Santa Monica College
Course Outline For
Math 84
Course Title: Prealgebra
Units: 3
IGETC Area: Not Applicable
CSU GE Area Not Applicable
Transfer: Not Applicable
Date Submitted:
Updated: April 2009
I.
Catalog Description: This course prepares the student for Elementary Algebra. It assumes a
thorough knowledge of arithmetic. Course content includes integers, signed fractions, signed
decimals, grouping symbols, the order of operations, exponents, and algebraic expressions and
formulas. The emphasis is on concepts essential for success in algebra.
Course comment: Students enrolled in this course are required to spend time each week in the
Math Lab on the main campus or at the AET campus; this requirement may be completed
electronically. Course credit for completing Math 84 may not be applied toward satisfaction of the
Associate in Arts Degree requirements.
Prerequisite: Math 81
II.
Required Text and References:
(include all publication dates, for transferable courses at least one text should have been
published within the last five years)
Suggested Text:: Kennedy, John R., and Terry R. Green, Prealgebra for College Students
Second edition, Houghton Mifflin Company, Copyright 2000.
Allen, Claudia, Thinking Quantitatively: The Number Line and Measurement,
Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, 2008
III.
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of the course students will be able to:
A.
Add, subtract, multiply, and divide integers, signed fractions and signed decimals.
B.
Use correct mathematical vocabulary and notation when translating phrases from English to
mathematics and from mathematics to English
C. Read and analyze a word problem and represent the information in algebraic form.
D. Use prime factorizations of whole numbers together with concepts of least common multiple
and greatest common factor to simplify signed fractions.
E.
Use the order of operations to evaluate expressions involving signed numbers, including,
but not limited to, those containing nested grouping symbols
F.
Convert between signed fractions and signed decimals, and between fractions and percents
G. Solve introductory level applications requiring the use of integers, fractions, decimals and
percents.
H. Show work in a sequence of clear and logical steps
I.
Graph signed rational numbers on the number line.
J.
Compare two rational number expressions and use an inequality symbol or equal sign to
express their order relationship
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K.
L.
M.
N.
O.
P.
Find the square root of a perfect square
Determine two consecutive whole numbers between which the principal square root of a
non-perfect square lies
Find the perimeter and area of closed polygonal regions, as well as the surface area and
volume of a rectangular solid using units of measurement.
Evaluate algebraic expressions given the replacement values of the variables
Simplify sums, differences, products, quotients and integer powers of monomial
expressions
Solve first degree equations in a single variable.
IV.
Methods of Presentation:
Lecture, discussion, group work
V.
Course Content
Percentage
of Term
20%
20%
15%
20%
20%
5%
VI.
Methods of Evaluation:
Percentage
60%
25%
15%
VII.
Topic
Integers
Signed Fractions
Signed Decimals
Algebraic Expressions and Formulas
Translations and Applications
Solving First Degree Equations
(Actual percentages will vary from instructor to
instructor but approximate values are shown.)
Evaluation Method
4 to 6 Exams
Final Exam
Homework, quizzes, collaborative learning activities
Sample Assignments: (please describe at least 2 sample assignments)
1. Use the Order of Operations Agreement to simplify the following expression.
2
10    2 
5
3 2


       
18    3 
6
4 9



2. The Saturn – 5 rocket uses 534,000 gallons of fuel in 2.5 minutes. How much fuel does
the rocket use per minute?