Description
Development of Algebraic and problem- solving skills and concepts intended to
prepare students for a mathematics foundation course. Topics include linear,
quadratic, and exp onential equations , functions and their applications, modeling
and data analysis. This course does not satisfy the prerequisite for MA 130, MA
160, or MA 180. Not intended for students who have a grade of C or better in MA
100, MA 100D, MA 103, or their equivalent.
MA101 meets 3 hours each week.
Prerequisites
Assessment level: RD120 or equivalent.
Topics
I. Lines
1. Sketching lines
2. Slope
3. Solving linear equations
4. Using lines to model data
II. Functions
1. Overview
2. Linear functions
3. Function notation
III. Exponential functions
1. Properties of exponents
2. Rational exponents
3. Graphs
4. Solving exponential equations
5. Modeling with exponential functions
IV. Logarithmic functions
1. Inverse functions
2. Logarithms
3. Important bases: e and 10
4. The power property
5. Using logarithms to solve exponential equations
V. Polynomial functions
1. Expanding and factoring polynomials
2. Solving quadratics by various methods
a. Factoring
b. Square root method
c. Quadratic formula
3. Complex numbers as solutions to quadratics
4. Finding intercepts and the vertex of parabolas
5. Graphing parabolas
6. Modeling with quadratic functions
VI. Modeling Data and Analysis
1. Create and analyze scatter plots from data
VII. Graphing Calculator
1. Enter, Evaluate functions
2. Find intercepts
3. Find the intersection of two graphs
Additional Topics
The fol lowing topics will be selected by the Math Department of each Campus
based on relevance.
VIII. Rational functions and equations
1. Domain of rational functions
2. Simplify rational expressions
3. Solve rational equations
IX. Proportions – Direct and Inverse
X. Systems of equations
1. Solve linear and non-linear systems of equations
XI. Modeling
1. Perform linear, quadratic, and exponential modeling on the
graphing calculator through the use of the regression feature.
XII. Geometry
1. Area and volume of common figures
XIII. Set Theory
1. Definition
2. Apply and interpret set notation
3. Perform set operations
XIV. Quantitative Literacy
1. Interpolate data
2. Significant digits
3. Distinguish between accuracy and precision
XV. Symbolic Logic
1. Translate statements in to symbolic form
2. Construct truth tables
3. The converse, inverse and contra positive of a statement .
4. DeMorgan’s Laws
XVI. Series
1. Identify arithmetic and geometric series
2. Find the sum of arithmetic and geometric series
3. Make estimates and predictions using arithmetic and geometric
series
XVII. Additional work with logarithms
1. Apply additional properties of logarithms to simplify and
evaluate logarithmic expressions and logarithmic equations.
2. Graph logarithmic functions of the form f (x) = logbx
XVIII. Linear inequalities
1. Graph linear inequalities in two variables
2. Graph compound inequalities in one variable
Text
IN TERMEDIATE ALGEBRA , Functions and Authentic Applications. 3rd edition,
Jay Lehmann, Prentice Hall, 2007.
