4 hours lecture, 1 hour laboratory, 4 units
Catalog Description
Review of the fundamentals of arithmetic including addition , subtraction ,
multiplication and division with emphasis
on mental arithmetic. Operations with fractions , decimals and percents are also
emphasized. The derivation and
use of selected measurement concepts and the development of pre-algebra ideas
such as variable, signed
numbers and equations are included. Area and volume formulas for fundamental
shapes are stressed. These
topics are explored in the context of problem solving and appropriate calculator
use. Offered as Credit/No Credit
only. Non-associate degree applicable.
Prerequisite
None
Course Objectives
Students will be able to:
1) Use tutorial software to develop mathematical skills
2) Formulate tools for success in future mathematics courses
3) Recognize and correct computational errors
4) Perform fundamental arithmetic operations including addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division using
whole numbers
5) Calculate using multiple operations including powers and roots of whole
numbers
6) Perform calculations with fractions including basic arithmetic operations,
reducing fractions , simplifying
complex fractions and simplifying powers and roots of fractions
7) Convert fractions to decimals and decimals to fractions
8) Convert decimals to percents and fractions to percents
9) Solve word problems involving percents, linear measures , areas, volumes,
weight and/or time
10) Reduce rates and ratios to lowest terms and use proportions to solve word
problems
11) Perform fundamental operations with integers and absolute value
12) Simplify algebraic expressions and solve simple equations
13) Select and use calculators appropriately as related to topics studied
Special Materials Required of Student
Calculator
Minimum Instructional Facilities
1) Standard classroom with whiteboards covering three walls, graphing
utility and viewscreen, multimedia
computer station with projection capability, overhead projector
2) Computer lab with 42 computers, whiteboards covering three walls, multimedia
computer station with projection
capability, overhead projector, appropriate software for integrated computer
instruction
Course Content
1) Operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percents
2) Whole number exponents and roots
3) Scientific notation
4) Ratios and proportions
5) Definitions of shapes, perimeter, area, volume and units of measurements
6) Derivation and use of measurement formulas
7) Conversion of measurement formulas
8) Metric system
9) Identify and manipulate variables using arithmetic operations
10) Operations with and use of signed numbers
11) Solving equations in one variable
12) Appropriate use of calculators to factor integers and simplify expressions
with combined operations, power and
roots
Method of Instruction
1) Lecture and discussion
2) Teamwork
3) Instructor-guided discovery
4) Computer-facilitated instruction
Method of Evaluation
A grading system will be established by the instructor and implemented
uniformly. Grades will be based on
demonstrated proficiency in subject matter determined by multiple measurements
for evaluation, one of which must
be essay exams, skills demonstration or, where appropriate, the symbol system.
1) Independent exploration activities
2) Midterm
3) In-class final exam (comprehensive)
Texts and References
1) Required: Bittenger. Basic Mathematics. 9th edition.
2) Supplemental: None
Exit Skills
Students having successfully completed this course exit with the following
skills, competencies and/or knowledge:
1) Using the basic operations over the rational numbers
2) Evaluate exponents and square roots of whole numbers
3) Solving basic calculations involving geometric measurement and formulas of
two-dimensional and three-
dimensional objects in standard and metric units
4) Relationships between decimals, fractions and percents and their application
in problems involving proportions
5) Using technology in calculating and checking the reasonableness of a solution
through estimation
6) The concepts of factors, multiples and the Distributive Property
7) Solving and applying simple linear equations
8) Plotting points on a rectangular coordinate system
