Elementary
Algebra Syllabus
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COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is an introduction to the real number
system and to the use of variable expressions and equations in problem
solving. Topics include properties of
the real numbers, square roots, arithmetic of variable expressions including
polynomials and algebraic fractions, solving linear equations and
inequalities in one variable, factoring, and an introduction to the Cartesian
coordinate system and the equations and graphs of linear equations in two
variables. Also, the proper use of math notation is emphasized along with an
introduction to Pythagorean Theorem and basic geometric formulas, some
dimensional analysis with modeling applications is included. Topics delineated in the Course Outline a. Development of the Real Number System: Integers, Rationals, and Irrationals. b. Properties of Real Numbers and operations: commutative, associative, distributive, identity, inverse. c. The concept of a variable. d. Use of variables and algebraic method to generate algebraic expressions modeling an application problem. e. Arithmetic of algebraic expressions; the use of the commutative, associative, distributive, identity, and inverse properties, the use of the order of operations, and the use of integer exponents and the rules of exponents. f. Simplifying algebraic expressions, including algebraic fractions. g. Scientific notation h. Solving linear equations in one variable: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division properties of equality i. Creating equations that model real world situations given in application (word) problems. j. Solving linear inequalities in one variable: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division properties of inequality - One dimensional graphing of solutions. k. Creating inequalities that model real world situations given in word problems. l. Polynomial arithmetic, including multiplying polynomials. m. Factoring out the greatest common divisor from a polynomial expression. n. Factoring simple quadratic polynomials. o. Solving rational equations that reduce to linear equations. p. Roots and radicals including radical equations. q.
The Cartesian coordinate system and the graphing of lines including
the slope of a line and the different standard forms of the equation of a
line. TEXTBOOK: Understanding
Elementary Algebra With Geometry, by Hirsch and Goodman. LECTURE/HOMEWORK/ TECHNOLOGY: A calculator is not required for this course and you will not be able to use a calculator on the tests. ATTENDANCE: You are required to attend all lecture and lab sessions: 6 hours per week for 16 weeks: a total of 96 hours. The two most significant indicators for success in this course are attendance and completion of the homework. If you're not there doing what it is that defines the class, you missed it. GRADE: Your grade in this class will be a weighted average of your attendance, homework quiz, chapter test and final exam scores, using the following apportionment: Attendance: 10 pts. |