MATH 105 Intermediate Algebra
Section 142, Spring 2006
| Instructor: Kevin McLeod
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| Office: EMS E481
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| Office hours: TR 3:30-4:20 (or by appointment)
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| Phone: 229-5269
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| E-mail:
kevinm@uwm.edu
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| Home page: www.uwm.edu/~kevinm
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| Class meeting time: W 4:30-7:30, School Support Center.
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Text: Douglas Downing, Algebra the Easy Way.
Course description
In its usual incarnation, MATH 105 is a repeat of a standard
high school Algebra II course. We will cover essentially the
same material, but we will try to take a deeper view and
understand why algebra works the way it does, rather than
just learning to compute--though of course, learning to compute
will be important. Our choice of topics will be determined largely
by two factors: we will study topics that will be of particular
interest or use to you as middle-grades teachers, and topics that
will be required in our study of calculus this Summer.
These topics will include: the concept of number, properties
of numbers, and their relation to algebra; expressions, functions
and graphs; solving equations, especially quadratic equations;
mathematical induction; series; and the Binomial Theorem. An
important recurring theme throughout the semester will be the
connection between algebra and geometry (and other content strands).
You will be expected to take an active role in class,
participating in activities and discussions. For this reason,
attendance is particularly important: you will not be able to
make up a missed class just by reading the textbook.
There is a class website at
http://www.uwm.edu/~kevinm/teaching/105/frames.htm.
Any relevant information about the class, such as exam dates
or other announcements, will be posted at the site, so you should
get into the habit of checking it on a regular basis. Homework
will also be posted there, so if you do have to miss a class you
can still be prepared for the next one. If I find useful and
relevant links during the semester, they will also be posted;
if you find some yourself, please let me know.
You are responsible for any information posted on the website,
so please check it frequently.
Evaluation
Your grade for the course will be based on
the following factors:
- Homework You will be assigned homework after each
class period. The homework may be given out in class, but
will always be posted on the class website. Homework will
usually consist of exercises from the textbook, or
additional exercises, some of which
will be collected and graded. You may also be asked to write
short reflections or papers on material covered in class.
20%
- Midterms There will be 2 in-class midterms during the
semester. The first of these will be given close to the
6th week of the semester; the second will be close to the
end. (Exact dates will depend on how fast we cover the
material, and will be announced at least one week in advance.)
20% each.
- Final Exam The final exam will be comprehensive,
and will take place from 4:30-6:30 on Wednesday, May 17.
30%.
- Class participation 10%.
You can have a make-up for any one of the midterms, no questions
asked. The make-up must be taken within one week of the original
quiz, and will be an oral exam.
Students with disabilities
If you feel you are a student with a disability, please feel free
to contact me early in the semester for any help or accommodation
you may need.
Kevin Mcleod
01/20/2006