COURSE DESCRIPTION
Prerequisite : MS 100 or satisfactory score on ACT/SAT or the departmental
placement test.
First and second degree equations and inequalities ; linear and quadratic
functions and graphs;
polynomial and rational functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; and
systems of
equations . (Not open to students with credit in MS 125 or higher.)
TEXT
Algebra for College Students, with Student Guide 8th Ed.
Kaufmann and Schwitters
Brooks/Cole, 2007
ISBN: 0-495-16258-2
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. To provide the student with a thorough knowledge of the symbols and
mathematical
terms used in algebra.
2. To provide the student with experience in solving practical problems by using
algebraic
principles and utilizing these tools to solve real-life problems.
3. To provide the student with the necessary algebraic skills required in
subsequent
mathematics courses.
4. To provide the student with historical notes that illustrate the origins of
the algebraic
skills, symbols, and concepts.
5. To provide the student with the basic algebraic skills involved in problem
solving,
solving equations, working with functions, and utilizing graphical techniques.
TOPICS
1. Fundamental concepts of algebra involving the real number system, order and
absolute
value, integral exponents, rational exponents and radicals, complex numbers,
polynomials and special products, factoring, and rational expressions.
2. Linear equations , formulas and applications , quadratic equations, Quadratic
Formula and
applications, and inequalities.
3. Cartesian Plane, Distance Formula, graphs of equations, functions, graphs of
functions,
composite and inverse functions, variation, and mathematical models.
4. Quadratic functions and their graphs, graphs of polynomial functions of
higher degree,
polynomial division and synthetic division, rational zeros, complex zeros, and
Fundamental Theorem of Algebra.
5. Logarithms, logarithmic functions , equations, and applications.
6. Fundamental concepts of conic sections.
SECTION OUTLINE (from current text)
4.4 More on Rational Expressions and Complex Fractions (All)
4.5 Dividing Polynomials (All)
4.6 Fractional Equations (All)
5.4 Products and Quotients Involving Radicals (All)
5.5 Equations Involving Radicals (E.g. # 1 - 5)
5.6 Rational Exponents and Roots (E.g. # 1 - 4)
6.1* Complex Numbers (All)
6.2 Quadratic Equations (All)
6.3* Completing the Square (All)
6.4 Quadratic Formula (E.g. # 1 - 5)
6.5 More Quadratic Equations and Applications (All)
6.6 Quadratic Inequalities (E.g. # 1, 2)
8.1 Concept of a Function (E.g. # 1, 2, 4, 5, 6)
8.2 Linear Functions and Applications (All)
8.3 Quadratic Functions (E.g. # 1 - 9)
8.4 More Quadratic Functions and Applications (All)
8.6* Combining Functions (E.g. # 1 - 5)
9.1* Synthetic Division (All)
9.2 Remainder and Factor Theorems (E.g. # 1 - 7)
9.3 Polynomial Equations (Rational Root Theorem Only) (E.g. # 1 - 3)
9.4 Graphing Polynomial Functions (E.g. # 1 - 3)
9.5 Graphing Rational Functions (E.g. # 1, 2)
10.1 Exponents and Exponential Functions (E.g. # 1 - 4, 6, 7)
10.2 Applications of Exponential Functions (E.g. # 1 - 5)
10.4 Logarithms (All)
10.6 Exponential Equations, Log. Equations, & Problem Solving (E.g. # 1, 2, 4,
5, 7 - 11)
13.1* Circles (E.g. # 1 - 4, Problems # 1, 2)
EVALUATION
Hourly exams and comprehensive final.
