Prerequisites
MAT 055 with a grade of "C" or higher or placement test score as established by
District policy
Educational Value
This course is designed for first time algebra students , or anyone who needs a
refresher algebra course
in preparation for Intermediate Algebra.
Description
An introduction to Algebra via linear expressions , equations and inequalities.
Topics covered include real
numbers, expressions, equations and inequalities with one and two variables,
exponents, and
polynomials.
Textbooks
Elementary and Intermediate Algebra, Concepts and Applications, A Combined
Approach . Bittinger,
Ellenbogen, Johnson. Edition: 5th. ISBN-13: 9780321559449. Publisher: Addison
Wesley. Required
Supplies
Scientific calculator; TI-83 or TI-84 recommended.
Competencies and Performance Standards
1. Perform basic operations with real numbers
Learning objectives
What you will learn as you master the competency:
a. Apply the order of operations
b. Add integers, rational numbers, and decimals
c. Subtract integers , rational numbers, and decimals
d. Multiply integers , rational numbers, and decimals
e. Divide integers, rational numbers, and decimals
f. Evaluate algebraic expressions
Performance Standards
You will demonstrate your competence:
o On assigned activities
o On written exams
o On a two hour cumulative final exam
Your performance will be successful when:
o You can demonstrate the ability to use the order of operations
o You can demonstrate the ability to use the basic operations with integers,
rational
numbers, and decimal numbers
o You can demonstrate the ability to evaluate an algebraic expression
2. Solve linear equations and inequalities
Learning objectives
What you will learn as you master the competency:
a. Use the addition property to solve equations.
b. Use the multiplication property to solve equations.
c. Solve equations that require two or more steps.
d. Solve problems using formulas .
e. Solve linear inequalities
Performance Standards
You will demonstrate your competence:
o On assigned activities
o On written exams
o On a two hour cumulative final exam
Your performance will be successful when:
o You can demonstrate the ability to solve equations and inequalities in one
variable
3. Use a rectangular coordinate system to graph points, lines, and inequalities
Learning objectives
What you will learn as you master the competency:
a. Identify the parts of a rectangular coordinate system.
b. Sketch the graph of a relation from a table of ordered pairs.
c. Solve for x and y-intercepts given a linear equation in
two variables.
d. Sketch the graph of a linear equation using the intercepts.
e. Calculate slope given two points, a graph, or an equation.
f. Use the slope-intercept form of a line.
g. Use the point-slope form of a line.
Performance Standards
You will demonstrate your competence:
o On assigned activities
o On written exams
o On a two hour cumulative final exam
Your performance will be successful when:
o You can find and plot points on a rectangular system
o You can graph linear equations by plotting points, intercepts, or
slope-intercept.
o You can find and intercept slopes
4. Simplify polynomial expressions
Learning objectives
What you will learn as you master the competency:
a. Identify expressions that are polynomials
b. Add polynomials.
c. Subtract polynomials.
d. Multiply polynomials.
e. Divide polynomials by monomial or binomial .
Performance Standards
You will demonstrate your competence:
o On assigned activities
o On written exams
o On a two hour cumulative final exam.
Your performance will be successful when:
o You can demonstrate the ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide
polynomials
5. Factor polynomial expressions
Learning objectives
What you will learn as you master the competency:
a. Factor out the Greatest Common Factor (GCF)
b. Factor by grouping .
c. Factor the difference of two squares.
d. Factor trinomials.
e. Use a general strategy for factoring polynomials.
f. Use factoring to solve equations.
Performance Standards
You will demonstrate your competence:
o On assigned activities
o On written exams
o On a two hour cumulative final exam
Your performance will be successful when:
o You can demonstrate the ability to factor the GCF
o You can demonstrate the ability to factor by grouping
o You can demonstrate the ability to factor trinomials with a lead coefficient
of 1
o You can demonstrate the ability to factor trinomials with a lead coefficient
other than 1
o You can demonstrate the ability to solve equations by factoring
Types of Instruction
Classroom Presentation
Grading Information
Grading Rationale
Each instructor has the flexibility to develop evaluative procedures within the
following parameters.
1. Written exams must represent at least 60% of the final course grade
2. Final exam must represent at least 20 % of the final course grade.
3. The Post Test is to be embedded in the final exam and must represent at least
10% of the final course
grade.
4. Other activities may represent at most 10 % of the final course grade.
Grading Scale
A 90%-100%
B 80%-89%
C 70%-79%
D 60%-69%
F Below 60%
