COURSE PLAN FOR BASIC ALGEBRA I

I. Course Description:
A developmental course covering introductory algebra, designed (in conjunction
with MTH 4) to develop mathematical proficiency.

II. Prerequisites:
A satisfactory score on the mathematics placement test or MTH 2.

III. Introduction:
This course is designed to introduce and develop basic algebraic concepts and skills.
A student may re-register for this course (up to a total of 3 attempts) in subsequent
semesters as necessary until the course objectives are met. The student should
attain a level of mastery of the material that will ensure a good foundation for
subsequent courses. Applications in the form of word problems are emphasized
throughout the course.

IV. Instructional Materials:
Textbook: Introductory & Intermediate Algebra by Miller, O'Neill, Hyde;
McGraw Hill ; 2006; ISBN 0-07-329807-7 (Required).

Student's Solution Manual, ISBN 0-07-330523-5 (Optional)
Scientific calculator (Required)

V. References:
Given as necessary.

VI. Course Objectives:
The student must master the following concepts:

A. Real Numbers (Ch 1)

R.2 Fractions
1.1 Sets of numbers and the real number line
1.2 Order of operations
1.3 Addition of real numbers
1.4 Subtraction of real numbers
1.5 Multiplication and division of real numbers
1.6 Properties of real numbers and simplifying expressions

B. Linear equations and inequalities (Ch 2)
2.1 Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division properties of equality
2.2 Solving linear equations
2.3 Linear equations: clearing fractions and decimals
2.4 Applications of linear equations: introduction to problem solving
2.5 Applications involving percents
R.4 Introduction to geometry
2.6 Formulas and applications of geometry
2.7 Linear inequalities

C. Polynomials and properties of exponents (Ch 4)
4.1 Exponents: multiplying and dividing common bases
4.2 More properties of exponments
4.3 Definition of b⁰ and b^-n
4.4 Scientific notation
4.5 Addition and subtraction of polynomials
4.6 Multiplication of polynomials
4.7 Division of polynomials

D. Factoring polynomials (Ch 5)
5.1 Greatest common factor and factoring by grouping
5.2 Factoring trinomials: grouping method
5.3 Factoring trinomials: trial-and-error method
5.4 Factoring perfect square trinomials and the difference of squares
5.5 Factoring the sum and difference of cubes and general factoring
summary
5.6 Solving equations using the zero product rule

E. Rational expressions (Ch 6)
6.1 Introduction to rational expressions
6.2 Multiplication and division of rational expressions
6.3 Least common denominator
6.4 Addition and subtraction of rational expressions
6.5 Complex fractions
6.6 Rational equations
6.7 Applications of rational equations and proportions

G. Graphing linear equations in two variables (Ch 3)
3.1 Rectangular coordinate system
3.2 Linear equations in two variables
3.3 Slope of a line
3.4 Slope-intercept form of a line
3.5 Point-slope formula
3.6 Applications of linear equations

VII. Suggested weekly outline for Fall and Spring semesters:
Week 1: R.2, 1.1, 1.2
Week 2: 1.3, 1.4, 1.5
Week 3: 1.6, 2.1, 2.2
Week 4: 2.3, 2.4, 2.5
Week 5: R.4, 2.6, 2.7
Week 6: 4.1, 4.2, 4.3
Week 7: 4.4, 4.5, 4.6
Week 8: 4.7, 5.1, 5.2
Week 9: 5.3, 5.4, 5.5
Week 10: 5.6, 6.1, 6.2
Week 11: 6.3, 6.4, 6.5
Week 12: 6.6, 6.7, 3.1
Week 13: 3.2, 3.3,
Week 14: 3.4, 3.5
Week 15: 3.6

VIII. Suggested weekly outline for Summer semester:
Week 1: R.2, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4
Week 2: 1.5, 1.6, 2.1, 2.2
Week 3: 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, R.4, 2.6
Week 4: 2.7, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3
Week 5: 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 5.1
Week 6: 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5
Week 7: 5.6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3
Week 8: 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7
Week 9: 3.1, 3.2, 3.3
Week 10: 3.4, 3.5, 3.6