INTRODUCTORY ALGEBRA

METHODS OF INSTRUCTION AND EVALUATION:

TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE AND ASSIGNMENTS:

OUTLINE OF INSTRUCTION

I. Review of Basic Facts
A. Prime factors and exponents
B. Order of operations
C. Signed number arithmetic
D. Solving simple equations

II. Introduction to Algebra
A. Algebraic expressions
B. Simplifying algebraic expressions
C. Solving simple equations
D. Formulas
E. Problem Solving
F. Inequalities

III. Graphing Linear Equations and Functions
A. Graphing points using the rectangular coordinate system
B. Rate of change and the slope of a line
C. Graphing linear equations using points or slope/intercept
D. Describing linear relationships/writing linear equations
E. Functions

IV. Exponents and Polynomials
A. Natural-number exponents, zero and negative integral exponents
B. Scientific notation
C. Polynomials
D. Adding/Subtracting polynomials
E. Multiplying/Dividing polynomials

V. Factoring Polynomials
A. Factoring out the greatest common factor
B. Factoring by grouping
C. Factoring the difference of two squares
D. Factoring trinomials with lead coefficients of 1
E. Factoring general trinomials

VI. Descriptive Statistics
A. Reading Graphs and Tables
B. Mean, median, mode

VII. Introduction to Geometry
A. Points and lines
B. Parallel and perpendicular lines
C. Polygons
D. Properties of triangles
E. Perimeters and areas of polygons
F. Circles
G. Surface area and volume
H. Measurement (Appendix II)

CLASS GUIDELINES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Grading: The average of all unit tests will count 95% of the grade and a paper on the development and use of
mathematics in a foreign civilization/culture will count the other 5% of the grade for the course. A student must have a 78
or higher test average and a CPT score high enough to place out of MAT 070 (55 or higher) in order to pass the course.

Testing: Tests will be given periodically covering material studied since the last test. Papers will be returned and
discussed the first class period following the test. Take-home assignments must be turned in on the due date (no
exceptions). Late assignments will be penalized 10 points for each day they are late. (No assignments will be
accepted after graded papers are returned.)

Class Conduct: If you miss a class, it is up to you to get the notes from a friend. You are responsible for everything that
goes on in the lecture and class whether you are present or not. Attendance will be taken and the RCC attendance policy
will be followed.

Please turn off cell phones during class time! Cell phones are not to be placed on the desktop or taken out anytime during
the class period. If you have a good reason for wanting to keep your cell phone turned on, please tell the instructor before
class.

Do not talk while the instructor is lecturing and do not talk while a fellow student is asking a question. You will receive one
warning if you are interrupting the class by your conduct, after that you will be asked to leave the classroom.

If you are late to class, please knock on the classroom door. The classroom door will be locked once class has started.