Mathematics 097 - Beginning Algebra B

Credit Hours: 0
Contact Hours: 2 Lecture

Prerequisites:

Placement at MTH 095/096/097 level or successful completion of MTH 090 or MTH 096.

Course Description:

MTH 097 is designed for students with little or no algebraic background who desire to complete Beginning and Intermediate Algebra in one semester. This course, offered in the first part of the semester, will focus on the algebraic skills necessary to be successful in MTH 125 (Intermediate Algebra). Topics include a review of basic operations with real numbers, solution of basic and more advanced equations, ratio and proportion, graphing, operations with polynomials, factoring, and contextual problems.

Instructional Goals:

Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

  1. Perform operations with real numbers.
  2. Simplify and evaluate expressions with and without variables.
  3. Solve basic and more advanced linear equations in one variable.
  4. Translate verbal statements into algebraic statements.
  5. Solve formulas for different variables.
  6. Use formulas to solve contextual problems.
  7. Perform operations with polynomials.
  8. Apply the laws of exponents.
  9. Factor polynomials.
  10. Recognize and solve problems involving ratios and proportions.
  11. Graph equations with two variables.
  12. Find the slope and intercepts of a line.
  13. Solve course related contextual problems.
  14. Use appropriate technology in the solution of course related problems.

Course Topical Outline:

  1. Real Numbers
    1. Exponents and Absolute Value
    2. Fractions
    3. Operations with Real Numbers
    4. Scientific Notation
  2. Equations and Problem Solving
    1. Translating Algebraic Expressions and Equations
    2. Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
    3. Solving Basic Linear Equations
    4. Solving Advanced Linear Equations
    5. Formulas and Problem Solving
    6. Ratio and Proportion
  3. Graphing
    1. The Rectangular Coordinate System
    2. Techniques for Graphing Linear Equations
    3. Finding the Slope and Intercepts
  4. Exponents and Polynomials
    1. Exponent Rules
    2. Operations with Polynomials
    3. Difference of Squares
    4. Factoring Polynomials

    Attendance Policy:

    Class will begin on time and you are expected to be there at that time. You are expected to attend every class. If you do miss a class due to extenuating circumstances, you are responsible for making up all work covered. If you miss a quiz or a test, you must contact me immediately to arrange to make it up before the next class if at all possible.

    Course Methods:

    1. Mini lecture and class discussion.
    2. Small group activities and exercises.
    3. Calculator usage.

    Evaluation:

    Assignments 14x23=322 points One day late, -3; Two days late, -8
    Quizzes (5,
    drop one)    		 4x50=200 points
    Tests (3) 3x100=300 points
    Comprehensive Final Exam 200 points

    Your participation in this course is evaluated on the basis of satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (U) completion. A grade of 'S' is assigned to every student who achieves an overall average of 70% or higher. You will be able to track your progress under "Tools" on Blackboard.

    Course Materials:

    Textbook: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra by Martin-Gay
    Calculator: Scientific calculator that has a fraction key or TI-83