Course Syllabus for Elementary Algebra

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course focuses on solutions to linear equations and inequalities, algebraic
applications, operations with polynomials, factoring, graphing linear equations ,
and solving systems of equations. This course does not meet general education
mathematics requirements. This class meets for three lecture and two lab hours
per week. Prerequisite: MTH 091 or acceptable mathematics assessment scores.
This course is usually offered in the fall, spring, and summer.

II. COURSE MATERIALS:
• TEXTBOOK: Woodbury, George (2009) Elementary & Intermediate
Algebra. Boston, MA: A Pearson Education Company.
• MY MATH LAB ACCESS CODE (This is bundled with the text book
if purchased at the bookstore or separately online.)
• CALCULATOR: A graphing calculator is required. The recommended
calculator is the TI 83 plus/TI 84 plus by Texas Instruments. A TI 89
or TI 92 is not permitted.

III. COURSE GOALS:
The overall goal for this course is to develop the algebra skills required for further
academic study. Students will be able to advance to MTH 099-Intermediate
Algebra or MTH 152-Elementary Statistics during their next semester. Note:
(THIS COURSE DOES NOT MEET THE GENERAL EDUCATION
MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENTS).

IV. COURSE OBJECTIVES AND ASSESSMENT GOALS, AND
ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES:
Upon successful completion of the course, students will demonstrate the ability to:

	COURSE OBJECTIVE	ASSESSMENT GOAL	ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES
1	Use properties of real numbers to perform basic operations.	Given any set of real numbers, perform addition, subtraction , multiplication and division using the order of operations . Given a solution, insert notation and grouping symbols to obtain the solution. Perform calculations with exponents. Use the calculator to check answers.	Class and Math Lab exercises, test questions

2	Simplify algebraic expressions	Distinguish between expressions and equations. Given expressions, substitute real numbers for variables and evaluate. Given expressions, use the distributive property to remove parentheses and combine like terms .	Class and Math Lab exercises, test exercises and exam questions

3	Solve linear equations and inequalities	Solve and check solutions to linear equations that may contain fractions , decimals, and parentheses. Solve and check equations that may have all real number solutions or no solution. Solve and graph inequalities . Given a literal formula , solve for the specified variable. Check all solutions using the calculator.	Class exercises, Math Lab exercises, test and exam questions.

4	Translate phrases and word problems into algebraic expressions and equations.	Solve word problems by translating English phrases into algebraic expressions. Solve word problems using comparison , money and percent values. Use geometric formulas to solve problems. Apply the problem solving procedure for solving problems.	Class and Math Lab exercises, test exercises and exam questions

5	Graph linear equations and inequalities.	Given the coordinates, plot points on the Cartesian coordinate system . Identify and use vocabulary terms and notation associated with the Cartesian coordinate system. Given the equation, calculate a set of three ordered pairs. Distinguish between linear and nonlinear equations. Given an equation, find the intercepts. Use the calculator to graph lines and obtain a set of points. Given an inequality, choose a test point to evaluate, then graph and shade the solution set.	Class and Math Lab exercises, test questions and exam questions

6	Calculate and interpret slops.	Given two points, find the slope. Given an equation, find the slope. Interpret the slope geometrically and algebraically. Given equations, find the slopes and determine if lines are parallel, perpendicular or neither.	Class and Math Lab exercises, test questions and exam questions

7	Find the equation of a line	Given a slope and intercept, write an equation. Given two points, write an equation. Given appropriate data, use the linear regression function on the calculator to write and equation.	Class and Math Lab exercises, test questions and exam questions

8	Use function notation	Given coordinates or a graph, determine if a relation is a function. Use function notation and vocabulary to evaluate and graph curves . Determine the domain and range.	Class and Math Lab exercises, test questions and exam questions

9	Solve systems of equations.	Given two equations in two variables, graph two linear equations and determine the point of intersection. Solve simultaneous equations by substitution and by elimination. Check solutions using the calculator.	Class and Math Lab exercises, test questions and exam questions

10	Perform operations with exponents and polynomials	Use the rules of exponents to perform adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing with exponents. Raise exponential expressions to powers . Use negative exponents. Write numbers in scientific notation; perform operations with scientific notation. Interpret scientific notation using the calculator. Recognize polynomials, determine the degree. Add, subtract, and multiply polynomials. Divide polynomials by monomials. Use FOIL and other methods of multiplying special cases.	Class and Math Lab exercises, test questions and exam questions

11	Factor polynomials.	Given any polynomial, determine the factorization using greatest common factor, difference of perfect squares , trinomial or grouping methods, or by using a combination of techniques .	Class and Math Lab exercises, test questions and exam questions

12	Solve equations by factoring.	Given a polynomial, transform an equation to equal to zero and factor using various methods.	Lab exercises, test questions and exam questions

V. COURSE CONTENT:
1. Review of real numbers
2. Equations, Inequalities, and Problem Solving
3. Exponents and Polynomials
4. Factoring
5. Graphs and Functions
6. Solving Systems of Linear Equations

VI. LEARNING EXPERIENCES:
In order to meet the course objectives, each student is expected to:
A. Attend class and participate in class discussions, learning
activities and assignments.
B. Complete Math Lab assignments by attending Lab about two
hours per week, if necessary
C. Complete homework assignments
D. Complete tests and quizzes for each unit of study
E. Access the Internet, compose and share the writing assignment
F. Perform satisfactorily on the final exam

VII. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
Each student will pursue a program of study that includes classroom lectures, problem
practicing, cooperative learning, textbook and writing assignments using electronic
databases, chapter testing and Math Lab exercises.