SANTA BARBARA CITY COLLEGE

ASSOCIATE DEGREE CREDIT COURSE OUTLINE

 

Department:   Mathematics

Subject Area and Course Number:  Math 4

Course Title:  Prealgebra

Discipline:    Mathematics

Units:   3

Repeatability:    None

Catalog Course Description: Introduction to algebra: signed numbers, exponents, roots, evaluation of algebraic expressions, simplification to algebraic expressions, translation from English to algebra, solution of linear equations.

Description for Schedule of Classes:  Introduction to algebra:  signed numbers, exponents, roots, evaluation of algebraic expressions, simplification to algebraic expressions, translation from English to algebra, solution of linear equations.

Lecture Hours per Week:    4, starting week 4 of semester, or 3 for 16 weeks (48-54 Total Hours)

Laboratory Hours per Week:          None

Plus Hours:            None

Prerequisites:  Math 1 with grade of "C" or better, or qualifying score on SBCC placement exam.

Co-requisites:  None

Skills Advisories:  None

Course Advisories:         None

Limitation on Enrollment:      None

Course Objectives:   At the end of the course, the successful student will be able to:

1.             Work with all operations involving signed numbers and fractions.

2.            Work with whole numbers and exponents.

3.            Translate words into mathematical expressions.

4.            Use all four operations with polynomials.

5.            Solve linear equations.

6.            Solve application problems involving the preceding areas.

 

Course Content and Scope: 

  I.       Whole Numbers, Fractions and Decimals

            A.       Review of Arithmetic on Whole Numbers, Fractions and Decimals

            B.       The Distributive Property

            C.       Exponents

            D.       Order of Operations

II.        Signed Numbers

            A.       Signed Numbers

            B.       Addition and Subtraction of Signed Numbers

            C.       Multiplication and Division of Signed Numbers

III.      Introduction to Algebra

            A.       Introduction to Variables

            B.       Evaluate expressions with one or more variables

            C.       Multiplication Properties of Exponents

            D.       Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

            E.        Addition, Subtraction and Multiplication of Polynomials

IV.      Solving Equations

            A.       Distributive Property and Algebraic Expressions

            B.       The Addition and Multiplication Properties of Equality

            C.       Linear Equations in one Variable

            D.       Word Problems

  V.     Real Numbers

            A.       Square Roots

            B.       The Pythagorean Theorem

            C.       Equations Containing Decimals

VI.      Ratio, Proportion, and Unit Analysis

            A.       Ratios

            B.       Length, Area, Volume, Weight

            C.       Unit Analysis (Metric to English Conversions)

            D.       Proportions

VII.     Percent

            A.       Percents, Decimals, and Fractions

            B.       Basic Percent Problems

            C.       General Applications of Percents

            D.       Sales Tax and Commission

            E.        Percent Increase or Decrease, Discount

            F.        Interest

VIII.   Introduction to the Coordinate Plane

            A.       x and y axes

            B.       Quadrants

            C.       Plotting Points

            D.       Using two variable equations to plot points

 

Methods of Instruction:  There will be a combination of lecture/discussion and group work.

 

Required Assignments: 

A.        Reading Assignments:  Students will be required to read the textbook.

B.        Writing Assignments:  Students will be asked to explain, in writing, the process(es) used in solving problems.  These writings will form a part of the ongoing class requirement, and be included in quizzes and tests alike.

C/D.   Appropriate Outside Assignments/Assignments that Demonstrate Critical Thinking:   Students will have assignments that include problem-solving activities, and for these they must write explanations and processes used, as described in B above.  They will also share their findings with their classmates, and could be asked, at any time, to present their work to the class.

 

Methods of Evaluation: Students' grades will be based on their performance on homework, quizzes, examinations, their problem-solving write-ups, and a comprehensive final examination.

 

Appropriate Texts and Supplies:

The following or equivalent: 

Charles P. McKeague, Prealgebra, 5th edition (Cengage Learning), 2008, with Video Notebook.

 

Student Learning Outcomes:

1.            Use arithmetic skills and estimation to add, subtract, multiply, and divide integers, fractions, decimals, and percents.

2.            Simplify numerical and polynomial expressions involving various operations and more than one set of grouping symbols.

3.            Evaluate simple algebraic expressions and formulas, including geometric formulas, given values.

4.            Use inverse operations to solve simple linear equations.

5.            Translate a basic phrase or word problem into an expression/equation and simplify/solve.

 

 

 

CO/mej

Revised August 2006; 8/24/09

FRC (WPC)