Course Goals
To develop in students intermediate algebraic skills necessary for success in subsequent mathematics courses and other courses requiring mathematical skills.
To develop in students the problem-solving skills needed to interpret, analyze and solve applied problems requiring intermediate-level algebraic skills.
Core Course Topics
Solve Linear Equations and Inequalities
Solve linear equations using both the multiplication and addition properties of equality.
Solve a linear equation containing fractions, decimals, parentheses, or all of these.
Solve linear inequalities using the multiplication and addition properties of inequality.
Express the solution of a linear inequality as an inequality, on a number line, in interval notation, and in set-builder notation.
Functions and Graphs
Find the slope of a line given two points on a line.
Write the equation of a line in slope-intercept form.
Find the slope of a line given its equation.
Graph a linear equation using the slope and y-intercept.
Write equations of lines using slope-intercept form and point-slope form, including parallel and perpendicular lines.
Define a relation and express the domain and range of a relation in set builder or interval notation.
Determine algebraically or graphically whether a relation is a function.
Use function notation.
Solve application problems that can be modeled by a linear function.
Polynomial Functions
Add, subtract, and multiply polynomials.
Multiply binomial squares and the sum and difference of two terms.
Factor polynomials by factoring out the greatest common factor.
Factor four-term polynomials by grouping.
Factor trinomials.
Factor perfect-square trinomials and the difference of two squares.
Apply the appropriate factoring strategy to factor a polynomial.
Solve quadratic equations by factoring.
Solve application problems that can be modeled by quadratic equations.
Rational Expressions and Rational Equations
Simplify rational expressions.
Determine the domain of a rational function.
Perform algebraic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division on rational expressions.
Simplify complex fractions.
Solve rational equations algebraically.
Solve rational equations for a specified variable.
Solve application problems that can be modeled by rational equations.
Radicals, Rational Exponents, and Complex Numbers
Evaluate perfect roots.
Convert expressions in radical form to exponential form and vice versa.
Simplify expressions involving rational exponents.
Simplify radical expressions.
Perform algebraic operations of addition, subtraction, and multiplication on radical expressions.
Rationalize the denominator of a radical expression.
Solve radical equations algebraically.
Solve application problems that can be modeled by using Pythagorean Theorem.
Write square roots with negative radicands as imaginary numbers.
Add, subtract, multiply, and divide with complex numbers.
Quadratic Functions and Equations
Solve quadratic equations using the square root property.
Solve quadratic equations using the quadratic formula.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: