Fall Semester 2003

INSTRUCTOR: K. W. Nicholson Office: BS 224 Office Hours : Mondays and Wednesdays 3-4 PM, Tuesdays & Thursdays 1-3 PM

Phone: Office: 256 215 4336 Lab: 256 215 4343 email: nnicholson@cacc.cc.al.us Webpage: http://caccphysics.cacc.cc.al.us

COURSE TITLE AND CREDIT:

Math 098 Elementary Algebra
3 Hrs Lecture
Credit: 3 semester Hours

COURSE PREREQUISITES: Sufficient score on the Placement Test.

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This is a course in beginning algebra. It provides the symbolism, definitions and skills that will enable one to succeed in a college level algebra course.

II. COURSE OBJECTIVES:

As a result of successfully completing this course the student will be able to:
1. Add, subtract, multiply and divide real numbers.
2. Know the orders of operations well enough to use them, and how they came about.
3.Know algebraic notation well enough to use it to reduce algebraic expressions and solve simple equations.
4. Read math properly out loud.
5. Use the field properties on the set of real numbers with respect to multiplication and addition.
6. Solve linear equations.
7. Solve rudimentary word problems.
8. Solve literal equations.
9. Solve linear inequalities.
10. Know scientific notation.
11. Differentiate between polynomials and other algebraic expressions.
12. Know the rules for exponents well enough to simplify simple expressions.
13. Add, subtract, multiply and divide polynomials.
14. Factor polynomials.
15. Solve quadratic equations by factoring and using the quadratic formula.
16. simplify radical expressions

III. CONTENT AND ORGANIZATION:
Chapter 1.Arithmetic and Algebra
1.3 Orders of Operations
1.6 Algebraic Expressions
1.7 Properties of Real Numbers

Chapter 2. Linear Equations and Inequalities
2.1 Linear Equations in One Variable
2.2 More Linear Equations
2.3 Even more linear equations
2.6 Formulas
2.7 Inequalities

Chapter 3 LINEAR EQUATIONS AND THEIR GRAPHS

3.2 Graphing Linear Equations
3.3 Slope of a Line
3.4 Writing Equations of Lines
3.5 Functions
3.6 Variation

Chapter 4 POLYNOMIALS AND EXPONENTS

4.1 Positive Integral Exponents
4.2 Zero and negative exponents
4.3 Scientific Notation
4.4 Polynomials
4.5 Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials
4.6 Multiplication of Polynomials
4.7 Division of Polynomials by monomials
4.8 Division of polynomials by polynomials

Chapter 5 FACTORING

5.1Factoring Out Common Factors
5.2Factoring by grouping
5.3Factoring special products
5.4Factoring monic Trinomials
5.5Factoring General Trinomials
5.7 Summary of factoring techniques

Chapter 6 PROPORTION AND RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS

6.1 Ratios
6.2 Proportions and Similar Triangles
6.3 Simplifying fractions
6.4 Multiplying Fractions
6.5 Adding and Subtracting Fractions
6.6 Complex Fractions
6.7 Solving Equations that contain Fractions

Chapter 8 POWERS AND ROOTS

8.1 Square Roots and Pythagorean Theorem
8.2 nth Roots and radicands that contain variables
8.3 Simplifying Radical Expressions
8.4 Adding and Subtracting Radical Expressions
8.5 Multiplying & Dividing Radical Expressions
8.7 Rational Exponents

Chapter 9 QUADRATIC EQUATIONS AND FUNCTIONS

9.1 Familiar Quadratic Equations
9.3 The Quadratic Formula

IV. References: Saxon's Algebra I & II, Math Blaster, Algebra Blaster, Mathpert, any other computerized algebra learning tool.

V. Required Assignments: Selected homework problems, quizzes and tests.

VI. Evaluation Procedures: Three 100 point exams, (taken in class), 200 point comprehensive final examination (taken in class).

VII Textbook: Gustafson & Frisk's Beginning Algebra, Sixth Edition

VIII. Other Important Information:

1. Grading System: A: 90 - 100 Accumulative percent, B: 80 - 89 Accumulative percent, C: 70 - 79 Accumulative percent, D: 60 - 69 Accumulative percent, F: 0 - 59 Accumulative percent.

 

2. Attendance policy is in the college catalog. Although we will adhere to that policy, it has been my observation that those missing more than one week of classes, excused or not, have difficulty passing the course.

 

3. if you have a disability that may prevent you from meeting the course requirements, contact the instructor before the end of the first week of classes to file a student disability request and to discuss a reasonable plan. Course requirements will not be waived but accommodations may be made to assist you in meeting the requirements, provided you are timely in working with the instructor to develop a reasonable accommodation plan.