DEPARTMENTAL COURSE SYLLABUS
BEGINNING ALGEBRA
Title of Course:
Beginning Algebra
Course Number:
Prerequisites:
CP 04783
C or better in CP 04003 Basic Math Skills (or)
Math score of 16–17 on ACT (or)
Math score of 40–45 on ASSET (type P) (or)
Math score of 40 or above on COMPASS (type P) (or)
Math score of 22–33 on COMPASS (type A)
Required Text:
Elementary Algebra: Michael Sullivan III, Katherine Struve and Janet
Mazzarella
Course Description:
CP courses are required by law if placement test results indicate a need for
College Prep classes. CP courses are graded on the following scale: A^, B^, C^,
D^, and F. In sequential courses a grade of C or better will be required to
advance to the next level. Courses which carry a CP prefix are not applicable for
transfer or graduation, and grades of A^, B^, C^, D^ are not figured into the
students G.P.A. A grade of F will be figured in the G.P.A.
CP 04783 Beginning algebra is designed as an introductory algebra course. topics
include; the real number system, polynomials, linear equations and inequalities,
absoluter values, factoring, and algebraic fractions.
Course Overview:
A study of the fundamentals of algebra, simplification of algebraic
expressions using properties of real numbers and order of
operations; graphing; exponents; linear equations; and scientific
notation.
Rationale:
Beginning Algebra is designed as the prerequisite for Intermediate Algebra.
Also, Beginning Algebra provides the opportunity for students to develop
creative and logical thinking while enhancing ones understanding of the effects
of math upon the individual, society and the environment.
End of Course Objectives:
At the end of this course the student should be able to:
A) Recognize the different sets of the real number system.
B) Apply more than one operation and the order of operations on expressions,
equations and inequalities.
C) Interpret and create graphs from linear equations that have one variable and
linear equation that have two variables.
D) Apply the rules of factoring to change polynomials into different forms
without changing their value.
E) Solve higher degree polynomial equations by factoring.
Grade Dissemination The student can access his/her assignment grades online by
logging into myANC and clicking on mycourses. Then going to the
appropriate course and click on grade book. All test scores,
homework grades and grade averages will be posted on the
myANC website after every exam (http://myanc.anc.edu). All
homework grades will be accessible on the CourseCompass
website where the student completes his/her homework. Mid-tem
and final grades can be accessed using Campus Connect on
myANC. Please note that scores posted mid-term are unofficial
grades. If you need help accessing myANC contact the ANC
Helpdesk by email: ANChelp@smail.anc.edu.
Grades of "Incomplete":
The current College policy concerning incomplete grades will be
followed in this course. Incomplete grades are given only in
situations where unexpected emergencies prevent a student from
completing the course and the remaining work can be completed
the next semester. Your instructor is the final authority on whether
you
qualify for an incomplete. Incomplete work must be finished
by the end of
the subsequent semester or the “I” will automatically
be recorded as
an “F” on your transcript.
Course Policies:
Technology and Media:
Email: Arkansas Northeastern College has partnered with
Google to host email addresses for ANC students. myANCmail
accounts are created for each student enrolled in the current
semester and is the email address your instructor will use to
communicate with you. Access your email account by going to
http://mail.google.com/a/smail.anc.edu and using your first and
last names, separated by a period for your username. Your
default password is the last six digits of your Student ID. If you
cannot access your student email, contact the MITS department
at 762-1020 ext. 1150 or ext. 1207 or send an email to
ANChelp@smail.anc.edu.
The student must have an e-mail account to enroll in MyMathLab.
Also, the student can communicate days absent or other pertinent
information to the instructor by e-mail.
Course Policies:
Student Expectations: Disability Access: Arkansas Northeastern College is committed
to providing reasonable accommodations for all persons with
disabilities. This First Day Handout is available in alternate
formats upon request. Students with disabilities who need
accommodations in this course must contact the instructor at the
beginning of the semester to discuss needed accommodations.
No accommodations will be provided until the student has met
with the instructor to request accommodations. Students who
need accommodations must be registered with Johnny Moore in
room S114.
.
Academic Conduct Policy: Academic dishonesty in any form will
not be tolerated. If you are uncertain as to what constitutes
academic dishonesty, please consult ANC’s Student Handbook
(http://www.anc.edu/docs/anc_handbook.pdf) for further details.
Students are expected to do their own work. Plagiarism, using the
words of others without express permission or proper citation, will
not be tolerated. Any cheating (giving or receiving) or other
dishonest activity will, at a minimum, result in a zero on that test or
assignment and may be referred, at the discretion of the
instructor, to the Department Chair and/or Vice President of
Instruction for further action.
Learning Assistance Center: The Learning Assistance Center (LAC) is a free resource for ANC
students. The LAC provides drop-in assistance, computer tutorials and
audio/visual aids to students who need help in academic areas. Learning labs
offer individualized instruction in the areas of mathematics, reading, writing,
vocabulary development and college study methods.
