Math 1010-03 Intermediate Algebra Syllabus Fall 2008
10 a.m. M-F SC 230
Algebra is the language and the tool for describing and analyzing situations in virtually every area of life.
How much you use algebra in the future will depend on your choice of career. But you will always benefit
from the habits of thought and the attention to detail that you will develop.
You Will Be Successful in Math 1010:
• Believe that you can do this, and commit to your own success
• Attend class every day; actively work to understand the material
• Do the homework - promptly, always.
• Read the text before class
• Ask questions of me or of a tutor right away and all the time. Never fall behind
• People learn differently, so spend the time necessary for you. Two hours a day is standard. If you
finish the homework quickly, do more problems, do harder problems, or do review.
Instructor: Laura A. Cotts;
Office in SC 022 865-8217;
home 586-6317;
Office Hours: M-F 11-12; T 4-5; (F often 1:30 -4) or by appointment. You are also welcome to drop in any
time (SC 022); I am here a lot and am glad to help you.
Text: Intermediate Algebra by Charles P. McKeague,, Seventh or Eighth Edition
Math Cue Homework Program; CD or internet access comes with the text
Pre-requisite: Math ACT of at least 18 or Math 0990 or Math 1020 or equivalent.
Goals: My goal is for you to be more successful in a math class than you have ever been before. I want you
to know that you CAN do math, with success and enjoyment. If you do not understand a concept, then I will
try to find another way to explain it, and practice with you until you feel comfortable. Work with me or with
the tutors. I believe that everyone can understand math, given enough time. I am committed to your success.
I ask you to give your daily attendance, your active participation in class, your homework done every night,
and your steps shown on quizzes and exams.
Homework: Daily homework, due at the beginning of class. Your homework score counts as much as
one exam, so it can really help your grade. You will have two days to complete each assignment, but be sure
to practice at least some of each day’s lesson right away.
Late or early: Work turned in late earns half credit. Work turned in early gains a bonus point. You may redo
any section (all of a problem type) on the homework to get a better score if you so choose; you may turn in
multiple score sheets. No homework for a chapter will be accepted later than one day after that chapter’s test.
Computer Homework:
Homework is usually done on the computer. Get a student computer account, at the Open Lab in the ELC
(Electronic Learning Center). You can access the Math-Cue Practice program from any campus lab or on
a home computer. To use on your home computer you may copy the programs to 2 new disks in the
Student Support Center. See Mark Leavitt. Or use the CD that comes with your text (Seventh edition) or
the Internet program access wit the Eighth edition.
Tutors
• Come see me! I love helping student one –on-one
• Student Success Learning Center - Sharwan Rm 178. Tutors & computers, all day and evening long.
• Student Support Center, 2nd Floor Rotunda, computers and tutors. If you qualify for financial aid or if you
are a 1st generation college student, you qualify for the Student Support Center.
