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Basic Mathematics Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Instructor

Melissa Espino (Curriculum Vitae)

E-Mail

melsbox@live.com

Phone

<p>806-681-5577</p>

Office Location

Office Hours

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

MATH-0301-021 Basic Mathematics

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: Placement by an Accuplacer score of 40 or below, a THEA score of 179 or below or an equivalent score on a state-approved test

Course Description

Arithmetic review of whole numbers and fractions; decimals; ratio and percent; measurement and basic geometry; signed numbers; simple algebraic expressions; applications.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hr; 3 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Elayn Martin -Gay, Basic College Mathematics with Early Integers, Second Edition,Pearson, ISBN: 978-0-321-72643-8

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Supplies

Required Materials

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  • Textbook
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  • Blue-line notebook paper, pencils, erasers
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  • Skill Drill booklet to be purchased in the AC B

    Student Performance

    Student Performance/Learning Outcomes

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    After studying the material presented in this course, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the Mathematics Department.

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    • Apply the four arithmetic operations using order of operations on signed numbers, fractions, and decimals.
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    • Evaluate the perimeter, area, and volume of basic geometric shapes.
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    • Apply conversions between fractions, decimals, and percents.
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    • Apply conversions within the U.S. system of measurement and the Metric system of measurement.
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    • Apply mathematical skills to evaluate equations from various types of stated problems, then state solutions in complete sentences.
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    • Evaluate data from tables and graphs.
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    • Apply the distributive property, simplify and evaluate algebraic expressions.
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    • Solve algebraic equations by performing the addition property of equality.
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    Students Rights and Responsibilities

    Student Rights and Responsibilities

    Log in using the AC Connect Portal

    In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

    If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

    Expected Student Behavior

     

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    Behavioral Expectations/Classroom Ground Rules

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    Students are expected to behave in the classroom in a manner that is supportive of the learning environment. Behaviors that are not supportive include,but are not limited to: tardiness/leaving early; electronic device noises; talking during lecture; abusive,offensive,or disrespectful language; abusive, offensive, or disrespectful demeanor toward AC faculty,staff,students and/or property. In order to receive credit for a course,all material listed on the syllabus must be covered. The instructor sets the pace to ensure that these requirements are met. Complaining about the pace will not result in less material being covered. Students who fail to comply with the standards outlined in the syllabus and/or “Student Rights & Responsibilities” will be subject to disciplinary action which may include but is not limited to: removal from the classroom; consultation with the Mathematics and Engineering Department Chair and/or other AC authority, withdrawal from the course and/or the college.  

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     Policy on Cheating and Plagiarism

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    Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated in any math course at Amarillo College. On the first day of class, you will be required to sign and date a Course Contract. Included in the contract is the following statement: "I fully understand that if I cheat, or attempt to cheat, on any test I will receive an automatic “F” in the course. This grade will go on my permanent transcript and cannot be removed. Cheating includes, but is not limited to: the use of a calculator of any kind including cell phone calculators, the illegal use of books, notes, cell phones*, copying or leaving the Math Testing Center with a test or questions from a test. Cheating also includes helping, or attempting to help, other students to cheat on a test."
    \ You will not be allowed to take your tests until this contract is signed and on file in the Math Testing Center.
    \ *Please Note: NO CELL PHONES in the Testing Room. If we see your cell phone out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while in the testing room, YOU WILL RECEIVE an "F" for the course!

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    Food/Drink and Cell Phone Policy

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    Food and drinks are allowed in the classroom at the instructor’s discretion. Cell phones should be turned off, or in silent mode in the classrooms Testing Center. Calculators, including cell phone calculators may not  be used at any time.  MP3 players or any other device requiring headphones are not allowed in the Testing Center.

    Grading Criteria

     

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    Testing

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    All tests, including the Final Exam, will be taken in the LRC Testing Center (Room 115) and may be taken during normal Testing Center hours, day or evening.  Testing Center hours are MW 3:30-8:00pm and TR 9:30am-1:30pm and 4:00-8:00pm.  Tests are to be taken outside of class lecture time.  If an exam is retaken, the higher of the scores is counted. Students in Basic Math may not use calculators of any kind including cell phone calculators.

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     Chapter Tests

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    Tests over each chapter must be completed by the deadlines set by your instructor. Your instructor will give a first attempt deadline and a second attempt test deadline.  

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    Please note: Under no circumstances may a student take any test or questions from a test out of the Math Testing Center.

