Course Outline for College Algebra

1. Title of Course, Course Number and Credits :
College Algebra – Math 115 3 credits

2. Description of Course:
To give students majoring in mathematics, science and computer science the algebraic
tools necessary to be prepared for precalculus and calculus. Topics include: graphing
lines, parabolas and cubic equations; review and applications of the quadratic equation;
exponents, radicals and complex numbers; systems of three equations in three unknowns
both linear and nonlinear ; polynomial division; roots of cubic equations, midpoint
formula; introduction to the six trigonometric functions and three Pythagorean identities.

3. Course Prerequisites:
Math 106 or Basic Skills Placement

4. Course Objectives:
To strengthen the student's understanding and handling of algebraic techniques;
1. To have students perform sustained algebraic computations in exercises that differ
markedly from those studied earlier in their mathematical careers .
2. To incorporate the results of diverse computations into a solution .
3. To have students gain more advanced skills in algebra which will be of use in future
courses.
4. To solve complex problems requiring the ability to integrate diverse mathematical
skills.
5. To substitute in complicated expressions.

5. Student Learning Outcomes.
Students, upon completing this course, will be able to:
1. solve quadratic equations with radicals in the coefficients;
2. add and multiply expressions with negative and fractional exponents ;
3. solve linear and nonlinear systems of equations;
4. define and use the six trigonometric functions;
5. use the Pythagorean identities;
6. effectively express basic algebraic ideas;
7. demonstrate the ability to think critically when analyzing algebraic problems;
8. locate and use information to solve algebraic problems;
9. demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge and use it to solve problems involving
simple functions

6. Topical Outline of the Course Content:
1. The Parabola and Cubic Equations, point of intersection of 2 lines,
terms and factors
3 weeks

2. Solving a system of 3 linear or nonlinear equations in 3 unknowns ,
Solving equations with radicals, polynomial division
3.5 weeks

3. Equations of lines using angle of inclination, Midpoint formula to
check roots of a parabola, Root Factor Theorem , binomial expansion,
introduction to trigonometric functions and Pythagorean identies
3.5 weeks

4. Algebra using fractional exponents , simplifying complicated radical
expressions
1.5 weeks

5. Solving equations with one radical, solving equations using fractional
exponents.
1.5 weeks

7. Guidelines/Suggestions for Teaching Methods and Student Learning Activities:
Lectures and classroom discussions especially of problem sets.

8. Guidelines/Suggestions for Methods of Student Assessment (Student Learning Outcomes)
Through quizzes, tests, and common final examination. Homework problems presented on
the board or graded homework. Attendance and regular participation in peer tutoring

9. Suggested Reading, Texts and Objects of Study:
Precalculus from a Calculus Perspective, Volume I, Katzen, Goldstein, Yee, Ahluwahlia

10. Bibliography of Supportive Texts and Other Materials:
1. McKeague, Charles P., “Intermediate Algebra, 2^nd Edition”, Academic Press 1982
2. Munem, M.A. and W. Tschirhart, “Algebra for College Students 2^nd Edition”, Worth
Publishers, Inc., 1988
3. Swokowski, E.W., and Cole, J.A., “Algebra and Trigonometry with Analytic
Geometry, 9^th Edition”, PWS-Kent Publishing Co., 1992

11. Preparer’s Name and Date:
Prof. D. Kalish 1994, 1998

12. Original Department Approval Date:
Spring 1994

13. Reviser’s Name and Date:
Prof. D. Kalish, Spring 1994, Fall 1998
Prof. E. Goldstein, Spring 2000
Prof. E. Goldstein, Fall 2004

14. Departmental Revision Approval Date: