MATH-110: Intermediate Algebra

School
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
Division
Mathematics
Department
Mathematics
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Mathematics
Course Number
110
Course Title
Intermediate Algebra
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
Pre-requisites
MATH-010 with a grade of S OR MATH-0894 or MATH-080 or MATH-103 with a C grade or better OR a satisfactory score on the Math placement test OR eligible to take gateway MATH courses at HFC
Catalog Course Description

Covers solving quadratic, rational, and square root equations; an introduction to functions; graphs of linear and quadratic functions; rational expressions; rational exponents; and radical expressions. Includes techniques of problem solving and applications. Credit cannot be earned for both MATH-1091, MATH-1092, MATH-1093, MATH-1094 and MATH-110. Requires a scientific calculator and access to an online homework management system.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Goal Statement
  1. To develop in students intermediate algebraic skills necessary for success in subsequent mathematics courses and other courses requiring mathematical skills.
  2. To develop in students the problem-solving skills needed to interpret, analyze and solve applied problems requiring intermediate-level algebraic skills.
Core Course Topics
  1. Solve Linear Equations and Inequalities
    1. Solve linear equations using both the multiplication and addition properties of equality.
    2. Solve a linear equation containing fractions, decimals, parentheses, or all of these.
    3. Solve linear inequalities using the multiplication and addition properties of inequality.
    4. Express the solution of a linear inequality as an inequality, on a number line, in interval notation, and in set-builder notation.
  2. Functions and Graphs
    1. Find the slope of a line given two points on a line.
    2. Write the equation of a line in slope-intercept form.
    3. Find the slope of a line given its equation.
    4. Graph a linear equation using the slope and y-intercept.
    5. Write equations of lines using slope-intercept form and point-slope form, including parallel and perpendicular lines.
    6. Define a relation and express the domain and range of a relation in set builder or interval notation.
    7. Determine algebraically or graphically whether a relation is a function.
    8. Use function notation.
    9. Solve application problems that can be modeled by a linear function.
  3. Polynomial Functions
    1. Add, subtract, and multiply polynomials.
    2. Multiply binomial squares and the sum and difference of two terms.
    3. Factor polynomials by factoring out the greatest common factor.
    4. Factor four-term polynomials by grouping.
    5. Factor trinomials.
    6. Factor perfect-square trinomials and the difference of two squares.
    7. Apply the appropriate factoring strategy to factor a polynomial.
    8. Solve quadratic equations by factoring.
    9. Solve application problems that can be modeled by quadratic equations.
  4. Rational Expressions and Rational Equations
    1. Simplify rational expressions.
    2. Determine the domain of a rational function.
    3. Perform algebraic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division on rational expressions.
    4. Simplify complex fractions.
    5. Solve rational equations algebraically.
    6. Solve rational equations for a specified variable.
    7. Solve application problems that can be modeled by rational equations.
  5. Radicals, Rational Exponents, and Complex Numbers
    1. Evaluate perfect roots.
    2. Convert expressions in radical form to exponential form and vice versa.
    3. Simplify expressions involving rational exponents.
    4. Simplify radical expressions.
    5. Perform algebraic operations of addition, subtraction, and multiplication on radical expressions.
    6. Rationalize the denominator of a radical expression.
    7. Solve radical equations algebraically.
    8. Solve application problems that can be modeled by using Pythagorean Theorem.
    9. Write square roots with negative radicands as imaginary numbers.
    10. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide with complex numbers.
  6. Quadratic Functions and Equations
    1. Solve quadratic equations using the square root property.
    2. Solve quadratic equations using the quadratic formula.
General Information

ILT approval date added

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement
  • All students will be required to complete a comprehensive final examination that assesses the learning of all course objectives.
  • This final exam must be weighted in a manner so that this exam score is worth a minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of the final course grade. In selected semesters this final exam may be a common final exam administered to all sections of Math110.
  • All students will be required to complete online homework. This online homework must be weighted in such a manner so that it is worth between six percent (6%) and twelve percent (12%) of the final course grade.
  • Additional assessment of student achievement may include assignments, quizzes, and exams. All major exams should be designed in such a manner so that there is some portion in which graphing calculators are NOT allowed.
General Course Requirements and Recommendations
  • Students must bring a scientific calculator to all class sessions.
  • Access to an online homework management system is also required.
  • Application problems must be covered in all mathematics courses. Every section in any course outline that includes application problems must be covered. Application problems must not only be included on chapter exams but also on the final exam.

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