I. General Information

1. Course Title:
Beginning College Algebra

2. Course Prefix & Number:
MATH 1506

3. Course Credits and Contact Hours:

Credits: 4

Lecture Hours: 4

4. Course Description:

This course will review many introductory algebra topics as well as introduce some new topics in algebra.  Topics taught in this course include:  linear equations, linear inequalities, equations of lines, graphing, exponents, polynomials, factoring, systems of equations, quadratic equations, rational expressions and equations, complex numbers, radicals, absolute value equations and inequalities, and functions. Additional topics may also be covered.

5. Placement Tests Required:

6. Prerequisite Courses:

7. Other Prerequisites

9. Co-requisite Courses:

II. Transfer and Articulation

1. Course Equivalency - similar course from other regional institutions:

III. Course Purpose

Other - If this course is not required in a program or is not part of the MN Transfer Curriculum, it may be used for the purpose(s) listed below:

• Liberal Arts Elective
• Non-Transferrable General Education Course

IV. Learning Outcomes

1. College-Wide Outcomes

2. Course Specific Outcomes - Students will be able to achieve the following measurable goals upon completion of the course:

V. Topical Outline

Listed below are major areas of content typically covered in this course.

1. Lecture Sessions

1. Basic Properties and Definitions
• Simplify numerical expressions using order of operations
• Simplify algebraic expressions by applying the distributive property and combining like terms
2. Equations in One Variable
• Solve linear equations
• Solve application problems using linear equations
• Solve problems using literal equations
3. Inequalities in One Variable
• Solve simple and compound inequalities
• Graph the solution set to an inequality on a number line
• State the solution set to an inequality using interval notation
• Solve application problems using inequalities
4. Equations in Two Variables
• Graph linear equations by finding intercepts or by making a table
• Graph horizontal and vertical lines
• Graph linear equations using the slope and y-intercept
• Determine the slope of a line from the graph, the equation, or two points on the line
• Find the equation of a line
• Determine if two lines are parallel or perpendicular
5. Inequalities in Two Variables
• Graph linear inequalities in two variables
6. Systems of Linear Equations
• Solve systems of linear equations in two variables by graphing
• Solve systems of linear equations in two variables by addition
• Solve systems of linear equations in two variables by substitution
• Solve systems of linear equations in two variables using a graphing calculator
• Solve application problems using a system of equations
7. Functions
• Define a relation and function
• Identify the graphs of basic functions
• Use function notation
8. Exponents
• Apply the properties and rules for exponents
• Scientific notation
9. Polynomials
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide polynomials
• Factor polynomials completely
10. Rational Expressions and Rational Functions
• Add and subtract rational expressions that contain a common denominator
• Multiply and divide rational expressions
• Solve basic rational equations
11. Rational Exponents and Roots
• Simplify expressions involving rational exponents
• Apply properties of radicals
• Write radical expressions in simplest form
• Solve basic radical equations
12. Complex Numbers
• Add, subtract, and multiply complex numbers
13. Quadratic Functions
• Solve quadratic equations by factoring
• Solve quadratic equations using the quadratic formula
• Solve application problems using quadratic equations
• Graph a parabola