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    • Each chapter test may be taken a maximum of two times. The higher of the two scores will be used for averaging your final grade. Tests must be taken in sequence. You cannot go back to improve a grade after taking a different test.  You should carefully review your first test and other study materials before retaking a test.  If you score less than 70 on any chapter test, you will be required to complete a minimum of 30 minutes mandatory tutoring.
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    • If your first attempt test is late, you will not be given a second attempt on the same test.
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    • Any chapter test not taken by the instructor’s 2nd deadline will result in a loss of 5 points per day, excluding Sundays.  The only exception to this policy will be if the student has an emergency.  Written verification of extenuating, verifiable circumstances will be required. 
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    Accessing Your Grades Online

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    To view your current course grades

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    • Go to www.actx.edu, click on AC Connect then log in.
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    • Click on your course.
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    • Click on My Grades on the menu to the left.
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    To view your Final course grades

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    • Go to www.actx.edu, click on AC Connect then log in.
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    • Scroll down to Self Service on bottom right of the page, and click on Current Student.
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    • Under current student, click on Academic Profile and then Grades.
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    Be aware that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (as amended) does not permit instructors or the Math Testing Center to disclose information regarding grades over the phone, via email, or to a third party. Therefore, if students need to discuss their grades, they must do so in person.     

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    Tutoring

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    • Free Drop-in: \ \
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      • Peer tutors are available at the Learning Resource Center and the Student Support Services Lab.  You may check for availability and tutoring times at either one of those Labs.
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      • Karen Watkins-SSS Lab MW 12:30-5:30 and TR 10:00-2:30
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     Skill Drills

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    Once instruction has begun and homework has been assigned, 5-minute Skill Drills will be administered at the beginning of every class period over topics covered in class. It is important to be in class on time so as not to miss the Skill Drills.

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    • Skill Drills must be completed in pencil. No credit will be given if done in ink.
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    • During the course of the semester, there will be a total of 136 points available on Skill Drills.  A student’s Skill Drill grade will be the total points accumulated over the course of the semester.  The highest score given will be a 100 even if a student acquires over 100 points.
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    • If a student’s Skill Drill grade is higher than the lowest chapter test grade, the Skill Drill grade will replace that chapter test grade when calculating the student’s final average.
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    • There will be no make-up Skill Drills for any reason. 
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    Homework

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    • A homework assignment will usually be given at the end of each class. This assignment is due, fully completed, at the beginning of the next class and is not to be worked on while instruction is being given. Late homework for any section(s) will only be accepted prior to the final deadline for the chapter test covering that homework and only with the permission of your instructor.
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    • Your final homework average will be determined by dividing the number of problems you received credit for by 90% of the total number problems assigned for the semester. Your daily homework grade is assigned according to the number of problems you attempted to work following the guidelines outlined on the Homework Assignment Sheet, not the number of problems you worked.This grade will carry the same weight as one chapter test grade. Turning in all of your homework is one of the best things you can do to improve your grade!
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    • Please read carefully your Homework Assignment Sheet for instructions on the correct format for all homework assignments. You must write the problem down,show your work, and circle answer to receive credit for working a homework problem. (See Homework Assignment Sheet for example.)
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    • Only odd-numbered problems will be assigned throughout the semester. Students should check their answers with those provided in the back of the textbook for accuracy.
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     Final Exam

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    • A comprehensive Final Exam will be given after all chapter tests are completed.
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    • During Final Exams week, students will only be allowed to test Chapter 6 and the Final Exam. No prior chapter tests will be available.
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    • Final Exams will be graded by your instructor
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    • The Final Exam may by taken a maximum of two times.
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    • The Final Exam must be taken by the date set by the instructor, and in all cases that will be no later than one hour before the Math Testing Center closes for the semester.
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    Unlike chapter tests, there is no late penalty deduction of 5 points per day. You must complete the Final Exam by the assigned due date and time as specified by your instructor or it will be recorded as a zero. Remember, the Final Exam counts twice.  

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    Grading Policy

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    • Homework and Skill Drill grades will be recorded on the student’s official grade card. It is recommended that each student maintain their own records provided in the Homework Assignment Sheet. 
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    • Your grade for this course will be determined by averaging:\
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      • 10% Skill Drills
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      • 10% Homework
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      • 60% Chapter Test
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      • 20% Final Exam
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    If a student’s Skill Drill grade is higher than the student's lowest chapter test grade, the Skill Drill grade will replace that test grade when calculating the student's final average.

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    The Final Exam grade (counts twice) which equals 20%.

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    Mean = [six chapter test grades + Homework average + Skill Drill grade + 2(Final exam grade)] divided by 10.

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    Attendance: possible +/- points to final average (see General Attendance Policy).

