Chabot College
Fall 2003
Replaced Fall 2010
Course Outline for Mathematics 55A
INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA A
Catalog Description:
55A - Intermediate Algebra A
3 units
Concepts covered in the first half of Mathematics 55 including complex numbers, quadratic equations,
radical expressions, radical equations, rational exponents, absolute value equations and inequalities, and
functions and their graphs. Prerequisite: Mathematics 65 or Mathematics 65B or Mathematics 65L
(completed with a grade of C or higher) or an appropriate skill level demonstrated through the
Mathematics Assessment process. May not receive credit if Mathematics 55 has been completed.
3 hours lecture, 0-1 hour laboratory.
[Typical contact hours: lecture 52.5, laboratory 0 - 17.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
Before entering the course the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
write set theory notation;
apply order of operations to simplify algebraic expressions;
solve linear equations in one variable;
solve and graph linear inequalities in one variable;
graph linear equations in two variables by various methods;
add, subtract, multiply, and divide polynomials;
apply the formula for squaring a binomial;
factor special products, general trinomials, and polynomials with four terms;
add, subtract, multiply, divide and simplify rational expressions;
apply algebraic methods to solve word problems;
solve quadratic equations by factoring, using the principle of square roots, and using the quadratic
formula;
solve systems of equations by graphing, substitution and elimination;
apply the properties of integral exponents;
solve formulas for any given variable;
solve rational equations;
find the slope of a line from the graph, from the definition and from the slope-intercept equation of
the line;
find the equation of a line using the point-slope equation;
convert between scientific notation and standard notation.
Expected Outcome for Students:
Upon the completion of the course the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
perform basic operations on complex numbers;
solve quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square, and quadratic formula;
find complex roots of a quadratic equation;
sketch the graphs of algebraic functions, including polynomial and rational;
apply the properties of and perform operations with radicals;
apply the properties of and perform operations with rational exponents;
solve equations and inequalities involving absolute values;
solve equations involving radicals;
find the distance between two points;
find the midpoint of a line segment.
Chabot College
Course Outline for Mathematics 55A, Page 2
Fall 2003
Course Content:
1. Review rational expressions and equations
2. Direct and inverse variation
3. Absolute value equations and inequalities
4. Exponents
a. Review integral exponents
b. Review properties
c. Rational exponents
5. Factoring
a. Review strategy
b. Sum and differences of cubes
6. Radicals
a. Simplifying
b. Operations
7. Rational exponents
8. Solving equations with radicals
9. Complex numbers
10. Quadratic equations
a. Review Factoring
b. Completing the square
c. The quadratic formula
d. The discriminant
e. Complex roots
11. Solving equations involving quadratic forms
12. Review graphing linear equations and slope of a line
13. Distance and midpoint formulas
14. Introduction to functions
a. Basic function types and their graphs (linear, quadratic, square root, absolute value, simple
rational functions to introduce asymptotes)
b. Basic reflection and translation of graphs
c. Operations
Methods of Presentation:
1. Informal lectures
2. Classroom discussion of problems, solutions and student questions
3. Audio-visual materials
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Exercises from the text book
The half-life of tritium is 12.4 years. How long will it take for 25% of a
sample of tritium ot decompose?
b. Collaboratives
Create equations given the solutions to the equations.
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Homework
b. Quizzes
c. Midterms
d. Final examination
Chabot College
Course Outline for Mathematics 55A, Page 3
Fall 2003
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Intermediate Algebra, Gustafson/Frisk, Brooks/Cole Publishing Co., 2002
Special Student Materials:
A graphing or scientific calculator may be required.
b:Math\CourseOutlines\55A:9812.07
css Revised: 09/20/00
css Revised: 08/05/01
css Revised: 09-10-01
css Revised; 08—23-02 (Stubblebine)