Course Outline

COURSE OUTLINE** (2012-2013)

COURSE TITLE: COLLEGE ALGEBRA

COURSE NUMBER: MATH1020

QUARTER CREDIT HOURS: 4.5

CONTACT HOURS: 45 lecture hours

PREREQUISITE(S): MATH0001 or placement

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course provides students with a working knowledge of the basic elements of college algebra. Topics covered include functions, exponents and radicals, the solution of linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, matrices and systems of linear equations.

COURSE OUTCOMES:

Upon satisfactory completion of this course, the student should have the ability to:

  1. Perform operations with real numbers and correctly utilize the properties of such numbers to solve practical problems on examinations and in assigned work.
  2. Translate practical problems into their algebraic form and manipulate the same to correctly solve such problems on examinations and in assigned work.
  3. Perform operations on polynomials, rational expressions, exponents, and radicals and employ the same to correctly solve practical problems on examinations and in assigned work.
  4. Correctly apply the function concept to solve both problems of an algebraic and graphical nature which appear on examinations and in assigned work.
  5. Solve equations involving radicals and quadratic equations to correctly solve problems which appear on examinations and in assigned work.
  6. Demonstrate sufficient mathematical literacy as indicated by the University test for the Performance Transcript.

CONTENT OUTLINE

1. The Real Number System

  1. Real numbers and their properties
  2. Operations with real numbers
  3. Exponents, roots, order of operations
  4. Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities
  5. Algebraic terms and expressions

2. Solving linear equations and applications

  1. Solving linear inequalities and applications
  2. Compound inequalities
  3. Equations and inequalities involving absolute value

3. Analytic Geometry

  1. The coordinate plane
  2. Linear equations in two variables
  3. Slope and its applications
  4. Equations of lines
  5. Graphs of linear inequalities

4. Systems of Linear Equations

  1. Graphical solution of linear systems
  2. Algebraic methods of solution
  3. Systems of equations in three variables
  4. Determinants and Cramer’s rule
  5. Applications

5. Exponents and Polynomials

  1. Rules of exponents
  2. Polynomials
  3. Operations on polynomials
  4. Special polynomial products

6. Factoring

  1. Common factors
  2. Special factoring techniques and rules
  3. Factoring trinomials
  4. Solving equations by factoring

7. Rational Expressions

  1. Operations on rational expressions
  2. Complex fractions
  3. Solving equations featuring rational expressions
  4. Applications

8. Radical Expressions

  1. Rational exponents
  2. Product and quotient rules
  3. Operations on radical expressions
  4. Solving equations featuring radical expressions
  5. Applications

9. Quadratic Equations

  1. The quadratic formula
  2. Equations in quadratic form
  3. Applications

REQUIRED TEXT(S)/TECHNOLOGY: Gustafson, Karr, Massey, Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, 6/e. Cengage, 2011, (Complete Version) 111401926 (Customized Version) 9780000401924 a scientific or graphing calculator (smart phones/tablets/laptops are encouraged as alternatives to a calculator)

EVALUATIVE CRITERIA: 1. Periodic exams, quizzes, assignments 2. Final examination 3. Class participation/active learning

OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT: The results from testing students for the Performance Transcript in this course will be used to form a cohort for the assessment of Quantitative Literacy.

PERFORMANCE TRANSCRIPT: Quantitative Literacy, measured with the Accuplacer adaptive test of arithmetic and algebra.

WRITING INTENSIVE COURSE: N/A

HONORS OPTION: Available in this course

APPROVED COURSE CAPACITY: 40

CLASSROOM REQUIREMENTS: Lecture Room