Elementary Algebra, 2nd Edition, by Openstax, 2020.

This is an open source text, available for free online at: https://openstax.org/details/books/elementary-algebra-2e. All materials will be free and posted to the course's Blackboard page.

1. Students will learn how to solve linear equations and applications

2. Students will determine the slopes, intercepts, equations and graphs of lines

3. Students will solve systems of equations in two variables by substitution and addition

4. Students will add, subtract, multiply, divide and factor polynomials

5. Students will translate, develop a strategy and solve related application problems

6. Students will utilize an outline learning system to demonstrate math proficiency

Lecture Topic Outline:

Chapter 1  Foundations

• 1.1 Introduction to Whole Numbers

• 1.2 Use the Language of Algebra

• 1.3 Add and Subtract Integers

• 1.4 Multiply and Divide Integers

• 1.5 Visualize Fractions

• 1.6 Add and Subtract Fractions

• 1.7 Decimals

• 1.8 The Real Numbers

• 1.9 Properties of Real Numbers

• 1.10 Systems of Measurement

Chapter 2  Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities

• 2.1 Solve Equations Using the Subtraction and Addition Properties of Equality

• 2.2 Solve Equations using the Division and Multiplication Properties of Equality

• 2.3 Solve Equations with Variables and Constants on Both Sides

• 2.4 Use a General Strategy to Solve Linear Equations

• 2.5 Solve Equations with Fractions or Decimals

• 2.6 Solve a Formula for a Specific Variable

• 2.7 Solve Linear Inequalities

Chapter 4  Graphs

• 4.1 Use the Rectangular Coordinate System

• 4.2 Graph Linear Equations in Two Variables

• 4.3 Graph with Intercepts

• 4.4 Understand Slope of a Line

• 4.5 Use the Slope-Intercept Form of an Equation of a Line

• 4.6 Find the Equation of a Line

• 4.7 Graphs of Linear Inequalities

Chapter 5  Systems of Linear Equations

• 5.1 Solve Systems of Equations by Graphing

• 5.2 Solving Systems of Equations by Substitution

• 5.3 Solve Systems of Equations by Elimination

• 5.4 Solve Applications with Systems of Equations

• 5.5 Solve Mixture Applications with Systems of Equations

• 5.6 Graphing Systems of Linear Inequalities

Chapter 6  Polynomials

• Introduction

• 6.1 Add and Subtract Polynomials

• 6.2 Use Multiplication Properties of Exponents

• 6.3 Multiply Polynomials

• 6.4 Special Products

• 6.5 Divide Monomials

• 6.6 Divide Polynomials

• 6.7 Integer Exponents and Scientific Notation

Chapter 7  Factoring

• Introduction

• 7.1 Greatest Common Factor and Factor by Grouping

• 7.2 Factor Trinomials of the Form x2+bx+c

• 7.3 Factor Trinomials of the Form ax2+bx+c

• 7.4 Factor Special Products

• 7.5 General Strategy for Factoring Polynomials

• 7.6 Quadratic Equations

Important Dates to Remember:

08/26/2024: First day of class.

09/02/24: Labor Day, No classes

09/30/2024: Final day to drop without academic penalty.

10/25/2024: 4:00 pm Final deadline for the Midterm Exam, as well as all homework, quizzes, and chapter tests for Chapters 1, 2, and 4. 

11/25/2024: Final day to drop with academic penalty.

11/27/2024-11/29/2024: Campus closed, no classes.

12/06/2024: 4:00pm Final deadline for the Final Exam, as well as all homework, quizzes, and chapter tests for Chapters 5, 6, and 7. 

12/12/2024: Last class day.

Please note that these dates are subject to change. Any due date changes will be posted in the course Blackboard under the "Announcements" tab.

Let x be the averaged final grade. Please note that the second letter “D” denotes this is a developmental math course. 

Homework: 30%

Quizzes: 10% 

Chapter Tests: 10% 

Midterm Exam: 25%

Final Exam: 25%

-This syllabus is subject to change as needed throughout the semester. Any major changes will be accompanied by an announcement in class, via email, or posted on Blackboard.

-All relevant information about this course will be communicated to students using announcements posted on Blackboard. You will receive an email copy of each announcement but replies to those emails will not be monitored nor receive a response.

-Students should use their LSCPA email to communicate with the instructor; any communications from personal email accounts (gmail,yahoo,etc.) may be ignored.

-Students must use appropriate email etiquette when corresponding with the instructor; for example, complete sentences and a full subject line with your name and course name. Voice mail messages should be clearly spoken identifying students' name, course, and return phone number.

-Emails or messages determined by the instructor to be rude or disrespectful will not be responded to and will possibly be forwarded to the student’s department chair or program coordinator.

-Students may check their grades in their Blackboard gradebook. If the student wishes to discuss their grades, they may email the instructor and request an appointment to meet with the instructor or see the instructor during scheduled office hours. The instructor will not discuss any grades over email or phone calls.

-The instructor will not discuss a student’s grades with anyone besides the student unless the instructor is given permission by LSCPA officials to do so.

-Students are responsible for informing the instructor if they are unable to access any course materials. There will be no late work or credit given for assignments missed for this reason.

-Since all assignments will be available for at least half a semester, no late work will be accepted unless the student has a prolonged, verifiable, and legitimate reason for being unable to complete their coursework. Students should be prepared to provide documentation if this situation should occur. 

-If the instructor sees a need, she may require the quizzes and chapter tests be taken in a proctored environment. If this change occurs, the instructor will notify the students prior to the due dates. 

-No computer/ cell phone usage or talking is allowed during lectures unless otherwise stated by the instructor. 

-Talking and student collaboration will be encouraged during parts of class, but disrespectful and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. If a student is asked to leave or see me outside of class, they must meet with me during my office hours before attending another class meeting. 

Course Expectations: 

Blackboard/MyOpenMath: 

All of your course materials and assignments are accessible through MyOpenMath via Blackboard. You will not need to sign up for or log on to any outside website, as everything will be integrated fully into Blackboard. MyOpenMath is an open-source program and does not require any access code or payment before using. If this is the only course you are taking this semester, or if all of your other classes use open-source (OER) resources, you should consider opting out of the Seahawk Book Bundle program. 

Homework (Practice Problems):

The homework sets can be worked in any order, and multiple versions of each problem will be offered until a correct answer has been reached. You can even continue practicing new versions of each problem after getting a correct answer if needed (I recommend practicing each problem multiple times until mastery is achieved). Homework sets for Chapters 1, 2, and 4 should be completed before the final deadline for the Midterm Exam, and homework sets for Chapters 5, 6, and 7 should be completed before the final deadline for the Final Exam. See Blackboard for exact deadline details.

Quizzes and Chapter Tests:

The quizzes and chapter tests will be taken outside of class time and will not be proctored. Quizzes will have a 1 hour time limit and chapter tests will have a 1.25 hour limit. Quizzes will have 3 attempts and the best score will be used in the students gradebook. Chapter tests will have 1 attempt. If a student should experience technical difficulties during a chapter test that result in an incomplete test, then the student will be allowed a ONE time retake. This is a one time courtesy per semester and does not apply to any other assignments. The student must email the instructor within 24 hours of the first attempt  to receive another attempt. 

 Despite the lack of proctoring students are expected to take these tests and quizzes under the same conditions as the midterm and final exams (meaning, the student only uses scratch paper, a pencil, and a basic four function calculator). The purpose of this is to allow students to appropriately prepare for the exams in a low stakes and low stress environment. Students who study  this way are far more likely to do well on the exams and thus pass the course.

Mid-Term and Final Exams: