Chabot College
Fall 2010
Course Outline for Mathematics 65L
ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA WITH LABORATORY
Catalog Description:
65L – Elementary Algebra with Laboratory
5.5 units
Elementary concepts, including signed numbers, integral exponents, polynomials and rational
expressions; linear, quadratic and rational equations; linear inequalities; introduction to graphs and
set theory; systems of equations. Includes laboratory time designed to reinforce concepts and
enhance problem-solving skills. Prerequisite: Mathematics 104, (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 65A and 65B have been completed. 5 hours lecture, 1.5
hours laboratory.
[Typical contact hours: lecture 87.5, laboratory 26.2.5]
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:
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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 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;
apply and use direct or indirect variation.
Chabot College
Course outline for Math 65L, page 2
Fall 2010
Course Content (Lecture):
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
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. Factoring polynomials
a. Removing common factors
b. Trinomials
c. Difference of two squares
d. Grouping
8. Rational expressions
a. Simplifying
b. Operations
c. Complex fractions
9. Solving rational equations
10. Introduction to systems of linear equations
a. Graphing method
b. Substitution method
c. Elimination method
d. Applications
11. Graphing linear equations in two variables
a. Plotting points
b. Plotting intercepts
c. The slope-intercept method
12. Finding slope
a. From the graph
b. From two points
c. From the slope-intercept equation
13. Finding linear equations given the graph of the line or information about the line
14. Exponents
a. Integral
b. Scientific notation
15. Simplifying square roots of constants
16. Quadratic equations
a. Solving by factoring
b. Solving by principle of square roots
c. Solving by using the quadratic formula
Course Content (Laboratory):
Lab activities may include but are not limited to reviewing study skills, learning to use new software,
collaboratives or projects.
Chabot College
Course outline for Math 65L, page 3
Fall 2010
Methods of Presentation:
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Informal lectures
Student presentation of problems and solutions
Class discussion of problems, solutions and students’ questions
Audio-visual materials
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Exercises from the text book
Do Problem Set 1-5. Be prepared to present one of your solutions to the class. Find more
than one way to solve at least one of the problems.
b. Collaborative
Is n + 7 the opposite of n  7? Discuss this with your group. If it is true, write a convincing
argument to explain why it is always true. If it is false, give a counter-example.
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
a. Homework
b. Quizzes
c. Class participation
d. Presentation of problems and solutions
e. Midterms
f. Final Examination
Textbooks (Typical):
Elementary Algebra Concepts and Applications, Bittenger and Ellenbogen, 8th ed., Pearson
Publishing, 2010
Special Student Materials:
None
A. Wah 09/17/01
MATH 65A Outline Fall 2002
Revised: 10/2004
Updated by dh: 9/2009