MAT 050 - Introduction to Algebra

This developmental course covers the standard topics of basic algebra:  real numbers and algebraic expressions, using formulas, solving linear equations and inequalities, Cartesian coordinates, graphs of linear equations, direct and inverse variation, exponents and scientific notation, operations with polynomials, factoring of polynomials, solving quadratic equations by factoring, and simplifying rational and radical expressions, and applied problem solving.  Prerequisite:  MAT-020 or equivalent or Placement Test.

Course Objectives:  Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. Use the properties of real numbers to simplify algebraic expressions. 

2. Solve linear equations and inequalities.

3. Evaluate and solve formulas.

4. Graph linear equations.

5. Find slopes, intercepts, and the equation of a line.

6. Use exponents and scientific notation.

7. Perform operations on polynomials.

8. Factor polynomials.

9. Solve quadratic equations by factoring. 

10. Perform operations on rational expressions.

11. Solve direct and inverse variation problems.

12. Perform operations on radical expressions.

13. Solve word problems using one or more of the skills above.

Textbook:  BEGINNING ALGEBRA  by Elayn Martin-Gay, 5^th edition,  Pearson Prentice Hall, 2009 with Student Solutions Manual, Martin-Gay Interactive DVD Lecture Series, and MyMathLab Student Access Kit. (required)

Syllabus

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Last modified: 05/15/08