Elementary Algebra
Class Philosophy:
My intent for this class is to create an effective learning environment and
provide every
opportunity for you to succeed in meeting the course objectives. I trust that
you are committed to
making every effort to master this class and be ready to take on more advanced
math classes.
Course Description: Introduction to basic algebra. Includes translating
written statements into
algebraic expressions, linear equations, linear inequalities, graphing, integer
exponents, and
polynomials. Also includes factoring, simple rational expressions, square roots,
quadratic equations
and optional topics.
Performance Objectives: Upon completion of the course, the student will be
able to do the
following:
1. Express written statements algebraically.
2. Solve linear equations.
3. Solve systems of linear equations in two variables graphically and
algebraically.
4. Solve linear inequalities and graph solutions on the number line.
5. Graph linear equations and inequalities.
6. Apply the laws of exponents to expressions with integer exponents.
7. Perform the basic operations on polynomials.
8. Factor polynomials.
9. Reduce and build rational expressions.
10. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide simple rational expressions and solve
rational
equations involving linear equations.
11. Simplify and perform operations on numerical square-roots.
12. Solve quadratic equations by factoring, taking roots, and quadratic formula.
Course Outline:
I. Translate written statements into algebraic expressions.
II. Linear Equations
A. Simplify and solve using advanced techniques
B. Applications
III. Linear Inequalities
A. Solve
B. Graph on the number line
C. Applications
IV. Graphing
A. Slope, intercepts, Point-Slope Formula
B. Slope-Intercept Form, Standard Form
C. Vertical/Horizontal Lines
D. Parallel/Perpendicular Linear
E. Inequalities (2 variables)
V. Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables
A. Graphing
B. Substitution Method
C. Elimination Method
D. Applications
VI. Integer Exponents
A. Apply Laws of Exponents
B. Negative exponents
C. Scientific notation
VII. Polynomials
A. Terminology
B. Basic operations
VIII. Factoring
A. Common factor
B. Trinomials
C. Difference of squares
IX. Simple Rational Expressions
A. Reduce and build
B. Basic operations and avoiding division by zero.
C. Solve rational equations involving linear equations.
D. Applications
X. Square Roots
A. Evaluate
B. Simplify
C. Perform operations
XI. Quadratic Equations
A. Solve by factoring
B. Solve by roots
C. Solve by Quadratic Formula
XII. Optional Topics
A. Solve Radical Equations (Linear only)
B. Factoring by grouping
Required Text Book(s)
Beginning Algebra Approach, 10th Edition, Lial, Hornsby, McGinnis, Pearson
Addition Wesley 2008
This item may be purchased (or can be ordered) at the East Campus Bookstore.
