Course

Basic Algebra

Faculty
Science & Technology
Department
Mathematics
Course code
MATH 1101
Credits
3.00
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
35
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Typically offered
Fall
Summer
Winter

Overview

Course description
This course is intended for students who need to improve their knowledge of algebra to continue with their mathematical studies (specifically, precalculus courses). Topics covered include: functions and relations, domain and range, algebraic techniques, factoring, exponents and radicals, polynomial and rational expressions, solving and graphing equations and inequalities in one variable, solving and graphing systems of equations, quadratic equations, graphing lines and parabolas, mathematical modeling, and basic geometric formulas.

Course content
  1. Sets of numbers:
    • integers
    • rationals
    • reals
  2. Basic algebraic techniques:
    • absolute values
    • exponents
    • factoring methods
    • rational expressions
  3. Solutions to equations:
    • quadratic
    • polynomial
    • rational
    • absolute value
  4. Inequalities
  5. Functions and relations:
    • domains and ranges
    • function notation
    • graphs of functions (including linear, quadratic, absolute value and radical functions)
  6. Mathematical modeling (story problems)
  7. Basic geometric formulas
  8. Systems of equations in 2 and 3 variables
  9. Radicals expressions:
    • radical forms
    • fractional exponents
    • operations of radical expressions
    • radical equations
Learning activities

Lectures, discussions, problem-solving practice, in-class activities (which may include work in groups)

Means of assessment
Assessment will be in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on the following:
Weekly quizzes:  0-40%
Term test(s): 20-70%
Assignments: 0-15%
Attendance: 0-5%
Class participation: 0-5%
Final exam: 30-40%
Total: 100% 
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
  • distinguish between different sets of real numbers;
  • use the set operations of intersection and union and the conditions of  “and” and “or”;
  • use the two-dimensional Cartesian co-ordinate system to plot points and to graph functions;
  • manipulate functions algebraically using function notation;
  • determine if an equation in two variables represents a function or a relation;
  • determine the domain and range of a function;
  • simplify linear, polynomial, absolute value, rational and radical expressions;
  • convert radical expressions to fractional exponent expressions and vice-versa; 
  • solve linear, quadratic, factorable polynomial, absolute value, rational and radical equations, and express the solution sets using set builder and interval notation;
  • solve linear and simple absolute value inequalities and express the solutions sets using set builder and interval notation;
  • solve quadratic and quadratic form equations by factoring, completing the square or using the quadratic formula and express the solutions using set builder and interval notation;
  • factor polynomials using grouping, common factors, difference of squares, sum and difference of cubes;
  • add, subtract, multiply and divide polynomials, including by synthetic division;
  • solve a problem given in English (story form) by translating into an associated algebraic form; 
  • find volumes, areas and perimeters of selected geometric figures and employ the results in the context of story/applied problems;
  • use the Pythagorean theorem to solve story problems and/or to calculate distances;
  • solve linear systems of equations algebraically and graphically, as appropriate;
  • graph linear equations given in general, slope-intercept and slope-point forms, and find linear equations for given graphs;
  • identify parallel and perpendicular lines;
  • graph quadratic functions (parabolas) by completing the square.

 

 

Textbook materials
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:

Sullivan and Struve. (Current Edition). Intermediate Algebra. Prentice Hall.

Marecek and Mathis. (Current Edition).  Intermediate Algebra. Openstax.

Requisites

Prerequisites

One of

Precalculus 11 or 12 with a C or better; or
MATU 0411 with a C- or better; or
Douglas College Math Assessment (DCOM) with a score of 14 or higher on Test #1 (MA2); or
Douglas College Precalculus Placement Math Assessment (DCMA) with a score of 15 or higher

Corequisites

None

Equivalencies

None

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers to Other Institutions

Below are current transfer agreements from Douglas College to other institutions for the current course guidelines only. For a full list of transfer details and archived courses, please see the BC Transfer Guide.

Institution Transfer details for MATH 1101
Langara College (LANG) LANG MATH 1150 (3)
Okanagan College (OC) No credit
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) TRU MATH 1XXX (3)
Trinity Western University (TWU) No credit
University of British Columbia - Okanagan (UBCO) No credit
University of British Columbia - Vancouver (UBCV) No credit
Vancouver Island University (VIU) VIU MATH 151 (3)

Course Offerings

Winter 2026

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
35
Currently enrolled
0
Remaining seats:
35
On waitlist
0
Building
Coquitlam - Bldg. C
Room
C1006
Times:
Start Time
12:30
-
End Time
14:20
Section notes

Open lab as per posted schedule. The tentative schedule is available at https://www.douglascollege.ca/programs-courses/faculties/science-and-te…

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
35
Currently enrolled
0
Remaining seats:
35
On waitlist
0
Building
Anvil Office Tower
Room
711
Times:
Start Time
10:30
-
End Time
12:20
Section notes

Open lab as per posted schedule. The tentative schedule is available at https://www.douglascollege.ca/programs-courses/faculties/science-and-te…

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
35
Currently enrolled
0
Remaining seats:
35
On waitlist
0
Building
New Westminster - South Bldg.
Room
S1812
Times:
Start Time
12:30
-
End Time
14:20
Section notes

Open lab as per posted schedule. The tentative schedule is available at https://www.douglascollege.ca/programs-courses/faculties/science-and-te…