MATHEMATICS 103 – INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA
3 hours lecture, 1 hour laboratory, 3 units
Catalog Description
Graphic, numeric, analytic and applied problems on topics including linear,
quadratic, exponential and logarithmic functions, exponents and radicals.
Selection and application of appropriate graphing utility and/or computer
program to interpret, model and analyze data, graphs and/or application
problems. Additional topics include systems of equations, algebraic fractions,
radicals, equations involving inequalities and absolute value, and complex
numbers. Maximum of 5 units can be earned for taking MATH 103 and 110.
Prerequisite
Credit in MATH 090 or equivalent
Entrance Skills
Without the following skills, competencies and/or knowledge, any student
entering this course will be highly unlikely to succeed:
1) Essential vocabulary and properties
a. Factors and terms
b. Expressions and equations
c. Real numbers
2) Computing and simplifying using the basic operations on
a. Real numbers
b. Polynomials
c. Algebraic expressions involving integer exponents and/or square roots
3) Factoring
a. Prime factorization
b. Using the greatest common factor
c. A difference of squares binomial
d. Reasonable trinomials where the leading coefficient is not one
4) Solving
a. Linear equations with one or two variables
b. Systems of linear equations in two variables
5) Solving word problems and applications
a. Translation of verbal expressions into algebraic expressions
b. Word problems involving linear equations
6) Graphing and interpreting graphical data related to
a. Points
b. Lines
c. Slope- Intercept Form of the equation of a line
Course Objectives
Students will be able to:
1) Analyze linear, quadratic, exponential and logarithmic functions from a
graphic, numeric and analytic perspective
2) Solve linear systems of equations and inequalities
3) Use graphic, numeric and analytic methods to solve real-world problems
applicable to vocational professional fields
4) Apply principles of rational exponents
5) Apply critical thinking and mathematical reasoning skills necessary in
algebraic problem solving and related disciplines
6) Observe, interpret and analyze the behavior of graphs and statistical plots
7) Articulate and analyze the connection between numerical, graphical and verbal
approaches to solving problems
8) Recognize trends in a table of data
9) Analyze functional relationships
10) Extract and interpret information from the graph of a function
11) Recognize and graph elementary conics in standard positions
12) Use a graphing utility to solve problems graphically
13) Select and apply the appropriate computer program to model, analyze,
interpret and solve real-world application problems
Special Materials Required of Student
Calculator
Minimum Instructional Facilities
1) Standard classroom with writing board, overhead projector, graphing
utility overhead viewing panels, multimedia computer stations
2) Basic skills math lab with 36 computers, writing board, overhead
projector/screen, appropriate software for integrated computer instruction, word
processing, spreadsheet and other workplace software
Course Content
1) Graphing of linear and quadratic functions and their applications
2) Writing equations from the graphs of linear and quadratic functions
3) Graphic, numeric and analytic methods to solve linear and quadratic equations
4) Fundamental operations with exponents and radicals and solving equations with
same
5) Applications involving rational expressions and solving equations with same
6) Linear systems of equations
7) Inequalities and absolute value
8) Exponential and logarithmic functions and their graphs
9) Simple conic sections
Method of Instruction
1) Lecture and discussion
2) Team work
3) 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: McKeague. Intermediate Algebra. 1999.
2) Supplemental: None
Exit Skills
Students having successfully completed this course exit with the following
skills, competencies and/or knowledge:
1) Working with algebraic expressions
a. Understand and use essential terminology
b. Add, subtract and multiply polynomials
c. Divide a polynomial by a monomial
d. Simplify rational expressions using the basic operations
e. Evaluate equations written in function notation
f. Factor using the GCF
g. Factor second degree trinomials and the difference of two squares
2) Graphing
a. Write the equation of a line given a graph, two points, or a point and a
slope
b. Graph the equation of a line and a quadratic
3) Solving
a. Equations and inequalities using the basic operations on complex numbers and
statements including absolute value
b. A 2x2 system of equations using substitutions and elimination
c. Equations involving rational expressions
d. Quadratic equations by factoring, grouping and graphing
e. Equations involving rational expressions
f. Inequalities involving one of two variables
g. Application problems: integer, mixture and motion
4) Sequences and series
a. Translate sigma notation and write out sum of terms
b. Recognize an arithmetic sequence
c. Recognize a geometric sequence
5) Radical and exponents
a. Simplify radical expressions using the basic operations
b. Simplify and evaluate expressions involving integer exponents
c. Simplify and evaluate expressions involving rational exponents
d. Solve equations involving square roots
e. Simplify and evaluate logarithms with various bases
f. Use scientific notation
