Gary Punchard
gary@punchard.com
What is Algebra:
Simply put, Algebra is about finding the unknown or it is about putting real life problems into equations and then solving them. Unfortunately many textbooks go straight to the rules, procedures and formulas, forgetting that these are real life problems being solved.
A branch of mathematics that substitutes letters for numbers. An algebraic equation represents a scale, what is done on one side of the scale with a number is also done to the other side of the scale. The numbers are the constants. Algebra can include real numbers, complex numbers, matrices, vectors etc.
What is Expected:
The student is expected to come to class ready to learn. Homework is not assigned on a daily basis; instead, the student will be keeping a journal in class with notes and class work. This journal will be used when taking quizzes and for the semester final; it will not be used for unit tests. At the end of each quarter, the journal will be graded.
What is Needed:
The student will need a 3 ring binder (with name on binding) with loose leaf lined paper and writing utensil. The binder will be left in the classroom unless the student needs to make up work or study for a test. The student must have journal and writing utensil ready at the beginning of each class. Occasional quizzes will be given that require the journal. If a student is in possession of someone else’s journal, that student will receive an automatic zero on the next quiz given; an exception will be made for copying notes as long as the owner of the journal has given permission. The student will be issued a textbook or text on computer disk to take home. These must be returned in like condition.
Grading:
- 60% Tests (Three per Quarter)
- 20% Quizzes (10-15 per Quarter)
- 20% Journal (1 per Quarter).
Overall Grading:
- 40% First (Third) Quarter
- 40% Second (Fourth) Quarter
- 20% Semester Final
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