Elementary Algebra
Course Description:
Prerequisite: MTH 096 with a grade of C or better or an
acceptable score on the current College assessment instrument.
Includes natural numbers, integers, first-degree equations and
inequalities, special products, factoring, rational expressions
and equations, graphs, and linear systems, exponents, and
quadratic equations. This course was previously MTH 107.
You may receive credit in MTH 107 or MTH 097, but not both.
(Equivalent to first year high school algebra). (45-0)
OUTCOMES and OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
Outcome:
1. Students will develop their skills in number patterns,
relationships, and
computation.
Objectives:
A. Compute (add, subtract, multiply and divide) with signed numbers
without the use of a calculator.
B. Simplify numerical expressions with multiple operations and grouping
symbols using the order of operations.
C. Simplify rates and ratios.
D. Compute the opposite, reciprocal, and absolute value of a given real
number.
E. Estimate the value of a numerical expression.
F. Identify an approximate answer to an application problem prior to
working it out.
G. Identify the appropriate unit of an answer to a word problem.
Outcome:
2. Students will develop their skills in the computation
and recognition of
algebraic expressions.
Objectives:
A. Add, subtract, and multiply polynomial expressions.
B. Simplify algebraic expressions with multiple operations and grouping
symbols using the order of operations.
C. Simplify algebraic expressions using the rules of exponents.
D. Simplify algebraic expressions using the distributive property.
E. Compare and contrast terms and factors.
F. Simplify rational expressions.
G. Factor polynomials by taking out a common factor.
H. Factor trinomials.
I. Factor binomials of the form x2 - y2
J. Identify an algebraic expression that cannot be factored.
K. Compute the opposite and reciprocal of a given algebraic expression.
L. Identify and give examples of like and unlike terms.
M. Identify and give examples of linear, quadratic, rational, and radical
expressions.
N. Compare and contrast expressions and equations.
Outcome: 3.
Student can solve a variety of equations, inequalities,
and systems of
equations.
Objectives: Student will:
A. Solve a variety of linear, quadratic (using the factoring method and the
quadratic formula), radical, and rational equations.
B. Verify the solution of an equation.
C. Recognize situations in which an equation has no solution or has
multiple solutions.
D. Solve a variety of linear inequalities.
E. Verify the solution of a linear inequality.
F. Recognize situations in which a linear inequality has no solution or
multiple solutions.
G. Use interval notation, relational symbols ( <, >, ≤, ≥) dimensional
graph, or a verbal description to describe a set of numbers.
H. Solve a variety of systems of linear equations.
I. Verify the solution of a system of linear equations.
J. Recognize situations in which a system of linear equations has no
solution or multiple solutions.
Outcome: 4.
Student can recognize and understand concepts related to linear
functions.
Objectives: Student will:
A. Solve linear equations algebraically, graphically, and
numerically.
B. Solve systems of linear equations algebraically, graphically, and
numerically.
C. Compute the slope of a line in a variety of contexts.
D. Identify the slope of a line as positive, negative, zero, or undefined.
E. Interpret the slope of a line in context as a rate of change.
F. Compute the y-intercept of a line in a variety of contexts.
G. Interpret the y-intercept of a line in context as an initial amount.
H. Compute the equation of a line in y = mx + b form in a variety of
contexts.
Outcome:
5. Students will develop their skills in the construction and
interpretation of
Cartesian graphs.
Objectives:
A. Construct the graph of a line if given the equation of the line.
B. Identify an appropriate scale for both axes when constructing a graph.
C. Approximate one coordinate of a point on a graph is given the other.
D. Identify graphs as linear or non-linear.
Outcome:
6. Students will develop their problem-solving skills.
Objectives:
A. Set up an equation or expression if given a word phrase.
B. Describe in words the meaning of an expression or equation.
C. Solve a variety of real world problems using the tools of algebra and
mathematical modeling.
Outcome:
7. Students will communicate effectively about mathematics.
Objective:
A. Use mathematics terminology effectively in writing and speaking.