Math 0302: Elementary Algebra
Course Number and Title: Math 0302: Elementary
Algebra
Credits: (3-3-1) Note: This course has a mandatory laboratory component.
Required Text:
Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, 3rd Ed.
K. Elayn Martin-Gay
Prentice Hall, 2005
ISBN: 0-13-144442-5
OR
Beginning and Intermediate Algebra Custom Edition for Northwest Vista College
K. Elayn Martin-Gay
Prentice Hall, 2005
ISBN: 0-536-82908-X
Course Prerequisite: Appropriate placement score, or C or better in Math
0301, or equivalent
Catalog Description: This course focuses on factoring, arithmetic
operations on polynomials and
rational expressions , and the use of these concepts in problem solving
equations. A student who is
required by the college to take this course must pass it with C or better before
being allowed to take a
higher-level course in the mathematics sequence .
Course Outcomes: After the successful completion of this course, you will
be able to solve application
problems using the following skills:
1. Factor polynomials .
2. Perform arithmetic operations with polynomials.
3. Perform operations with rules of exponents .
4. Simplify rational expressions.
5. Solve simple rational equations and proportions .
6. Solve factorable quadratic equations.
7. Perform arithmetic operations with rational expressions.
8. Solve and graph absolute value equations and inequalities.
ASK Outcome: This course will provide an opportunity to develop your
skills, not only as a
mathematician, but also as an independent learner, the basis of lifelong
learning.
The Value of Integrity: Northwest Vista College values integrity;
therefore cheating will not be
tolerated. Please note that these replace the policies and procedures on
pages 14 and 15 of the
"Student Handbook" in the 2004-2005 Northwest Vista College Bulletin
Attendance: Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is
required. Absences of students are
recorded, without exception, from the official date of enrollment. After the
census date, the instructor
may drop students who have accumulated absences equivalent to two weeks of
instruction (based on a 16
week semester). Since tardiness is a form of absenteeism, the instructor may
establish a policy regarding
tardiness (Reference NVC Catalog).
Assessment: Course grade determination will include at least three,
one-hour exams and a comprehensive
final exam. Laboratory assignments, homework, quizzes, projects, and class
participation may also be
considered. Your instructor will provide you with specific methods of assessment
and evaluation plus a
tentative schedule of topics that will include test dates.
Evaluation: Grades will be assigned in accordance
with the grade scale given below.
| 90-100 |
A |
| 80-89 |
B |
| 75-79 |
C |
| <75 |
P or F |
IP: An IP is an earned grade, awarded only to students in development,
who show significant progress in
a course without achieving a level of skill sufficient to be successful in their
next level. If a person has
been awarded an IP twice before in this course, they may not be eligible for a
third IP.
Tutoring: Tutoring is available, at no cost, in the Math Lab, AB 200.
If a class is missed or you are
having difficulty with a topic, one-on-one tutoring is available in AB 202,
the Math Advocacy Center.
Additionally, your instructor is available during office hours to answer
questions and clarify difficult
concepts.
ADA: Disability Statement: As per section 504 of the Vocational
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, if a student needs an
accommodation, contact Sharon
Dresser at 348-2092.
Topics to be Covered:
(topics in bold are to be emphasized; topics in italics are covered with
less emphasis)
2.3 Review Solving Linear Equations
5.1 Exponents
5.5 Negative Exponents and Scientific Notation
3.7 Introduction to Functions (emphasis on function notation)
5.2 Polynomial Functions ; Adding & Subtracting Polynomials
5.3 Multiplying Polynomials
5.4 Special Products
5.6 Dividing Polynomials
5.7 Synthetic Division and the Remainder Theorem
6.1 Greatest Common Factor; Factoring by Grouping
6.2 Factoring Trinomials of the Form 
6.3 Factoring Trinomials of the Form
6.4 Factoring Binomials
Integrated Review – Choosing a Factoring Strategy
6.5 Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring
7.1 Rational Functions and Simplifying Rational Expressions
7.2 Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions
7.3 Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions with Common Denominators and LCD
7.4 Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions with Unlike Denominators
7.5 Solving Equations Containing Rational Expressions
7.7 Proportion and Problem Solving (emphasis on Proportion; Problem
Solving if time permits)
If time permits:
6.6 Quadratic Equations and Problem Solving
9.2 Absolute Value Equations
