REQUIRED TEXTBOOK

Intermediate Algebra by Elayn Martin-Gay (7th edition); ISBN-13: 978-0134196176

 

SECTION COVERAGE

The following table lists the minimum set of topics to be included in this course.  The number of lectures listed for each chapter is only a suggestion and will vary across instructors and semesters.

There are typically 42-43 lecture days in a semester, so lecture periods are available for exams.

Sections Topics Lectures
1.2 – 1.4 Algebraic expressions 3
2.1, 2.3 – 2.7 Linear equations and linear inequalities 5
3.1 – 3.4, 3.7 Introduction to functions and graphs 6
4.1 – 4.3 Systems of equations 5
5.1 – 5.2, 7.1-7.2 Exponents, rational exponents and radicals 5
5.3 – 5.4 Introduction to polynomials 2
8.1 – 8.2, 8.5 Quadratic functions and graphs 5
Optional topics 4
Integrated review 3
Total 38

 

OPTIONAL TOPICS (time permitting)

  • Section 7.7, introduction to complex numbers
  • Section 8.6, more on quadratic functions, maximums and minimums
  • Sections 9.3-9.6, basics on exponential and logarithmic functions
  • Other outside topics, readings, videos, or materials the instructor deems relevant

 

MEASURABLE OBJECTIVES

 

Real Numbers and Algebraic Expressions:

  • Identify different types of numbers, including real numbers, integers, rationals, and irrationals.
  • Determine absolute values and negatives of numbers.
  • Translate word problems into algebraic expressions.
  • Evaluate and simplify algebraic expressions.

Equations and Inequalities:

  • Rearrange formulas to isolate a specified variable.
  • Solve linear equations with one variable.
  • Solve linear inequalities with one variable and represent the solution set in interval notation.
  • Solve compound inequalities.
  • Solve equations and inequalities involving absolute values.

Functions, Coordinate Systems and graphs:

  • Plot ordered pairs on coordinate systems.
  • Determine the domain and range of relations or functions.
  • Identify functions using the vertical line test.
  • Write linear equations in function format and graph linear functions.
  • Express linear functions in slope-intercept form and compute slope, x-intercept, and y-intercept.
  • Graph vertical and horizontal lines.
  • Graph linear inequalities and represent the intersection or union of two inequalities.

System of equations:

  • Solve systems of equations with two variables, visualize the solution by plotting the two lines in the
    system.
  • Solve systems of equations with three variables.

Exponents, Scientific Notation, and Radicals:

  • Simplify exponents using product and quotient rules, zero exponent, and negative exponent.
  • Utilize scientific notation.
  • Simplify radical expressions.

Polynomials and Quadratic Functions:

  • Identify polynomial terms and determine the degrees of terms and polynomials.
  • Multiply two polynomials.
  • Solve quadratic equations by completing the square and using the quadratic formula.
  • Understand the basics of graphing quadratic functions.

Exponential and Logarithmic Functions (optional):

  • Graph exponential functions and solve problems modeled by exponential equations.
  • Identify, graph logarithmic functions and use the properties of logarithms.