Chabot College
Fall 2003
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 105 or 105L, (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. May be offered in Distance Education delivery format. 3 hours lecture, 0-1 hour
laboratory.
Prerequisite Skills:
Before entering the course the student should be able to:
1. perform computations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and signed numbers without a
calculator;
2. apply the commutative and associative properties;
3. use ratios, proportions and percents;
4. identify basic geometric figures and their properties, including Pythagorean Theorem to find
lengths of sides, areas and perimeters;
5. calculate the mean and median;
6. convert within and between U.S. Standards and metric units of length, area, volume, mass,
temperature, and time;
7. solve simple algebraic equations;
8. use order of operations to simplify arithmetic expressions;
9. evaluate square roots of perfect squares;
10. solve word problems including those using formulas.
Expected Outcome for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
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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 the 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 and from the definition.
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
Chabot College
Course Outline for Mathematics 65A, Page 2
Fall 2003
4. Linear equations
a. Solving
b. Applications
c. Formulas
5. Linear inequalities in one variable
a. Solving
b. Graphing on the number line
c. Applications
6. Operations and simplifying polynomials
7. Graphing linear equations in two variables
a. Plotting points
b. Plotting intercepts
8. Finding slope
a. From the graph
b. From two points
9. 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 text book
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, Addison Wesley, 2002
Special Student Materials:
Scientific Calculator
C. Wieser Curriculum/math/65A/992000 Hps
Css Revised: 09/20/00 Css Revised: 03/23/01 Revised: 08-23-02 MATH 65A Outline Fall 2003 (Stubblebine)