Pre Algebra Syllabus

REQUIRED MATERIALS (CHECK WITH BOOKSTORE FOR LATEST EDITION):
Click on the bookstore for the campus which you are attending each class.
Pemberton Campus Bookstore
Mt Laurel Campus Bookstore

INTENDED COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES/COURSE GOALS /CORE COMPETENCIES:
1. Identify whole number, proper and improper fractions, decimals, variables, constants,
and expressions.
2. Graph signed numbers and positive and negative fractions on a number line.
3. Add, subtract, multiply and divide signed integers, fractions, and decimals.
4. Solve and/of simplify expressions with exponents using order of operations with
integers, fractions and decimals.
5. Calculate the absolute value of integers.
6. Evaluate variable expressions for given replacement values.
7. Apply exponents with variables.
8. Combine like terms using the Distributive Property.
9. Determine whether a given number is a solution of an equation.
10. Solve equations using the addition and division properties of equality.
11. Simplify equations before solving.
12. Determine the absolute value of a fraction.
13. Write equivalent fractions and fractions with and without variables in lowest terms.
14. Calculate the lowest common denominator for unlike fractions.
15. Identify mixed numbers and solve application problems containing mixed numbers.
16. Simplify complex fractions.
17. Write fractions as equivalent decimals.
18. Calculate the perimeter and area of rectangles, squares, and parallelograms.
19. Translate word phrases into algebraic expressions, sentences into equations and solve.

GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS INTRODUCED/REINFORCED IN THIS COURSE:
2. a. Students will translate quantifiable problems into mathematical terms and solve these
problems using mathematical or statistical operations.

TOPICAL OUTLINE FOR THE COURSE:
Introduction to Algebra: Integers
Place Value
Introduction to Signed Numbers
Adding and Subtracting Integers
Problem Solving: Rounding and Estimating
Multiplying and Dividing Integers
Exponents and Order of Operations
Understanding Variables and Solving Equations
Introduction to Variables
Simplifying Expressions
Solving Equations Using Addition, Division and with Several Steps
Rational Numbers: Positive and Negative Fractions
Introduction to Signed Fractions
Writing Fractions in Lowest Terms
Multiplying and Dividing Signed Fractions
Adding and Subtracting Signed Fractions
Problem Solving: Mixed Numbers and Estimating
Exponents, Order of Operations, and Complex Fractions
Rational Numbers: Positive and Negative
Decimals
Reading and Writing Decimal Numbers
Rounding Decimal Numbers
Adding and Subtracting Signed Decimal Numbers
Multiplying and Dividing Signed Decimal Numbers
Fractions and Decimals
Solving Application Problems
Problem Solving: Perimeter and Area
Translating Word Phrases into Algebraic Expressions

Course Activities:

Course activities vary from course to course and instructor to instructor. Below is
a listing of some of the activities students can anticipate in this course:

Writing assignments: students will analyze current issues in the field using
current articles from the popular press as well as library research including
electronic resources databases.

Speaking assignments: students will present research individually or in groups
using current technology to support the presentation (e.g., PowerPoint
presentation); students will participate in discussions and debates related to the
topics in the lessons. Discussions may also focus on cross-cultural and legalethical
dilemmas as they relate to the course content.

Simulation activities: Trends and issues will analyzed for their ethical as well as
social or legal significance. Students might role-play common situations for
classmates to analyze. Current news articles may be used to generate discussion.

Case Studies: Complex situations and scenarios will be analyzed in cooperative
group settings or as homework assignments.

Lectures: This format will include question and answer sessions to provide
interactivity between students and instructor.

Speakers: Representatives from various related fields may be invited to speak.

Videos: Related topics will provide impetus for discussion.

Student Evaluation:

The student will be evaluated on the degree to which student learning outcomes are
achieved. A variety of methods may be used such as tests, quizzes, class participation,
projects, homework assignments, presentations, etc.

There are four (4) tests – one each on Units I, II, III and IV.

Each test will have 25 free-response questions dealing with the content covered
in each unit. Part-credit may be given for each problem. Each test is worth 100
points. It is recommended that each test be given during class time, not in the
test center, to enable students to ask questions, if the need arises. Students may
retest only once!

Each test will be graded using the following scale:

The final exam will be comprehensive and administered during final exam
week. It consists of thirty multiple-choice questions.