Mathematics, Statistics & Computer Science
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Jarvis Hall Science Wing 231
Menomonie, WI 54751-0790
COURSE NUMBER/TITLE:
MATH-010 [355-010] Fundamentals of Algebra
CREDITS:
2
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Review of fundamental principles of elementary algebra. Credit
earned for MATH-010 will not count toward graduation.
TEXTBOOK:
Beginning & Intermediate Algebra, 5th Ed., by Martin-Gay (adopted Spring 2014)
Previous:
Beginning Algebra, 5th Ed., by Martin-Gay (adopted F08)
Beginning Algebra, 4th Ed., by Martin-Gay (adopted F04)
Beginning Algebra by Tobey (prior to F04)
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. To help each student attain confidence and recognize their potential worth and ability to solve
problems.
2. To enable the student to attain an appreciation for the role of mathematics as a tool in problem
solving.
3. To encourage the student to search and discover reasons for the principles found in algebra.
4. To help the student to think in terms of abstracts.
5. To develop skills, understandings, and competencies in the area of elementary algebra.
6. To prepare the student for college-level mathematics.
COURSE OUTLINE:
I. Logic and Sets
1. Mathematical Statements
2. Connectives; Or, And, If-then
3. Truth Tables
4. Quantifiers; Some, Every, etc.
5. Basic Set Definitions and Notation
6. Operations on Sets
II. Real Number System
1. Basic Definition
2. Structure of the Real Number System
3. Properties of Real Numbers
4. Operations on the Real Numbers
5. Ratios and Percent
6. Use of Calculators in Calculation
III. First Degree Equations and Inequalities
1. First Degree Equation and Solutions
2. First Degree Inequalities and Solutions
3. Absolute Value in Equations and Inequalities
4. Formulas
5. Word Problems Applying First Degree Equations and Inequalities
IV. Exponents and Polynomials
1. Properties of Exponents
2. Scientific Notation
3. Operations in Polynomials
4. Greatest Common Factor and Least Common Multiple
5. Factoring Trinomials
6. Special Factoring Forms
V. Rational Expression
1. Reducing to Lowest Term
2. Operation on Rational Expressions
3. Equations Involving Rational Expressions and Proportions
4. Word Problems Applying Rational Expressions
VI. Rational Exponents and Roots
1. Rational Exponents
2. Simplifying Radicals
3. Operation on Radical Expressions
4. Equations Involving Radicals
VII. Quadratic Equations
1. Solving Quadratics by Factoring
2. Completing the Square and the Quadratic Formula
3. Word Problems Involving Quadratics
VIII.
Linear Equations and Inequalities
1. The Number Line and the Coordinate System
2. Graphing in Two Dimensions
3. Distance Between Points and Midpoint
4. Slope of a Line
5. Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
6. The Equations of a Line
7. Linear Inequalities and Their Solution Sets
8. Variation
IX. Systems of Linear Equations
1. Methods of Solving Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables
A. Graphing Method
B. Elimination Method
C. Determinants and Cramer's Rule
2. Word Problems
Updated 8/2015
Revised 3/1972
10/1967