Palomar Logo Effective Term: Fall 2003
Status: Historical
 
PALOMAR COLLEGE
 COURSE OUTLINE FOR CREDIT COURSE
 
  • Courses numbered 1 - 49 are remedial or college preparatory courses which do not apply toward an A. A. Degree and are not intended for transfer.
  • Courses numbered 50-99 apply toward an AA Degree, but are not intended for transfer.
  • Courses numbered 100 and higher apply toward an AA Degree and/or are intended for transfer to a four-year college or university.
 
Course Number and Title: MATH 50A Beginning Algebra Part I
 

Unit Value: 2  

Lecture Hours Per Week: 2  

Lab Hours Per Week:  

Lecture/Lab Hours Per Week:  

 

Grading Basis: Grade/Pass/No Pass
 
Basic Skills Requirements: Appropriate Language and/or Computational Skills.
 
Requisite(s)
To satisfy a prerequisite, the student must have earned a letter grade of A, B, C or P(Pass) in the prerequisite course, unless otherwise stated.
Prerequisite:
A minimum grade of 'C' in MATH 15 or eligibility determined through the math placement process
Corequisite:
None
Prerequisite: Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in
None
Recommended Preparation:
None
Limitation on Enrollment:
None
Catalog Description:
First part of Math 50 with emphasis on mathematical reasoning, problem solving, and real-world applications using numerical, algebraic, and graphical models. Topics include problem-solving techniques, algebraic expressions, polynomials, linear equations, linear inequalities, linear and nonlinear graphs, and natural number exponents.
 
Specific Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:
  1. Use the properties of real numbers, order of operations, and properties of natural number exponents to simplify and reorganize polynomial expressions.
  2. Use variables to represent relations from tables, graphs, problem situations, and geometric diagrams.
  3. Analyze and solve linear equations and inequalities and interpret the solutions.
  4. Analyze the connections between the numeric, algebraic, and graphic representations of linear relations.
  5. Solve application problems involving linear relationships and interpret the solutions.
  6. Formulate linear equations using points and slope.
 
Methods of Instruction:
Methods of Instruction may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  1. Lecture
 
Content in Terms of Specific Body of Knowledge:

At least the following topics will be covered:

  1. Use of properties of real numbers, order of operations, and properties of integer exponents  to reorganize and simplify polynomial expressions.
  2. Introduction to the concept of variables to represent relationships from tables, graphs, problem situations, and geometric diagrams.
  3. Comprehensive coverage of linear relationships including the formulations, graphing, analyzing and solving of linear equations.
  4. Use of various problem-solving strategies to analyze problems and to formulate and carry out appropriate solution strategies.
  5. Introduction to a variety of nonlinear relationships and their graphs.
  6. Slope as a rate of change.
  7. Addition and subtraction of polynomials.
  8. The distributive property and factoring.  To include finding the greatest common factor and factoring the greatest common factor from a polynomial expression.
  9. Additional topics may be included at instructor's discretion.
Textbooks/Resources:
May Include Textbooks, Manuals, Periodicals, Software, and Other Resources
  1. Aufmann, Richard N., Vernon C. Barker, and Joanne S. Lockwood. Beginning Algebra with Applications. 5th ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2000.
  2. OR
    Tussy, Alan S. and Gustafson, R. David. Elementary Algebra. 2nd Edition. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole, 2002
Required Reading:
 
Suggested Reading:
 
Critical Thinking:
 
Required Writing:
Algebra problem-solving exercises on homework assignments, quizzes, and written tests are appropriate. In addition, students may be required to write reports from one paragraph to several pages explaining concepts or explaining and interpreting solutions to non-routine or applied problems.
 
Outside Assignments:
Students are expected to spend a minimum of three hours per unit per week in class and on outside assignments, prorated for short-term classes.

Outside assignments include reading the textbook, reviewing lecture material, and completing the assigned problem sets, as deemed necessary by the instructor.
 
Methods of Assessment:
Methods of Assessment may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Exams/Tests
  • Homework
  • Class Participation
 
Open Entry/Open Exit:
No, course is not offered as open entry/open exit.
 
Is Course Repeatable for Reason(s) Other Than Deficient Grade? No
 
Contact Person: Cynthia M. Torgison