This basic skills course includes ope rations on real
numbers , solving first degree equations and inequalities , operations on
polynomials including factoring, graphs of linear equations , and operations on
rational expressions.
Details
A. Course Title: Basic Algebra I
B. Sponsor(s): Ron Czochor, Tonya Davenport, James Poinsett,
Jay Schiffman, and the Mathematics Department
C. Credit Hours: 2 SH
D. Course Level: Developmental (09* level)
E. Prerequisites: Be low 65 on Accuplacer test
F. Suggested time and scale of implementation: Beginning Fall 2008 and
continuing every semester.
Curricular Effect
Include a description of how the course implementation will affect other
department, college, and university.
•Offerings -This course will replace the 3 SH
developmental course entitled Basic Algebra. It will be the first of a two
course sequence for those students planning to move on to more advanced courses
in College Algebra or Precalculus. It will be the only developmental math course
required for those students planning to take courses such as Contemporary Math,
Elementary Statistics, or Introduction to Geometry.
•Adequacy of the present staff , resources, space needs,
and any other additional requirements for implementation. This will be part of a
sequence that will replace Basic Algebra and In termediate Algebra . The sequence
of Basic Algebra I and II is projected to have a lower demand on resources than
the current Basic Algebra course. This should somewhat reduce the demand on
already inadequate resources. Currently the Basic Algebra course at the
Glassboro campus has one instructor and one half-time graduate assistant. In the
recent past there was one instructor, one full-time graduate assistant, one
half-time graduate assistant, and some work-study help. The space assigned to
the class and tutoring is also inadequate.
•Recommended Library Resources: No library resources will
be needed for this course.
Essence of the Course
a.Objectives of the course in relation to student
outcomes. After completing this course, students will be able:
•To simplify algebraic expressions
•To solve problems involving equalities, inequalities, and percents
•To graph linear equations IV
•To factor polynomials
•Simplify rational expressions
b.Topical outline/Content (This may be replaced by
attaching a syllabus or by indicating that the objectives are specific and
reflect the exact content).
Basic Algebra I
Topical Outline/Content
1. Introduction to Real Numbers and Algebraic Expressions.
i. Introduction to Algebra.
ii. The Real Numbers.
iii. Properties ofReal Numbers.
iv. Simplifying Expressions; Order of Operations.
2. Solving Equations and Inequalities.
i. Solving Equations: The Addition and Multiplication Principle.
ii. Formulas . Percent and Problem Solving
iii. Solving Inequalities.
3. Graphs of Linear Equations.
i. Graphs, Intercepts , Slope and Applications .
4. Polynomials: Operations.
i. Exponents and Scientific Notation.
ii. Introduction to Polynomials.
iii. Operations of Polynomials.
iv. Operations with Polynomials in Several Variables.
5. Polynomials: Factoring.
i. Introduction to Factoring.
ii. Factoring Trinomials, Trinomial Squares and Differences of Squares .
iii. Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring.
6. Rational Expressions and Equations .
i. Adding, Subtracting , Multiplying, Dividing, and Simplifying Rational
Expressions
ii. Least Common Multiples and Denominators .
c.Evaluations of students and grading procedure. Students
will be evaluated through periodic tests and a comprehensive exit exam.
d.Course Evaluation: the course will be evaluated through
student evaluations and department curricula review.
Results of Consultations
The following were consulted:
•All academic department chairs
•Melissa Arnott, Director of the Academic Success Center
