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

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Mathematics 52B


COURSE DESCRIPTION
52B Elementary Algebra Units: 2.50
 
Prerequisite(s):
MAT-52A
The second course in a two-course sequence (along with math 52A) for elementary algebra. Math 52B is equivalent to the second half of math 52. Topics include solving rational, radical and quadratic equations using factoring, the quadratic formula and completing the square. Covers solving systems of linear equations using two variables and graphing lines and word-problem applications. 45 hours lecture.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
The second course in a two-course sequence for elementary algebra.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
Before entering the course, students will be able to:
  1. Apply operations with real numbers.
    • MAT 52A - 1.  Perform operations on real numbers and polynomials.
    • MAT 52A - 1.  Perform operations on real numbers and polynomials.

  2. Simplify and evaluate algebraic expressions.
    • MAT 52A - 2.  Evaluate and simplify algebraic expressions.

  3. Solve linear equations and inequalities with applications.
    • MAT 52A - 3.  Solve linear equations and inequalities.

  4. Factor polynomials
    • MAT 52A - 4.  Factor polynomials.

  5. Simplify, multiply and divide rational expressions.
    • MAT 52A - 7.  Simplify, multiply and divide rational expressions.
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 with rational and radical 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

2.  Solve rational, radical and quadratic equations.

  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.  Graph linear equations in two variables. Find the equation of a line given its graph.

  1. Critical Thinking - Analyze and solve complex problems across a range of academic and everyday contexts
  2. Critical Thinking - Generalize appropriately from specific 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

4.  Solve systems of linear equations in two variables.

  1. Critical Thinking - Analyze and solve complex problems across a range of academic and everyday contexts
  2. Information Skills - Locate, evaluate and use information effectively
  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. Apply algebraic principles and techniques to the solution of applications.

  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.    Factorization of polynomials.

2.    Operations on rational and radical expressions.

3.    Quadratic, radical and rational equations.

4.    Graphing lines.

5.    Systems of linear equations in two variables.

6.    Applications.

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 featuring discussions and demonstrations of the four basic operations on rational and radical expressions.  Solving rational, radical and quadratic equations as well as systems of linear equations and graphing lines.

Small group activities, discussions and exercises with the purpose of solving applications, radical and rational equations and simplifying complex fractions.

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. 8th ed. Addison - Wesley Publishing Company, 2007.
  • MathXL. Addison - Wesley Publishing Company, 2001 ed.
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