Course Description
MA 125. Intermediate Algebra. 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Placement
score or MA
060 or its equivalent with a C or better. The student will be able to interpret
mathematical symbols and notation, simplify expressions, factor polynomials,
solve
equations (including absolute value, quadratic and rational equations ), perform
operations on radical expressions, write equations of lines and evaluate
functions. The
student will begin to conceptualize abstract ideas.
Course Relevance
Discipline, perseverance and the ability to follow directions are necessary for
success in
life. This course will improve the student’s abilities in these skills as well
as their ability
to think analytically. Mathematical literacy will be increased, leading to
informed
choices when making decisions in life. The concepts learned in this course will
improve
the student’s math skills, leading to success in subsequent courses.
Required Materials
MA125 Textbook:
Lial, M.L, Hornsby, J., McGinnis,T. (2004). Beginning & intermediate algebra
(3rd ed.).
Boston, MA: Pearson, Addison Wesley
Supplemental Materials
Cole, J. (2004). Student’s solutions manual: Beginning and intermediate algebra
(3rd
ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson, Addison Wesley
Scientific calculator
Learning Outcomes
The intention is for the student to be able to
1. Use problem solving to be successful in future learning
2. Gain confidence in personal mathematical ability
3. Use and inter pret mathematical symbols and notation
4. Perform mathematical procedures and techniques correctly
5. Conceptualize abstract ideas
Primary Learning PACT Skills that will be DEVELOPED
and/or documented in this
course
Through the student involvement in this course, he/she will develop his/her
ability in the
following primary PACT skill areas:
1. Problem Solving
ยท The student will improve their problem solving skills
through the repeated
solution of multi-step problems and word problems.
Secondary skills (developed but not documented):
Self Concept
Time Management
Reading
Listening
Major Summative Assessment Task(s)
These learning outcomes and primary Learning PACT skills will be demonstrated by
1. Taking a departmental common final exam including three open ended multi-step
questions that require conceptualization of abstract ideas and accurate
performance
of mathematical procedures. Problem solving rubric
2. Completion of a self assessment inventory which measures change in confidence
in
personal mathematical ability.
Course Content
I. Themes – Key recurring concepts that run throughout this course:
A. Solving equations
B. Simplifying expressions
C. Following directions
II. Issues – Key areas of conflict that must be understood in order to achieve
the
intended outcome:
A. Recognizing which technique to use
B. Remembering prerequisite material
III. Concepts – Key concepts that must be understood to address the issues:
A. Notation
B. Variables
C. Graphing
D. Functions
IV. Skills/Competencies – Actions that are essential to achieve the course
outcomes:
A. Factoring
B. Simplifying expressions
C. Solving equations
D. Modeling
E. Simplifying radicals and expressions with exp onents
F. Simplifying rational expressions
G. Operations with complex numbers
Learning Units
I. Factoring and Applications
A. The greatest common factor; factoring by grouping
B. Factoring trinomials x^2+bx+c
C. Factoring trinomials ax^2+bx+c
D. Special factoring rules
E. Solving quadratic equations by factoring
F. Applications of quadratic equations
II. Rational Expressions and Applications
A. The fundamental property of rational expressions
B. Multiplying and dividing rational expressions
C. Least common denominator
D. Adding and subtracting rational expressions
E. Complex fractions
F. Solving equations with rational expressions
G. Applications of rational expressions
III. Equations of Lines; Functions
A. Review of graphs and slopes of lines (optional)
B. Review of equations of lines; linear models (optional)
C. Functions
D. Variation
IV. Inequalities and Absolute Value
A. Set operations and compound inequalities
B. Absolute value equations and inequalities
V. Roots, Radicals and Root Functions
A. Radical expressions and graphs
B. Rational exponents
C. Simplifying radical expressions
D. Adding and subtracting radical expressions
E. Multiplying and dividing radical expression
F. Solving equations with radicals
G. Complex numbers
VI. Quadratic Equations
A. Solving quadratic equations by the square root property
B. Solving quadratic equations by completing the square
C. Solving quadratic equations by the quadratic formula
Learning Activities
Classroom: Independent learning activities will be assigned to assist the
student to
achieve the intended learning outcomes. Activities identified in the syllabus,
such as
class discussion, lecture, reading, group work or projects will also contribute
to learning.
Online: Online teaching/learning activities such as the
following will assist the student to
achieve course outcomes: posted web pages, threaded discussions, written
assignments, assigned reading, and interaction with instructor through e-mail
and
discussion boards.
Grade Determination
Grade determination will be based on assessment tasks and other activities such
as
exams, assignments or attendance that the instructor identifies in the syllabus.
