College Algebra

PREREQUISITE(S):

C or above in Intermediate Algebra (MAT1073/MAT1075) or appropriate
COMPASS score or a score of 21 or above on the math portion of the ACT.

A. TEXTBOOK(S) AND REQUIRED TOOLS OR SUPPLIES

1. Hawkes Learning Systems College Algebra –
ISBN: 0-918091-59-4 (Courseware only) –OR
ISBN: 1-932628-29-0 (Text/Courseware Bundle)

2. Required Hardware if installed on home computer:
400 MHz or faster processor
Windows 98SE or later
64 MB RAM (128 MB recommended)
150 MB hard drive space
256 color display (800 x 600, 16-bit color recommended)
Internet Explorer 6.0 or later
CD-ROM drive
3. Optional Textbook (use ISBN for bundle)
4. Scientific calculator

B. COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course covers algebra at the college level. It includes a review of factoring, rational expressions,
radicals, rational exponents, equations and inequalities; graphs; functions; zeros of polynomials ;
exponential and logarithmic functions; and systems of equations and inequalities.

C. METHOD OF INSTRUCTION

This will be a problem- solving oriented class. Lesson presentations may include WriteBoard or
chalkboard, power point , and practice problems from the courseware/textbook. Homework will be either
online or paper/pencil and unit tests will be given over the homework assignments. Due dates for the
homework will be given determined by the homework option selected by the student. Optional practice
tests will be available.

D. COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course will:
1. Help the student develop skills which will enable him or her to solve problems and communicate
effectively using the language and techniques of algebra.
2. Acquaint the student with some of the general concepts and principles of mathematics that will serve
as a basis for further studies in mathematics.
3. Help the student build confidence in his or her ability to solve problems in mathematics.
4. Encourage the student to develop and use a sound mathematical vocabulary.

E. COURSE TOPICS/UNITS

1. Equations and Inequalities of One Variable (Chapter 2)
A. Linear Equations in One Variable
B. Linear Inequalities in One Variable
C. Quadratic Equations in One Variable
D. Higher Degree Polynomial Equations
E. Rational Expressions and Equations
F. Radical Equations

2. Linear Equations and Inequalities of Two Variables (Chapter 3)
A. The Cartesian Coordinate System
B. Linear Equations in Two Variables
C. Form of Linear Equations
D. Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
E. Linear Inequalities in Two Variables

3. Relations, Functions, and Their Graphs (Chapter 4)
A. Relations and Functions
B. Linear and Quadratic Functions
C. Other Common Functions
D. Transformations of Functions
E. Combining Functions
F. Inverses of Functions

4. Polynomial and Rational Functions (Chapter 5 and 6.1)
A. Introduction to Polynomial Equations and Graphs
B. Polynomial Division and the Division Algorithm
C. Locating Real Zeros of Polynomials
D. The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra (optional)
E. Rational Functions and Inequalities

5. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions (Chapter 7)
A. Exponential Functions and Their Graphs
B. Applications of Exponential Functions
C. Logarithmic Functions and Their Graphs
D. Properties and Applications of Logarithms
E. Exponential and Logarithmic Equations

6. Systems of Equations and Inequalities (Chapter 8)
A. Solving Systems by Substitution and Elimination
B. Matrix Notation and Gaussian Elimination
C. Determinants and Cramer’s Rule (optional)
D. Non-linear Systems of Equations and Inequalities

F. COURSE COMPETENCIES

At the completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Solve linear, quadratic, and radical equations and inequalities. *
2. Demonstrate understanding of quadratic equations through applications. *
3. Solve rational equations and inequalities. *
4. Solve equations and inequalities involving absolute value. *
5. Demonstrate how to graph functions in two-dimensional coordinates. *
6. Graph and solve linear equations and inequalities. *
7. Demonstrate knowledge of parallel and perpendicular lines and circles . *
8. Define and show understanding of relations and functions. *
9. Determine the domain and range of functions. *
10. Show understanding of function notation and operations on functions . *
11. Demonstrate knowledge of variation. *
12. Graph and solve constant, linear, quadratic, cubic , square root , absolute value, and piecewise functions. *
13. Graph special functions (absolute value, square root, piecewise, rational, non-function) using the concept of
transformations. *
14. Analyze data from systems of equations and inequalities. *
15. Demonstrate understanding of composite functions. *
16. Use concepts of symmetry, intercepts , left and right behavior. *
17. Solve using synthetic division.
18. Find the real zeros of a polynomial function.
19. Demonstrate knowledge of complex numbers and quadratic equations with a negative discriminant.
20. Demonstrate knowledge of rational functions. *
21. Demonstrate knowledge of polynomial and rational inequalities. *
22. Graph quadratic functions. *
23. Solve and graph exponential functions. *
24. Demonstrate knowledge of natural exponential functions through applications. *
25. Demonstrate knowledge of inverse functions. *
26. Demonstrate knowledge of the properties of logarithms.
27. Solve logarithmic and exponential equations. *
28. Solve systems of equations in two variables using various methods including matrices. *
29. Solve systems of equations in three variables using various methods including matrices. *
30. Graph non-linear systems of equations. *

* Designates core outcomes and competencies for College Algebra from the Kansas Core Outcome Project
(2001, 2004, 2005).