I. General Information
1. Course Title:
Introduction to College Algebra
2. Course Prefix & Number:
MATH 1520
3. Course Credits and Contact Hours:
Credits: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
4. Course Description:
This course will intensify the study of concepts first seen in Intermediate Algebra, as well as introduce topics that will be covered in College Algebra. A basic understanding of solving equations and using function notation will be expected, so that students can investigate solving systems of equations in three variables, systems of non-linear equations, polynomial equations, and basic exponential and logarithmic equations. Additionally, function operations and graphing function transformations will be introduced and explored.
5. Placement Tests Required:
| Accuplacer (specify test): |
Math Introductory College Level or Algebra College Level or Pre-Calculus College Level or Calculus College Level |
Score: |
|
| Other (specify test): |
Elementary Algebra |
Score: |
76
|
6. Prerequisite Courses:
MATH 1520 - Introduction to College Algebra
Applies to all requirements
Accuplacer Arithmetic score of 76 or greater, Accuplacer College Math score of 35 or greater, or MATH 0820 Intermediate Algebra
7. Other Prerequisites
9. Co-requisite Courses:
MATH 1520 - Introduction to College Algebra
There are no corequisites for this course.
II. Transfer and Articulation
1. Course Equivalency - similar course from other regional institutions:
2. Transfer - regional institutions with which this course has a written articulation agreement:
III. Course Purpose
1. Program-Applicable Courses – This course is required for the following program(s):
This course is intended for students who have completed Intermediate Algebra but are not fully prepared for College Algebra, or whose placement test score is in the top range for Intermediate Algebra. It includes introductory college-level topics, but not at the rigor, pace, and depth of College Algebra. Many of the topics from Intermediate Algebra are reviewed within the coverage of these college-level topics.
3. Other - If this course does NOT meet criteria for #1 or #2 above, it may be used for the purpose(s) selected below:
Liberal Arts Elective
IV. Learning Outcomes
1. College-Wide Outcomes
| College-Wide Outcomes/Competencies |
Students will be able to: |
| Analyze and follow a sequence of operations |
Determine the most appropriate method for solving an equation or system of equations, and apply the method. |
| Apply abstract ideas to concrete situations |
Model a real-world situation using a system of equations, solve the system, and interpret the result. |
| Utilize appropriate technology |
Use a graphing calculator to solve exponential and logarithmic equations and to graph function transformations. |
2. Course Specific Outcomes - Students will be able to achieve the following measurable goals upon completion of
the course:
- Perform operations on functions;
- Use composition of functions to demonstrate that two functions are inverses;
- Graph parent functions and transformations on functions;
- Solve polynomial equations by multiple means;
- Solve basic exponential and logarithmic equations;
- Convert between exponential and logarithmic form;
- Expand or condense logarithmic expressions using properties of logs;
- Solve systems of linear equations in three variables; and
- Solve systems of nonlinear equations in two variables graphically and algebraically.
V. Topical Outline
Listed below are major areas of content typically covered in this course.
1. Lecture Sessions
- Introduction to function operations
- Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division of functions
- Composition of functions using function notation
- Use linear, polynomial, rational, and radical functions
- Write equations for inverse functions
- Verify function inverses (excluding functions with restricted domains)
- Graphing function transformations
- Graph functions and their transformations
- Include translations, reflections, stretches, and shrinks
- Introduction to solving polynomial equations
- Solve equations by factoring
- Solve by graphing (using technology or analytic methods)
- Apply the rational zero theorem
- Use polynomial division to solve equations
- Use synthetic division to solve equations
- Apply the remainder and factor theorems
- Introduction to exponential and logarithmic equations
- Solve basic exponential equations that apply rules of exponents
- Introduce logarithms as the inverse of exponential functions
- Solve exponential equations and logarithmic equations by converting between exponential and logarithmic forms
- Properties of logarithms
- Solve systems of equations
- Solve systems of linear equations in three variables
- Solve systems of nonlinear equations in two variables graphically and algebraically (Use either one linear and one nonlinear equation, or two nonlinear equations of the same type)
2. Laboratory/Studio Sessions