Course Description

This course is designed as an alternative to College Algebra for those students who will not take Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, or Calculus. It is an applications-driven course that introduces functions using real-world phenomena as models. The major topics include: fundamental concepts of algebra; linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions and models of real-world phenomena; systems of equations; and additional topics in algebra.

Competency Areas		Hours
Fundamental Concepts of Algebra Functions and Graphs Linear Functions Quadratic Functions Polynomial Functions Exponential Functions Logarithmic Functions Systems of Equations Additional Topics in Algebra		Class/Week D. Lab/Week P. Lab/Week Credit Hours	5 0 0 5
Prerequisite:	Program admission level math achievement

Course Guide

Competency				After completing this section, the student will:	Hours
Competency				After completing this section, the student will:	Class			D.Lab	P.Lab
Fundamental Concepts of Algebra					5			0	0
Sets and Set Operations				Demonstrate the concept of sets and set notation. Find complements, unions, and intersections of sets.
Integral and Rational Exponents				Compute the value of expressions using the laws of exponents.
Radicals				Simplify radicals and use them in arithmetic operations.
Operations With Polynomials				Perform arithmetic operations on polynomials.
Special Products and Factoring				Identify all factors of algebraic expressions.
Operations With Rational Expressions				Perform arithmetic operations on rational expressions.
Functions and Graphs					5			0	0
Rectangular Coordinate System				Graph first- and second-degree equations.
Functions				Define and graph functions.
Algebra of Functions				Find sum, difference, product, and quotient of functions.
Composition of Functions (Optional)				Find the composition of two functions.
Inverse of a Function (Optional)				Find and/or graph the inverse of a function.
Linear Functions					10			0	0
Linear Equations In One Unknown				Solve linear equations.
Ratio and Proportion				Solve rational equations with ratio and proportion when applicable.
Linear Inequalities				Solve linear inequalities.
Linear Models of Real-World Phenomena				Construct linear models that describe real-world phenomena. Solve and analyze linear models.
Variations and Applications (Optional)				Set-up and solve problems with direct, inverse, or joint variations.
Quadratic Functions					5			0	0
Quadratic Equations In One Unknown				Solve quadratic equations.
Quadratic Models of Real-World Phenomena				Construct quadratic models that describe real-world phenomena. Solve and analyze quadratic models.
Polynomial Functions					5			0	0
Polynomial Models of Real-World Phenomena		Construct polynomial models that describe real-world phenomena. Solve and analyze polynomial models.
Exponential Functions					5			0	0
Apply Exponential Models to Real World Phenomena		Construct exponential models that describe real-world phenomena. Solve and analyze exponential models.
Logarithmic Functions
Logarithmic Models of Real-World Phenomena		Construct logarithmic models that describe real-world phenomena. Solve and analyze logarithmic models.
Systems of Equations						5	0		0
System of Two Linear Equations With Two Unknowns and Applications	Solve systems of linear equations with two unknowns. Solve application problems involving linear systems.
Matrices and Their Applications (Optional)	Solve systems of linear equations with matrices.
Linear Programming (Optional)	Solve simple linear programming problems.
Additional Topics in Algebra (All Optional)						10	0		0
Piecewise-Defined Models of Real-World Phenomena			Recognize and interpret piecewise-defined models of real-world phenomena.
Counting Principles			Apply counting principles to real-world phenomena.
Basic Probability Concepts			Determine the probability of an event.
Basic Statistical Concepts			Find measures of central tendency and dispersion.

At least 10% of the course must be spent on three or more of the optional topics. The optional items are not included in the class time of the categories they fall under.

Suggested Resources

Aufmann, Barker, & Nation (2001). College Algebra (4th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

Connally & Hallett, et al. (1998). Functions Modeling Change. New York: John Wiley.

Kime & Clark (1998). Explorations in College Algebra. New York: John Wiley.

Larson, Hostetler, & Hodgkins (2000). College Algebra: Concepts and Models (3^rd ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

Rockswald (2002). College Algebra Through Modeling and Visualization. (2^nd ed.). Boston: Addison Wesley.

Schaufele, Zumoff & Sims and Sims (1999). Earth Algebra: College Algebra with Applications To Environmental Issues. Boston: Addison Wesley.

Standard

Course Description

Hours

Course Guide

D.Lab

0

Functions and Graphs

0

0

0

Polynomial Functions

5

0

Exponential Functions

5

0

Logarithmic Functions

5

0

Solve systems of linear equations with two unknowns.

Solve systems of linear equations with matrices.

Solve simple linear programming problems.

Additional Topics in Algebra (All Optional)

10

0

Recognize and interpret piecewise-defined models of real-world phenomena.

Apply counting principles to real-world phenomena.

Suggested Resources