UMUC-Europe Syllabus

MATH 001 Pre-Algebra (3) (Not open to students who have already successfully completed a higher-level mathematics course. Does not apply towards degree requirements. Yields institutional credit only.) Prerequisite: An appropriate result on the placement test. A study of whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals and real numbers, variable expressions, first degree equations, ratio and proportion, percent, and geometry. All topics are employed to solve applied problems. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 001, MATH 100, or UCSP 198 Transitional Mathematics.

Course Goals/Objectives:

This course is intended to: * Create ease in utilizing any arithmetic skills necessary for solving algebraic problems. * Foster competence in translating word problems into mathematical language and solving them for many different applications. * To familiarize the student with basic algebraic and geometric concepts and be aware of their importance. * Enable the student to take the basic skills learned in the course and apply them to everyday situations. * Upon successful completion, impart the ability to: 1. perform basic arithmetic operations (addition/subtraction/multiplication/division/raising to exponents) on real numbers, with and without a calculator 2. change from one basic notation (decimal/fractional/percent/scientific) to another, and change from one unit of measurement to another (e.g., ft/s to mi/h) 3. correctly apply the Order of Operations Agreement 4. round a real number to any given decimal accuracy 5. add, subtract, and multiply variable expressions 6. evaluate exponential expressions 7. simplify and approximate square roots, with and without a calculator 8. solve a simple linear or rational equation in one variable 9. use ratios and proportions to solve word problems 10. compute perimeters, areas and volumes of basic geometric figures (e.g., triangles, rectangles, circles, cylinders) 11. determine if an ordered pair is a solution of a linear equation and graph linear equations that are of the form, y=mx+b 12. read and extract information from graphs and tables

Course Introduction:

Pre-Algebra offers a review of fundamental mathematical topics essential for students wishing to enroll in Math 009 or to gain basic mathematics literacy for job advancement and for quantitative aspects of ordinary living. In today's society, MATH 001 turns many students into more capable citizens. Estimation techniques and conceptual understanding processes will be emphasized as well as applications that involve real-life data.

Grading Information and Criteria:

There will be three 75-minute exams each worth 17% of the final grade and a comprehensive final exam that is worth 34% of the final grade. The remaining 15% of the final course grade will be comprised of projects, or quizzes, or homework assignments. MAKE-UP EXAMS WILL ONLY BE GIVEN FOR DIRE CIRCUMSTANCES. Grading: Course Grade (%) = .17(Exam I + Exam II + Exam III) + .34(Final Exam) + .15(projects/quizzes/homework) Letter Grade Course Grade: A 90%+ B 80% - 89% C 70% - 79% D 60% - 69% F below 60%

Other Information:

* Study time (including reading and exercises) can be expected to be 2 to 3 times the amount of lecture time. That is, for every hour in class expect to spend 2 to 3 hours out of class studying. * Students are advised to monitor their own progress with the 'Review Exercises' at the end of each chapter. Time yourself: allow no more than 3 minutes per problem. Other sources of assistance include the UMUC Computer Lab, which has a math tutorial loaded under programs on each computer, and the Internet (see our textbook's web site.) * Students who fall behind or fail to attempt the exercises could well find themselves in difficulty. Try to incorporate the skills and methods learned in this course in everyday life. It is the best way to learn. * Attendance: It will be to the student's advantage to attend all classes. When absence is unavoidable, it is a student's own responsibility to makeup any work missed before the next class session. For administrative purposes, role will be taken. Students expecting or experiencing long absences during the term should contact the faculty. * Class Discussions: Students are encouraged (indeed, expected) to participate. Ask questions. * Homework assignments will be given for each class session. You are responsible for solving all problems assigned. Completing all the homework problems should help you prepare for the exams. If there are any problems that you found difficult or were unable to solve, be prepared to ask questions concerning those problems. Mastery of math depends on practice, practice, practice!

Project Descriptions:

If the faculty member incorporates projects as part of the course grade, the problems comprising the projects might come from the Projects in Mathematics sections at the end of each chapter of the textbook or the faculty member might create projects based upon current events or items that are useful and of interest to the class.

Academic Policies:

Cases of plagiarism are handled consistent with current UMUC guidelines. See the UMUC policies at the following URL: http://www.umuc.edu/policy/

Course Schedule:

Tentative Schedule; may be modified by instructor as circumstances deem necessary. All readings and assignments are from Prealgebra, by Aufman/Baker/Lockwood. Please read the sections to be covered prior to the class meeting. Homework assignments will be comprised of the odd numbered problems in each section unless specified otherwise during the class meetings. Class Sections Meeting Covered Topics and Exams 1 1.1-1.5 Whole Numbers 2 2.1-2.5 Integers 3 3.1-3.3 Fractions 4 3.3-3.6 Fractions 5 4.1 Exam I, Decimals 6 4.2-4.5 Decimals and Real Numbers 7 5.1-5.3 Variable Expressions 8 5.4-5.7 Polynomials 9 6.1, 6.2 Exam II, First-Degree Equations 10 6.3-6.5 First-Degree Equations, Rectangular Coordinate System 11 7.1-7.4 Measurement and Proportion 12 7.5, 8.1-8.5 Variation, Percent 13 9.1 Exam III, Introduction to Geometry 14 9.2-9.5 Geometry 15 1.1-9.5 Review 16 1.1-9.5 Final Exam NOTE: Exam I covers 1.1-3.6 Exam II covers 4.1-5.7 Exam III covers 6.1-8.5 Final Exam is comprehensive