Santa Monica College
Mathematics Department Addendum
Math 18 – Intermediate Algebra for Statistics & Finite Math
Prerequisite Comparison Sheet – exit skills of Math 31 and entry skills for Math 18
Exit Skills for Math 31
Upon successful completion of Math 31, the student will be able to:
A.
Solve linear, quadratic, and literal equations, and systems of equations and linear
inequalities.
B.
Graph linear equations and inequalities
C.
Factor polynomials at an elementary level.
D.
State and apply the quadratic formula.
E.
Add, subtract, multiply and divide polynomials, square roots and rational
expressions
F.
Simplify complex fractions, square roots and exponential expressions.
G.
Solve introductory level equations with rational and radical expressions.
H.
Translate and solve algebraic word problems in a single variable
I.
Given the description of a graph of a line, write an equation of the line.
J.
Define and use properties of equality and inequality
K.
Recognize and use common mathematical language to describe mathematical
processes in either written or verbal form.
L.
Apply units of measurements in the solution of algebraic applications as
appropriate
:
Entry Skills for Math 18
Prior to enrolling in Math 18 students should be able to
1.
Perform basic operations on polynomials.
.2.
Factor general trinomials at an elementary level
3.
Solve linear equations in a single variable over the rationals
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Entry Skills for Math 18
4.
Solve second degree polynomial equations in a single variable over the
rationals by factoring
5.
Simplify square roots.
6.
Solve first degree linear inequalities in a single variable
7.
Solve applications involving equations in a single variable.
8.
Solve linear systems of two equations in two variables
9.
Graph first degree equations/ inequalities in one and two variables
10. Given the description of a graph of a line, write the equation of the line
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Santa Monica College
Student Learning Outcomes
Date: Fall 2009
Course Name and Number:
Math 18 Intermediate Algebra for Statistics and Finite Mathematics
Student Learning Outcome(s):
 Individual faculty members will develop and reports on assessments for SLOs.
1.
Given a multi-step application problem, students will apply algebraic concepts and
vocabulary to formulate an appropriate equation, inequality, or system of equations or
inequalities, solve this mathematical problem, and interpret the answer.
2.
Given equations such as linear, quadratic, logarithmic and exponential, students will
solve for the indicated variable
Demonstrate how this course supports/maps to at least one program and one institutional
learning outcome. Please include all that apply:
1.
Program Outcome(s):
The student will demonstrate an appreciation and understanding of mathematics in order to
develop creative and logical solutions to various abstract and practical problems.
As a result of learning about the the basic structure and manipulation of mathematical
functions, students will analyze and solve abstract and practical problems.
2.
Institutional Outcome(s):
As a result of studying instructor feedback given during lecture, or written on homework and
exams, students will evaluate information critically and present solutions in a clear and
logical manner.
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Comparison of Math 20 with Math 18
It is important for instructors to distinguish that Math 20 and Math 18, while both titled “Intermediate
Algebra”, serve two different populations. The statement of intent submitted to the SMC Curriculum
Committee in fall 2008 when Math 18 was proposed as an alternative prerequisite for Math 21, Finite
mathematics for Liberal Arts, and Math 52/54, Elementary Statistics, is quoted below.
“It has become apparent that the foundational needs of students intending to continue onto
Calculus or teaching mathematics differ from students whose goal is a terminal liberal arts or
statistics math course. Intermediate Algebra, Math 20, serves as a launching group for both
students. …
“Math 20 will continue to serve those students planning to continue on to calculus, Math 41,
Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers, or who are undecided. Math 18, Algebra for
Statistics and Finite Mathematics, is a new 3-unit course that is a second course in high school
algebra designed for students whose terminal math course is Math 21 (Finite Mathematics) or
Math 54 (Elementary Statistics). This 3-unit course differs from the 5-unit course Math 20 in the
target audience. Math 20 remains the more rigorous algebraic prerequisite for students who
intend to take calculus or Math 41 (Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers). While Math
20 and Math 18 cover the same broad topics, the depth of the coverage in Math 18 is
substantially reduced from that of Math 20. In exchange, the emphasis in Math 18 is on setting
up and solving practical applications of the algebraic material, essential for success in the
following terminal courses.
It is critical that instructors teaching Math 18 recognize that while this course covers many, but not all, of
the same topics as Math 20, it serves as the preprequisite for students who plan to complete their study
of mathematics with Math 21, Finite Mathematics, or Math 54, Elementary Statistics. It is not meant to
prepare students for the study of calculus. For this reason, instructors should note that Chapters 5
(polynomial functions), 6 (rational expressions), 7 (rational exponents, radicals and complex numbers)
and 10 (conic sections) are not part of the curriculum for this course.
Textbook: Martin-Gay, E. Intermediate Algebra. Upper Saddle River, 2009
A Sample Schedule for Math 18
This schedule assumes a standard meeting schedule of 1 hr 20 min with 2 class meetings per week.
Session
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Text Section/Activity
Text section/topic
Chapter 1 Review of the Real Number System
2.1/2.3 Linear Equations in One Variable, Formulas and Problem Solving
2.4/2.5 Linear Inequalities and Problem Solving, Compound Inequalities
2.6/2.7 Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities
3.2/3.3 Introduction to Functions, Graphing Linear Functions
3.4/3.5 The Slope of a Line, Equations of Lines
Exam 1
4.1 Solving Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables
4.2 Solving Systems of Linear Equations in Three Variables
4.3 Systems of Linear Equations and Problem Solving
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Session
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
Text Section/Activity
4.4 Solving Systems of Equations by Matrices
3.7/4.5 Graphing Linear Inequalities, Solving Systems of Linear Inequalities
8.1/8.2 Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square & the Quadratic
Formula
8.3 Solving Equations by Using Quadratic Methods
8.5 Quadratic Functions and Their Graphs
8.6 Further Graphing of Quadratic Functions
Exam 2
9.2 Inverse Functions
9.3 Exponential Functions
9.4 Logarithmic Functions
9.5 Properties of Logarithms
9.6 Common Logarithms, Natural Logarithms, and Change of Base
9.7 Exponential and Logarithmic Equations and Applications
Exam 3
11.1/11.3 Sequences, Series
11.2 Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences
11.4 Partial Sums of Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences
Review