Tutorial services are
available on an individual basis for those having difficulty with instructional
materials. The LAC also maintains a shelf of free materials addressing specific
problems,
such as procedures for writing essays and term papers,
punctuation reviews, and other useful materials. For more information,
visit the LAC website at http://www.anc.edu/LAC or stop by room L104 in the
Adams/Vines Library Complex.
Other Student Support Services: Many departments are ready to assist you reach your educational
goals. Be sure to check with your advisor; the Learning Assistance Center,
Room L104; Student Support Services, Room S145; and Student Success,
Room L101 to find the right type of support for you.
UNIT AND INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES:
UNIT I:
Operations on Real Numbers and algebraic expressions.
Rationale:
Algebra is arithmetic using variables to represent unknown quantities. In this unit,
we will review the properties of real numbers and then apply them to algebraic
expressions.
Objectives:
At the conclusion of this unit, the student will have had the opportunity to do the
following:
1. Given a natural number, find the factors of the number and put the factors in prime
factorization form.
2. Given two or more natural numbers, find the least common multiple of them.
3. Given an expression in fraction form, write the expression in lowest terms.
4. Given a fraction, write an equivalent fraction,
5. Given a decimal number, round it to a specified place value.
6. Given a decimal number, write it as a fraction.
7. Given a fraction, write it as a decimal number.
8. Given a decimal number, write it as a percent.
9. Given a fraction, write it as a percent.
10. Given a number written in percent form, write it as a decimal and as a fraction.
11. Given a number, classify it as irrational, rational, integer, whole number or natural
number.
12. Given two real numbers, use inequalities to order the numbers.
13. Given two rational numbers, use the rules of addition to add or subtract the numbers.
14. Given two rational numbers, use the rules of multiplication to multiply the numbers.
15. Given two rational numbers, use the rules of division to divide the numbers.
16. Given an expression or equation, determine if it reflects the identity property of addition,
identity property of multiplication, the commutative property of multiplication or
addition, or the associative property of multiplication or addition.
17. Given a fraction with zero in the denominator or the numerator, simplify the fraction.
18. Given a unit of measurement, convert the unit into another unit of measurement.
19. Given a numerical expression, write it in exponential form.
20. Given a variable expression and a value for the variable, evaluate the expression.
21. Given an algebraic expression, identify the like terms and the coefficients of the terms.
22. Given an algebraic expression with parentheses, use the distributive property to remove
the parentheses.
23. Given an algebraic expression, simplify the expression by combining like terms.
24. Given an algebraic expression with parenthesis, simplify the expression by removing the
parentheses and adding like terms.
Unit II
Equations and Inequalities in One Variable
Rationale:
Now that we can perform arithmetic operations using algebraic expressions, we
will set two algebraic expressions equal and solve for the unknown. In this unit,
we will solve linear equations and inequalities in one variable.
Objectives:
At the conclusion of this unit, the student will have had the opportunity to do the
following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Given an algebraic equation, determine if a given number is a solution to the equation.
Given a linear equation, use the addition property of equality to solve the equation.
Given a linear equation, use the multiplication property of equality to solve the equation.
Given a linear equation, use the multiplication property of equality and the addition
property of equality to solve the equation.
5. Given a linear equation with one variable, apply the distributive property and combine
like terms to solve the equation.
6. Given a linear equation with a variable on both sides of the equation, solve the equation
and state if the equation is conditional, a contradiction or an identity.
7. Given a linear equation with fractional coefficients, solve the equation and simplify it.
8. Given an equation with fractions, use the least common denominator to solve for the
given variable.
9. Given a linear equation with decimal coefficients, solve the equation and simplify.
10. Given a formula with one or more variable and given the value of all but one variable,
solve for the unknown variable.
11. Given a formula with more than one variable, Solve for the given variable.
12. Given an English phrase, rewrite it as an algebraic phrase.
13. Given an English equation, rewrite it as an algebraic equation.
14. Given an equation that contains a percent, solve the equation for the unknown value.
15. Given an inequality in one variable, graph the inequality on the number line and state the
solution set in set notation and in interval notation.
16. Given an inequality of one variable that has a solution set of all real numbers, solve the
inequality, graph the inequality and state the solution set in set notation and in interval
notation.
17. Given an inequality in one variable that has a solution of the empty set, solve the
inequality, graph the inequality and state the solution set in set notation and in interval
notation.
UNIT III
Introduction to Graphing and Equations of Lines
Rationale:
In science and many other disciplines, some of the relationships are linear. In this
unit, given specific information about a linear relationship in two variables, we
will find the equation that describes that relationship. Also, we will begin to use
graphing to study the characteristics of lines.
Objectives:
At the conclusion of this unit, the student will have had the opportunity to do the
following:
1. Given a point plotted in the xy-plane, determine its coordinates.
2. Given the coordinate of a point, plot the point in the xy-plane
3. Given an equation in x and y and the coordinates of a point, determine if the point is on
the graph of the equation.
