Mathematics 140
COLLEGE ALGEBRA AND ELEMENTARY FUNCTIONS
http://www.utm.edu/~caldwell/classes/140/
 
Teacher:
Dr. Caldwell, office 429 Holt Humanities, phone 587-7336.  Department office 587-7360.  Email: caldwell@utm.edu.  Web page www.ccaldwell.com.
Text:
College Algebra: An Early Functions Approach, Robert Blitzer, Pearson-Prentice Hall, ISBN: 0-13-172749-4 (or 0-13-187027-0).  Also Triangle Trigonometry: An Instructional Supplement to Mathematics 140 (required, used at end of course).
Syllabus:
A copy of the departmental course syllabus (with course outline and objectives) can be viewed in my office or on the web at http://www.utm.edu/departments/cens/math/courses/
Grading:
The course grade will be determined as follows.
  • 16 %   quizzes (daily five-minute quizzes) 
  • 64 %   tests (about five fifty-minute tests) 
  • 20 %   final (the final is comprehensive) 

Letter grades will be assigned as follows:

90-100% A, 80-89% B, 70-79% C, 60-69% D, 0-59% F.

No WF's will be given.  Students dropping after the WD period will receive a WP.  The grade of I is given very rarely and only in cases of emergency (and never just to temporarily improve your GPA).  No extra credit.

Quizzes:

We will start most days with a brief "quiz" (usually less than five minutes).  This will usually be one problem directly from the previous night's homework.  You will be allowed to use your notes, but not your book.  If you have attended class and done all the homework, the quiz points should be automatic!

These quizzes will be graded on a four-point scale: one point for your name, four points for the correct answer, and two or three for a partially correct answer.  If you are late, you will just get the one point for your name.  Students who cheat or answer a cell phone call may receive a negative score.  The quiz will not count if you leave early.

The four lowest scores will be dropped.  All of your remaining quiz points will be added, then converted into a percentage score.  Exceptions will be made for appropriate excuses, but you must let me know within two weeks and provide documentation.

Tests & Final:
The homework, quizzes and classroom examples indicate the type of problems that will be on the tests, though some (especially the final) may be changed to a multiple-choice format.  No make-up tests.  If you miss a test, you will be given the average of the following tests and final.  The final will be a comprehensive departmental exam.  Review for the final by studying the hour tests, homework and quizzes.  You may not leave the room during any test.
Homework:
Homework will not be checked, but if you do not do the homework, you will not do well on the tests or final, and you will not pass the class.
Attendance:
Attendance is mandatory and enforced by the quiz policy.
Calculators:
A graphing calculator is required for this course.  If you do not have one, we recommend the various TI83 and TI84's.  Algebraic Operating Systems such as the TI89 and TI92 are not acceptable.  Students may not share calculators during a test!
Questions:
If you have any questions: 
  • Ask in class
  • Study with a friend.
  • Drop by my office (office hours are posted on my door and on the web).
  • Ask in the MATH LAB: MTWTh 9-4 in B11A, 4-9 in 408H
  • Check the student solution guide.
  • View the tapes that cover the sections that you are having trouble with (these can be checked out from the math lab or viewed in the Learning Center).
  • Often the Learning Center runs study groups.
  • Find a private tutor (list in Math department office 424H)