SANTA BARBARA CITY COLLEGE

ASSOCIATE DEGREE CREDIT COURSE OUTLINE

 

 

Department:  Mathematics

Subject Area and Course Number:  Mathematics 111

Course Title:  Intermediate Algebra for Math, Science and Business Majors

Discipline:  Mathematics

Units:  5

Repeatability:  None

Catalog Course Description:  Second course in algebra, including algebraic manipulation of polynomials, rational expressions, exponents, radicals, linear equations, ratio and proportion, inequalities, word problems, complex numbers, quadratic equations, and systems of linear and nonlinear equations.  Introduction to functions and nonlinear equations. Exponential and logarithmic functions and their applications.  Introduction to graphing calculators.

Description for Schedule of Classes:  Second course in algebra: inequalities, polynomials, complex numbers, quadratic equations, systems of linear and nonlinear equations. Introduction to functions, exponential exponentials, and logarithmic functions.  Introduction to graphing calculators. A prerequisite for Math 130 and 137.

Lecture Hours per Week:  5.3               (80-90 Total Semester Hours)

Laboratory Hours per Week:  None

Plus Hours:  None

Prerequisite:  Math 100, with a grade of "C" or better or qualifying score on SBCC placement exam.

Co-requisites:  None

Skills Advisories:    Eligibility for English 100 and English 103

Course Advisories:       Math 100, with a grade of ŇBÓ or better.

Limitation on Enrollment:       None

Course Objectives:  By the end of the course, students will be able to:

1.             Demonstrate refined skills in algebraic manipulation and equation solving through extensions of techniques taught in Elementary Algebra by solving equations and systems of equations, and manipulating and simplifying algebraic expressions.

2.            Apply the above skills while analyzing and finding solutions to word problems.

3.            Demonstrate the ability to graph functions and relations involving two variables.

4.            Demonstrate a basic understanding of the exponential and logarithmic functions.

5.            Demonstrate ability to use graphing calculators appropriately.

 

Course Content and Scope:

1.                   Review and Extension of Elementary Algebra Topics

a.            The Real Number System

i)                    organization of real number system:  natural numbers, integers, rational numbers, irrational  numbers, real numbers.

ii)                  absolute value, algebraic and geometric interpretations

b.            polynomials

i)                    review of terminology and basic operations

ii)                  special products

iii)                binomial theorem using PascalŐs triangle

iv)                factoring techniques including common factors, difference of squares, sum and difference of cubes, trinomials,  grouping, and algebraic expressions which can be factored using substitution

c.            review of first degree equations and inequalities in one variable

i)             solving equations and inequalities, solution sets, literal equations,

ii)            absolute value equations and inequalities

iii)                word problems including estimation and  approximation

d.            rational expressions

i)             review of basic operations

ii)                  extensions to more complicated expressions

iii)                complex rational expressions

iv)                rational equations, and applications

e.            Direct, inverse and joint variation

2.                  Exponents and Radicals

a.            review of integer exponents

i)             simplifying expressions using laws of exponents

ii)            scientific notation

b.            rational exponents and roots

i)             n-th roots; comparison of odd vs. even roots

ii)            definition and properties of rational exponents

iii)          simplifying expressions

iv)           radicals and their relation to rational exponents

v)            simplifying and rationalizing radicals

vi)           addition, subtraction, and multiplication of radicals

3.                  Complex Numbers

a.                   definition (rectangular form only)

b.                  simplifying square roots of negative numbers

c.                   arithmetic of complex numbers (addition, subtraction, and multiplication)

4.                  Equations in two variables

a.            linear equations and their graphs

i)                    equations of lines -- standard form, point slope form, slope intercept form

ii)                  parallel and perpendicular lines

5.                  Introduction to Functions and their graphs

a.                   definition, notation

b.                  evaluating functions

c.                   addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of functions

d.                  composition of functions

e.                   inverse functions

f.                    translations and reflections

6.                  Quadratic Equations and Functions

a.                   solve by factoring

b.                  solve by completing the square

c.                   solve by using the quadratic formula

i)                    proof of formula

ii)                  use of discriminant

iii)                literal quadratic equations

d.               complex solutions

e.                equations  quadratic in form

f.                 graphs of quadratic functions

g.               applied maximum/minimum problems

h.               radical equations

7.                  Systems of Equations

a.                   Review of 2 x 2 linear systems

b.                  3 x 3 linear systems

c.                   word problems

d.                  systems involving non-linear equations

8.                  Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

a.                   exponential functions

i)             definition and graph

ii)            applications -- exponential growth and decay

b.                  logarithmic functions

i)             definition and graph, including common and natural logarithms

ii)            properties of logarithm -- exponential and logarithm equivalences

iv)                converting to other bases

c.                   solving exponential and logarithmic equations

9.                  Conics

a.                   standard form for circles

b.                  standard form for parabolas

c.                   ellipses and hyperbolas

d.                  putting equations of conic sections in standard form by completing the square

10.               Sequences and Series (optional)

a.                   notation, definition (including recursive definition) of sequences

b.                  partial sums and sigma notation

 

Method of Instruction:  Lecture is the primary activity to be used, along with student problem-solving.  Students are expected to work outside of class on assigned exercises as well as on supplementary reading from the text.

 

Required Assignments:

A.                 Appropriate Readings:  Students are required to read assigned chapters in text.  Outside readings are generally not required.

B.                 Writing Assignments:  Students must work on assigned mathematical problems requiring the manipulation of abstract symbols.

C.                 Appropriate Outside Assignments:  Students will be expected to spend a sufficient amount of time outside of class to practice techniques taught during class time, read assigned materials, and complete frequent homework assignments.

D.                 Appropriate Assignments that Demonstrate Critical Thinking:  Students must demonstrate mathematical skills such as equation solving and graphing which involve analyzing information, recognizing concepts in new contexts, and drawing analogies.   Critical thinking will also be emphasized through numerous treatments of word problems.

 

Methods of Evaluation:  A student's grade will be based on multiple measures of performance in the solving of algebra problems.  Such measures will include at least three exams and a comprehensive final examination requiring demonstrations of problem-solving skills.  In addition, instructors may make use of quizzes, written homework assignments, or other appropriate means to judge a student's dexterity with algebra skills and familiarity with mathematical vocabulary.

 

Instructors are required to provide students, in writing, with a course syllabus, in accordance with district policy, which will include the specific procedures by which students will be evaluated.  These procedures must be consistent with the objectives and course content stated above.

 

Appropriate Texts and Supplies:

Larson, Hostetler, Neptune, Intermediate Algebra:  Graphs and Functions, 3rd Ed., Houghton Mifflin Publishing, 2003

TI-84 Graphing Calculator

 

Student Learning Outcomes:

1.                  Model and solve word problems involving linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions.

2.                  Broaden elementary algebra computational skills to include fractional exponents and the corresponding radical expressions, complex numbers, inverse variation, complex fractions, and 3X3 systems of equations.

3.                  Interpret the specific properties of linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, or rational functions and their graphs within the context of the problem.

4.                  Solve equations with exponentials, logarithms, and square roots.

5.                  Identify conic sections and construct graphs from their equations, and solve nonlinear systems involving conic sections.

 

IA/mej

Revised August 2006; 5/13/09; 8/24/09

FRC (WPC)