Intermediate Algebra

A. TEXTBOOK(S) AND REQUIRED TOOLS OR SUPPLIES
1. Hawkes Learning Systems Intermediate Algebra – ISBN: 0-918091-40-3
2. Required Hardware if installed on home computer:
400 MHz or faster processor
Windows 98SE or later
64 MB RAM (128 MB recommended)
150 MB hard drive space
256 color display (800 x 600, 16-bit color recommended)
Internet Explorer 6.0 or later
CD-ROM drive
3. Optional Textbook (see bookstore for details)

B. COURSE DESCRIPTION
The course is an extension from elementary algebra with an emphasis on factoring, rational
expressions, graphing linear equations and inequalities, polynomial and rational functions, systems
of equations, rational exponents, radicals, and complex numbers. Intermediate algebra is a
preparatory course for college algebra.

C. METHOD OF INSTRUCTION
This will be a problem-solving oriented class. Lesson presentations may include chalkboard,
power point, and practice problems from the courseware. All homework must be completed in
one of the three methods discussed in class and unit tests will be given over the homework
assignments. It is the responsibility of the student to complete all homework assignments in order
to be ready for unit tests. Due dates for the homework will be listed on your progress report when
entering the software or the next class period if using the pencil/paper option. Practice tests can be
completed on the courseware.

D. COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. To help the student develop skills which will enable him or her to solve problems and
communicate effectively using the language and techniques of algebra.
2. To acquaint the student with some of the general concepts and principles of mathematics that
will serve as a basis for further studies in mathematics.
3. To help the student build confidence in his or her ability to solve problems in mathematics.
4. To encourage the student to develop and use a sound mathematical vocabulary.

E. COURSE TOPICS/UNITS

1. Real Numbers, Solving Equations, and Exponents (Chapter 1) (Optional)
A. Operations with Real Numbers
B. Linear Equations and Absolute Value Equations
C. Properties of Exponents
D. Exponents and Scientific Notation

2. Straight Lines and Functions (Chapter 2)
A. Cartesian Coordinate System and Straight Lines
B. Slope-intercept Form
C. Point- Slope Form
D. Introduction to Functions
E. Graphing Linear Inequalities

3. Systems of Linear Equations (Chapter 3)
A. Systems of Linear Equations ( Two Variables )
B. Applications

4. Polynomials (Chapter 4)
A. Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials
B. Multiplication of Polynomials
C. Division with Polynomials
D. Introduction to Factoring
E. Special Factoring Techniques
F. Polynomial Equations and Applications

5. Rational Expressions (Chapter 5)
A. Multiplication and Division of Rational Expressions
B. Addition and Subtraction of Rational Expressions
C. Complex Fractions
D. Equations and Inequalities with Rational Expressions
E. Applications

6. Roots, Radicals, and Complex Numbers (Chapter 6)
A. Roots and Radicals
B. Rational Exponents
C. Arithmetic with Radicals
D. Functions with Radicals
E. Introduction to Complex Numbers
F. Multiplication and Division with Complex Numbers

F. COURSE COMPETENCIES

UNDERSTAND REAL NUMBERS, SOLVING EQUATIONS, AND EXPONENTS (CHAPTER 1)
1. Understand computation with real numbers and the order of operations.
2. Solve linear equations and absolute value equations.
3. Understand properties of exponents.
4. Use properties of exponents and scientific notation.

UNDERSTAND STRAIGHT LINES AND FUNCTIONS (CHAPTER 2)
5. Solve linear inequalities in one variable showing solution on a number line and in interval
notation.
6. Solve linear absolute value equations and inequalities in one variable.
7. Graph linear inequalities.
8. Determine an equation of a line given two points, perpendicular to a given line, through a specific
point, parallel to a given line through a specific point.
9. Distinguish between functions and non-functions using the vertical line test.
10. Identify the domain and range of a function given its graph.

UNDERSTAND SYSTEMS OF LINEAR EQUATIONS (CHAPTER 3)
11. Solve systems of linear equations in two variables.
12. Develop and solve mathematical models including variation, mixture, motion, work and
geometrical applications.

UNDERSTAND POLYNOMIALS (CHAPTER 4)
13. Factor quadratic, quadratic forms, special forms and grouping .
14. Solve literal equations including those that require factoring.
15. Solve equations by factoring and quadratic formula .

UNDERSTAND RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS (CHAPTER 5)
16. Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division on rational expressions.
17. Simplify complex fractions.
18. Solve equations containing rational expressions.

UNDERSTAND ROOTS, RADICALS, AND COMPLEX NUMBERS (CHAPTER 6)
19. Apply the laws of exponents to simplify expressions containing rational exponents.
20. Apply the laws of radicals to perform addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
21. Rationalize denominators containing radicals.
22. Simplify radicals containing negative radicands .
23. Perform operations with complex numbers.
24. Evaluate functions using function notation.
* Designates core outcomes and competencies for Intermediate Algebra from the Kansas Core
Outcome Project (2001, 2004, 2005).