4. Graph an equation in the xy-plane by plotting points.
5. Given the graph of an equation in the xy-plane, list all the intercepts.
6. Given a linear equation in two variables, graph it by plotting points and by finding
intercepts.
7. Given two points on a line, find the slope of the line.
8. Given a point on a line and the slope of the line, graph the line and find the slope
intercept form of the equation of this line.
9. Given two points on a line, find the slope-intercept form of the equation of that line.
10. Given any form of the equation of a line, write it in slope-intercept form and list the slope
of the line and its y-intercept.
11. Find an equation of a vertical line through a point.
12. Find an equation of a horizontal line through a point.
13. Given the equations of two lines, determine if the lines are parallel, perpendicular, or
neither.
14. Given a point on a line, find an equation of that line parallel to a given line.
15. Given a point on a line, find an equation of that line perpendicular to a given line.
16. Given a linear inequality in two variables and a point, determine if the point is a solution
to the given inequality.
17. Given a linear inequality in two variables, graph the solution set of the inequality on a
coordinate grid.
UNIT IV
Exponents and Polynomials
Rationale:
Not all relationships are linear. In this unit, we begin studying the basics of
algebra when variables are raised to higher powers. Many formulas in science,
business, mathematics, etc., will contain variables raised to powers. This unit
concludes with scientific notation which is used extensively in all science courses.
Objectives:
At the conclusion of this unit, the student will have had the opportunity to do the
following:
1. Given a monomial, identify the degree and the coefficient.
2. Given an algebraic expression, identify it as a polynomial or not. If it is state the degree
of the polynomial and if possible give it another name. If it is not a polynomial state why.
3. Given two or more polynomials, simplify them by addition or subtraction.
4. Given a polynomial and the value of its variables, evaluate the polynomial.
5. Given an exponential expression, use the product rule to simplify it.
6. Given an exponential expression containing products, use the power rule for exponents to
simplify.
7. Given two monomials, use the product rule and the power rule for exponents to simplify.
8. Given a monomial and a polynomial, multiply the two and simplify the answer.
9. Given two binomials, use the distributive property and the foil method to multiply them
and simplify the answer.
10. Given two polynomials, find the product of the two and simplify the answer.
11. Given an expression in fraction form, use the quotient rule to simply the expression.
12. Given an expression with a zero exponent, simplify it.
13. Given an exponential expression containing a negative exponent, simplify the expression
using the definition of negative exponents.
14. Given an exponential expression, simplify it by using the laws of exponents.
15. Given a polynomial divided by a monomial, use the quotient rule for exponents to find
the simplified quotient.
16. Given a polynomial divided by a polynomial, use long division to find the simplified
quotient.
17. Given a number in decimal notation, convert it to scientific notation.
18. Given a number in scientific notation, convert it decimal notation.
19. Multiply or divide two numbers in scientific notation and write the result in scientific
notation.
UNIT V
Factoring Polynomials
Rationale:
Factoring is the process of writing a number as a product of prime numbers. In
algebra, numbers are represented using variables. In this unit, we will learn
techniques to factor these algebraic expressions into a product of prime factors.
Factoring is one of the first steps used in many processes in algebra such as
finding a common denominator, reducing algebraic fractions, and solving higherdegree polynomial equations.
Objectives:
At the conclusion of this unit, the student will have had the opportunity to do the
following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Given two or more numbers, find the greatest common factor of them.
Given a polynomial, factor out the greatest common factor.
Given a four term polynomial, factor the polynomial by grouping,
Given a trinomial of the form x2+bx+c, use the factoring rule to factor the trinomial
completely.
Given a trinomial, use the factoring rule to identify if it is prime.
Given a trinomial, put the trinomial in standard for so it can be factored.
Given a trinomial of the form ax2+bx+c where a is not one, use the factoring rules of trial
and error or by grouping to factor the trinomial.
Given a perfect square trinomial, use the factoring rules of a perfect square trinomial to
factor the trinomial and put it in the correct form.
Given a polynomial in the form of a difference of two squares, factor the polynomial into
it simplest form.
10. Given a polynomial in the form of a sum or difference of two cubes, use the formula for
the sum or difference of two cubes to factor the polynomial completely.
11. Given a polynomial, use the factoring rules to factor the polynomial completely.
12. Given a quadratic equation, put the equation in standard form.
13. Given a quadratic equation, use the factoring rules to factor the equation and solve the
equation.
14. Given a quadratic equation that is already factored, use the zero product property to solve
the equation.
Evaluation and Assessment:
A. A written exam, created by the instructor, will be given to each student at the end of
each unit.
B. Each student will be post-tested using the computerized COMPASS exam. A student
should not receive a grade in the course without completing the COMPASS exam.
C. The final exam will be a departmental comprehensive exam.
D. No books or notes can be used when taking the final exam or any unit test.
E. Home work must be worked on the computer using Course Compass.
F. The final exam and homework must be used in the final grade.
Grading Scale:
94- 100
88- 93
80- 87
60- 79
0- 59
A^
B^
C^
D^
F