Standard

rev.11/26/03 

MAT 191 - College Algebra

Course Description

Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include: algebraic concepts and operations, linear and quadratic equations and functions, simultaneous equations, inequalities, exponents and powers, graphing techniques, and analytic geometry.

 

Competency Areas

Hours

Algebraic Concepts and Operations

Class

5

Linear and Quadratic Equations and Functions

D. Lab

0

Simultaneous Equations

P. Lab/O.B.I.

0

Inequalities

Credit

5

Exponents and Powers

 

 

Graphing Techniques

 

 

Analytic Geometry

 

 

 

 

 

Prerequisite:

Program admission level math achievement

Corequisite:

 

 

Course Guide

 

Competency

After completing this section, the student will:

Hours

Class

D.Lab

P.Lab/

O.B.I.

ALGEBRAIC CONCEPTS AND OPERATIONS

10

0

0

Fundamental laws

Identify the fundamental laws of algebra.

 

 

 

Algebraic expressions

Utilize fundamental laws of algebra to simplify algebraic expressions.

 

 

 

Equations and formulas

Solve algebraic equations and formulas.

 

 

 

LINEAR AND QUADRATIC EQUATIONS AND FUNCTIONS

15

0

0

Linear equations

Solve linear equations.

 

 

 

Factoring

Identify all factors of algebraic expressions.

 

 

 

Fractions

Convert complex algebraic fractions to equivalent forms.

 

 

 

Quadratic equations

Calculate sum, difference, product, and quotient of algebraic expressions.

 

 

 

 

Solve quadratic equations.

 

 

 

SIMULTANEOUS EQUATIONS

9

0

0

Graphical solutions

Solve systems of linear equations graphically.

 

 

 

Algebraic solutions

Solve systems of equations algebraically.

 

 

 

Solutions by determinants

Solve systems of linear equations by using determinants.

 

 

 

INEQUALITIES

2

0

0

Graphical solutions

Solve inequalities graphically.

 

 

 

Algebraic solutions

Solve inequalities algebraically.

 

 

 

EXPONENTS AND POWERS

3

0

0

Laws of exponents

Compute the value of expressions involving exponents.

 

 

 

Scientific notation

Convert numbers to scientific notation.

 

 

 

GRAPHING TECHNIQUES

6

0

0

Cartesian coordinates

Identify points on a Cartesian plane by given coordinates.

 

 

 

Graphing functions

Prepare graphs of algebraic equations.

 

 

 

ANALYTIC GEOMETRY

5

0

0

Straight line

Mathematically define a straight line and its properties.

 

 

 

Conics

Mathematically define and identify the circle, parabola, hyperbola, and ellipse.

 

 

 

 

Suggested Resources

 

Suggested Resources include textbooks shown below or most current edition.

 

Books

Benice, D. D. (1989). Prealgebra and algebra (4th ed.). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Christopher, J. (1991). Introductory technical mathematics (2nd ed.). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Clar, L. M., & Hart, J. A. (Latest edition). Mathematics for the technologies. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Cooke, N. M., & Adams, H. F. (1986). Basic mathematics for electronics (6th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Davis, L. (1990). Technical mathematics with calculus. Columbus, OH: Macmillan.

Fleming, W., & Varberg, D. (1988). Algebra and trigonometry (3rd ed.). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Gilbert, J., et al. (1981). College algebra. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Paul, R. S., & Shaevel, M. L. (1989). Essentials of technical mathematics with calculus (2nd ed.). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Radford, L. (1986). Introduction to technical mathematics with calculus. Boston: Brenton.

Singer, B. B., & Forster, H. (1990). Basic mathematics for electricity and electronics (4th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Smith, K. J. (1990). Precalculus mathematics: A functional approach (4th ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks-Cole.

Swokowski, E. W. (1989). Fundamentals of algebra and trigonometry (7th ed.). Boston: Prindle, Weber & Schmidt.

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