Pre - Algebra (Pre - Algebra 9 Handout)
Math 691, 692

Course Objectives:
1. To develop the student's Pre-Algebra reasoning powers in preparation for Algebra I and geometry.
2. To develop the student's ability to use Pre-Algebra to solve mathematical problems.
3. To develop student's awareness of the importance of Pre-Algebra in our society.
4. To present applications of Pre-Algebra to everyday situations and to possible future job-related situations.

Course Description:
A foundation - building course in the fundamentals of arithmetic and algebra. A review of the basic arithmetic functions, fractions, percentages, decimals, positive and negative numbers and simple Pre-Algebra will form the basis for algebra concepts. Pre - Algebra will prepare the student for Algebra I. Non - solid credit is given, but does not count for Math credit for the College Preparatory diploma.

Course Grades:
Tests & Exams 60% 100 - 90 % = A
Homework 25% 89 - 80 % = B
Quizzes 10% 79 - 70 % = C
Notebook 5% 69 - 60 % = D
100 % 59 - 0 % = F

PLAY (Planned Learning Activity for You):
To be a good basketball player you have to practice a lot. Likewise for Pre-Algebra; to be good at Pre-Algebra you need to practice. Almost everyday a PLAY will be given to you. In class we will take notes as we learn the new lesson. Time will then be given to work on the PLAY. If you use your time efficiently in class you should be able to finish a lot of it in class. Just make sure the PLAY is nearly completed for class the next school day. During class the next school day some time will be given to answer a few questions before we grade it turn it in at the end of class. If it is not completed by the end of class half the points will be subtracted from the total you got correct. All work is to be shown for each question. You will get a zero if PLAY is not turned in by test time, if you are cheating, or if you are helping someone cheat.

Materials Needed:
1. Binder to file Pre-Algebra assignments in.
2. 3-holed lined paper & graph paper.
3. Straightedge, protractor, and compass.
NO CALCULATORS!! - unless specified to use them for appropriate lessons.

Explanation Time
:
1. Listen attentively to the explanations and discussion.
2. Be actively reasoning through ideas and try to solve the examples.
3. Be active in our open discussion during explanation time.
4. There should be no talking to others during this time, except when you have the floor when asking a question, or answering a question.

Seat Work: After explanation time you should:
1. Work independently - you may ask myself or friends for occasional help.
2. Raise hand & be acknowledged before activating your talking muscles.
3. When you finished all your Pre-Algebra homework - do other homework.

Bonus:
1. If the "homeletter" is signed and returned to myself the next school day after it was issued then 2 bonus points will be added to the chapter test. If it's returned within a few days of being issued then the student will receive one bonus point. If it is not returned in a timely manner 2 points will be removed from their test score.
2. If the "homework update" is signed and returned to myself the next school day after it was issued then 2 bonus points will be added to the chapter homework. If it's returned within a few days of being issued then the student will receive one bonus point. If it is not returned in a timely manner 2 points will be removed from their homework score.
3. See "classroom emergencies" statement 5 for other bonus points available.

Tests: During any quiz or test please:
1. Make sure all assignments are turned in before taking the test, or no credit will be given.
2. Make sure you have turned in your notebook at beginning of class for grading. If turned in afterwards, half credit will be given.
3. Close textbook and notebooks and place all materials (except for pencil, pen and eraser) in a pile on the middle of the desk to separate yourself from your partner.
4. When you have finished the test, do not leave the room, move back to a study booth and quietly study there. (If you leave 2 emergencies will be recorded).
5. Remember to pick up any graded assignments from your box. Contents remaining in boxes will be discarded at the end of the day each Wednesday.
6. Tests must be taken during the time that they are scheduled. 20 % per school day will be deducted from a test taken late except: 1) With a parents note excusing you from school for a serious illness or 2) in the case of an official school field trip (you must pre- arrange a test taking time with me).
7. If you are absent on the day before the test you are still expected to write the test as scheduled.

Quizzes:
1. Quizzes will be given at the very first part of class.
2. Quizzes can be retaken within one school day. Best score will be recorded.

Classroom "Emergencies": If you need to leave the room for any reason, you may simply leave according to these instructions:
1. Only one person at a time may leave the room.
2. You must return in a reasonable length of time (about 5 min.), or an absence will be recorded.
3. Fill out the "Pass or Consultation Slip" then leave quietly without disrupting the class in any way.
4. You have five emergencies per half semester. A "referral" will be issued when this limit is exceeded.
5. If you keep all five, or some emergencies per half semester, then one bonus point per emergency not used will be given to test points.

