progress in the class at the
time of withdrawal, that the withdrawal was officially made before the deadline published in
the college calendar, or that the student was administratively transferred to a different
program.

3. After that time, if a student withdraws from a class, a grade of "F" will be assigned.
Exceptions to this policy may be made under documented mitigating circumstances if the
student was passing the course at the last date of attendance.

A retroactive grade of “W” may be awarded only if the student would have been eligible under
the previously stated policy to receive a “W” on the last date of class attendance. The last date
of attendance for a distance education course will be the last date that work was submitted.

Late withdrawal appeals will be reviewed and a decision made by the Coordinator of Student
Services.

Instructor Initiated Withdrawal
Students who have not posted ALL materials by the last day to drop the class and receive a
refund must be withdrawn by the instructor during the following week. No refund will be
applicable.

The instructor will withdraw students who have not completed ALL assignments on Blackboard
by the last day to receive a “W”.

Students who do not turn in assignments will be withdrawn at any point in the semester.
Failure to turn in assignments is considered non-attendance in the course.