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