MATH-100: Basic Technical Mathematics

School
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
Division
Mathematics
Department
Mathematics
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Mathematics
Course Number
100
Course Title
Basic Technical Mathematics
Credit Hours
4.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
62.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
62.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Catalog Course Description

For those in technology programs who have not completed one year of algebra and one year of geometry or who need to review beginning algebra and geometry. Covers a review of arithmetic; signed numbers; scientific notation; measurement conversions; and an introduction to beginning algebra, geometry, and statistics. Emphasizes practical technical applications and requires the use of a scientific calculator.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Goal Statement
  1. To review arithmetic processes, and to introduce signed numbers, scientific notation, and measurement conversions.
  2. To introduce the fundamentals of algebra and geometry to provide the necessary background for more advanced mathematics courses.
  3. To develop the problem-solving skills needed to interpret, analyze, and solve application problems involving arithmetic and basic algebra, geometry, and statistics that relate to technical areas.
Core Course Topics
  1. Whole Numbers
    1. Evaluate expressions using the order of operations.
    2. Solve applied problems.
  2. Fractions
    1. Add and subtract fractions.
    2. Multiply and divide fractions.
    3. Solve applied problems.
  3. Decimals and Percents
    1. Convert between fractions, decimals, and percents.
    2. Solve applied problems.
    3. Round decimals to a particular place value.
  4. Signed Numbers
    1. Add and subtract signed whole numbers and fractions.
    2. Multiply and divide signed whole numbers and fractions.
  5. Scientific Notation
    1. Use the rules of exponents for powers of 10.
    2. Write numbers in scientific notation.
    3. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide using numbers expressed in scientific notation.
  6. Measurements
    1. Understand basic concepts of the metric system.
    2. Convert measurements within the U. S. system and within the metric system.
    3. Use conversion factors to change measurements from the U. S. system to the metric system and vice versa.
  7. Polynomials
    1. Evaluate algebraic expressions by substitution.
    2. Simplify algebraic expressions by removing grouping symbols and combining like terms.
    3. Add and subtract polynomials.
    4. Multiply monomials and polynomials.
    5. Divide a monomial and a polynomial by a monomial.
  8. Equations and Formulas
    1. Solve linear equations.
    2. Translate words into algebraic symbols.
    3. Solve applied problems.
    4. Solve a formula or literal equation for a particular variable.
  9. Ratio and Proportion
    1. Reduce ratios.
    2. Solve proportions.
    3. Solve applied problems.
  10. Basic Geometry
    1. Apply basic definitions and relationships for angles, lines, and geometric figures to solve applied problems.
    2. Find the area and perimeter of quadrilaterals and triangles.
    3. Use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the missing side of a right triangle.
    4. Use the relationships of similar polygons to solve applied problems using proportions.
    5. Find the circumference and area of circles.
    6. Find the volume, lateral surface area, and total surface area of prisms, cylinders, and spheres.
  11. Basic Statistics
    1. Read and interpret bar, line, and circle graphs.
    2. Find the mean, median, and mode for a set of data.
  12. Scientific Calculator
    1. Demonstrate proficiency in using a scientific calculator for basic arithmetic operations.
    2. Demonstrate proficiency in using a scientific calculator to help solve applied problems involving measurement conversions, proportions, geometric figures, and statistics.

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement
  • All students are required to complete a comprehensive final examination that assesses the learning of all course objectives. This final examination must be weighted in a manner so that this exam score is worth a minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of the student's final course grade. In selected semesters this final exam may be a common final exam administered to all sections of MATH-100.
  • All students will be required to complete at least two (2) proctored on-campus exams. The cumulative value of these exams must be at least forty percent (40%) of a student's final course grade.
  • Additional assessment of student achievement may include assignments, quizzes, and exams.
  • Application problems must not only be included on chapter exams but also on the final exam.
  • The Critical Thinking Activities must be administered during the semester. Due to the challenging nature of these activities, instructors must use class time to start each activity and to engage students in the critical thinking portion of the problem-solving process. The collection of all critical thinking activities must be weighted in a manner so that the total of this collection is worth between six percent (6%) and twelve percent (12%) of the student's final course grade.
General Course Requirements and Recommendations
  1. Students must bring a scientific calculator to all class sessions.
  2. Application problems must be covered in all mathematics courses. Every section in any course outline that includes application problems must be covered.

Outcomes

General Education Categories
  • Mathematics
Institutional Outcomes
  • Quantitative Literacy
Satisfies Wellness Requirement
No

Approval Dates

Effective Term
Fall 2024
ILT Approval Date
AALC Approval Date
Curriculum Committee Approval Date
Review Semester
Fall 2024