Intermediate Algebra

Text
Larson, R.R. and R.P Hostetler Intermediate Algebra (4th Edition) Houghton Mifflin Co.

Optional Text
You are strongly encouraged to also purchase the Student Solutions Guide (4th Edition) by
Larson/Hostetler. It contains fully worked-out solutions to all of the odd-numbered problems in
the text. Only the answers to the odd-numbered exercises are included in the back of the text.

Course Objectives

• to build upon and extend ideas learned in introductory algebra courses; and

• to assist you in developing tools for dealing with the technological and scientific concepts
so much a part of our modern social structure.

Course Description
The course consists of 12 lessons and your final grade is determined as follows:

Each assignment consists of nine problems. You are to show all of your work. It must be
presented neatly and in an orderly manner so the grader can follow your reasoning and provide
help and hints should an error occur.

The three exams are closed-book tests but you may use a calculator. The problems on the exams
are similar to those in the 12 assignments and the final exam is comprehensive.

*Fail the final exam, fail the course. University of Utah Independent Study policy requires
students to pass the final exam in order to pass the class. A final grade — whether passing or
failing — will be sent to the University of Utah Registrar.

Transfer of Credit
If you are planning to transfer University of Utah Independent Study course credit to another
801.581.8801 • 1-800-467-8839 • www.continue.utah.edu/distance • www.continue.utah.edu/4educators
institution or use the credit for recertification/professional education purposes, obtain approval
from the appropriate entity prior to registering for this course.

Lesson Content

Lesson 1
Fundamental Concepts of Algebra
• Absolute value of a real number
• Lowest common denominator
• Exponential notation
• Order of operation
• Distributive property
• Translating phrases into algebraic expressions

Lesson 2
Linear Equations and Inequalities
• Linear equations
• Percent problems
• Linear inequalities
• Absolute value equations

Lesson 3
Graphs of Linear Equations
• Sketching the graph
• Finding the equation of a line using Point-Slope formula
• Parallel and perpendicular lines
• Graphing inequalities in linear equations

Lesson 4
Functions and Graphs of Quadratic Functions
• Relations and functions
• Vertical and horizontal shifts
• Graphing parabolas

Lesson 5
Polynomials and Factoring
• Working with exponents
• Multiplying polynomials
• Factoring polynomials
• Solving polynomial equations

Lesson 6
Rational Expressions
• Working with equivalent expressions
• Simplifying rational expressions
• Multiply and divide rational expressions
• Add and subtract rational expressions
• Simplify complex fractions
• Dividing polynomials
• Synthetic division

Lesson 7
Radicals, Rational Exponents, and Scientific Notation
• Scientific notation
• Using properties of exponents with negative integers
• Rational exponents and radicals
• Simplifying and combining radicals

Lesson 8
Radical Expressions and Complex Numbers
• Conjugates used to rationalize a denominator
• Solving equations which involve radicals
• Complex numbers

Lesson 9
Quadratic Equations
• Extracting square roots
• Completing the square
• Quadratic formula

Lesson 10
Systems of Equations
• Substitution method
• Elimination method

Lesson 11
Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
• Exponential functions
• Composite and inverse functions
• Logarithmic functions

Lesson 12
Exponential and Logarithmic Functions Continued
• Properties of logarithms
• Solving exponential and logarithmic equations
• Applications