Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, 
I assure you mine are far greater.
Albert Einstein

Carol Lanfear
Temporary Instructor
Mathematics Department
Central Michigan University
 

Office:  PE 206 I
Phone:  774-3920 
Email:   Carol.Lanfear@cmich.edu


MTH 055  Elementary Algebra 3(3-0) F, Sp 
The real number system, basic number theory, variables and algebraic expressions, exponents, the Cartesian coordinate system, linear equations, percent, operations with polynomials, reading charts and graphs.  Word problems and calculator use are emphasized.  Credit in this course does not count toward the total number of hours required for graduation.  It does count in determining whether one is a full-time student.    CR/NC only. 


Are you in the right class?
To determine whether or not you are in the right level math class, you can take the Math 105 Diagnostic Test.  Take it without use of a calculator and use the guidelines provided to assess your level.

What about Competency?
If you have a good background in math and don't need to take any more math, you may qualify to take the Math Competency Exam.  It only costs $20 (much cheaper than three hours of tuition).  Click here to see if you qualify.  If you are interested call Mary Jo at 1092 to set up an appointment for the exam.  It will be given in the Testing Center whose new location is IET 142N.  The Old Competency Exam (for students who are using a 2004-2005 bulletin or earlier) covers Elementary Algebra topics.  The New Competency Exam (for students who are suing a 2005-2006 bulletin or later) covers Intermediate Algebra topics.  For further info see http://www.cmich.edu/cbptc/
A sample test is available at http://www.cmich.edu/cbptc/mathcomp.htm



 
Grading
Grade 
Breakdown
Daily   Work
Breakdown
Tests 60 %  HW, Quizzes 80 %
Final Exam 20 % Attendance 10 %
Daily Work 20 % Projects 10 %
Total 100 %
Final Percentage Expected Grade
90%-100% A-, A CR
80%-89% B-, B, B+ CR
70%-79%  C, C+ CR
60%-69% D-, D, D+ NC
0%-59% E NC
Test Schedule
Exam 1 Fri, Jan 25 chapter 1   and Appendix D
Exam 2 Wed, Feb 20
 chapter  2 and Appendix B
Exam 3 Wed, Mar 19
 chapters  3 and 4
Exam 4 Wed, April 16
 chapters 5 and 6.1-6.5
Comprehensive 
Final Exam
10:00 class
11:00 class
 Mon, April 28  from 10:00 -11:50
Wed, April 30  from 10:00-11:50
About Projects
About Homework & Quizzes

 

Click here for the Factoring Steps Chart with examples

Click here to view the current  
MTH 055 Course Pack.  Note:  these are pdf files so be patient.

Introduction and Policies
Study Skills
Supplemental Worksheets
Practice Test 1
Practice Test 2
Practice Test 3
Practice Test 4
Practice Test 5


New:  For comic relief when you are tired of studying, watch this little movie. 25.wmv

If you like to see domino patterns collapse, you'll like this little movie. DominoPoolFinal.wmv Someone obviously has too much time on his hands.

A spoof on a computer help desk movie is here.  Help Desk.
Homework Schedule

 Homework will be done on MathXL online
homework management system.  To register
go to http://www.MathXL.com and register
with the access code that came with your
textbook.  You will also need the school's zip code.  
It is 48859.  

Once you are registered, only use
Internet Explorer on a PC or new Mac with an
intel chip.  The first time you log in to MathXL
you will have to run the Wizard to set up your
computer properly.  Don't worry--it is easy.

If you have an older Mac, it won't work.  You
need to use the PCs in the Stats lab in PE 403
when there are no classes held in that room.
You may also use the computers in PE 400.  

If you get stuck setting up your
computer, you can call the MathXL tech
support at 1-800-677-6337.

You must watch the movie on how to enter
your answers before you start your homework.
This is found in various places but the first place
to look is www.MathXL.com then the Tours and
Training tab at the top, then click the link in the
 "For Students" box.

We will be following the schedule given by the
units listed below.
Unit 1      Unit 2

Unit 3      Unit 4

Unit 5

 

  
              Tentative Projects

Data Analysis Project  
(due Fri, Jan 18, submit in class)

 Literal Equations 
(due Mon, Feb 11, submit in MathXL)

Ball Game Project  
(due Mon, Feb 25, submit in MathXL)

Tennis Racket Project   
(due Fri, Mar 21, submit in MathXL)

Click here for the Shoemaker Problem 
(example linear programming problem done in class)

Area Project  
(due . . .  )