Course Syllabus

Course Description:

This course covers arithmetic and key concepts in elementary algebra, which are typically difficult for elementary algebra students. Topics include arithmetic operations on integers, fractions and decimals, application of order of operations to simplifying arithmetic and algebraic expressions, solving linear equations, graphing linear equations, and applications.

Prerequisite: none

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Apply the order of operations and rules of exponents to integers, fractions and decimals.
2. Write a whole number as a product of prime factors.
3. Simplify and evaluate algebraic expressions.
4. Solve linear equations in one variable using the addition and multiplication properties of equality.
5. Write an algebraic expression as a product of factors using the distributive property.
6. Graph linear equations in x and y.

Course Content:

• Whole numbers: Write and read in words; commutative, associative and distributive laws; exponents, order of operations, prime numbers, some word problems
• Positive and negative integers and the number line: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of integers; raising integers to whole number and integer powers, multiplication and division of monomials, some word problems
• Common fractions: Least common multiple, greatest common factor, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with fractions (positive and negative); order of operations, complex fractions, some word problems
• Decimal fractions: Place value, rounding, operations with decimal fractions (positive and negative) with order of operations, interchanging common fractions with decimal fractions, operations on monomials, some word problems
• Ratio, proportion, percent, square roots, simplifying square roots of numbers that are not perfect squares, Pythagorean theorem, properties of our base ten number system, multiplication and division by powers of ten, scientific notation, some word problems
• Problem solving techniques: Some algebraic techniques, pattern recognition, and guess and check methods should be demonstrated throughout the course

Textbook:

Great news: your textbook for this class is available for free online!
Prealgebra from OpenStax, ISBN 1-947172-00-X

You have several options to obtain this book:

• View online (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)
• Download a PDF (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)
• Order a print copy (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.) 

You can use whichever formats you want. Web view is recommended -- the responsive design works seamlessly on any device.

Other Course Materials/Technology

Our class will rely heavily on the use of online materials. To access our course materials and homework assignments, you will need to log in to Knewton via Canvas. Access to Knewton is a requirement for this course. Knewton costs $55 from the bookstore, or $40 if you buy access online. You must have access to Knewton by Friday, August 17^th or you will be dropped from the course. A scientific calculator is a requirement for the course. A phone, ipod, ipad, computer, or other device will not be allowed during a test.

Important Notes:

• All first week assignments need to be completed and submitted by the due date to avoid possibly being dropped from the class.

• Assignments & Tests

   All homework assignments will be completed online through Canvas. Homework assignments will be due each week by the following Monday night at 11:59pm and will cover topics discussed during the previous week. I will do my best to maintain the pace as laid out in the schedule below. That being said, depending on how quickly or slowly we progress through the material, I reserve the right to adjust homework due dates as needed. Any changes to due dates will always be announced in class.

• Assignment Point Values

  Assignment	Value
  Homework and Quizzes	20%
  Chapter Exams	60%
  Final Exam	20%

   

  Final Grades
  Letter Grade	%
  A	89.5 -100
  B	79.5 – 89.4
  C	69.5 - 79.4
  D	59.5 - 69.4
  F	0-59.4

   Grading Policies/Rubrics

  You will be able to monitor your grade on Canvas as I will be posting all of your scores (online and offline activities) online.

   

  ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

  Students at Reedley College are entitled to the best education that the college can make available to them, and they, their instructors, and their fellow students share the responsibility to ensure that this education is honestly attained. Because cheating, plagiarism, and collusion in dishonest activities erode the integrity of the college, each student is expected to exert an entirely honest effort in all academic endeavors. Academic dishonesty in any form is a very serious offense and will incur serious consequences.

   

  Cheating is the act or attempted act of taking an examination or performing an assigned, evaluated task in a fraudulent or deceptive manner, such as having improper access to answers, in an attempt to gain an unearned academic advantage.  Cheating may include, but is not limited to, copying from another’s work, supplying one’s work to another, giving or receiving copies of examinations without an instructor’s permission, using or displaying notes or devices inappropriate to the conditions of the examination, allowing someone other than the officially enrolled student to represent the student, or failing to disclose research results completely.

   

  Plagiarism is a specific form of cheating: the use of another’s words or ideas without identifying them as such or giving credit to the source. Plagiarism may include, but is not limited to, failing to provide complete citations and references for all work that draws on the ideas, words, or work of others, failing to identify the contributors to work done in collaboration, submitting duplicate work to be evaluated in different courses without the knowledge and consent of the instructors involved, or failing to observe computer security systems and software copyrights. Incidents of cheating and plagiarism may result in any of a variety of sanctions and penalties, which may range from a failing grade on the particular examination, paper, project, or assignment in question to a failing grade in the course, at the discretion of the instructor and depending on the severity and frequency of the incidents.

   

  NOTE: If you have a verified need for an academic accommodation or materials in alternate media (i.e, Braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) per the Americans with Disabilities Act or section 504 of the Rehabilitation act please contact me as soon as possible.

   

  Please refer to SCCCD polies for guidance on all matters relating to this course.