Pre-Algebra Syllabus

Official Course Description:
Students enhance their understanding and manipulative skills in
the arithmetic of rational numbers. Topics include whole
numbers, powers and square roots, fractions, decimal fractions,
percents, ratios, proportions, signed numbers , order of operations ,
prime factorization, basic formulas in geometry, measurement and
tables and graphs.

Required Textbook and Supplies:
Basic College Mathematics
Eighth Edition by Aufmann/Barker/Lockwood
(Computer with internet access is also required)

Course Competencies: Upon completion of this course, the student can:
1. Solve problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, division of
integers, fractions, and decimals.
2. Calculate whole number powers.
3. Calculate square roots of rational perfect squares.
4. Determine prime factorization of whole numbers.
5. Perform conversions among decimals, fractions and percents.
6. Solve problems involving ratios and proportions.
7. Solve problems involving percents.
8. Perform conversions interchanging English and Metric systems.
9. Demonstrate rounding and estimation techniques.
10. State and use the order of operations.
11. Calculate area, volume and perimeter of basic plane figures and solids.
12. Apply basic formulas.
13. Read and interpret tables and graphs.
14. Identify and apply the properties of real numbers .
15. Solve applied problems using these competencies with real world applications.

KCTCS GENERAL EDUCATION COMPETENCY STATEMENTS AND GENERAL
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL KCTCS CREDENTIALS

Competencies will be met at the level appropriate to the credential.
A general education core curriculum will enable KCTCS colleges to graduate men and women who are
intellectually flexible, articulate, reflective, creative, and prepared for continuous learning. For all students,
this implies some understanding of the value of higher education and the world of work and career fields
related to their own abilities, interests, and needs. The general education core competencies will enable
students to develop their own values, pursue goals, and contribute to the political, moral, social, and cultural
enrichment of society.

General Education Competencies:
I. Communicate Effectively
1. Read and listen with comprehension.
2. Speak and write clearly using standard English.
3. Interact cooperatively with others using both verbal and non-verbal means.
4. Demonstrate information processing through basic computer skills.

II. Think Critically
1. Make connections in learning across the disciplines and draw logical conclusions.
2. Demonstrate problem solving through interpreting, analyzing, summarizing , and/or
integrating a variety of materials.
3. Use mathematics to organize , analyze, and synthesize data to solve a problem.

III. Learn Independently
1. Use appropriate search strategies and resources to find, evaluate, and use
information.
2. Make choices based upon awareness of ethics and differing perspectives/ideas.
3. Apply learning in academic, personal, and public situations.
4. Think creatively to develop new ideas, processes, or products.

IV. Examine Relationships in Diverse and Complex Environments
1. Recognize the relationship of the individual to human heritage and culture.
2. Demonstrate an awareness of the relationship of the individual to the biological
and physical environment.
3. Develop an awareness of self as an individual member of a multicultural global
community.

Course Outline: The following outline is expected to be covered in the required
textbook:

Module I: Whole Numbers
1.1 Introduction to Whole Numbers
1.2 Addition of Whole Numbers
1.3 Subtraction of Whole Numbers
1.4 Multiplication of Whole Numbers
1.5 Division of Whole Numbers
1.6 Exponential Notation and the Order of Operations Agreement
1.7 Prime Numbers and Factoring

Module II: Fractions
2.1 The Least Common Multiple and Greatest Common Factor
2.2 Introduction to Fractions
2.3 Writing Equivalent Fractions
2.4 Addition of Fractions and Mixed Numbers
2.5 Subtraction of Fractions and Mixed Numbers
2.6 Multiplication of Fractions and Mixed Numbers
2.7 Division of Fractions and Mixed Numbers
2.8 Order, Exponents, and the Order of Operation Agreement

Module III: Decimal fractions and Percents
3.1 Introduction to Decimals
3.2 Addition to Decimals
3.3 Subtraction of Decimals
3.4 Multiplication of Decimals
3.5 Division of Decimals
3.6 Comparing and Converting Fractions and Decimals
5.1 Introduction to Percents
5.5 Percent Problems: Proportion Method

Module IV: Ratios and Proportions
4.1 Ratio
4.2 Rates
4.3 Proportions

Module V: Signed Number Arithmetic
10.1 Introduction to Integers
10.2 Addition and Subtraction of Integers
10.3 Multiplication and Division of Integers
10.4 Operations with Rational Numbers
10.5 Scientific Notation and the Order of Operations Agreement

Module VI: Basic Formulas
12.2 Plane Geometric Figures
12.3 Area
12.4 Volume
12.5 The Pythagorean Theorem

Module VII: English and Metric Measurement
8.1 Length (English)
8.2 Weight (English)
8.3 Capacity (English)
9.1 Length (Metric)
9.2 Mass (Metric)
9.3 Capacity (Metric)
9.5 Conversion Between the U.S. Customary and the Metric Systems of
Measurement

Module VIII: Tables and Graphs
7.1 Pictographs and Circle Graphs
7.2 Bar Graphs and Broken -Line Graphs
7.3 Histograms and Frequency Polygons
7.4 Statistical Measures
Supplemental materials may be added as needed.