On-Line Course Syllabus for Beginning Algebra

I. Catalog Description

An introduction to the fundamental concepts of algebra. Review of arithmetic skills , solving linear equations and inequalities, application problems, graphing lines, and introduction to polynomials and factoring . Students must repeat the course if a grade of U, F, or D is awarded. There is no prerequisite for this course.

II. Overview and Course Goals

Welcome to Beginning Algebra (MATH 104), on line!

During Week 1, we have an introduction to basic algebraic concepts , discuss fractions, real numbers, and learn some algebraic terminology and properties.

During Week 2, we continue the discussion of real numbers and variables . This includes addition/subtraction/multiplication of positive and negative numbers, the order of arithmetic operations, and the meaning of exponents.

During Week 3, we learn how to solve linear equations using the Addition and Multiplication Principles. We’ll cover solving equations with fractions and percents , and solving formulas for a particular variable. We’ll learn how to set up application problems, and then solve them using these techniques.

During Week 4, we apply the techniques to solving linear inequalities . We’ll look at graphing, and learn how to graph linear equations in two variables, both by hand and using a graphing calculator. You will take a proctored pencil and paper midterm exam sometime on Wednesday – Saturday of this week.

During Week 5, we’ll take a closer look at graphing. We’ll cover the calculation and meaning of slope, various ways in which the equation of a line can be written, and look at graphing linear inequalities in two variables .

During Week 6, we cover exponents and polynomials in more detail. We’ll discuss polynomial operations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of polynomial expressions .

During Week 7, we’ll finish the discussion of exponents by looking at rules governing negative exponents , and learn how to use scientific notation when working with very large/small numbers. We’ll then learn several methods used to determine the factors of a polynomial.

During Week 8, we’ll practice the factoring skills learned in Week 7, and then use factoring to solve quadratic equations . You will also take a proctored pencil and paper final exam on Wednesday - Saturday of this week.

VI. Schedule

•Homework/Discussion Assignments (due throughout the week of weeks 1-8): 15% of course grade. In weeks 1 - 7, there will be 12 homework/discussion points possible each week. In week 8, there will be 6 homework/discussion points possible, for a total of 90 points.

•Quizzes (due Saturday at Midnight of weeks 1-8, the two lowest quiz scores will be dropped in weeks 7 and 8): 10% of course grade. Each quiz counts 10 points, 60 points for session. Late quizzes will not earn credit.

•Mid- Term Exam (end of week 4): 35% of course grade. Counts 210 points.

•Final Exam (end of week 8): 40% of course grade. Counts 240 points.

Final grades will be determined as follows: