MASTER COURSE OUTLINE
Big Bend Community College
Date: January 2009
COURSE TITLE:
Elementary Algebra
CIP Code:
Intent Code:
Program Code:N/A
33.0101
11
Distribution Desig.:
DEPT: MPC
NO: 095
CREDITS:
5
Total Contact Hours Per Qtr: 55
Lecture Hours Per Qtr:
55
Lab Hours Per Qtr:
Other Hours Per Qtr:
PREPARED BY: Stephen Lane, Barbara Whitney, Salah Abed, Sonia Farag and Tyler Wallace
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is the study of basic algebraic operations and concepts, and the structure and use of
algebra. This includes the solutions to algebraic equations, factoring algebraic expressions,
working with rational expressions and the graphing of linear equations.
PREREQUISITE(S):
BBCC placement exam or score of 70% or better on each module on the MPC 090 competency exam.
TEXT: Appropriate college level text as chosen by the math faculty.
COURSE GOALS:
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To present the fundamentals of algebra so that the student will be able to understand and
use the basic concepts of algebra to solve the simpler mathematical problems encountered
in consumer education.
To prepare the student for more advanced work in mathematics, science and business.
To increase the student’s ability to deal with abstract concepts.
To teach the students to think in a logical manner.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
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Perform the fundamental algebraic operations
Solve simple algebraic equations
Recognize functional relationships and work with function notation
Find the slope of a line and write its equation.
Factor and simplify algebraic expressions
Perform algebraic operations on rational expressions
Convert elementary word problems to algebraic sentences and solve
Work with proportions and variations
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COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE:
Introduction to Algebra and Algebraic Expressions
Introduction to Algebra
Simplifying Simple Radicals
Simplifying Absolute Value
The Commutative, Associative, and Distributive Laws
Fractional Notation
Positive and Negative Numbers
Addition of Real Numbers
Subtraction of Real Numbers
Multiplication and Division of Real Numbers
Exponential Notation and Order of Operations
Equations, Inequalities, and Problem Solving
Solving Linear Equations
Solving Linear Formulas
Solving Word Problems with Linear Equations
Solving Linear Inequalities in One Variable
Solving Linear Equations in Absolute Value
Functions, Lines and Graphs
Definition of a Function
Function Notation
Graphs of Linear Functions
Slope and y- intercept of a Line
Writing Equations of Lines
Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
Polynomials
Exponents and their Properties
Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials
Multiplication of Polynomials
Special Products
Polynomials in several Variables
Division of Polynomials
Negative Exponents and Scientific Notation
Polynomials and Factoring
Introduction to Factoring
Factoring Trinomials of the Type x2 + bx + c
Factoring Trinomials of the Type ax2 + bx + c
Factoring Trinomial Squares
Difference of Squares
Sum and Difference of Cubes
Solving a Quadric Equation by Factoring and using the Zero Product Rule
Rational Expressions and Equations
Rational Expressions
Multiplication and Division
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Ratios, Proportions and their Applications
Variation (Direct, Joint and Inverse)
Unit Conversion
EVALUATION METHODS/GRADING PROCEDURES:
45% of the grade will be based on in class exams, 40% on the department competency exam, and
the remaining 15% on homework or quizzes at the instructor’s discretion.
PLANNED TEACHING METHODS/LEARNING STRATEGIES:
x Lecture
Laboratory
Supervised Clinical
x Small Group Discussion
Audiovisual
Individualized Instruction
Special Project
Other (List)
Division Chair Approval
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