Standard

 

MAT 103 – Algebraic Concepts

Course Description

Introduces concepts and operations which can be applied to the study of algebra. Course content emphasizes: basic mathematical concepts, basic algebraic concepts, and intermediate algebraic concepts. Class includes lecture, applications, and homework to reinforce learning.

 

Competency Areas

Hours

 

Basic Mathematical Concepts

Class

5

Basic Algebraic Concepts

D. Lab

0

Intermediate Algebraic Concepts

P. Lab/O.B.I.

0

 

Credit

5

 

 

 

Prerequisite:

MAT 098, or entrance arithmetic and algebra scores in accordance with approved DTAE admission score levels

Corequisite:

 

 

Course Guide

 

Competency

After completing this section, the student will:

Hours

Class

D.Lab

P.Lab/

O.B.I.

BASIC MATHEMATICAL CONCEPTS

5

0

0

Arithmetic review

Solve problems using exponents, roots, and scientific notation.

 

 

 

 

Simplify radicals and use them in arithmetic operations.

 

 

 

 

Use a scientific calculator to perform basic arithmetic operations.

 

 

 

Signed numbers

Perform operations using signed numbers.

 

 

 

 

Define absolute value and use in calculations.

 

 

 

 

Use signed numbers in application problems.

 

 

 

Order of operation

Apply hierarchy of operations to solve mathematical problems requiring multiple operations.

 

 

 

BASIC ALGEBRAIC CONCEPTS

30

0

0

Unknowns and variables

Define concept and notation used for variable quantities.

 

 

 

Algebraic expressions

Combine like terms.

 

 

 

 

Perform operations on algebraic expressions.

 

 

 

 

Expand expressions with exponents.

 

 

 

 

Factor polynomials.

 

 

 

Algebraic fractions

Perform operations on algebraic fractions.

 

 

 

Equations and formulas

Solve linear equations.

 

 

 

 

Solve quadratic equations by factoring or by use of the quadratic formula.

 

 

 

 

Solve equations involving algebraic fractions.

 

 

 

 

Solve formulas for a designated unknown.

 

 

 

 

Solve applied problems involving linear or quadratic equations.

 

 

 

INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRAIC CONCEPTS

15

0

0

Functions

Define the concept of one variable being a function of another.

 

 

 

 

Evaluate linear and quadratic functions.

 

 

 

 

Graph linear and quadratic functions on the rectangular and coordinate system.

 

 

 

 

Solve applied problems using linear and quadratic functions.

 

 

 

Linear systems

Solve systems of linear equations with 2 or 3 variables using elimination, substitution, graphing, and determinants.

 

 

 

 

Suggested Resources

 

Suggested Resources include textbooks shown below or most current edition.

 

Books

 

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.

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.