What Are We Studying?

Course Description: a credit course serving as a prerequisite for all other first level credit Math courses, including College Algebra, Elementary Statistics, Number Systems, Finite Mathematics and Math for the Liberal Arts. This course includes the following algebraic topics: linear equations, inequalities, compound inequalities, absolute value equations and inequalities (all in one variable ); interval notation; linear equations in 2 variables; 4 operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) on radicals including complex numbers; solving radical equations; 4 operations on rational expressions; solving rational equations; solving quadratic equations; graphing quadratic functions and applications involving those skills; time permitting, graphing and solving of equations involving exponential and logarithmic functions. The graphing calculator may be presented in this course by the instructor, but its use is not required of the student.

Specific Course Outcomes: At the successful completion of this course, the student will be able to do the following:

1) Completely Factor Polynomials

2) Solve linear equations, inequalities, compound inequalities, absolute value equations and inequalities, quadratic equations, rational and radical equations (all in 1 variable) plus exponential and logarithmic equations (time permitting)

3) Solve systems of equations in 2 variables

4) Simplify radical and rational expressions

5) Graph quadratic functions

6) Use the algebraic concepts above to solve and apply word problems