In this course, you will learn how to work with real numbers, equations and inequalities, exponents, polynomials, (x, y) coordinates, rational expressions, square roots, and applications.

Prerequisites :

The following are required for entry into this course:

• A satisfactory score of the placement exam
• An arithmetic course or equivalent
• Proficiency with fractions and decimals 

If you feel you lack any of these, please contact me immediately.

If you complete this course and do well, you will be able to:

• compute with integers and rational numbers
• operate with polynomials  
• factor
• operate with rational expressions
• solve linear, quadratic and fractional equations in one variable  
• solve linear inequalities in one variable
• graph linear equations in two variables
• solve application problems

Required Texts
The required textbook for this course is:

Beginning Algebra 10th ed. by Lial, Hornsby, McGinnis with MathXL access code (available for both PC & MAC).

ISBN-13: 9780321522634

You may use a calculator for homework and online quizzes, but not for proctored exams.

Please note that there are two components of this item:  a textbook and an access code for MathXL.  You will need both for completion of the course.  If you purchase them separately, please make sure that you get both.  (You may purchase the MathXL access code online at www.mathxl.com). 

The access code does have an expiration date, usually 12 months from first use, meaning that you may use the same access code for later math classes using MathXL.  To determine your end date, check your MathXL profile or contact student customer support at MathXL http://www.mathxl.com/support/contactus_stu.htm .

For information on how to order your textbooks, go to http://eli.nvcc.edu/books/  

Your course grade will be determined according to the following points:
 

You are expected to take your proctored exams at one of the NVCC campus Testing Centers. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your exam before the Testing Center closes; Testing Centers have specific policies relating to the administration of ELI exams. You will need to take a photo ID, your NovaConnect Empl ID number, and the appropriate Exam Pass when you go to the Testing Center.

If you have received a W grade, you must have written permission from your instructor to take exams. Be sure to take this permission with you to the Testing Center to take the exam.  

For Testing Center locations, hours of operation and policies, click here.

For information on taking proctored exams outside of the metropolitan area, click here.

I am here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact me when they do:

You may also call to schedule a meeting in person, either at ELI or my campus office.

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard and email at http://nvcc.my.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.