Math 102
College Algebra, Spring 07
Class Number: 13277
Location: MZ 130
MWF 1:00PM-1:50PM
Dr. B. Al Sethuraman
( http://www.csun.edu/~asethura
)
Office Information
Office: Room 126, Santa Susana Hall (red brick
building by the bookstore).
Office Hours: Mon 12:00--12:50 PM,
Mon 3:00--3:50 PM, and
Wed 2:00 PM -- 2:50 PM
Telephone: 818-677-2701.
Fax: (818)-677-3634.
Email: al.sethuraman@csun.edu
Text: College Algebra (7th edition) by Sullivan.
Also, there is a supplement
that goes with the book that describes
essential skills for
each chapter.
Syllabus: Chapters
3--8.
About the class: Math 102 is the algebra portion of
pre-calculus. Along with Math 104
(trigonometry) it is designed to prepare students for a rigorous study
of
calculus. In Math 102 students will
learn to:
- Represent,
understand and explain mathematical information symbolically,
graphically, numerically and verbally.
- Develop
mathematical models of real-world situations and explain the
assumptions and limitations of these models.
- Interpret
mathematical models by making predictions, drawing conclusions,
checking whether results are reasonable, and finding optimal solutions.
- Demonstrate
an understanding of the nature of mathematical reasoning.
These objectives
will be assessed
by written examination, on-line quizzing, graded homework, and class
projects. Math 102 topics include
functions (linear,
quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic), equations
and
inequalities, theory of zeros of polynomials, modeling, conic sections,
systems
of equations and inequalities, matrices, linear programming, and
sequences and
series. The prerequisite for Math 102 is
a passing score on or an exemption from the ELM, or Credit in Math 093.
See the Dear Math 102 Student Letter at the end of this
syllabus.
This
section of Math 102 includes a mandatory
2 hours of Supplemental Instruction (SI) each week.
You may sign up for either class number 18105 (MW,
12:00--12:150, BH 300), or class number 18106 (MW 2:00--2:50, BH 300),
or class 18107 (MW 2:00--2:50, BH 317). Performance
in SI will be factored into the final grade.
Calculators:
will not be
allowed on quizzes, midterm exams, or the final exam.
Exams: There will be three midterm exams (February 26th, March 28th, and May 11th),
quizzes that will be held in your SI sessions
and a final exam.
The final is on Saturday May 19th from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Homework: Will be assigned almost every week, and will
be done via WebWork (see below).
Grading: The course grade will computed based on the
following
percentages:
Final Exam
30%
(cumulative common final)
Midterm Exams
45%
Quizzes
15%
(I will drop the lowest quiz grade)
Homework (Webwork)
10%
( I will drop the
lowest homework grade)
Final grades will
be assigned
according the following percentage ranges:
A: 91--100 A-:
90
B+: 87--89 B:
81--86 B-: 80
C+: 77--79 C:
70--76
D: 55--69
F: Below 55
Makeup Exams: In general, there will
be no makeups on tests or
quizzes. No late homework will be
accepted. If there are any dire situations such
as emergencies, then I will
consider on a case-by-case basis, but do not expect to get a makeup.
WebWork:
Introduction to WeBWorK
WeBWorK is an on-line program that grades quizzes. It is a
grader, not a tutor. It will give you immediate feedback on your
mastery of each topic. Research has shown that the use of WeBWorK
improves student success by an average of one half a grade in college
algebra. To be successful with WeBWorK you must have consistent
access to the internet.
0. Go to https://webwork.csun.edu/webwork_intro.html
--- you will find an introduction to Webwork there.
1. To work on problems, go to https://webwork.csun.edu.
Click
on "Al Sethuraman". This
should take you to the login page.
2. Log in. Your username is your CSUN email address without
the "@csun.edu". For
example if your CSUN email address is
john.r.doe74@csun.edu, then your username
is john.r.doe74 Your password is your
nine digit student ID number.
(If you only know a six-digit ID number, add
three zeros to the beginning of the number. Similarly, if you only know
a seven digit ID number, add two zeros to
the beginning of the number.)
3. Click on the desired problem set!
In general you should begin each homework by clicking on "Get Hard
Copy", and printing out the
problems. You can then work them out with pencil and paper and
return to the computer when you are ready to enter the answers.
The problems follow the textbook but are algorithmically
generated. This means that each student will have a unique set of
problems. Each assignment will have a timed due date. After the
due date, any work you do will not count for a grade.
Dear
Math102 Student:
Welcome to Math 102! We want your experience this semester to be
successful and rewarding. Math 102 is a challenging course that
demands consistent hard work throughout the semester. Because of
this, and because of various misconceptions about mathematics, the pass
rate for the Math 102 is usually about 40%. We're letting you
know this ahead of time so you can avoid some of the common mistakes
made by other students. Here are some of those mistakes and how
to avoid them:
Expecting to be graded in the same way
as high school
In a university level math course, your grade is based primarily on
tests. You cannot pass this course without achieving passing
grades on tests. The only way to do this is to master the skills
and concepts through careful completion of the homework exercises,
review of the textbook and class notes, and extra practice whenever
needed. If you get a low grade on any quiz or test, you are in
danger of not passing. See your instructor immediately for tips
on improving.
Mistaking recognition for mastery
Students think that because they've seen the material before, they
"know it". This can lead to laziness at the beginning of the
semester. Many students wait until they get a poor grade on a
quiz or test before they get serious about the course. By then,
it may be too late. Work hard from the first day to avoid
this. Remember, you only "know it" if you can do it. This
means you must be able to write out correct solutions for every
homework exercise without referring to your textbook or notes.
Believing that with mathematics, you
either "get it" or you don't
This is a myth. Every student can have success in mathematics
with enough hard work. How much depends on the individual's
background and experience. However, it is important to realize
that you can earn the grade you want with sufficient hard work.
Not setting aside enough time for
homework
Many students are over-committed with work, school, and family
responsibilities. Without time to devote to homework and studying
you cannot learn mathematics. You must adjust your schedule to
allow sufficient time for your math class. While there are some
classes where you might be able to take shortcuts, mathematics is not
one of them. If you don't have a minimum of 5 to 10 hours per
week to study outside of class, you are setting yourself up for failure.
Misunderstanding how mathematics is
learned
Learning algebra involves skill acquisition. It is analogous to
the physical training involved in music and sports. You would
never expect to learn to play piano by going to a concert two or three
times a week. Likewise, you should not think you have learned
some mathematics just because you went to class and understood your
instructor. Your real learning begins when you try to do the
homework exercises on your own. You have "learned" a
section of material only when you can write out the solutions to all
the homework exercises without aid from your textbook or notes.
Not addressing lack of preparation
College Algebra is Pre-Calculus (without trigonometry). It is
expected that you have a working knowledge of Algebra 2 from high
school, or Intermediate Algebra from a community college. If you
don't, you must get to work immediately to fill in the gaps.
There are many resources at your disposal to help you review. Use
them! Your instructor will describe all of the available options.