Classroom Integrity and Honor:
The best rule of thumb is:
"What would Jesus do?":

1. Cheating of any type is totally unacceptable. (Remember a "referral" for academic dishonesty is serious and has considerable consequences. Also a zero will be given for that assignment/test).
2. Copying another person's homework assignment is cheating and will be treated as such.
3. Purposely giving an assignment for someone to copy is also cheating and will be treated as such.

Additional Help:
Please seek my assistance during class or lab by raising your hand and asking your question. Also:

1. Have a study partner from the class (Your lab partner may be this person). Ask this person for help first before asking me. This way I will be available to help more students.
2. I am available after school from 3:15 till 3.45 pm. On some days I may be available until 4:15 pm.
3. If possible try to come after school but if you are unable to obtain help after school, please call me at home (473 -2606) between 7:30 pm and 8:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday evenings.
4. Because I am available to help you at these times, do not come to me just before the assignment is due and say "I don't understand so this is not complete". I usually do not have time just before class to help with assignments.
5. Seat partners should look out for each other. Please help each other before asking teacher for help. Also relay any announcements to your seat partner, that your seat partner may have missed.

Suggestions for success:
1. Believe that Pre-Algebra will be understandable to you this year no mater what others may have told you about mathematics.
2. Ask for God's help in understanding; He made your mind.
3. Listen to the class discussion, even when you didn't ask the question.
4. Write down the examples in a special section of your notebook where you keep only Pre-Algebra notes.
5. Work only on Pre-Algebra in Pre-Algebra class.
6. Memorize any new definitions, postulates, theorems, or corollaries the day they are introduced.
7. If you really don't understand, ask as soon as it is your turn.
8. Start on your assignment as soon as supervised study time begins, and complete as much of it as you can in class.
9. Remember that most of the responsibility for learning something new is yours.
10. Always complete the PLAY before the next Pre-Algebra class. Getting behind in math is deadly.
11. Be seated at your assigned desk with needed materials before the beginning bell.
12. Read the explanations in your book and think about the examples.
13. Learn to do things yourself instead of depending on others.
14. Your instructor is happy to help you during supervised study time in class, after school, or by phone. Phone 473 - 2606 Sunday through Thursday between 7:30 and 8:00 p.m.
15. It is more difficult to do math with too little sleep.

Homework Policy

Why I Assign Homework:
Homework plays an important role in education. It reinforces the material learned in class, prepares students for upcoming classes, teaches them to work independently, promotes students responsibility, and aids in evaluation of performance. It has been demonstrated in scientific studies that consistent homework increases learning.

When Homework Will Be Assigned:
Homework will be assigned almost every school day. A good portion of it can be completed during class time or study hall. If time is used wisely it should take students no more than one half additional hour. Most homework will reinforce material that has already been taught in class.

Student's Homework Responsibilities:
- All assignments are to be completed by the next school day and are to be handed in at the end of that class period, (except for long term projects).
- Homework must be turned in on time. Half credit will be given for late work. (I want to emphasize personal responsibility. You choose the grade you receive by turning your homework in on time or late).
- Students are responsible for making up homework missed due to excused absence. No credit will be given for work turned in after the beginning of the test for that chapter.
- Work must be completed neatly and in the proper format.

Parent's Homework Responsibilities:
Parents are the key to making homework a positive, productive experience for their children. Therefore, I ask that you make his or her homework a top priority. A definite, scheduled time each evening is needed for its completion. This should be a quiet time when television and music are off. (Research has shown that students learn more quickly and retain the information longer when they study in a quiet atmosphere). Mini-breaks are helpful during this time (e.g. walk or jog for a couple of minutes). Assignment books are very helpful to assist him/her in learning to plan and schedule.
If you discover your child is spending an unusual amount of time studying for this class please get involved in an effort to make the student's efforts more efficient. One thing to look out for is procrastination. I try to set a reasonable pace throughout the chapter. However, if your child puts off doing assignments till the night before the test he/she will have an unusual amount of homework and will feel overwhelmed. If you have any questions or concerns about homework or any aspect of the class please contact me at 471 -6179 or e-mail satkins@andrews.edu
"Homework updates" will be given near the middle of each chapter the day we do the mid-chapter quiz. "Homeletters" will be issued two days after the chapter test. Both these items are to be brought home by the student for you to analyze and sign. If the "homeletter" is signed and returned to myself the next school day after it was issued then 2 bonus points will be added to the chapter test. If it's returned within a few days of being issued then the student will receive one bonus point. If it is not returned in a timely manner 2 points will be removed from their test score. There are similar procedures for "Homework updates", except bonus points will be given/removed to the homework score. Dates of when homework updates and homeletters will be issued are included in the class schedule so you know when to expect them.

