MOHAWK VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
UTICA and ROME, NEW YORK
COURSE OUTLINE
MA 099 Introduction to Elementary Algebra
Prepared by
Alex Haines, July 2014
COURSE OUTLINE
Title: Introduction to Elementary Algebra
Catalog Number:
MA 099
Contact Hours:
1
Practicum Hours:
0
Credit Hours:
0
Prerequisite:
MA 090
Catalog
Description:
This course provides the skills necessary for the transition from MA090
for MA115 or MA171. Operation properties, multi-step equations,
polynomials, and graphing lines are covered.
Attendance Policy:
Course Repetition: 0
Major Topics:
For each of the following topics the student will:
Topic 1.
Algebraic Expressions and Linear Equations
1.1 Simplify algebraic expressions using the operations of addition and subtraction and
distribution of a constant over an expression.
1.2 Evaluate algebraic expressions.
1.3 Evaluate formulas, including when the desired variable is not isolated.
1.4 Determine solutions to first degree equations by applying the addition and
multiplication properties of equations.
1.5 Translate given verbal sentences into equations and solve the resulting equations.
Topic 2.
Lines
2.1 Graph ordered pairs on a rectangular coordinate system.
2.2 Determine solutions of given linear equations in two variables.
2.3 Graph solutions of given linear equations in two variables on a rectangular coordinate
system.
2.4 Recognize and graph horizontal and vertical lines from given equations.
2.5 Determine the x and y-intercepts of given linear equations in two variables.
2.6 Determine and interpret the slopes of lines given two points on the line and/or given
the equation of the line.
2.7 Determine an equation of a line given a point and the slope and/or given the graph of a
linear equation.
Topic 3.
Polynomials
3.1 Use the Rules of Exponents to simplify an expression.
3.2 Add and subtract polynomials
3.3 Multiply a monomial by a polynomial, a binomial by a binomial, and divide a
polynomial by a monomial.
3.4 Factor the Greatest Common Factor from a polynomial.
Teaching Guide
Title:
Introduction to Elementary Algebra
Catalog Number:
MA099
Contact Hours:
1
Practicum Hours:
0
Credit Hours:
0
Prerequisite:
MA090
Catalog
Description:
Text:
This course provides the skills necessary for the transition from MA090
for MA115 or MA171. Operation properties, multi-step equations,
polynomials, and graphing lines are covered.
Prealgebra and Introductory Algebra, (Custom), Wright: Hawkes Learning
Systems/Quant Systems Inc. 2012
MVCC Supplement written by Anna Radlowski and bundled with the text book.
Chapter 5
4Hours
5.1 Simplifying and Evaluating Algebraic Expressions
5.2 Translating English Phrases and Algebraic Expressions
5.3 Solving Linear Equations: x+b=c and ax=c
5.4 Solving Linear Equations: ax+b=c
5.5 Solving Linear Equations: ax+b=cx+d
5.6 Applications: Number Problems and Consecutive Integers
5.7 Applications: Percent Problems
5.8 Working with Formulas
5.9 Applications: Distance – Rate – Time, Interest, Mean, Cost – OMIT
Chapter 6
6.1 The Cartesian Coordinate System
6.2 Graphing Linear Equations in Two Variables
6.3 The Slope – Intercept Form
6.4 The Point – Slope Form
6.5 Linear Inequalities in One or Two Variables – OMIT
6.6 Introduction to Functions and Function Notation - OMIT
4 Hours
Chapter 7: Exponents, Polynomials, and Factoring Techniques
7.1
Exponents
5 Hours
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
7.7
7.8
7.9
7.10
7.11
Introduction to Polynomials
Addition and Subtraction with Polynomials
Multiplication with Polynomials
Special Products of Polynomials – OMIT
Greatest Common Factor (GCF) and Factoring by Grouping
Factoring Trinomials: x2+bx+c – OMIT
Factoring Trinomials: ax2+bx+c – OMIT
Special Factoring Techniques – OMIT
Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring – OMIT
Applications of Quadratic Equations – OMIT
The teaching guide leaves 1 hour for in class assessment. There will be a two hour
proctored comprehensive final examination. Study guides are prohibited on the final
exam according to math department policy.