College of DuPage
FY Fall/15
ACTIVE COURSE FILE
Curricular Area: Mathematics
Course Title:
Course Number: 0485
Algebra Refresher Workshop
Semester Credit Hours: 0.50
Lecture Hours: 0.50
Lab Hours: 0 Clinical Hours: 0
Course description to appear in catalog:
Designed as a focused review of the elementary and intermediate algebra techniques and
associated problem solving skills required for a student to be successful in college level math.
Students meeting mastery-level performance qualifications in the workshop can take a
written departmental exit examination for potential placement.
Repeatable for credit: No
Pre-Enrollment Criteria:
Consent of instructor
A.
General Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of the course the student should be able to do the
following:
1. Define and identify integers, rational numbers, irrational numbers, and real numbers
2. Apply the concepts of set theory to the real numbers
3. Demonstrate the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide signed numbers
4. Determine powers, roots, and absolute values of real numbers
5. Identify and apply the associative, commutative, and distributive properties
6. Use the order of operations to evaluate numerical expressions
7. Evaluate algebraic expressions
8. Express the prime factorization of an integer
9. Apply the rules of exponents to algebraic and numerical expressions
10. Convert standard notation to scientific notation and scientific notation to standard
notation
11. Express algebraic expressions in simplest form
12. Solve linear equations with one variable
13. Solve linear inequalities with one variable, graph the solution, and express the
solution in interval notation
14. Solve literal equations and formulas for a designated variable
15. Use linear equations and linear inequalities in problem solving
16. Plot points in the Cartesian coordinate system
17. Demonstrate the ability to graph a linear equation in two variables
18. Determine the slope of a line
19. Demonstrate the ability to write an equation of a line
20. Solve linear systems in two variables using graphing and algebraic techniques
21. Solve linear systems with more than two variables
22. Demonstrate the ability to graph the solution of a linear inequality in two variables
23. Demonstrate the ability to graph the solution of a system of linear inequalities
24. Use systems of linear equations in two or more variables in problem solving
25. Demonstrate the ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and simplify polynomials
26. Demonstrate the ability to factor polynomials using the greatest common
monomial factor and grouping
27. Demonstrate the ability to factor the difference of squares, trinomials, the sum of
cubes, and the difference of cubes
28. Solve equations using factoring
29. Use factoring in problem solving
B.
Topical Outline:
1. Operations with signed numbers, including fractions and decimals
2. Solution of linear equations and linear inequalities
3. Solution of problems involving basic geometrical formulas
4. Applications involving linear equations and inequalities
5. Rules of exponents and radicals, including rational exponents
6. Solution of linear systems of two and three equations
7. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of polynomials
8. Factorization of polynomials
9. Solution of quadratic equations
10. Simplification of rational expressions including addition, subtraction, multiplication,
and division of rational expressions
11. Equations of lines and graphs of linear equations
12. Functional notation, function values
13. Simplification and evaluation of algebraic expressions
14. Graphs of quadratic functions
15. Inverse functions
16. Variation
17. Solution of absolute value equations and inequalities
18. Exponential functions
19. Logarithmic functions
20. Complex numbers
C.
Methods of Evaluating Students:
1. Homework, tests, quizzes, and projects, all at the discretion of the instructor.
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Initiator
Date
Division Dean
Date
Textbook for Math 0485
ALEKS program is used.
Students flexibly progress at their own pace through as much of 0460, 0481, and 0482 as they
can.
Use of Technology in Math 0485
The mathematics faculty recommends to all mathematics instructors that any technology be
allowed and encouraged in any level mathematics course when it can be used by a
student to either
1.
simplify calculations where the mechanics of the problem have already been
mastered or
2.
explore and experiment with concepts and problems that enrich the
understanding of the material that is being taught.
In all Mathematics courses, students with a documented learning disability that specifically
requires a calculator as determined by Health Services, will be allowed to use a basic
calculator for all test/quiz questions where arithmetic calculations are not the main
objective. The specific disability must be verified with Health Services before the
accommodation can be made.