DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS COURSE INFORMATION SHEET FOR
MAT100 – INTRODUCTORY ALGEBRA
COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE: MAT100 - Introductory Algebra
COURSE SECTION: 40C
CONTACT HOURS: 4
CREDIT HOURS: 4 (free elective credit only)
SEMESTER AND YEAR: Fall 2013
INSTRUCTOR’S NAME, TELEPHONE NUMBER, EMAIL ADDRESS, OFFICE
NUMBER, AND OFFICE HOURS:
Todd Bailey: 570 – 7074 , todd.bailey@clinton.edu
Website: http://webpages.charter.net/bail7546/
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course covers basic algebraic skills essential to the study of mathematics. Course topics
include linear expressions, equations and inequalities; systems of equations and inequalities;
polynomial, rational and radical expressions and equations; and graphing on the coordinate
plane. Applications to various fields of study will be explored. This course counts as free
elective credit only. Students must earn a C- or better to take MAT104 College Algebra with
Trigonometry I or MAT105 Technical Mathematics I.
II. PREREQUISITE: MAT098 – Prealgebra, equivalent or placement
III. COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Students satisfactorily completing this course will be able to:
1. Communicate using the appropriate mathematical vocabulary
2. Identify algebraic expressions and equations
3. Use appropriate mathematical notation
4. Translate word problems into mathematical expressions or equations and vice versa
5. Complete tables of values using provided equations
6. List the factors of a given number and give the prime factorization of a given number
7. Build up a given fraction to an equivalent fraction with the indicated denominator and
simplify a given fraction
8. Convert an improper fraction to an equivalent mixed number and vice versa
9. Perform operations with real numbers
10. Convert between fractions, decimals and percentages
revised 6/13
11. Order given real numbers and graph given real numbers on the number line
12. Use the order of operations to simplify algebraic expressions
13. Evaluate an expression by substituting in given values
14. Simplify a given expression by combining like terms and by using the distributive
property
15. Solve a given equation, formula and inequality
16. Write clear, coherent solutions that demonstrate an understanding of the math concepts
17. Logically determine if solutions make sense
18. Solve word problems within the context of business, economics, entertainment, health,
science, sports, and technology applications
19. Graph a given point on the coordinate plane and identify a point that has been graphed
20. Determine the slope and intercepts of a linear equation
21. Place a linear equation in each of the following forms: slope-intercept form, point-slope
form, or general form
22. Write and graph linear relationships
23. Determine if given linear functions are parallel, perpendicular or neither
24. Evaluate functions at a point
25. Determine if a mathematical relationship is a function
26. Determine the domain and range of a function
27. Determine if a given ordered pair is a solution to a system of linear equations or
inequalities
28. Solve a system of linear equation by the graphing method, the substitution method and
the addition method
29. Solve linear inequalities and systems of linear inequalities and graph their solution set
30. Simplify expressions involving exponents
31. Convert numbers in standard notation to scientific notation and vice versa and use to
simplify computations
32. Determine if a given expression is a polynomial and the degree of a given polynomial
33. Perform operations with polynomials
34. Use various factoring techniques to factor polynomials (including factoring out GCF,
factoring difference of squares, factoring by grouping, and factoring trinomials).
35. Solve a quadratic equation by factoring and by using the quadratic formula
36. Simplify rational and radical expressions and complex fractions
37. Perform operations with rational and radical expressions
38. Solve simple radical and rational equations
39. Convert expressions with rational exponents to radical form
IV. REQUIRED TEXTBOOK AND MATERIALS:
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK
Introductory Algebra with Nolting Study Skills Workbook and WebAssign, 4th edition; Alan S.
Tussy and R. David Gustafson. Brooks/Cole. ISBN #978-1-2852-5456-2
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
A scientific calculator (or graphing), pencils, graph paper
revised 6/13
V. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION/COURSE ORGANIZATION: The class will be taught
using a lecture approach with some small group and individual work. Objectives and homework
will be announced at each meeting. Homework must be completed before the next class. If you
need help, I am available in room 520M by appointment or you can go to the tutoring center
located in room 412M. Working together in study groups is highly recommended.
VI. ATTENDANCE PROCEDURE (INCLUDING MAKEUP POLICY): Students must
attend classes to be successful. It is the policy of Clinton Community College that students who
miss 15% of class can be involuntarily withdrawn from class. Students who come to class late or
leave early will receive ½ credit for attendance that day.
Makeup policy: I will allow work to be submitted late only when an appointment is made within
24 hours of missing class.
VIII. METHODS OF EVALUATION (INCLUDING THE CALCULATION OF COURSE
GRADE):
Quizzes:
4 Unit Tests
Final exam
30%
50%
20%
The final exam grade can replace the lowest test grade (provided that it helps the overall grade).
The lowest quiz grade will not be calculated into the final grade.
IX. GRADING SCALE:
> 93%
90%-93%
87%-89%
83%-86%
80%-82%
77%-79%
73%-76%
70%-72%
67%-69%
63%-66%
< 63%
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
F
X. GENERAL TOPICS OUTLINE:
1.
An Introduction to Algebra (textbook chapter 1)
including describing numerical relationships, fractions and decimals, real numbers,
operations with real numbers, solving equations, exponents and order of operations,
algebraic expressions
2.
Equations, Inequalities, and Problem Solving (textbook chapter 2)
including solving equations, problem solving, simplifying algebraic expressions,
revised 6/13
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
formulas, inequalities
Graphs, Linear Equations, and Functions (textbook chapter 3)
including graphing using the rectangular coordinate system, equations containing two
variables, graphing linear equations and inequalities, the slope of a line, describing
linear relationships, writing linear equations and inequalities, functions
Solving Systems of Equations and Inequalities (textbook chapter 4)
Exponents and Polynomials (textbook chapter 5)
including integer exponents, scientific notation, polynomials, operations involving
polynomials
Factoring and Quadratic Equations (textbook chapter 6)
including factoring out the greatest common factor, factoring by grouping, factoring
trinomials, solving quadratic equations by factoring
Rational Expressions and Equations (textbook chapter 7)
including simplifying rational expressions, operations with rational expressions,
complex fractions
Roots and Radicals (textbook chapter 8)
including evaluations square and higher order roots, operations with radicals, solving
radical equations and rational exponents
Quadratic Equations (textbook chapter 9)
solving equations using the Quadratic Formula
XI. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: Academic honesty is expected of all Clinton Community
College students. It is academically dishonest, for example, to misrepresent another person’s
work as one’s own, to take credit for someone else’s work or ideas, to accept help on a test, to
obtain advanced information on confidential test materials, or to intentionally harm another
student’s chances for academic success.
XII. COURSE CONTINUITY PLAN: In the case that the college officially closes because of
an emergency which causes a short term disruption of this course, we will utilize e-mail to
continue this course in the short term (1-3 weeks). All students need to utilize their campus
email to receive course related information.
ACCOMMODATIVE SERVICES: If you have, or suspect you may have, any type of
disability or learning problem that may require extra assistance or special accommodations,
please speak to me privately after class or during my office hours as soon as possible so I can
help you obtain any assistance you may need to successfully complete this course. You should
also contact Laurie Bethka, Room 420M in the Accommodative Services Office, for further
assistance.
TECHNOLOGY STATEMENT: A CCC student should expect that any class may require
some course activity that uses a computer and the internet. Activities could include, but are not
limited to, accessing the course syllabus, schedule, or other handouts on the website, completing
homework online, taking quizzes or submitting written work, participating in a discussion
or sending/receiving e-mail.
revised 6/13