Discipline: Mathematics Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Mathematics 52A


COURSE DESCRIPTION
52A Elementary Algebra Units: 2.50
 
Prerequisite(s):
MAT-64, 65, 90F or qualifying placement level.
The first course in a two-course sequence (along with math 52B) for elementary algebra. Math 52A is equivalent to the first half of math 52. Course presents operations with real numbers, operations and factorization of polynomials, and solving linear equations and inequalities in one variable. Linear equations with applications, exponential expressions, and multiplication and division of rational expressions are also covered. 45 hours lecture.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
The first in a two-course sequence for elementary algebra.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
Before entering the course, students will be able to:
  1. Apply the four basic operations to integers and rational numbers.
    • MAT 65 - 2.  Apply the fundamental laws of arithmetic on integers and rational numbers.
    • MAT 64 - 1.  Apply the four basic operations to integers and rational numbers.
    • MAT 90F - 1.  Add, subtract and multiply polynomials.

  2. Apply the fundamental laws of algebra to simplify basic algebraic expressions.
    • MAT 65 - 6.  Apply the fundamental laws of algebra to simplify basic algebraic expressions and perform the four basic operations on polynomial expressions.
    • MAT 64 - 2.  Apply the fundamental laws of algebra to simplify basic algebraic expressions.
    • MAT 90F - 5.  Simplify algebraic expressions.

  3. Derive and solve basic linear equations from elementary applications.
    • MAT 65 - 7.  Solve linear equations and derive basic linear equations from elementary applications.
    • MAT 64 - 5.  Derive and solve basic linear equations from elementary applications.
    • MAT 90F - 7.  Solve equations.

  4. Clearly communicate mathematical concepts using the symbols and vocabulary of pre-algebra.
    • MAT 65 - 8.  Use the symbols and vocabulary of arithmetic and pre-algebra to communicate mathematical concepts.   
    • MAT 64 - 6.  Use the symbols and vocabulary of pre-algebra to communicate mathematical concepts.    
    • MAT 90F - 8.  Use the symbols and vocabulary of pre-algebra to communicate mathematical concepts.    
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
General Education SLO
Critical Thinking
  Analyze and solve complex problems across a range of academic and everyday contexts
  Integrate knowledge across a range of contexts
Communication Skills
  Read college-level materials with understanding and insight
Breadth of Knowledge
  Use the symbols and vocabulary of mathematics to solve problems and communicate the results

1.  Perform operations on real numbers and polynomials.

  1. Critical Thinking - Analyze and solve complex problems across a range of academic and everyday contexts
  2. Critical Thinking - Integrate knowledge across a range of contexts
  3. Communication Skills - Read college-level materials with understanding and insight
  4. Breadth of Knowledge - Use the symbols and vocabulary of mathematics to solve problems and communicate the results

2.  Evaluate and simplify algebraic expressions.

  1. Critical Thinking - Analyze and solve complex problems across a range of academic and everyday contexts
  2. Critical Thinking - Integrate knowledge across a range of contexts
  3. Communication Skills - Read college-level materials with understanding and insight
  4. Breadth of Knowledge - Use the symbols and vocabulary of mathematics to solve problems and communicate the results

3.  Solve linear equations and inequalities.

  1. Critical Thinking - Analyze and solve complex problems across a range of academic and everyday contexts
  2. Communication Skills - Read college-level materials with understanding and insight
  3. Breadth of Knowledge - Use the symbols and vocabulary of mathematics to solve problems and communicate the results

4.  Factor polynomials.

  1. Critical Thinking - Analyze and solve complex problems across a range of academic and everyday contexts
  2. Critical Thinking - Integrate knowledge across a range of contexts
  3. Communication Skills - Read college-level materials with understanding and insight
  4. Breadth of Knowledge - Use the symbols and vocabulary of mathematics to solve problems and communicate the results

5.  Solve word problem applications involving linear equations.

  1. Critical Thinking - Analyze and solve complex problems across a range of academic and everyday contexts
  2. Critical Thinking - Recognize and assess evidence from a variety of sources
  3. Critical Thinking - Integrate knowledge across a range of contexts
  4. Communication Skills - Read college-level materials with understanding and insight
  5. Breadth of Knowledge - Use the symbols and vocabulary of mathematics to solve problems and communicate the results
  6. Application of Knowledge - Be lifelong learners, with ability to acquire and employ new knowledge

6.  Simplify exponential expressions.

  1. Critical Thinking - Analyze and solve complex problems across a range of academic and everyday contexts
  2. Communication Skills - Read college-level materials with understanding and insight
  3. Breadth of Knowledge - Use the symbols and vocabulary of mathematics to solve problems and communicate the results

7.  Simplify, multiply and divide rational expressions.

  1. Critical Thinking - Analyze and solve complex problems across a range of academic and everyday contexts
  2. Communication Skills - Read college-level materials with understanding and insight
  3. Breadth of Knowledge - Use the symbols and vocabulary of mathematics to solve problems and communicate the results
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 

1. Real number operations.

2. Algebraic expressions.

3. Linear equations and inequalities in one variable with applications.

4. Exponents and polynomials.

5. Factorization of polynomials.

6. Multiplication and division of rational expressions.

Students are also assigned reading, writing and other outside assignments equivalent to two hours per one hour lecture.

 

 
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

Class lectures, discussions and demonstrations of the four basic operations as applied to real numbers and polynomials and rational expressions as well as solving linear equations and inequalities and factoring polynomials.

Small group activities, discussions and exercises in order to factor polynomials and solve word problem applications.

Present a variety of learning resources such as videos, slides, computer-based tools and worksheets.

Invite tutors to help aid small group discussions and collaborative learning workshops.
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

Written homework assignments and/or computerized homework assignments.

Chapter tests, quizzes, worksheets and a final examination to demonstrate critical thinking skills.

Assessment of class room activities for content, knowledge and conceptual understanding.

Assessment of the student’s class participation and attendance in order to encourage the students involvement in the learning process.
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments

Pages from the text corresponding to sections covered in the book, especially the definitions, theorems  and examples. Read reference articles related to specific or broad algebra topics.


Required Writing Assignments

Written solutions for problems from the text ( for example, section 3.2, Solving Linear Equations, pg.120, #1- 31 odd). Write short paragraph responses to applications and mathematical procedures.


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments

Research ( online, library, mathlab) alternative solving techniques. Complete printed or online practice exercises.
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Prior, Robert. Elementary Algebra: A First Course in Algebraic Thinking . version 2.03 ed. Priority Printing, 2007.
  • Bittinger, Marvin. Introductory Algebra. 10th ed. Addison - Wesley Publishing Company, 2007.
  • MathXL. Addison - Wesley Publishing Company, 2001 ed.
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