Chabot College
Fall 2010
Replaced Fall 2011
Course Outline for Mathematics 65A
ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA A
Catalog Description:
65A – Elementary Algebra A
3 units
Concepts covered in the first half of Mathematics 65, including signed numbers, polynomials and integer
exponents; linear equations and inequalities; introduction to graphs; set theory. Designed for those with
no previous algebra background. Prerequisite: Mathematics 104, (both 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 65 or 65L has been completed. 3 hours lecture, 0-1 hour laboratory.
[Typical contact hours: lecture 52.5, laboratory 0 - 17.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
Upon completion of the course the students should be able to:
1. apply the commutative, associative and distributive laws;
2. perform computations with signed numbers without a calculator;
3. apply order of operations in evaluating algebraic expressions;
4. simplify exponential expressions with whole number exponents;
5. create, interpret, and solve simple linear equations;
6. find area, circumference, diameter and radius of a circle;
7. solve a right triangle using Pythagorean Theorem;
8. simplify square roots of perfect squares;
9. solve problems using percents;
10. find the areas, perimeters, and volumes of geometric figures and objects;
11. translate between words and the mathematical symbols for variables and operations;
12. interpret operations and variables in algebraic expressions;
13. graph simple relationships between two variables;
14. solve word problems, including those using formulas and linear equations.
Expected Outcome for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
write using 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;
apply algebraic methods to solve word problems;
solve formulas for any given variable;
apply the properties of integral exponents;
convert between scientific notation and standard notation;
find the slope of a line from the graph, from the definition and form the slope-intercept
equation of the line.
Course Content:
1. Set theory notation
2. Real number system
a. Properties of addition and multiplication
b. absolute value
c. Order of operations
d. Graphing on the number line
3. Algebraic expressions
4. Linear equations
Chabot College
Course Outline for Mathematics 65A, page 2
Fall 2010
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
a. Solving
b. Applications
c. Formulas
Linear inequalities on one variable
a. Solving
b. Graphing on the number line
c. Applications
Operations and simplifying polynomials
Graphing linear equations in two variables
a. Plotting points
b. Plotting intercepts
Finding slope
a. From the graph
b. From two points
Exponents
a. Integral
b. Scientific notation
Methods of Presentation:
1. Informal lectures
2. Class discussion of problems, solutions and student’s questions
3. Audio-visual materials
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Exercises from the textbook
The balance in Wills’ Mastercard® account grew 2% to $870 in one month. What was his
balance at the beginning of the month?
b. Collaboratives
Ask the students to work together to solve four application problems
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Homework
b. Quizzes
c. Class participation
d. Midterms
e. Final exam
Textbook(s)(Typical):
Elementary Algebra Concepts and Applications, Bittenger and Ellenbogen, 7th ed., Addison
Wesley, 2006
Special Student Materials:
None
DH:al
Revised: 10/28/05