MAT050: ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA SYLLABUS LECTURE HOURS/CREDITS: 3/3 CATALOG DESCRIPTION Prerequisite: MAT010 Introductory College Mathematics OR MAT011 Introductory to College Mathematics OR Equivalent Prerequisite or Co-Requisite: RDG099 Introduction to College Reading III This is a developmental course for students whose placement test scores place them at this level or those with little or no previous experience in algebra. Emphasis is on operations with signed numbers, evaluation and simplification of algebraic expressions, solutions to linear equations with applications, exponents, polynomials, factoring and graphing. NOTE: MAT050 does not satisfy program requirements in mathematics. TEXTBOOK AND COURSE MATERIALS It is the responsibility of the student to confirm with the bookstore and/or their instructor the textbook, handbook and other materials required for their specific course and section. Please see current textbook prices at http://rcgc.bncollege.com EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT Grading Distribution Individual instructors may include the following assessment(s): Grading to be determined by individual instructors Grading Scale The grading scale for each course and section will be determined by the instructor and distributed the first day of class.
2 ROWAN COLLEGE AT GLOUCESTER COUNTY CORE COMPETENCIES (Based on the NJCC General Education Foundation - August 15, 2007; Revised 2011) This comprehensive list reflects the core competencies that are essential for all RCGC graduates; however, each program varies regarding competencies required for a specific degree. Critical thinking is embedded in all courses, while teamwork and personal skills are embedded in many courses. RCGC Core Competencies 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Written and Oral Communication Students will communicate effectively in both speech and writing. Quantitative Knowledge and Students will use appropriate mathematical and statistical concepts and operations to interpret data and to solve problems. Scientific Knowledge and Reasoning Students will use the scientific method of inquiry, through the acquisition of scientific knowledge. Technological Competency Students will use computer systems or other appropriate forms of technology to achieve educational and personal goals. Society and Human Behavior Students will use social science theories and concepts to analyze human behavior and social and political institutions and to act as responsible citizens. Humanistic Perspective Students will analyze works in the fields of art, history, music, or theater; literature; philosophy and/or religious studies; and/or will gain competence in the use of a foreign language Historical Perspective Students will understand historical events and movements in World, Western, non-western or American societies and assess their subsequent significance. Global and Cultural Awareness Students will understand the importance of a global perspective and culturally diverse peoples. Ethical Reasoning and Action Students will understand ethical issues and situations. Information Literacy Students will address an information need by locating, evaluating, and effectively using information MAT050 CORE COMPETENCIES This course focuses on one of RCGC s Core Competencies: Quantitative Knowledge and
3 STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA Successful completion of MAT050 will help students: RCGC Core Competencies 1. Apply the properties of real numbers. 2. Solve linear equations and inequalities with one variable. 3. Graph basic functions. 4. Perform basic functions with polynomials. 5. Factor polynomials. 6. Perform operations with rational expressions. Evaluation / Assessment (Additional means of evaluation may be included by individual instructors)
4 MAT050 TOPICAL OUTLINE The Real Number System Exponents, Order of Operations and Inequality Variables, Expressions and Equations Real Numbers and the Number Line Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying and Dividing Real Numbers Properties of Real Numbers Simplifying Real Numbers Equations, Inequalities and Applications The Addition Property of Equality The Multiplication Property of Equality More on Solving Linear Equations An Introduction to Applications of Linear Equations Ratio, Proportion and Percent Solver Linear Inequalities Graphs of Linear Equations in Inequalities in Two Variables Reading Graphs: Linear Equations in Two Variables Graphing Linear Equations in Two Variables Slope of a Line Equations of Lines Exponents and Polynomials Adding and Subtracting Polynomials The Product Rule and Power Rules for Exponents Multiplying Polynomials Special Products Integers, Exponents and the Quotient Rule Dividing a Polynomial by a Monomial Dividing a Polynomial by a Polynomial An Application of Exponents: Scientific Notation
5 MAT050 TOPICAL OUTLINE (CONTINUED) Factoring and Applications Factors: The Greatest Common Factor Factoring Trinomials Factoring Trinomials by Grouping Factoring Trinomials by FOIL (First, Outer/Outside, Inner/Inside, Last) Special Factoring Techniques Rational Expressions and Applications The Fundamental Property of Rational Expressions Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions Least Common Denominators Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions Complex Fractions Solving Equations with Rational Expressions Applications of Rational Expressions