RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOK

Basic Algebra with Applications (6th edition) by Zaigralin

 

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
1.1 – 1.5 Real numbers and their properties 2
1.7 – 1.8 Addition and multiplication of fractions 2
1.9 Word problems 1
2.1 – 2.3 Solving linear equations 3
2.4 – 2.5 Percents and units 2
2.6 Linear inequalities 1
3.1 – 3.7 Graphing lines 6
4.1 – 4.4 Systems of linear equations 5
5.1 – 5.2, 5.8 Integer exponents 3
6.1 – 6.4 Factoring quadratic equations 5
8.1 – 8.4 Square roots 3
8.7 Rational exponents 2
9.2 – 9.4* Roots of quadratic equations (*excluding complex numbers) 5
Total 40

 

OPTIONAL TOPICS (time permitting)

  • Section 1.6 on prime numbers
  • Section 4.5 on graphs of linear inequalities
  • Sections 5.3-5.7 on polynomials and their properties
  • Section 6.8 on applications of factoring
  • Section 8.6 on the distance formula
  • Section 9.1 and parts of 9.2 and 9.3 relating to complex numbers
  • 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.