Basic Mathematics
Course Description
Topics include signed numbers, decimal numbers, exponential notation, scientific notation, solving and graphing linear equations, an introduction to polynomials, and systems of linear equations and their graphs. Geometrical topics include lines and angles, closed curves and convex polygons, triangles and similarities, and symmetry and proportion in nature and art. Students may complete this course during the first three weeks of the semester by passing the MyMathLab modules. Students will then be eligible to take either MAT 099 Intermediate Algebra, MAT 114-Quantitative Reasoning or MAT 120-Intro to Statistics the following semester. This course does not satisfy degree requirements. Students may complete this course during the first three weeks of the semester by passing the MyOpenMath Acceleration assignments.
Course Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
1) Perform arithmetic operations with real numbers.
2) Use Order of Operations to do calculations.
3) Solve and graph linear equations/inequalities and functions.
4) Translate English sentences about numbers into algebraic equations.
5) Solve two simultaneous linear equations by several methods.
Course Materials
The textbook used in this course was adapted by James Sousa from work at CK-12.org. It is available online for free at http://www.opentextbookstore.com/sousa/CK12IntroAlg.pdf or available for purchase on MyOpenMath. A basic calculator is also advised.
Course Information
This course is a hybrid course using MyOpenMath based upon completing modules to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of algebra. There are 8 modules to complete. The material in each module will be discussed in class on Wednesdays. The class period on Mondays will be used to work on the problems in MyOpenMath, which includes multiple help options.
Class Activities
Homework – you must reach a minimum score of 70%, but you have 3 opportunities to re-do each problem in every assignment.
Quiz – an online quiz to prepare you for the upcoming exam. You can take this online quiz twice. Make certain that you completely understand the material on each quiz prior to taking the exam. Feel free to ask questions!
Test – an online exam taken during class time. All exams must be completed during one class sitting. A scientific calculator is expected on the remaining exams. A cell phone or online calculator is never allowed. Prior to taking an exam, you should complete the module quiz.
Repeat 8 times and you complete the course!
Any assignment completed past the due date automatically loses 30% of the problems achieved late.
You may access MyOpenMath on any computer with internet access. MyOpenMath contains example problems, animations, video tutorials and other helpful features to aid in your understanding of the material.
While working on the computers during class time, the only website you should access is MyOpenMath or one that is related to learning the material in the course. Accessing websites for reasons beyond class are not allowed and may result in dismissal from the course.
Ask questions! Please do not hesitate to ask for help and get clarification to solidify your understanding of the concepts.
Evaluation
Module exams (8): 50%
Module quizzes: 20%
Homework: 20%
Attendance & participation: 5%
Notebook 5%
Numerical grades will be converted to letter grades according to the following table:
| 93 – 100% A | 80 – 82.9 B- | 66 – 69.9 D+ |
| 90 – 92.9% A- | 77 – 79.9 C+ | 60 – 65.9 D |
| 87 – 89.9% B+ | 73 – 76.9% C | |
| 83 – 86.9% B | 70 – 72.9 C- |
Classroom Rules and Etiquette
Respect all members of the class.
Use all types of electronics responsibly so that you don’t disrupt the class or the learning of your fellow students.
Students with Disabilities
Roxbury Community College is committed to providing all qualified college students equal access to all programs and facilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act/Amendment Act. Students who have a documented physical, psychological, or learning disability and need academic accommodations must register with the Coordinator of Disability Services, Joshua Crary. Contact him in Room 3-201A (Academic Building TLC); email jcrary@rcc.mass.edu; or phone 857-701-1410.
Disability Services will provide you with an Accommodation Letter to provide to faculty. Contact your instructor privately to discuss the letter and accommodations required in class.
All students should be aware that classroom lectures and discussions may be recorded by students who provide appropriate documentation to Disability Services that this accommodation is necessary due to a disability.