Standard

MAT 099/152 - Intermediate Algebra

Course Description

This course is designed for students who require additional skills in algebra prior to taking College Algebra. The major topics include: operations with algebraic expressions; linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, and functions; graphing techniques; rational expressions and equations; exponents, radicals, and complex numbers; and simultaneous equations.

Competency Areas		Hours
Algebraic Concepts and Operations		Class/Week	5
Linear Equations and Inequalities		D. Lab/Week	0
Linear Functions and Graphs		P. Lab/Week	0
Rational Expressions		Credit Hours	5
Exponents, Radicals, and Complex Numbers
Quadratic Equations and Inequalities
Quadratic Functions and Graphs
Systems of Linear Equations
Prerequisite:	Elementary Algebra ASSET score of 39 or MAT 103 with a grade of C or better.

Course Guide

Competency	After completing this section, the student will:	Hours
		Class	D.Lab	P.Lab
ALGEBRAIC CONCEPTS AND OPERATIONS		5	0	0
Fundamental laws	Identify and use the fundamental laws of algebra.
Algebraic expressions	Utilize fundamental laws of algebra to simplify algebraic expressions.
Factoring	Factor algebraic expressions completely.
LINEAR EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES		5	0	0
Equations	Solve linear and literal equations.
Inequalities	Solve linear inequalities.
Applications	Use linear equations and inequalities to solve application problems.
LINEAR FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS		5	0	0
Slope	Find the slope of a line using various methods.
Equations	Write the equation of a line.
Graphing	Graph linear functions.
RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS		10	0	0
Operations	Simplify, multiply, divide, add, and subtract rational expressions.
Complex Fractions	Simplify complex rational expressions.
Equations	Solve equations involving rational expressions.
EXPONENTS, RADICALS, AND COMPLEX NUMBERS		10	0	0
Integral and Rational Exponents	Compute value of expressions containing integral and rational exponents.
Radicals	Compute with radical expressions.
Complex Numbers	Compute with complex numbers.
QUADRATIC EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES		5	0	0
Equations	Solve quadratic equations.
Inequalities	Solve quadratic inequalities.
Applications	Use quadratic equations and inequalities to solve application problems.
QUADRATIC FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHS		5	0	0
Equations	Write the equation of a parabola.
Graphing	Graph quadratic functions.
SYSTEMS OF LINEAR EQUATIONS		5	0	0
Graphical solutions	Solve systems of linear equations graphically.
Algebraic solutions	Solve systems of linear equations algebraically.

Suggested Resources

Aufmann, Barker, & Lockwood (1999). Intermediate Algebra, An Applied Approach (5^th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

Bittinger (1999). Intermediate Algebra (8^th ed.). Reading: Addison-Wesley.

Larson & Hostetler (2001). Intermediate Algebra (3^rd ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin.