Essential Algebra

COURSE ABBREVIATION  MATH 0096
COURSE TITLE  Essential Algebra
CREDIT HOURS  6 hours institutional credit (does not count toward a degree)
PREREQUISITES  Placement by examination

CATALOG DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to help students learn the arithmetic, pre-algebra, and beginning algebra necessary for the successful study of intermediate algebra. Topics include real-number concepts, reading and interpreting pie, line, and bar graphs, sets, set-builder and interval notation, linear equations and inequalities in one variable, problem solving with whole numbers, decimals, fractions and percents, numerical square roots, addition and subtraction of polynomials, integral exponents, geometry concepts, problem solving involving linear or factorable quadratic equations as models, operations on polynomials, factoring polynomials, and graphing linear equations in two variables. Additional topics include the study of rational expressions and the use of the graphing calculator.

REQUIRED TEXTS (2)
(A scientific calculator or the TI-83 or 84 graphing calculator is required.)
1. Essential Mathematics through Application, GPC 2007 Custom Edition, Akst/Bragg
2. Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, 4^th Ed. Lial, Hornsby & McGinnis, Addison-Wesley.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS AND HELP FOR STUDENTS
• Free tutors in Learning and Tutoring Center (formerly ISS)
• MyMathLab.com Access Code (If required, indicate this in the syllabus -- free with new textbook or may be purchased
separately for used text; instructor must provide course ID)
• Student Solutions Manual for Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, 4^thEd. Lial, Hornsby & McGinnis, Addison-Wesley.
• Video Lectures on DV D with Solution Clips for Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, 4^thEd., Lial, Hornsby & McGinnis,
Addison-Wesley.
• Video Lectures on CD with Solution Clips for Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, 4^thEd., Lial, Hornsby & McGinnis,
Addison-Wesley.
• MathXL Tutorials on CD for Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, 4^thEd., Lial, Hornsby & McGinnis, Addison-Wesley.

GENERAL COURSE PURPOSE
To prepare the student for the study of intermediate algebra

COURSE CONTENT
1. Problem solving
2. Real Numbers and Expressions
3. Square Roots and the Pythagorean Theorem
4. Reading and Interpreting Graphs
5. Exponents and Polynomials
6. Linear Equations and Inequalities in One Variable and Their Applications
7. Geometric Concepts
8. Introduction to the Cartesian Coordinate System and Linear Equations in Two Variables
9. Factoring Polynomials and Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring
10. Rational Expressions and Rational Equations

ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCIES:
Upon entering this course, the student should:
1. have a basic understanding of place value of numbers;
2. be able to perform the four arithmetic operations with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; and
3. have a basic understanding of the relationship of percents, fractions, and decimals.

EXPECTED EDUCATIONAL RESULTS
As a result of completing this course, the student will be able to do the following:
1. Solve application problems involving the four basic operations with

a. whole numbers
b. integers
c. fractions
d. decimals
e. percents

2. Interpret results displayed in bar, line, and circle graphs
3. Simplify numerical exponential expressions
4. Convert numbers from standard to scientific notation and vice-versa
5. Evaluate square roots which
a. involve perfect squares
b. involve estimation or approximation
6. Classify real numbers as integers, rational, or irrational
7. Determine the absolute value and the opposite of a numerical expression
8. Perform the four arithmetic operations with signed numbers, including integers, fractions, and decimals
9. Evaluate and simplify numerical expressions involving order of operations
10. Determine whether a given value is a solution to a given algebraic equation
11. Translate an English phrase into a mathematical expression and a mathematical expression into an English phrase
12. Apply and recognize the commutative, associative, distributive, identity and inverse properties
13. Identify and combine like terms
14. Given two sides of a right triangle, find the third side by applying the Pythagorean Theorem
15. Find the area and perimeter of geometric shapes including squares, rectangles, circles, triangles, and irregular shapes. Find the
volume of a rectangular solid.
16. Recognize and apply angle relationships for triangles and quadrilaterals, vertical angles, alternate interior angles,
complementary angles, and supplementary angles
17. Plot points, identify the quadrants in the Cartesian System, and graph linear equations in two variables
18. Apply laws of exponents for integral exponents
19. Add, subtract, and multiply polynomials, divide by polynomial by a monomial, and factor polynomials
20. Solve the following types of equations and their applications:

a. Linear
b. Factorable quadratic
c. Linear fractional
d. Linear literal

21. Solve linear inequalities and write the solution set in set-builder and interval notation, and graph the solution set on a number line
22. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational expressions
23. Use the calculator as appropriate, including square roots, scientific notation, order of operations, and exponential expressions

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
To pass MATH 0096, students must satisfactorily meet the following requirements:
1. Complete class assignments, appropriate laboratory assignments, and other course expectations.
2. Average seventy percent (70%) or higher.
3. Participate in class.
4. Attend class regularly in accordance with attendance policy.

