A combination of different instructional methods will be used in order to balance instructional efficiency with individual student needs. Group instruction, individual assistance in lab tutorial or scheduled appointments and student-directed learning will be selected where appropriate and possible.
Number and Number Operations
- operations with rational numbers: positive and negative integers and fractions
- order of operations in whole number expressions
- factoring integers into primes
- powers of integer bases and roots which yield rational answers
- operations with integral bases and exponents: amxn, am + an, (am)n, a-n, a0 a1 (am + bn)2
Algebra
- evaluating expressions
- polynomial addition and subtraction
- polynomial multiplication
- polynomial division by monomials
- operations with variable bases and integral exponents as in “l.e” above
- factoring: greatest common factor, differences of squares, trinomials
- linear equations in one variable: solution axioms
- rearranging formulas
- writing expressions for unknowns
- problem-solving techniques
- solving word problems leading to linear equations in one variable.
Analytic Geometry
- Cartesian co-ordinators
- graphing linear equations in two variables: table of values
Geometry
- plane figures + 3-dimensional forms: formulas for perimeter, area and volume
- Pythagorean Theorem
The aims of the course are for students to:
- gain initial experience with algebra and geometry for application in subsequent course in mathematics;
- learn to apply the basic operations and order of operations to the rational numbers and to polynomials;
- learn to perform operations using integer exponents;
- develop a facility for factoring: into primes, by removal of a common monomial factor, by recognition of special products - applications with simple binomials and trinomials;
- recognize and adopt appropriate strategies for the solution of linear equations in one variable and linear equations in two variables (by graphing);
- use and manipulate formulas for solving problems of perimeter, area and volume.
Attendance is a course requirement. The final grade may be UN if more than 30% of classes are missed or if less than 70% of items for evaluation are undertaken.
Evaluation will be based on examinations and assignments in accordance with college policy. Details regarding the number and weighting of individual components will be announced in a "Course Information" handout at the beginning of the semester.
Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students
Students are required to supply a three-ring binder, paper, pen, pencil, and a scientific calculator.
All other materials and textbooks will be available on loan from the department when needed.
MATU 0210 or permission of instructor