Northeastern State University

College of Mathematic, Science and Nursing

Department of Mathematics

Syllabus for Math 0123 Elementary Algebra

PREREQUISITES: None

CATALOG DESCRIPTION OF COURSE: A course for students with little or no previous algebra background. Included topis are signed numbers, exponents, order of operations, factoring, algebraic fractions, linear equations and inequalities, word problems and percents. No college credit.

COURSE PURPOSE: This is a remedial course designed to prepare students for Intermediate Algebra. It has been designated as a course for students needing to satisfy a deficiency in Mathematics. It is review of basic algebra concepts. Topics covered in this course can be found in the Catalog Description of the Course. As shown above.

EXPECTED COURSE OUTCOMES:

The student will be expected to achieve the following objectives:

• Identify and graph , on a number line, sets of real umbers

• Understand the meaning and effects of operations on rational and real numbers.

• Write algebraic expressions and evaluate them using the order of operations.

• Identify properties of real numbers.

• Solve linear equations and solve formulas for specified variables.

• Analyze application problems, solve them, and state the conclusions.

• Interpret and graph linear equations.

• Perform arithmetic operations on polynomials.

• Evaluate expressions involving integer exponents.

• Factor polynomials using various methods.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: (Required Textbook)

Gustafson, David R. and Peter D. Frisk. Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, An Integrated Approach (3rd edition). Pacific Grove, California: Brooks and Cole Publishing Company, 2002.

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES: The expected course outcomes will be realized through a variety of instructional strategies. Those strategies include, but are not limited to, the following: lecture, expository-discussion, demonstration, inquiry, and group activities. The instructor also will integrate appropriate multi-media technology.

Elementary Algebra

I. Real Numbers and Their Basic Properties

• Real Numbers and Their Graphs
• Fractions
• Exponents ans Order of Operations
• Adding and Subtracting Real Numbers
• Multiplying and Dividing Real Numbers
• Algebraic Expressions
• Properties of Real Numbers

Major Examination #1

II. Equations and Inequalities

• Solving Equations by Addition and Subtraction
• Solving Equations by Multiplication and Division
• Solving More Complicated Equations
• Simplifying Expressions to Solving Equations
• Applications of Equations
• Formulas

Major Examination #2

III. Graphing and solving Systems of Equations and Inequalities

• The Rectangular Coordinate System
• Graphing Linear Equations

IV. Polynomials

• Natural-Number Exponents
• Zero and Negative-Integer Exponents
• Scientific Notation

Major Examination #3

IV. Polynomials

• Polynomials
• Adding and Subtracting Polynomials
• Multiplying Polynomials

V. Factoring Polynomials

• Factoring Out the Greatest Common Factor
• Factoring by Grouping
• Factoring the Difference of Two Squares
• Factoring Trinomials with Lead Coefficients of 1

Major Examination #4

Final Examination

STUDENT PERFORMANCE ACTIVITIES: (Attendance/Punctuality) Regular class attendance is required. . Failure to regularly attend any zero level course may result in an Administrative Withdrawal (AW) from the course. This AW may affect your eligibility for financial aid, athletics and veterans benefits. Consult your instructor or the NSU catalog for the complete AW Policy.