Teacher's Homework Responsibilities:
My grader or myself will check all homework and keep a record of assignments completed & of those which were not. I will help students who had difficulty with the homework assignment. Because I strongly believe in the value that positive support plays in motivating students to develop good study habits, I will give students praise and other incentives when they complete homework. "Homework updates" will be given near the middle of the chapter the day we do the mid-chapter quiz. "Homeletters" will be issued two days after the chapter test. Both these items are to be brought home by the student for you to analyze and sign.


Additional Comments:
Pre-Algebra is easy if you learn it step by step. Understanding the first part makes it easier to understand the second part. If you find that a particular problem is troublesome, get help at once because the problem will not go away unless you solve it.

Schedule For Pre-Algebra Assignments and Tests


Day Quiz Lesson Practice Exercises (due next school day)

1 none 1-1 9/ 10 - 36 even (ev)
2 none 1-2 14/ 14 - 54 ev, 55 - 65 all
3 none 1-3 19/ 14 - 54 ev, 55 - 62 all
4 none 1-4 26/ 14 - 50 ev, 52 - 65 all
5 Q 1 - 4 1-5 31/ 14 - 60 ev, 61 - 73 all
Ch. 1 homework update given to student
6 none 1-6 36/ 12 - 48 ev, 50 - 65 all
7 none 1-7 43/ 8 - 24 ev, 25 - 37 all
8 Q 5 - 7 1-rev 51/ 1 - 25 all, (answers provided, do not turn in assignment)
9 none test 1 no homework


10 none 2-1 59/ 20 - 76 ev, 77 - 89 all
11 none 2-2 67/ 12 - 50 ev, 52 - 66 all
Ch. 1 homeletter given to student
12 none 2-3 73/ 14 - 58 ev, 59 - 74 all
13 Q 1 - 3 2-4 78/ 16 - 60 ev, 61 - 85 all
Ch. 2 homework update given to student
14 none 2-5 83/ 12 - 40 ev, 42 - 50 all
15 none 2-6 88/ 14 - 54 ev, 55 - 67 all
16 Q 4 - 6 2-rev. 93/ 1 - 33 all, (answers provided, do not turn in assignment)
17 none test 2 no homework


18 none 3-1 101/ 12 - 62 ev, 64 - 77 all
19 none 3-2 106/ 18 - 58 ev, 60 - 72 all
Ch. 2 homeletter given to student
20 none 3-3 113/ 12 - 50 ev, 52 - 67 all
21 none 3-4 118/ 12 - 52 ev, 53 - 69 all
22 Q 1 - 4 3-5 123/ 14 - 52 ev, 54 - 74 all
Ch. 3 homework update given to student
23 none 3-6 129/ 8 - 28 ev, 30 - 42 all
24 none 3-7 134/ 10 - 44 ev, 46 - 53 all
25 Q 5 - 7 3-rev. 141/ 1 - 25 all, (answers provided, do not turn in assignment)
26 none test 3 study for unit test


27 unit 1 test (Chapters 1 - 3)


28 none 4-1 151/ 16 - 58 ev, 60 - 72 all
29 none 4-2 155/ 12 - 60 ev, 62 - 75 all
Ch. 3 homeletter given to student
30 none 4-3 162/ 14 - 48 ev, 49 - 63 all
31 none 4-4 167/ 18 - 66 all, 67 - 81 all
32 Q 1 - 4 4-5 171/ 14 - 52 ev, 173/ 54 - 68 all
Ch. 4 homework update given to student
33 none 4-6 175/ 14 - 52 ev, 54 - 69 all
34 none 4-7 183/ 14 - 60 ev, 61 - 74 all
35 none 4-8 189/ 12 - 52 ev, 53 - 59 all
36 Q 5 - 8 3-rev. 195/ 1 - 30 all, (Ch. 4 practice test answers at back of room)
37 none test 4 no homework