Note: Grades of A, B, and C, indicate satisfactory work. Students earning IP, F or WF must repeat MATH 0096. MATH 0096 students do not take the exit Compass exam. Students who are not successful in MATH 0096 after two attempts will be suspended from GPC and all USG institutions in accordance with the attempts policy.

POLICIES:

1. Attempts: Students must complete MATH 0096 and MATH 0098 in three attempts or twelve semester hours, whichever occurs first, or they may be suspended from Georgia Perimeter College and all University System institutions for three (3) years. Students who do not pass MATH 0096 within two attempts (12 semester hours) will be suspended for three years with no appeal. Students who fail MATH 0097 and then take and fail MATH 0096 will be suspended for three years with no appeal. Attempts and hours are cumulative within the Regents’ System. Prior to suspending a student who has not exited within the three attempts or twelve-semester hour limit, whichever comes first, the student may appeal for up to
two additional attempts. For each additional attempt, the student must:

• be individually evaluated and determined to have a reasonable chance of success
• be in an exit level course (be eligible to take MATH 0098)
• have reached the limit in only one Learning Support area

During the semester of the first additional attempt, the student may enroll in courses other than Learning Support (subject to the 20-hour limit on the number of college level credit hours a student may earn before exiting Learning Support). If granted the appeal for the second additional attempt, the student may enroll only in the Learning Support course involved. A student who is granted an appeal for an additional attempt in mathematics may continue attempting the Learning Support course with grades of W as long as the attempts are sequential. If a student sits out for more than one term, the appeal is invalid and the student is suspended for 3 years. Students whose appeal is denied are suspended for 3 years.

2. Attendance: Students are expected to attend all classes regularly and punctually. Students who arrive late should report to the instructor at the end of class. Minimum attendance policy: At the midpoint of the term, if a student is absent from more than 10% of the classes for the term and is failing the course, then the student will be withdrawn with a grade of W. Instructors may have a stricter policy. At the midpoint of the term, students who have violated the instructor's attendance policy will be withdrawn with a grade of W. After mid-term, students who violate the instructor's attendance policy may receive an F for the term.

3. Withdrawals:
Note: If you withdraw or are withdrawn from any class, your financial aid eligibility may be affected. Always check with a financial aid counselor before you withdraw from a class or before you stop attending a class.
a. When withdrawals are initiated by the mid-term deadline, students will receive a grade of W.
b. Students who are taking both Learning Support and collegiate-level courses and withdraw or are withdrawn from one or more required Learning Support course before mid-term will also be withdrawn from all collegiate-level courses excepts HEDS 1011 or activity PE classes. They may, however, drop the credit course and remain in the Learning Support course(s).
c. Students who are taking only Learning Support courses may withdraw from one or more of these courses to reduce course load.
d. Students who withdraw from a Learning Support course after mid-term will receive a grade of WF, except in cases of hardship, which must be approved by the campus Dean for Academic Services.

4. Placement Exams: There is no retesting for COMPASS or CPE placement at Georgia Perimeter College unless 3 years have transpired since the initial testing date and no coursework has been attempted.

5. Make-up work: The instructor will determine the make-up policy for this course.

6. Grades: Grades in Learning Support classes will be assigned as follows:
A = 90-100
B = 80-89
C = 70-79
IP = 60-69
F = 0-59 (or having violated the attendance policy after mid-term)
W = Withdrawal by mid-term
WF = Student-initiated withdrawal after mid-term
Note: Students who earn a grade of IP, F, W or WF must repeat the course. All grades except W count as attempts. Grades of A, B, or C are successful attempts. Grades of IP, F, or WF are unsuccessful attempts.

7. State and federal legislation protect all copyrighted software. Any reproduction of this software without written permission is a violation of the law.

8. Academic Respect: The College exists to foster educational excellence. To this end, a classroom atmosphere, which supports learning, must be maintained. Students are expected to be active, attentive participants in the class. Students are also expected to abide by class policies and procedures and to treat faculty and other students in a professional, respectful manner. Students are expected to be familiar with the student conduct code published in the Student Handbook.