Palomar Logo Effective Term: Fall 2007
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 50 Beginning Algebra
 

Unit Value: 4  

Lecture Hours Per Week: 4  

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:
Elementary algebra which emphasizes mathematical reasoning, problem-solving, and real-world applications using numerical, algebraic, and graphic models. Topics include problem-solving techniques, algebraic expressions, polynomials, linear equations, linear inequalities, linear and nonlinear graphs, systems of linear equations in two variables, integer exponents, proportions, and radicals.
 
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 integer exponents (including scientific notation) to simplify and reorganize polynomial expressions.
  2. Formulate algebraic expressions and equations using variables to represent relations from tables, graphs, problem situations, and geometric diagrams.
  3. Analyze and solve linear equations, inequalities, and two variable systems of linear equations and interpret the solutions.
  4. Analyze the connections between the numeric, algebraic, and graphic representations of linear relations and of quadratic relations.
  5. Solve application problems involving linear, quadratic, proportional, and rational relationships and interpret the solutions.
  6. Apply the principles of radicals in solving quadratic equations and equations resulting from the Pythagorean theorem.
 
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 (including scientific notation) 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, linear inequalities, and two variable systems of linear equations.
  4. Use of various problem-solving strategies to analyze problems and to formulate and carry out appropriate solution strategies.
  5.  Exposure to a variety of nonlinear relationships and their graphs.
  6. The distributive property and factoring. To include factoring the greatest common factor from a polynomial and quadratics of the form x2 + bx + c.
  7. Relationship between the factored form of a quadratic expression and its graph. Also, use of the factored form to solve quadratic equations resulting from application problems.
  8. Introduction to rational equations and proportions using similar triangle relationships, percents, rates, or slopes resulting from application problems or literal formulas.
  9. Solving application problems involving radicals including those resulting from the Pythagorean Theorem.
  10. 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. 7th Edition ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin (ISBN 9780618969234), 2008.
  2. and/or Eduspace - Beginning Algebra with Applications.Houghton Mifflin,Aufmann 7th ed.
Required Reading:
 
Suggested Reading:
1. Eduspace - Beginning Algebra with Applications. Houghton Mifflin. Eduspace access key is included with recommended student textbook (Aufmann 7th ed., ISBN-9780618969234). This Blackboard driven tool provides on-line text-specific content from Houghton Mifflin.

2. Nolting, P., "Math Study Skills Workbook", 3rd ed., Houghton Mifflin. This workbook is bound with the recommended student text (Aufmann 7th Ed., ISBN-9780618969234).
 
Critical Thinking:
Through building and applying problem solving strategies in Algebra the student will develop general critical thinking skills.
 
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:
  • Class Participation
  • Exams/Tests
  • Homework
 
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: Mona Ellis