PREREQUISITE(S): C or above in Math Skills or an
appropriate COMPASS score.
A. TEXTBOOK(S) AND REQUIRED TOOLS OR SUPPLIES
1. Introductory Algebra courseware by Hawkes Learning Systems, ISBN
0-918091-26-8
2. Computer with the fol lowing specifications :
• 400 MHz or faster processor
• Windows 98SE or later
• 64 MB RAM (128 MB recommended)
• 150 MB hard drive space
• 256 color display (800 x 600, 16-bit color recommended)
• Internet Explorer 6.0 or later
• CD-ROM drive
3. Optional Textbook: Introductory Algebra, 5th edition, D. Franklin
Wright, Hawkes Publishing, 2004.
ISBN 0-918091-62-4
4. Supplies and/or Tools
a. Scientific calculator .
b. Sharp pencil.
c. Eraser.
B. COURSE DESCRIPTION: An introduction to elementary algebra with basic
math skills and concepts. The
course is for students who need to satisfy the prerequisite for Intermediate
Algebra (MAT 1073). Real numbers ,
equations and inequalities, graphing equations and inequalities, exponents &
polynomials & factoring polynomials.
Does not satisfy the math requirement for the Associate degree.
C. METHOD OF INSTRUCTION: Lectures, chalkboard, digital media presentations,
discussions, in class problem
solving, computer simulations and homework assignments.
D. COURSE OBJECTIVES:
The following standard outcomes are expected:
1. The student is expected to develop skills in independent learning, critical
thinking, investigative and problem
solving strategies.
2. Be able to work with numbers and symbols.
3. Understand the applications and operations of signed numbers .
4. Manipulate the symbols in linear equations and solve them and use linear
equations to solve applied
problems.
5. Interpret linear graphs and charts . And compute the slope of a line .
6. Manipulate and simplify mathematical expressions using the laws of exponents
and scientific notation.
7. Define and work with polynomials and their applications .
8. Factor polynomials and solve practical problems by factoring polynomials.
E. COURSE TOPICS/UNITS
The following is a tentative list of the topics covered in this course:
I. Integers and Real Numbers (Chapter 1)
A. The Real Number Line and Absolute Value
B. Addition with Integers
C. Subtraction with Integers
D. Multiplication and Division with Integers
E. Exponents, Prime Numbers, and Order of Operations
F. Properties of Real Numbers
II. Fractions, Decimals, and Algebraic Expressions (Chapter 2)
A. Multiplying and Dividing Fractions
B. Adding and Subtracting Fractions
C. Decimal Numbers and Fractions
D. Change in Value and Average
E. Simplifying and Evaluating Algebraic Expressions
F. Translating English Phrases and Algebraic Expressions
III. Solving Equations and Inequalities (Chapter 3)
A. Solving Linear Equations
B. Applications
C. Solving Linear Inequalities and Applications
IV. Graphing Linear Equations in Two Variables (Chapter 4)
A. The Cartesian Coordinate System
B. Graphing Linear Equations in Two Variables
V. Exponents and Polynomials (Chapter 6)
A. Exponents
B. More on Exponents and Scientific Notation
C. Identifying and Evaluating Polynomials
D. Adding and Subtracting Polynomials
E. Multiplying Polynomials
F. Special Products of Binomials
G. Dividing Polynomials
VI. Factoring polynomials and Solving Quadratic Equations (Chapter 7)
A. Greatest Common Factor and Factoring by Grouping
B. Factoring Trinomials
D. Factor Special Products
E. Solving Equations by Factoring
F. COURSE COMPETENCIES: Upon completion of the course topics, the student is
expected to demonstrate
competency as follows:
The student is expected to demonstrate competency according to the following
standards:
UNDERSTAND INTEGERS AND REAL NUMBERS (CHAPTER 1)
1. Evaluate arithmetic expressions (including absolute values) using the
order of operations and properties of
real numbers.
UNDERSTAND ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS (CHAPTER 2)
2. Evaluate algebraic expressions.
UNDERSTAND SOLVING EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES (CHAPTER 3)
3. Solve linear equations in one variable.
4. Solve proportion equations.
5. Solve linear inequalities in one variable showing solutions on a number line.
6. Solve literal equations that do not require factoring.
7. Develop and solve mathematical models including number, geometry, and percent
applications.
UNDERSTAND EXPONENTS AND POLYNOMIALS (CHAPTER 4)
8. Plot points on a coordinate plane.
9. Graph linear equations, by plotting points.
UNDERSTAND EXPONENTS AND POLYNOMIALS (CHAPTER 6)
10. Apply the laws of exponents to simplify expressions containing integer
exponents.
11. Express numbers in scientific notation.
12. Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division on polynomial
expressions.
UNDERSTAND FACTORING POLYNOMIALS & SOLVING QUADRATIC EQUATIONS (CHAPTER
7)
13. Factor expressions with common factors, expressions that require grouping,
trinomial expressions, and
difference of square expressions .
14. Solve quadratic equations by factoring.
* Designates core outcomes and competencies for Computational Skills from the
Kansas Core Outcome Project
(2001).
