Course Overview

Elementary Algebra (MATH 090) is a preparatory course designed to review and strengthen foundational algebraic concepts. The course covers essential topics such as fractions, signed numbers, percents, linear equations and inequalities, exponent rules, polynomials, factoring, and systems of equations. This course does not count toward degree credit but is required for students needing to build algebra proficiency for further study.

Course Structure and Policies

Instructor and Contact Information

• Instructor: Richard Maupin

• Office: Martin Hall 373A

• Email: rmaupin@uindy.edu

• Office Hours: Multiple times weekly and by appointment (see syllabus for details)

• Zoom: Meeting ID and passcode provided for remote access

Course Materials

• Textbook: Beginning & Intermediate Algebra by Lial, Hornsby, McGinnis (8th edition, Pearson/Addison Wesley, 2024)

• MyLab Math: Required for homework and course resources; access via Brightspace

• Calculator: Prohibited on all assignments, quizzes, and tests unless otherwise specified

Attendance and Participation

• Attendance is mandatory; excessive absences (more than four) may result in withdrawal.

• Active participation is expected, including working on problems during class and outside of class.

• Electronic devices should be silenced and stored unless used for class activities.

Assignments and Grading

• Homework: Assigned and graded via MyLab Math; late submissions may incur up to a 20% penalty.

• Quizzes: At least six quizzes; best five count toward grade. Each quiz may be attempted up to three times within three weeks.

• Tests: Three cumulative tests and a cumulative final exam. Tests focus on recent material but are comprehensive.

• Grading: Pass/fail system (MP/MN). Performance ratings are as follows:

  Percentage	Performance Rating
  90% – 100%	A-/A
  80% – 89%	B-/B/B+
  70% – 79%	C-/C/C+
  Below 70%	Not proficient

• Grade Breakdown:

  • Tests: 75 points (15 each for first three tests, 30 for final)

  • Quizzes: 10 points

  • Homework/Assignments: 15 points

Academic Integrity

• Strict adherence to university policies on academic misconduct (cheating, plagiarism, etc.).

• Violations result in zeros for affected items and may lead to course failure and disciplinary action.

Accommodations

• Students with disabilities should contact the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office for accommodations.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

• Perform operations on fractions and signed numbers

• Solve linear equations and inequalities in one variable

• Analyze and graph linear equations in two variables, including:

  • Plotting coordinates on the Cartesian plane

  • Finding and plotting x- and y-intercepts

  • Calculating and interpreting slope

  • Writing equations in slope-intercept form

• Translate word problems into mathematical expressions and solve them

• Simplify and evaluate expressions using polynomials and order of operations

• Simplify expressions using exponent rules

• Factor polynomials using appropriate methods

• Solve systems of equations in two variables using algebraic methods

Course Content and Tentative Schedule

The course follows the structure below, with each chapter and section corresponding to key algebra topics:

Additional info: Some sections (e.g., 4.3, 4.7) are covered if time permits.

Study and Success Tips

• Work on algebra regularly (at least an hour a day, five days a week is recommended).

• Stay organized with a dedicated notebook for notes and assignments.

• Be open to learning new methods and approaches to algebra problems.

• Ask questions during class or office hours; utilize the Math Tutoring Lab for additional help.

• Engage with MyLab Math resources, including video examples and practice quizzes.

• Check your email regularly for course updates and communications.

Key Algebra Topics Covered

• Fractions, Decimals, Percents: Operations, conversions, and applications

• Real Numbers: Properties, operations, and the number line

• Linear Equations and Inequalities: Solving, graphing, and applications

• Polynomials and Exponents: Rules, operations, and simplification

• Factoring: GCF, trinomials, special products

• Systems of Equations: Graphical and algebraic solutions

Important Dates

• Test 1: February 12

• Test 2: March 5

• Test 3: April 7

• Final Exam: April 30

• Withdrawal Deadlines: January 16 (full refund), March 20 (last day to withdraw)

Support Resources

• Math Tutoring Lab: Martin 201; walk-in help available

• MyLab Math: Online resources, practice, and homework platform