Math 126 - PreCaclulus I
Section: HN101 Spring 2010  Time: 11:00 - 12:20 pm TR   Room: C227

PROFESSOR:

 Joe McDonald

PHONE:

 (702) 651 - 3084

EMAIL:

 math126@joemath.com

OFFICE
   LOCATION:

 B-130 d
Henderson Campus

OFFICE HOURS:

Online: M 8:00-9:30 am  by appointment, Office: TR 12:30-1:30 pm

MY WEBSITE:

 joemath.com

TEXT:

  • Precalculus: Concepts Through Functions, A Right Triangle Approach to Trigonometry, By Michael Sullivan, Michael Sullivan, III
    ISBN-10: 0-13-187476-4

    Student Solution Manual also available (ISBN-10: 0-321-60786-4). Both can be purchased at any CSN Campus Bookstore or on the book store. 

CALCULATOR:

Will be very useful at times and may be used unless otherwise noted. It is your responsibility to know how your calculator operates.

PREREQUISITE & TRANSFERABILITY:

 Placement test or Math 181 or equivalent. This course is transferable to UNLV or UNR.

    DESCRIPTION:

A rigorous discussion of algebra concepts necessary for calculus is the focal point of this course. Topics include an in-depth investigation of algebraic functions and their graphs and solutions of systems of equations. Prerequisite: MATH 096 or MATH 097 both with a grade of C or better; or a satisfactory ACT/SAT/Placement Test Score. Note: This course serves as a prerequisite course for MATH 127 and is essential for students planning to take calculus.

ATTENDANCE:

Strongly recommended. YOU are responsible for any concepts or information missed due to non-attendance.

KEY DATES:
January 19 Spring Semester begins
January 25 Last day to officially change from Audit to Credit with Instructor's approval for 16-week session.
January 25 Last day to drop a course without a grade of "W" for16-week session. 
March 29 Last day to officially change from Credit to Audit - in person only for 16-week session.
March 29 Last day to officially withdraw with a grade of "W" for 16-week session.
May 9 - May 15 Final examination period for 16-week session

OBJECTIVES:

 The student should be able to:
 Be able to use fundamental algebra principles
 Solve polynomial, exponential and logarithmic equations
 Understand how to distinguish between a circle, hyperbola and ellipse
 Work with the Cartesian coordinate system, graph, linear, exponential, polynomial, absolute value, square root, piece-wised defined, rational, and logarithmic functions.
 Understand functions concepts, including operations on functions and inverse functions.
 Solve systems of linear and nonlinear equations in two and three variables using substitution, elimination by addition, and augmented matrix methods.
 Be able to apply and extend concepts.

PRACTICE EXERCISES:

Selected problems in the textbook will be assigned. Answers for odd-numbered problems are in the back of the textbook. These exercises MAY BE graded.  Time will be allotted for questions in class. Please ASK questions !

QUIZZES:

There will be in-class quizzes. (some take-home quizzes)  Take-home quizzes are collected at the beginning of the class on the due date .  The quiz will not be considered for a grade if you are late. A quiz may not be made up except for very unusual circumstances. You must notify me in advance.

TESTS:

There will be 3 tests and a final. Partial credit may be possible. A calculator may not always be used. Appropriate mathematical process as well as the correct answer wil1 be graded. No make-up tests will be allowed, except for very unusual circumstances. You must contact me personally prior to the scheduled test. Nobody can make up more than one test!!

NOTE:

Questions about points deducted on a test problem need to be raised immediately after the test is handed back. No consideration will be given thereafter.

FINAL EXAM:

The final exam will count the same as a regular test

FINAL GRADE:

.20* QUIZ/HOMEWORK  + .80* TEST AVG.  (20% each test)

GRADING SCALE:

The grade 'W' will NOT be given by me.  It is up to you to drop the course by the official drop date. See your schedule of classes or the Spring 2010 Calendar for official dates.  Here are some important dates.  Remember this.  It is your responsibility to drop the the drop date.  I will give you a F if you stop attending so it is important that you know the drop date.

92% < A < 100% 72% v C < 78%
90% < A- < 92% 70% < C- < 72%
88% < B+ < 90% 68% < D+ < 70%
82% < B < 88% 66% < D < 68%
80% < B- < 82% 60% < D- < 66%
78% < C+ < 80% F < 60%

NOTE: The grade 'W' will only be given by me if the student neglected to drop the course and HAS NOT TAKEN ANY OF THE IN-CLASS TESTS.

SAFETY: The mathematics department safety rules are available for your inspection in the math office, Room 1029. Also, please take time to familiarize yourself with emergency procedures posted inside each room next to the door.

ADA Notice: If you have a documented disability that may require assistance, you will need to contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) for coordination of your academic accommodations. The DRC is located in Student Services on each campus. For Cheyenne the number is 651-4700, for West Charleston the number is 651-5089, and for Henderson the number is 651-3086. 

For those students that would like to perform community service or earn a little extra cash, stop by the DRC to fill out a job interest card. This office hires students as note takers, proctors, scribes and research assistants as needed. 

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR:

 Tardiness: I do realize occasional tardiness cannot be avoided. If you are late, be respectful to your classmates by coming in quietly, sitting in the back, and not talking. Many students are easily distracted.  Points may be deducted from tests if you arrive late for exams.  

 Talking: Please refrain from having conversations with classmates while I am lecturing or answering questions. Even if I don't hear your conversations, you may be bothering other students.  Repeated disruption of student learning may result in removal from this course.

 Questions: I may think I've done a wonderful job explaining a concept only to find out after a quiz or test most people didn't get it. The daily homework is designed to help us avoid those oversights. Keep up with the homework and ask questions, questions, and questions.

 Homework: This is the most important part of the class. Some people assume I am good at math because it comes naturally, have a high IQ, or I have some "math gene". These assumptions are false. I had to practice math problems repeatedly to understand each concept. Lectures alone do not provide enough information. Learning to read your textbook is an essential part of your math learning experience. Your most valuable resource is your textbook.

 Leaving Class Early Leaving early causes a disruption of learning. Let me know ahead of time if you have to leave early. Try to sit in the back of the room near the door.

 Inappropriate Behavior will not be tolerated. All students have the right not to be disturbed in class.  If I have to repeatedly ask a student to stop disrupting my class I will drop them.  Please respect all students.

A Final Note: Here are some resources:

 Feel free to form study groups and exchange phone numbers

 Go to the Math Lab (hours will be given)

 Visit me be during offices hours

 Use online tutorials in computer lab or use online tutorials from Internet (check my web site)

 CSN Students can get up to 12 hours of free individualized tutoring (Check at the Computer Center)