Course Outline for Intermediate Algebra

Catalog Description: (MA 0103 is designed to prepare a student for MA 1313 College Algebra)
Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Real numbers, algebraic expressions, factoring,
algebraic fractions, linear equations/inequalities, quadratic equations, Pythagorean Theorem.
Does not count toward any degree.

Topic / Objectives Lecture
Hours
Lab
Hours
I. Review of the Real Number System

Simplify expressions involving exponents, roots, and order of operations.
• Evaluate algebraic expressions for given values of variables.
• Simplify expressions by combining similar terms .
1 2
II. Linear Equations, Inequalities, and Applications

Solve linear equations.
• Write equations from given information, then solve.
• Use the six steps in solving an applied problem.
• Solve problems involving investment, mixture, and uniform motion.
• Solve linear inequalities and express answers in interval notation.
• Solve compound inequalities.
• Solve absolute value equations.
4 4
III. Graphs, Linear Equations, and Functions

• Graph a line using a table, the intercepts, or the slope.
• Find the slope of a line given two points on the line.
• Determine whether two lines are parallel, perpendicular, or neither.
• Find the equation of a line in slope-intercept or standard form.
3 3
IV. Systems of Linear Equalities in Two Variables
• Solve linear systems ( two equations and two variables) by elimination.
• Solve application problems using two variables.
3 3
V. Exponents, Polynomials, and Polynomial Functions

• Use the laws of exponents to simplify expressions.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide polynomials.
3 4
VI. Factoring

Factor expressions by finding the greatest common factor or by grouping.
• Factor the difference of squares and the sum /difference of cubes.
• Factor trinomials using a variety of methods.
• Solve equations by factoring.
• Solve application problems by factoring.
5 4
VII. Rational Expressions and Functions

• Write rational expressions in lowest terms.
• Multiply or divide rational expressions.
Add or subtract rational expressions with different denominators.
• Simplify complex fractions.
• Solve rational equations.
• Solve problems involving proportions, uniform motion, and work rates.
5 4
VIII. Roots, Radicals, and Root Functions

• Simplify expressions involving radicals and rational exponents.
• Simplify products and quotients of radicals with the same index.
• Simplify radical expressions involving addition and subtraction .
• Multiply binomials with radical expressions.
• Rationalize denominators involving radicals.
4 4
IX. Quadratic Equations

• Solve quadratic equations by factoring or the square root method .
• Solve quadratic equations by completing the square or using the quadratic formula.
2 2

Total Contact Hours

30 30

Homework: Homework assignments are to be completed each day. The homework
component of MML includes helpful features such as example problems, videos, guided
solutions, and corresponding textbook pages.

Quizzes: Open book/note quizzes are to be completed each week during lab time.
Students are allowed 60 minutes to complete a quiz. A student will not be allowed to
take a quiz unless he/she has completed the prerequisite homework.

Tests: Students will take four tests and a comprehensive Final Exam. No notes or
formulas are allowed on these tests. No makeup tests will be given. The final exam grade
will be used in place of a test grade missed if the excused absence is documented.

Grade Computation:

4 Tests = 400 points
Quiz Average = 150 points
HW Average = 150 points
Final Exam = 300 points
Total Points Possible =1000 points

Grade Scale:
A = 900 – 1000 points; B = 800 – 899 points; C = 700 – 799 points;
D = 600 – 699 points; F = below 600 points

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