Elementary Algebra

CATALOG DESCRIPTION OF COURSE:

This course extends the topics of DSPM 0700 and includes problem solving with algebraic expressions including simple trinomial factoring , and linear equations, inequalities, and functions. Satisfactory completion of this course allows the student to exit to DSPM 0850 Intermediate Algebra. (Prerequisite: admission is only by the college assessment and placement procedure or successful completion of DSPM 0700 Basic Mathematics)

COURSE OUTCOMES: The student will develop and demonstrate the ability to:

1) Create a table of values and a graph for a given relation.
2) Identify a function given multiple representations of a relation and identify the domain and range.
3) Analyze the graph of a line: identifying the x-intercepts, y-intercepts, and slope including identification of
parallel, perpendicular or coinciding lines.
4) Solve linear equations of one variable using multiple approaches - numeric, graphic, and symbolic,
including equations that involve simplifying first degree algebraic expressions.
5) Solve linear absolute value equations of one variable using multiple approaches.
6) Model linear equations of two variables when given information graphically, numerically or symbolically .
7) Solve systems of linear equations graphically and algebraically (by using substitution and elimination ).
8) Solve a linear inequality in one variable .
9) Graphically solve systems of linear inequalities of two variables.
10) Solve real-world application problems that are integrated throughout the course content including
geometric applications as well as formulas and literal equations for a specified variable.
11) Use graphing calculators and/or computers in learning and doing mathematics .

COURSE CONTENT:

Chapter 1: Introduction to Algebra
1.3 Exponents and Order of Operations
1.4 Real Numbers and the Number Line (Optional – treat as review as needed)
1.5 Addition and Subtraction of Real Numbers (Optional - treat as review as needed)
1.6 Multiplication and Division of Real Numbers (Optional - treat as review as needed)
1.7 Properties of Real Numbers
1.8 Simplifying and Writing Algebraic Expressions

Chapter 2: Linear Equations and Inequalities
2.1 Introduction to Equations
2.2 Linear Equations
2.3 Introduction to Problem Solving
2.4 Formulas
2.5 Linear Inequalities

Chapter 3: Graphing Equations
3.1 Introduction to Graphing
3.2 Linear Equations in Two Variables.
3.3 More Graphing of Lines
3.4 Slope and Rates of Change
3.5 Slope- Intercept Form
3.6 Point-Slope Form (final equations need to be in slope intercept form)

Chapter 4: Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables
4.1 Solving Systems of Linear Equations Graphically and Numerically
4.2 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Substitution
4.3 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Elimination
4.4 Systems of Linear Inequalities

Chapter 8: Introduction to Functions
8.1 Functions and Their Representations
8.2 Linear Functions
8.3 Compound Inequalities
8.5 Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities (equations only)

Upon successful completion of DSPM 0800, the student will enroll in DSPM 0850 - Intermediate Algebra

**Please take DSPM 0850 as soon as possible. Some students delay and forget what they have learned in DSPM 0800. However, state rules do not allow students to drop back and re-take DSPM 0800 after they have passed the course.**

COURSE GROUND RULES:

All students attending Walters State Community College, regardless of the time and location of the class, must abide by the rules and regulations outlined in the current Walters State Catalog/Student Handbook and the current Walters State Timetable of Classes. A copy of the Catalog /Handbook and the Timetable of Classes may be obtained from the admissions office on the main campus or at any of our off-campus sites.

Students should attend the first day of class or contact the instructor prior to the first class. Failure to do this may result in being dropped from the class.

Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited.

Students with disabilities must register with the Department of Services for Individuals with Disabilities in College Center (CCEN), Room 210 (phone 423-585-6892) if they need any special facilities, services, or consideration.

Students in need of tutoring assistance are encouraged to contact the Office of Tutoring located in the College Center (CCEN), Room 261. The phone number is 423-585-6920.

Students receiving any type of financial aid or scholarship should contact the Financial Aid Office before making any changes to their schedule. Schedule changes without prior approval may result in loss of award for the current term and future terms.

Students who have not paid fees on time and/or are not correctly registered for this class and whose names do not appear on official class rolls generated by the Admissions and Records Office will not be allowed to remain in class or receive credit for this course.

Cellular phone use during classroom interaction is prohibited. Cellular phones must be turned to the nonaudible mode until after class, at which time calls can be received or checked. (See the Walters State Catalog/Handbook) Students found text messaging, will be asked to surrender the phone, or be asked to leave the classroom, for the remainder of the class time that day. Any work missed will receive a zero .

The classroom instructor has the authority to sanction a student engaged in conduct that is disruptive or conduct that violates the rules and regulations specified in the Walters State Catalog/Handbook. The instructor can order the student be temporarily removed or excluded from the classroom. The instructor can assign an “F” or “zero” for any exercise or exam missed during that period. Extended or permanent exclusion from the classroom or further sanctions can be imposed through appropriate procedures of the institution. Disruptive behavior in the classroom may be defined as, but not limited to, behavior that obstructs or disrupts the learning environment (eg., offensive language, harassment of students and professors, repeated outbursts from a student which disrupts the flow of instruction or prevent concentration of the subject taught), the continued use of any electronic and other noise or light emitting device which disturbs others. (See the Walters State Catalog/Handbook)

For information related to the cancellation of classes due to inclement weather, please check the college’s
Web site at or call the college’s student information line, 1-800-225-4770, option 1; InfoConnect, (423) 581-1233, option 1045; the Sevier County Campus, (865) 774-5800, option 9; or the Greeneville/Greene County Center for Higher Education, (423) 798-7940, option 4. Also, please monitor local TV and radio stations for weather-related announcements. For additional information on this policy see the college catalog.

In the event of a pandemic or other college declared critical event that impacts the college’s ability to proceed with academic course activities as planned, the college reserves the right to alter this course plan. In the event of a pandemic or other event, please refer to the college’s home web page, or call InfoConnect, (423) 581-1233 for further information.

Regular class attendance is a student’s obligation. (See the Walters State Catalog/Student Handbook) If for some reason a student misses class, it is his or her responsibility to see the instructor regarding missed assignments and/or activities and to be prepared for the next class. Excessive absences may substantially lower
the semester grade. The college requires the instructor to keep accurate records and to report when students are not attending class.