MATH095 Basic Algebra
Department of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics: Mathematics
- I. Course Number and Title
- MATH095 Basic Algebra
- II. Number of Credits
- 3 credits
- III. Number of Instructional Minutes
- 2250
- IV. Prerequisites
- Math Placement Test score of 3 or MATH090 (C or better)
- Corequisites
- None
- V. Other Pertinent Information
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This course will not satisfy the general elective category for students who entered their program or study in or after the 2007 Fall semester.
Basic Algebra is considered a developmental course. A comprehensive departmental final examination is included in this course.
- VI. Catalog Course Description
- This is an introductory course in Algebra. Topics include operations with numerical and algebraic expressions, solving linear and absolute value equations and inequalities; factoring polynomials, solving quadratic equations, and graphing linear equations and inequalities. Study skills are also emphasized. Transferability is determined by transfer institution.
- VII. Required Course Content and Direction
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Course Learning Goals
Students will:
- add, subtract, multiply, and divide signed numbers;
- simplify algebraic expressions by distributive property and combining like terms;
- solve first degree equations and inequalities including absolute value equations and inequalities, and solve relevant applications;
- add, subtract, multiply polynomials and divide polynomials;
- factor polynomials and solve quadratic equations; and
- graph linear equations and inequalities; solve systems of linear equations, and write equations of lines.
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Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities
- Linear Equations and Inequalities
- Linear functions
- Applications involving linear functions
- Linear inequalities in one variable
- Compound and absolute value equations and inequalities
- Linear equations in two variables, slope, point slope form, slope intercept form; parallel and perpendicular lines
- Graph linear equations and inequalities in two variables
- Solve systems of linear equations in two variables
- Applications involving linear equations and inequalities in two variables
- Polynomials
- Addition and subtraction of polynomials
- Multiplication and division of polynomials
- Integer exponents and scientific notation
- Factoring Polynomials
- Exponent rules
- Common factors
- Factoring polynomials in the form x2 + bx + c
- Factoring polynomials in the form ax2 + bx + c
- Factoring by Grouping
- Factoring the difference of squares
- Factoring the sum or difference of cubes
- Special factoring - trinomial squares
- Use factoring to solve quadratic equations
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Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals
The students apply mathematical concepts and principles to identify and solve problems presented through informal assessment, such as oral communication among students and between teacher and students. Formal assessments consist of open-ended and multiple choice questions reflecting theoretical and applied situations.
The final exam must be at least 20% of the course grade. Study guides, formula sheets, and other aids may not be used on the final exam.
A minimum of 70% of a student's grade must be determined from proctored assessments and work. These proctored assessments include tests, quizzes, departmental final exam, or other proctored in-class assignments.
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Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
Departmentally selected textbook and math learning management system. Details on other materials provided by the instructor of each course section. See course syllabus. Student notebook is required and a simple calculator is optional. If a calculator is used, it must be a TI-30X IIS (not the MultiView series).
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Review/Approval Date - 4/06; New Core 8/2015; Revised 6/2016; Updated 11/2019