Math 101 --- Elementary and Intermediate Algebra Review

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Catalog Description

A course for students who have successfully completed course work in elementary or intermediate algebra. This course reviews topics from elementary and intermediate algebra and can be used as a refresher prior to enrolling in the next math course. This course can help students raise their level of math readiness. The level and depth of review will be adjusted to suit the individual student's needs.

Prerequisites:

Describe representative skills without which the student would be highly unlikely to succeed:

Course Learning Outcomes:

What should the student be able to do as a result of taking this course? State some of the objectives in terms of specific, measurable student accomplishments.

1. Read, write, and speak accurately about mathematical ideas and use correct mathematical notation.
2. Apply the mathematics they have learned to real world problems and applications.
3. Use graphs and the graphing calculator to explore mathematical concepts and to verify their work.
4. Demonstrate the characteristics of an effective learner.
5. Perform symbolic manipulations that will support success in the other outcomes.

Course Content

• Themes: What themes, if any, are threaded throughout the learning experiences in this course?
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Symbol manipulation
  • Use of Technology
  • Graphing and Data Analysis
  • Communication
• Concepts: What concepts do students need to understand to demonstrate course outcomes?
  • A systematic, step-wise problem-solving process.
  • The presentation of mathematical solutions in a logical coherent structure, including the use of fundamental writing skills, grammar, and punctuation.
  • Use of the graphing calculator as a fundamental problem-solving tool.
  • The recognition that proper symbolic manipulation is an important tool in multiple problem-solving situations.
• Issues: What primary issues or problems, if any, must students understand to achieve course outcomes.
  • The differences between solving an equation, simplifying an expression, and evaluating an expression.
  • That a graph of an equation is a form of written communication.
  • The limitations of technology.
  • The connection between mathematics and the "real world".
  • The role of the student in becoming a successful learner and that preparation for major assement events is key to that role.
• Skills: What skills must students master to demonstrate course outcomes?
  1. Appropriate use of graphing technology in mathematics.
  2. Simplify and evaluate algebraic expressions.
  3. Solve linear and nonlinear equations.
  4. Solve linear and nonlinear inequalities in a single variable.
  5. Graphing linear and nonlinear functions. Use the graph to determine functional values.
  6. Solve systems of linear equations.
  7. Definition and use of functions. Use of the inverse function.
  8. Definition and use of exponents in equations and equations.
  9. Polynomial equations and methods of finding solutions.
  10. Factoring techniques.
  11. Simplify rational expressions and solve rational equations.
  12. Simplify radical expressions and solve radical equations.
  13. Solve quadratic equations.
  14. Solve logarithmic and exponential equations.
  15. Use of the given skills in solving real-world problems.

Representative Learning Activities

What will the students be doing (i.e., Listening to lectures, participating in discussions and/or group activities, attending a field trip, etc.)? Relate the activities directly to the Course Learning Outcomes.

• Working in class on sets of representative problems that will allow them to review the material from elementary and/or intermediate algebra.
• Listening to lectures.
• Participating in group activities or assignments.
• Participating in in-class assignments or discussions.
• Completing online assignments on the computer.

Assessment Tasks

How will the student show evidence of achieving the Course Learning Outcomes? Indicate which assessments (if any) are required for all sections.

• Representative assessment tasks:
  • In-class quizzes.
  • Assignments using online testing system.
  • Group projects or other in-class activities.
  • Individualized assignments based on skill level.
• Required assessments for all sections – to include but not limited to:
  • Course-specific online examinations and assignments.

Examples of Appropriate Texts or Other Readings

• Author: Bittinger, Ellenbogen and Johnson; Title: Elementary and Intermediate Algebra Graphs and Models, Custom Edition; Date: 2007
• Author: Department of Mathematics, College of the Redwoods; Title: Intermediate Algebra, Third Edition; Date: 2007