I. COURSE/CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
A one-semester course which covers the material generally included in a
first year high school algebra course. Topics covered include the real
number system, variable expressions, solving equations , polynomials,
factoring rational expressions, graphs and linear equations , systems of linear
equations, inequalities and radical expressions.
II. A. PREREQUISITES, if any:
None
B. COREQUISITES, if any:
None
C. RECOMMENDED PREPARATION, if any:
Appropriate placement recommendation or MATH 070 with a grade of "C" or higher.
III. GRADING CRITERIA:
Course must be taken on a "letter-grade" basis only.
Course may be taken on a "credit" basis or for a letter grade.
Course must be taken on a "credit" basis only.
IV. MEASURABLE COURSE OBJECTIVES AND MINIMUM STANDARDS
FOR GRADE OF "C":
1. The student will demonstrate an understanding and comprehension of basic
ideas and
elementary concepts of arithmetic.
2. The student will demonstrate a general understanding of the meaning of
variable
expressions of a symbolic nature.
3. The student will demonstrate skills in solving first degree equations.
4. The student will demonstrate the ability to solve many problems in diverse
areas, in a
step-by-step manner, when dealing with applications.
5. The student will develop manipulation skills when operating polynomials.
6. The student will demonstrate the various types of factoring and be cognizant
of the
factoring process.
7. The student will demonstrate an understanding of skills in operations with
and
simplifications of rational expressions.
8. The student will demonstrate a visual understanding of the Cartesian
Coordinate
System and linear graphs .
9. The student will demonstrate the ability to solve linear systems of equations
both
algebraically and graphically.
10. The student will demonstrate the ability to solve linear inequalities
algebraically and
be able to present the solutions graphically.
11. The student will apply a basic understanding of the rules of radicals, their
usage in the
simplification and in the solution of radical equations.
V. CORE CONTENT TO BE COVERED IN ALL SECTIONS:
| |
CORE CONTENT |
APPROX.%
OF COURSE |
| 1 |
Real numbers
A. Introduction to integers
B. Addition and subtraction of integers
C. Multiplication and division of integers
D. Rational numbers
E. Exponents and the order of operations agreement |
5% |
| 2 |
Variable expressions
A. Evaluating variable expressions
B. Simplifying variable expressions
C. Translating verbal expressions into variable expressions |
10% |
| 3 |
Solving equations
A. Introduction to equations
B. General equations
C. Translating sentences into equations |
10% |
| 4 |
Solving equations: applications
A. Introduction to percent
B. The percent equation
C. Mark-up and discount problems
D. Investment problems
E. Mixture problems
F. Uniform motion problems
G. Geometry problems |
10% |
| 5 |
Polynomials
A. Addition and subtraction of polynomials
B. Multiplication of monomials
C. Multiplication of polynomials
D. Division of polynomials
E. Negative and zero exponents |
10% |
| 6 |
Factoring
A. Monomial factors
B. Factoring general trinomials
C. Special factoring
D. Solving equations by factoring |
10% |
| 7 |
Rational Expressions
A. Multiplication and division of algebraic fractions
B. Expressing fractions in terms of the least common multiple
C. Addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions
D. Complex fractions
E. Equations containing fractions
F. Ratio and proportion
G. Literal equations
H. Application problems |
10% |
| 8 |
Graphs and linear equations
A. The Cartesian system of coordinates
B. Graphs of straight lines
C. Intercepts and slopes of straight lines
D. Equations of straight lines |
10% |
| 9 |
Systems of linear equations in two variables
A. Solving systems of linear equations by graphing
B. Solving systems of linear equations by the substitution method
C. Solving systems of linear equations by the addition method
D. Application problems in two variables |
10% |
| 10 |
Inequalities
A. Sets
B. Addition and multiplication properties of inequalities
C. General inequalities, graphing linear inequalities |
10% |
| 11 |
Radical expressions
A. Introduction to radical expressions
B. Addition and subtraction of radical expressions
C. Multiplication and division of radical expressions
D. Solving equations containing radical expressions |
10% |
VI. METHOD OF EVALUATION TO DETERMINE IF OBJECTIVES
HAVE BEEN MET BY
STUDENTS: (check all that apply)
Essay 
Class Activity
Written Assignments
Problem Solving Exercise Final Exam
Oral
Assignments
Skill
Demonstration Objective
Quizzes
Other
VII. INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY: (Check all that apply)
Lecture Discussion
Demonstration
Audio Visual Activity
Group Lab Activity
Computer Assisted Instruction
Individual Simulation/ Assistance Case Study
On-Line
Two (2) hours of independent work done out of class per each hour of lecture or
class work, or 3 hours lab, practicum, or the
equivalent per unit.
Other
VIII. TEXTBOOK(S) AND SUPPLEMENT(S):
Aufmann, R., Barker, V. and Lockwood, J. Beginning Algebra with Applications.
6th edition. Boston:
Houghton Mifflin, 2004.
Angel, A., Semmler, R. and Petrie, D. Elementary Algebra for College Students
(Early Graphing). 2nd
Edition. Prentice Hall, 2004.
Kinney, P., and Robertson, D. Interactive Mathematics Elementary Algebra. 1st.
edition. Plato Learning,
2004.
Bittinger, M. and Ellengogen, D. Elementary Algebra. 7th edition. Addison
Wesley, 2006.
Gustafson, R. and Frisk, P. Beginning Algebra. 7th edition. Brooks/Cole, 2005.
