Standard

MAT 098 – Pre-Algebra

Course Description

Introduces pre-algebra concepts and operations which will be applied to the study of beginning algebra. Topics include: number theory, signed numbers, order of operations, simplifying algebraic expressions, factoring, equations, and algebra word problems. Homework assignments reinforce classroom learning.

Competency Areas		Hours
Number Theory		Class	5
Signed Numbers		D. Lab*	0
Order of Operations		P.Lab/O.B.I.*	0
Simplifying Algebraic Expressions Factoring Equations Algebra Word Problems		Credit	5 I.C.
Prerequisite:	MAT 097, or entrance arithmetic score in accordance with approved DTAE admission score levels
	*Lab may be substituted, as needed, for class hours on a 2 to 1 basis.

Course Guide

Competency	After completing this section, the student will:	Hours
		Class	D.Lab	P.Lab/ O.B.I.
NUMBER THEORY		5	0	0
Sets	Identify sets of real numbers.
Properties	Define properties of addition, multiplication, and division of real numbers.
	Define powers of real numbers.
SIGNED NUMBERS		5	0	0
Definition of signed numbers	Define signed numbers and absolute value.
Operations using signed numbers	Solve problems requiring addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and powers of signed numbers.
ORDER OF OPERATIONS		5	0	0
Hierarchy of operations	Describe the hierarchy of operations.
	Apply the hierarchy of operations to solve mathematical problems requiring multiple operations.
SIMPLIFYING ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS		5	0	0
Definition of algebraic expressions	Define variable, constant, terms, coefficients, and polynomials.
Exponents	Identify laws of exponents.
	Apply laws of exponents.
Operations using algebraic expressions	Solve problems requiring addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of algebraic expressions.
	Determine special products of polynomials.
FACTORING		10	0	0
Definition of factors	Define prime factors and greatest common factor.
Operations using factoring	Remove common monomial factors.
	Factor binomials and trinomials.
EQUATIONS		10	0	0
Definition of equations	Define equations.
	Differentiate between equations and expressions.
Operations using equations	Solve linear equations of one unknown.
	Manipulate formulas.
	Solve problems algebraically involving ratio and proportion.
ALGEBRA WORD PROBLEMS		10	0	0
Algebraic translations	Translate English phrases into algebraic expressions and sentences/paragraphs into algebraic equations.
Application of algebra	Solve word problems requiring simple linear equations.

Suggested Resources

Calter, P. (1990). Technical mathematics (2nd ed.). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Cleaves, C., et al. (1988). Introduction to technical mathematics. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Groza, S. (1986). Elementary algebra (4th ed.). Philadelphia: Saunders College.

Person, R. V., & Person, V. J. (1989). Essentials of mathematics (5th ed.). New York: John Wiley & Sons.

Shea, J. T. (1990). Working with numbers: Algebra. Austin, TX: Steck-Vaughn.

Streeter, J., et al. (1989). Beginning algebra. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Washington, A. J. (1990). Basic technical mathematics (5th ed.). Redwood City, CA: Benjamin-Cummings.

Washington, A. J., & Triola, M. F. (1988). Introduction to technical mathematics (4th ed.). Redwood City, CA: Benjamin-Cummings.

Wise, A. (1989). Beginning algebra and problem solving (2nd ed.). San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

Yamato, Y., & Cordon, M. J. (1987). Mastering elementary algebra. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.