38 none 5-1 203/ 14 - 50 ev, 52 - 73 all
39 none 5-2 205/ 12 - 52 ev, 54 - 75 all
Ch. 4 homeletter given to student
40 none 5-3 213/ 14 - 58 ev, 60 - 74 all
41 none 5-4 218/ 16 - 54 ev, 56 - 74 all
42 none 5-5 222/ 16 - 50 ev, 52 - 65 all
43 Q 1 - 5 5-6 229/ 16 - 62 ev, 63 - 80 all
Ch. 5 homework update given to student
44 none 5-7 235/ 12 - 42 ev, 43 - 56 all
45 none 5-8 241/ 10 - 22 ev, 23 - 35 all
46 none 5-9 246/ 14 - 48 ev, 50 - 70 all
47 none 5-10 251/ 10 - 34 ev, 36 - 49 all
48 Q 6 - 10 5-rev. 259/ 1 - 33 all, (answers provided, do not turn in assignment)
49 none test 5 no homework


50 none 6-1 267/ 16 - 52 ev, 54 - 70 all
51 none 6-2 273/ 10 - 44 ev, 46 - 55 all
Ch. 5 homeletter given to student
52 none 6-3 279/ 8 - 24 ev, 26 - 44 all
53 none 6-4 284/ 16 - 54 ev, 56 - 71 all
54 none 6-5 291/ 10 - 28 ev, 29 - 41 all
55 Q 1 - 5 6-6 296/ 14 - 46 ev, 48 - 66 all
Ch. 6 homework update given to student
56 none 6-7 301/ 12 - 44 ev, 46 - 61 all
57 none 6-8 307/ 10 - 28 ev, 29 - 42 all
58 none 6-9 313/ 12 - 40 ev, 41 - 47 all
59 Q 6 - 9 6-rev 321/ 1 - 30 all, (answers provided, do not turn in assignment)
60 none test 6 study for semester exam

fall exam
Chapters 1-6 --------------- approximate end of first semester ------------------

Day Quiz Lesson Practice Exercises (due next school day)

61 none 7-1 332/ 10 - 40 even (ev), 42 - 53 all
62 none 7-2 337/ 10 - 40 ev, 42 - 56 all
63 none 7-3 343/ 14 - 48 ev, 50 - 62 all
64 Q 1 - 3 7-4 348/ 14 - 50 ev, 51 - 70 all
Ch. 7 homework update given to student
65 none 7-5 353/ 14 - 42 ev, 44 - 57 all
66 none 7-6 357/ 14 - 48 ev, 50 - 63 all
67 Q 4 - 6 7-rev 363/ 1 - 25 all, (answers provided, do not turn in assignment)
68 none test 7 no homework


69 none 8-1 371/ 12 - 34 ev, 36 - 52 all
70 none 8-2 378/ 12 - 54 ev, 55 - 65 all
Ch. 7 homeletter given to student
71 none 8-3 384/ 12 - 40 ev, 41 - 53 all
72 none 8-4a 386/ 1 - 4 all 390/ 4 - 20 all
73 none 8-4b 392/ 1 - 8 all 390/ 21 - 41 all
74 none 8-5 396/ 10 - 22 ev, 24 - 32 all
75 Q 1 - 5 8-6 400/ 12 - 38 ev, 39 - 51 all
Ch. 8 homework update given to student
76 none 8-7 407/ 12 - 36 ev, 37 - 41 all
77 none 8-8 411/ 8 - 20 ev, 22 - 42 all
78 none 8-9 417/ 10 - 30 ev, 31 - 40 all
79 none 8-9 421/ 10 - 36 ev, 37 - 43 all
80 Q 6 - 9 8-rev 429/ 1 - 20 all, (answers provided, do not turn in assignment)
81 none test 8 study for unit test

82 Unit 3 test (Chapters 7 - 8)

83 none 9-1 439/ 12 - 62 ev, 64 - 80 all
84 none 9-2 444/ 14 - 68 ev, 69 - 84 all
Ch. 8 homeletter given to student
85 none 9-3 450/ 10 - 38 ev, 39 - 51 all
86 none 9-4 456/ 12 - 40 ev, 41 - 54 all
87 Q 1 - 4 9-5 463/ 10 - 42 ev, 44 - 52 all
Ch. 9 homework update given to student
88 none 9-6 469/ 10 - 34 ev, 35 - 48 all
89 none 9-7 474/ 8 - 22 ev, 23 - 35 all
90 none 9-8 480/ 14 - 44 ev, 46 - 52 all
91 Q 5 - 8 9-rev 487/ 1 - 20 all (answers provided, do not turn in assignment)
92 none test 9 no homework


