INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA

I. Course Description
A continuation course in algebra. Topics include fundamental operations of algebraic factoring,
solving quadratic equations, writing equations of lines, stated problems, rational expressions and
equations, exponents and radicals, linear inequalities , linear systems, and graphing linear and
quadratic equations. Prerequisite : DSPM 0800 or equivalent skills

II. Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Simplify rational, exponential, and radical expressions.
2. Solve rational, quadratic, and radical equations and systems of equations .
3. Solve application/word problems using linear, rational, and systems of equations with the purpose of
understanding the use of algebra to solve real world problems.
4. Graph linear equations using intercepts and slope. Learn the concept of slope and use to write equations of
the line. Graph quadratic functions.
5. Identify functions using ordered pairs, equations, and graphs. Recognize and use functional notation.
6. Apply the calculator to graph linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, and solve systems of equations.

Topics
· Summary Exercises on the Rules for Exponents
· Summary Exercises on Factoring
· The Fundamental Property of Rational Expressions
· Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions
· Least Common Denominator
· Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions
· Solving Equations with Rational Expressions
· Summary Exercises on Operations and Equations with Rational Expressions (Optional)
· Applications of Rational Expressions
· Review of Graphs and Slopes of Lines
· Review of Equations of Lines
· Functions
· Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Substitution
· Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Elimination
· Applications of Systems of Linear Equations
· Set Operations and Compound Inequalities
· Linear Inequalities in Two Variables
· Radical Expressions
· Rational Exponents
· Simplifying Radical Expressions
· Adding and Subtracting Radical Expressions
· Multiplying and Dividing Radical Expressions
· Summary Exercises on Operations with Radicals (Optional)
· Solving Equations with Radicals
· Complex Numbers
· Solving Quadratic Equations by the Square Root Property
· Solving Quadratic Equations by the Quadratic Formula
· Summary Exercises on Solving Quadratic Equations (Optional)
· Graphs and Quadratic Functions
· Parabolas

III. Required materials

Students must check with the instructor before purchasing any materials

Required for classroom: textbook Beginning and Intermediate Algebra 4^th Edition by Lial,
Hornsby, and McGinnis, Publisher: Pearson, ISBN 0321507223 with MyMathLab access, available in
the NSCC bookstore.
Calculator: Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus. TI-89 or comparable calculators are not allowed.
The DSPM 850 review packet is also required for this course and is available in the NSCC
bookstore or by downloading from ww2.nscc.edu/dspm.

Recommended Item for classroom: Student Solutions Manual for Beginning and
IntermediateAlgebra, 4^th Edition,Publisher: Pearson ISBN 0-321-44954-1.

-OR
Optional:required MyMathLab access separately, ISBN 032119991X;
Optional: required textbook separately, ISBN—0-321-44233-4.

Required for New Web Class: My Math Lab Access Code, ISBN 032119991X.
Strongly Recommended for New Web Class: Beginning & Intermediate Algebra with
MyMathLab access code ISBN 0321507223.

IV. Course Requirements
In order to receive credit for this course, the student must:
A. Attend class regularly.
B. Complete the homework assignments.
C. Have a final average of 70 or more.
D. Complete three (3) unit tests and a comprehensive final exam.

V. Grading
On-Campus courses:
Grades for this course will be based on unit tests, homework, and a final exam.

Note: Points may be deducted from the final average for more than three absences (3 class room
hours).

Web courses:
Grades for this course will be based on unit tests, discussions, homework, and the final exam as
follows:
Tests--50%
Discussions (Introduce Yourself, Summary and Reflections)--10%
Homework--15%
Final Exam (comprehensive)--25%