Course Title:
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Course Materials:
Aufmann, R. N., Barker, V. C., & Lockwood, J. S. (2006). Introductory algebra: An applied approach (7th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.
** Scientific Calculator required. | |
Course Description:
| MATH 009 Introductory Algebra (3) (Not open to students who have already successfully completed a higher-level mathematics course. Does not apply toward degree requirements. Yields institutional credit only.) Prerequisite: MATH 001 or an appropriate result on the placement test. A comprehensive review of fractions, percentages, operations with signed numbers, and geometric formulas. Basic algebraic topics include exponents, polynomials, and linear equations. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 009, MATH 009M, or MATH 100. | |
Course Goals/Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, minimal objectives the student has achieved include the following:
* Use the vocabulary and symbols of algebra and geometry
* Add, subtract, multiply, and divide real numbers including fractions, decimals, integers, and radicals
* Evaluate and simplify algebraic expressions
* Add, subtract, multiply, divide, and factor polynomials
* Compute perimeter, area, and volume for basic geometric figures
* Calculate percents, percentage changes, and absolute values
* Solve rational, radical, linear and quadratic equations
* Simplify exponents in multiplication and division
* Calculate a mathematical expression using a scientific calculator
* Apply these techniques to practical problems drawn from such fields as business, mathematics, and the social, life, and physical sciences.
Additional objectives may include:
* Graph linear equations and find the equation of a line
* Express a set using the roster method, set-builder notation, or graphing on a number line as appropriate | |
Course Introduction:
| This course provides students with a brief review of basic arithmetic tools as foundational for algebra. These tools are then used in developing understanding and skill at the introductory level of algebra. Basic geometry is incorporated in using algebraic skills for problem solving. This course comprehensively covers introductory algebra and will not only provide a foundation in algebra, analytic skills, and quantitative problem solving, but it will also develop and strengthen the student's study skills and self-confidence in mathematics. This course is preparatory for Intermediate Algebra. | |
Grading Information and Criteria:
There will be three 75-minute exams each worth 15% of the final grade and a comprehensive final exam that is worth 40% of the final grade. The remaining 15% of the final course grade will be comprised of optional projects, quizzes, or homework assignments.
Assessment Item
Points
% of Final Grade:
Exam 1 = 15 points = 15%
Exam 2 = 15 points = 15%
Exam 3 = 15 points = 15%
Projects/Quizzes/Homework Assignments = 15 points = 15%
Final Exam = 40 points = 40%
Grades will be determined by the number of points you have earned as follows:
Grade & Points:
A = 90-100%
B = 80-89.9%
C = 70-79.9%
D = 60-69.9%
F = less than 60%
NOTE: Faculty may edit this model. Participation as a component is advisable for online classes and may be incorporated in f2f classes. If the faculty wishes to incorporate participation as part of the course grade, then the above percentages will change. Assignment of projects is optional. | |
Other Information:
* Study time (including reading and exercises) can be expected to be 2 to 3 times the amount of lecture time. That is, for every hour in class expect to spend 2 to 3 hours out of class studying.
* Students who fall behind or fail to attempt the exercises could well find themselves in difficulty. Try to incorporate the skills and methods learned in this course in everyday life. It is the best way to learn.
* Attendance: It will be to the student's advantage to attend all classes. When absence is unavoidable, it is a student's own responsibility to makeup any work missed before the next class session. For administrative purposes, attendance will be recorded. Students expecting or experiencing long absences during the term should contact the faculty.
* Class Discussions: Students are encouraged (indeed, expected) to participate. Ask questions.
* Homework assignments will be given for each class session. You are responsible for solving all problems assigned. Completing all the homework problems should help you prepare for the exams. If there are any problems that you found difficult or were unable to solve, be prepared to ask questions concerning those problems. Mastery of math depends on practice, practice, practice!
* In addition to the textbook, you will need a scientific calculator and graph paper with grid size large enough to see without the aid of a magnifying glass. A straight edge and a few different colored pencils or pens will also be useful.
* Please do not tape record class sessions.
* Please turn off telephones before class. | |
Project Descriptions:
| If the faculty member incorporates projects as part of the course grade, the problems comprising the projects might come from the Focus on Problem Solving/Projects and Group Activities sections at the end of each chapter of the textbook or the faculty member might create projects based upon current events or items that are useful and of interest to the class. | |
Academic Policies:
Cases of plagiarism are handled consistent with current UMUC guidelines.
See the UMUC policies at the following URL:
http://www.umuc.edu/policy/ | |
Course Schedule:
Tentative Schedule; may be modified by instructor as circumstances deem necessary. All readings and assignments are from Introductory Algebra: An Applied Approach, by Aufmann, Barker, and Lockwood. Please read the sections to be covered prior to the class meeting. Homework assignments will be comprised of the odd numbered problems in each section unless specified otherwise during the class meetings.
Class Sections
Meeting Covered Topics and Exams
1 1.1-1.5 Real Numbers
2 2.1-3.4 Variable Expressions, Solving Equations
3 3.5, 3.6, 4.2, 4.4 Geometry and Mixture and Uniform Motion Problems, Exponents and Scientific Notation
4 4.1, 4.3, 4.5 Polynomials: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
5 5.1, 5.4 Exam I, Factoring Polynomials
6 5.2-5.5 Factoring Polynomials and Solving Equations
7 6.1-6.3 Rational Expressions: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and simplifying
8 6.4-6.8 Complex Fractions, Rational Equations, Applications
9 7.1-7.3 Exam II, Linear Equations
10 7.1, 7.4, 8.1 Functions, Equations of Lines, Solving a System of Linear Equations by Graphing
11 8.2-8.4 Solving Systems of Equations Algebraically
12 9.1-9.4 Inequalities
13 10.1, 10.3 Exam III, Radical Expressions
14 10.2-10.4 Radical Expressions and Equations
15 11.1, 11.3 Quadratic Equations, Review for Final Exam
16 Final Exam
NOTE: Exam I covers 1.1-4.5
Exam II covers 5.1-6.8
Exam III covers 7.1-9.4
Final Exam is comprehensive | |
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