93 none 10-1 496/ 10 - 38 ev, 40 - 50 all
94 none 10-2 503/ 10 - 36 ev, 38 - 49 all
Ch. 9 homeletter given to student
95 none 10-3 510/ 8 - 26 ev, 28 - 40 all
96 none 10-4 516/ 8 - 32 ev, 33 - 40 all
97 Q 1 - 4 10-5 524/ 8 - 32 ev, 34 - 43 all
Ch. 10 homework update given to student
98 none 10-6 530/ 10 - 42 ev, 44 - 53 all
99 none 10-7 536/ 10 - 46 ev, 48 - 56 all
100 none 10-8 542/ 8 - 26 ev, 28 - 35 all
101 Q 5 - 8 10-rev 549/ 1 - 20 all (answers provided, do not turn in assignment)
102 none test 10 no homework


103 none 11-1 559/ 10 - 28 ev, 30 - 44 all
104 none 11-2 566/ 12 - 32 ev, 33 - 42 all
Ch. 10 homeletter given to student
105 none 11-3 571/ 10 - 30 ev, 32 - 38 all
106 none 11-4 576/ 10 - 28 ev, 30 - 37 all
107 Q 1 - 4 11-5 580/ 8 - 28 ev, 29 - 39 all
Ch. 11 homework update given to student
108 none 11-6 587/ 10 - 24 ev, 26 - 38 all
109 none 11-7 593/ 14 - 42 ev, 44 - 61 all
110 Q 5 - 7 11-rev 599/ 1 - 20 all (answers provided, do not turn in assignment)
111 none test 11 study for unit test

112 Unit 4 test (Chapters 9 - 11)


113 none 13-1 671/ 18 - 50 ev, 52 - 62 all (If not doing lesson 12-8 or 9 skip 52 - 54)
114 none 13-2 676/ 12 - 34 ev, 36 - 48 all
Ch. 11 homeletter given to student
115 none 13-3 680/ 10 - 30 ev, 32 - 45 all
116 Q 1 - 3 13-4 685/ 12 - 34 ev, 35 - 46 all (If not doing lesson 12-5 skip 41)
Ch. 13 homework update given to student
117 none 13-5 690/ 12 - 32 ev, 33 - 43 all
118 none 13-6 694/ 12 - 40 ev, 42 - 48 all
119 Q 4 - 6 13-rev 805/ 1 - 25 all (answers provided, do not turn in assignment)
120 none test 13 no homework

----------------------- We may only do parts of chapter 12 to finish the year --------------------
(Teacher note: See priority of lessons in chapter 12 (listed beside lesson number) to know what lesson(s) to do).


121 none 12-1 6 609/ 10 - 30 ev, 32 - 47 all
122 none 12-2 7 615/ 10 - 24 ev, 25 - 33 all
Ch. 13 homeletter given to student
123 none 12-3 8 620/ 10 - 24 ev, 26 - 29 all
124 none 12-4 9 626/ 12 - 30 ev, 32 - 35 all
125 none 12-5 1 632/ 1 - 14 all, 16 - 23 all
126 none 12-6 2 638/ 10 - 30 ev, 31 - 42 all (If not doing lesson 12-1 to 4 skip 31)
127 none 12-7 3 644/ 10 - 32 ev, 34 - 44 all
128 none 12-8 4 648/ 10 - 34 ev, 35 - 43 all
129 none 12-9 5 653/ 12 - 34 ev, 36 - 50 all
130 none 12-rev 663/ 1 - 20 all (answers provided, do not turn in assignment)
131 none test 12 no homework

132 none Cumulative Review (Ch. 1 - 11 & 13)


spring exam Chapters 1-11 & 13 --------------- end of second semester-----------------
(Teacher note: usually only 123 days of classes).


(Revised July 19, 2004)


Online study tools for this book:
Additional fully worked - out examples
www.pre-alg.com/extra_examples

Allows students to check their progress in each lesson
www.pre-alg.com/self_check_quiz

Lets students check their vocabulary comprehension
www.pre-alg.com/vocabulary_review

Provides additional practice in test taking
www.pre-alg.com/chapter_test

Simulates questions that appear on standardized and proficiency tests
www.pre-alg.com/standardized_test

Parent and student study guide
www.pre-alg.com/parent_student


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