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Intermediate Algebra Syllabus

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed for students who have mastered
elementary algebra. It focuses on linear and absolute value equations; inequalities,
functions; rational exponents ; radicals; complex numbers; solving and graphing of
quadratic equations and inequalities; and solving systems of linear equations and
inequalities.

PREREQUISITES: MTH 075 or equivalent

CREDITS: 4.00 * * Credits do not apply toward graduation

REQUIRED MATERIALS (CHECK WITH BOOKSTORE FOR LATEST EDITION):
Click on the bookstore for the campus which you are attending each class.
Pemberton Campus Bookstore
Mt Laurel Campus Bookstore

INTENDED COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES/COURSE GOALS /CORE COMPETENCIES:
1. Graph an equation and determine slope and intercepts.
2. Write a linear equation in slope-intercept form and determine if two lines and parallel,
perpendicular, of neither.
3. Calculate the domain and range of a relation and determine if the relation is a
function.
4. Identify and sketch transformations of graphs of functions.
5. Solve and graph inequalities in one variable .
6. Solve compound inequalities and absolute value equations and inequalities.
7. Solve and graph linear inequalities in two variables.
8. Solve a system of equations graphically, by substitution , and by the elimination
method.
9. Apply the properties of exponents to simplify algebraic expression and to evaluate
and/or simplify expressions with rational exponents.
10. Write numbers in scientific notation.
11. Evaluate radical functions and find the domains of radical functions.
12. Simplify radical expressions by rationalizing and by using the Multiplication and
Division Properties .
13. Write the square roots of negative numbers in I form and perform operations on
numbers in I form.
14. Solve quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square, using the Quadratic
Formula, and extracting square roots.
15. Graph parabolas and determine the vertices of parabolas by completing the square.
16. Determine the domain of a rational function.
17. Add, subtract, multiply, divide, and simplify rational expressions.
18. Solve rational equations containing constant and variable denominators .
19. Determine horizontal and vertical asymptotes of rational functions and sketch graphs
of rational functions.

GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS INTRODUCED/REINFORCED IN THIS COURSE:
2. b. Students will construct graphs and charts , interpret them, and draw appropriate
Conclusions.

TOPICAL OUTLINE FOR THE COURSE:

Introduction to Graphs and Functions
1. Ordered Pairs as Solutions ; the Distance Formula; The Midpoint Formula
2. Graphs of Equations
3. Slope; Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
4. Relations, Functions, and Function Notation; Finding the Domain of a Function
5. Graphs of Linear and Piecewise-Defined Functions; Vertical Line Test
6. Transformations of Functions

Linear Functions, Equations, and Inequalities; Systems of Linear Equations and
Inequalities
1. Writing Equations of Lines
2. Linear Inequalities in One Variable: Solving Linear and Compound Inequalities
3. Solving Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities
4. Solving a System of Equations in 2 Variables by Graphing, Substitution, and
Elimination
5. Graphs of Linear Inequalities in 2 Variables and Systems of Linear Inequalities
in 2 Variables

Radicals and Complex Numbers
1. Integer Exponents and Scientific Notation
2. Rational Exponents and Radicals
3. Simplifying and Combining Radicals
4. Multiplying and Dividing Radicals
5. Solving Radical Equations
6. Complex Numbers and Operations with Complex Numbers

Quadratic Functions, Equations, and Inequalities
1. The Factoring and Square Root Methods
2. Completing the Square
3. The Quadratic Formula; the Discriminant
4. Graphs of Quadratic Functions; Sketching a Parabola
5. Quadratic Inequalities in One Variable

Rational Expressions and Rational Functions
1. Simplifying Rational Expressions
2. Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions
3. Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions
4. Solving Rational Equations
5. Graphing Rational Functions

Course Activities:

  • Course activities vary from course to course and instructor to instructor. Below is
    a listing of some of the activities students can anticipate in this course:
  • Writing assignments: students will analyze current issues in the field using
    current articles from the popular press as well as library research including
    electronic resources databases.
  • Speaking assignments: students will present research individually or in groups
    using current technology to support the presentation (e.g., PowerPoint
    presentation); students will participate in discussions and debates related to the
    topics in the lessons. Discussions may also focus on cross-cultural and legalethical
    dilemmas as they relate to the course content.
  • Simulation activities: Trends and issues will analyzed for their ethical as well as
    social or legal significance . Students might role-play common situations for
    classmates to analyze. Current news articles may be used to generate discussion.
  • Case Studies: Complex situations and scenarios will be analyzed in cooperative
    group settings or as homework assignments.
  • Lectures: This format will include question and answer sessions to provide
    interactivity between students and instructor.
  • Speakers: Representatives from various related fields may be invited to speak.
  • Videos: Related topics will provide impetus for discussion.
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