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    • Three times during the semester, students will be able to easily calculate their current course average by using the checkpoint system included on the Homework Assignment Sheet. Students are strongly encouraged to record all grades throughout the semester to see how they are progressing.
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    • Grades will be given as follows:
      \ A   90-100
      \ B   80-89
      \ C   70-79
      \ D   60-69
      \ F   Below 60 (Unsatisfactory)
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    • A grade of “F” will be earned if
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    • You complete the course with an overall average below 60.
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    • You do not complete the course and do not drop the course in time to receive a grade of “W” and do not meet the requirements listed below for a grade of “I” (Incomplete).
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    • You receive an “I” (Incomplete) after signing an Incomplete contract, but do not satisfy the conditions for removal by the agreed-upon date. 
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    • You violate the cheating and plagiarism policy.
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    • A grade of “I” (Incomplete) is not generally given in developmental math courses.  Any exceptions will be made by your instructor on an individual basis and only for extreme circumstances.
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    • A grade of “I” (Incomplete) will be possible only if the student has no more than the Final Exam and one Chapter Test to complete.  If the instructor agrees to give the student an Incomplete, the student must sign a contract that specifies the requirements for changing the temporary grade of “I” to the letter grade earned by the student.  The student will have a maximum of three months from the date the contract is signed to fulfill these requirements.  If the student has not met those requirements by the end of the three months, the grade of “I” will automatically be changed to a grade of “F”.
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    • Incomplete
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    • Withdrawal
      \ You will receive a "W" for a withdrawal/drop if the withdrawal is initiated before the deadline stated in Web Advisor under "Important Course Section Dates."  
      \ **Please note the following deadline for withdrawals**
      \ - 16 weeks -Thursday, April 24, 2014
      \ -  8 weeks - Check with your instructor            
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    Attendance

    General Attendance Policy

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    Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class and be on time for daily attendance check.  Nonattendance will be recorded as an absence and no differentiation will be made as to excused or unexcused absences.  Leaving class early or prior to dismissal time will be counted as an absence.  You will be rewarded for perfect attendance, not only because you will receive the instruction you need to do the assignments, but you will also have two points added to your final average.

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    16 week classes meet 2 times a week
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    Perfect attendance: 2 points added to final average
    \ 1 - 3 absences: no change in final average
    \ 4 - 5 absences: 1 point deducted from final average
    \ 6+ absences:  3 points deducted from final average\ \
    16 week classes meet once a week
    \ Perfect attendance:  2 points added to final average
    \ 1 or 2 absences:  no change in final average
    \ 3 absences:  1 point deducted from final average
    \ 4+ absences:  3 points deducted from  final average
    \     		8 week classes meet 2 times a week
    \ Perfect attendance: 2 points added to final average 
    \ 1 or 2 absences: no change in final average
    \ 3 absences: 1 point deducted from final average
    \ 4+ absences: 3 points deducted from final average\
    8 week classes meet 4 times a week
    \ Perfect attendance:  2 points added to final average
    \ 1 - 3 absences: no change in final average
    \ 4 - 5 absences:  1 point deducted from final average
    \ 6+ absences:  3 points deducted from final average
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     These points definitely could result in a letter grade difference.  A failing grade may cause you to be placed on academic probation or suspension according to the provisions of the college catalog.  They may also affect admission to another college if you seek a transfer. Three or more weeks of absences will be considered excessive and as failure to make satisfactory progress. These standards will be used in reporting to any agency that supports any student financially and requires satisfactory progress as measured by attendance (the Veterans Administration, for example).  If you quit attending and do not officially drop the course by the official drop date, a grade of “F” will be given.

    Calendar

     

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    Week

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    Dates  

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    Assignments

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    Tests

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    11/20-1/23Orientation, 1.9 
    21/26-1/30 2.1, 2.2. 2.3 
    32/2-2/62.4, 2.5, 2.6Chapter 2
    42/9-2/133.1, 3.2, 3.3 
    52/16-2/203.4, 3.5Chapter 3A*
    62/23-2/273.6, 3.7, 4.1Chapter 3B**  
    73/2-3/64.2, 4.3 
    83/9-3/134.4, 4.5Chapter 4
     3/16-3/20Spring Break 
    93/23-3/2755.1, 5.2, 5.3 
    103/30-4/35.4, 5.5, 5.6Chapter 5
    114/6-4/106.1, 6.2 
    124/13-4/176.3, 6.4, 6.5Chapter 6
    134/20-4/24\

    7.3, 8.1 ***  Last Day to Drop April 23rd

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    144/27-5/18.2*** 
    155/4-5/8Review 
    165/11-5/15Final Exam Monday 5/11Final Exam
        
        
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    • Calendar subject to change.
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    • Testing dates/deadlines will be provided by your instructor
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    *       Chapter 3A test will cover sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4
    \ **      Chapter 3B test will cover sections 3.5, 3.6, 3.7

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    ***  There is no Chapter 7 & 8 test; however, Chapter 7 & 8 material will appear on the Final Exam.

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    ****  Check with your instructor for your Final Exam Due Date.  

    Additional Information

    NOTE:          

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    • Basic Mathematics students (0301) may not use any calculators on tests.
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    • Beginning Algebra students (0302) may use scientific calculators with no graphing capabilities.   
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    Syllabus Created on:

    11/30/-1 12:00 AM

    Last Edited on:

    11/30/-1 12:00 AM