College Algebra

Course:  Online at MathXL.com

Textbook:  Blitzer: Introductory and Intermediate Algebra for College Students, 2e ENHANCED

Description of Course:  This is an elective math class strongly recommended for students planning on going to college or technical school.  It contains a review of advanced mathematics without trigonometry.  The goal of this course is to give students the math skills to test in or out of college level algebra. 

Grading:

Content Coverage (60% of overall grade)

-         Students must past a test with a score of 80% to consider the test completed.  If a students fails to achieve an 80%, that score will be wiped out and the student must retake the test.  A student make retake a test over an 80% if they would like to increase their test average, but this will take away class time that could be used to move on in this course.

• Complete Tests 1-4                     0% (F)
• Complete Test   5                      73% (D)
• Complete Test   7                      82% (C)
• Complete Test   9                      90% (B)
• Complete Test 11                    96% (A)
• Complete Test 13                    105% (Guaranteed A)

Test Average (40% of overall grade)

Example:  Student makes it through Test 9 and earns an 82% average on tests.

            Test 9       = 90% * 60% = 54.0%

            Test Ave. = 82% * 40% = 32.8%

                        Total                       86.8% C+

Example:  Student makes it through Test 7 and earns an 98% average on tests.

            Test 7       = 82% * 60% = 49.2%

            Test Ave. = 98% * 40% = 39.2%

                        Total                       88.4% B-

Specified Course Objectives:

Chapter 1: The Real Number System

1.1 Fractions

1.2 The Real Numbers

1.3 Ordered Pairs and Graphs

1.4 Basic Rules of Algebra

1.5 Addition of Real Numbers

1.6 Subtraction of Real Numbers

1.7 Multiplication and Division of Real Numbers

1.8 Exponents, Order of Operations, and Mathematical Models

Chapter 2: Linear Equations and Inequalities in One Variable

2.1 The Addition Property of Equality

2.2 The Multiplication Property of Equality

2.3 Solving Linear Equations

2.4 Formulas and Percents

2.5 An Introduction to Problem Solving

2.6 Problem Solving in Geometry

2.7 Solving Linear Inequalities

Chapter 3: Linear Equations in Two Variables

3.1 Graphing Equations in Two Variables

3.2 Graphing Linear Equations Using Intercepts

3.3 Slope                                                                       

3.4 The Slope-Intercept Form of the Equations of a Line

3.5 The Point-Slope Form of the Equation of a Line

Chapter 4: Systems of Linear Equations

4.1 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Graphing

4.2 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by the Substitution Method

4.3 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by the Addition Method

4.4 Problem Solving Using Systems of Equations

4.5 Systems of Linear Equations in Three Variables

Chapter 5: Exponents and Polynomials

5.1 Adding and Subtracting Polynomials

5.2 Multiplying Polynomials

5.3 Special Products

5.4 Polynomials in Several Variables

5.5 Dividing Polynomials

5.6 Long Division of Polynomials; Synthetic Division

5.7 Negative Exponents and Scientific Notation

Chapter 6: Factoring Polynomials

6.1 The Greatest Common Factor and Factoring by Grouping

6.2 Factoring Trinomials Whose Leading Coefficient is One

6.3 Factoring Trinomials Whose Leading Coefficient Is Not One

6.4 Factoring Special Forms

6.5 A General Factoring Strategy

6.6 Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring

Chapter 7: Rational Expressions

7.1 Radical Expressions and Their Simplification

7.2 Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions

7.3 Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions with the Same Denominators

7.4 Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions with Different Denominators

7.5 Complex Rational Expressions

7.6 Solving Rational Equations

7.7 Applications Using Rational Equations and Proportions

7.8 Modeling Using Variation

Chapter 8: Basics of Functions

8.1 Introduction to Functions

8.2 The Algebra of Functions

8.3 Composite and Inverse Functions

Chapter 9: Inequalities and Problem Solving

9.1 Interval Notation and Business Applications Using Linear Inequalities

9.2 Compound Inequalities

9.3 Equations and Inequalities Involving Absolute Value

9.4 Linear Inequalities in Two Variables

9.5 Linear Programming

Chapter 10: Radicals, Radical Functions, and Rational Exponents

10.1 Radical Expressions and Functions

10.2 Rational Expressions

10.3 Multiplying and Simplifying Radical Expressions

10.4 Adding, Subtracting, and Dividing Radical Expressions

10.5 Multiplying with More Than One Term and Rationalizing Denominators

10.6 Radical Equalities

10.7 Complex Numbers

Chapter 11: Quadratic Equations and Functions

11.1 The Square Root Property and Completing the Square

11.2 The Quadratic Formula

11.3 Quadratic Functions and Their Graphs

11.4 Equations Quadratic in Form

11.5 Polynomial and Rational Inequalities

Chapter 12: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

12.1 Exponential Functions

12.2 Logarithmic Functions

12.3 Properties of Logarithms

12.4 Exponential and Logarithmic Equations

12.5 Exponential Growth and Decay; Modeling Data

Chapter 13: Conic Sections and Systems of Nonlinear Equations

13.1 The Circle

13.2 The Ellipse

13.3 The Hyperbola

13.4 The Parabola; Identifying Conic Sections

13.5 Systems of Nonlinear Equations in Two Variables

Chapter 14 Sequences, Induction, and Probability

14.1 Sequences and Summation Notation

14.2 Arithmetic Sequences

14.3 Geometric Sequences and Series

14.4 The Binomial Theorem

14.5 Counting Principles, Permutations, and Combinations

14.6 Probability

Rules/Guidelines of the class:

Students will have respect for the classroom, its property, their fellow students and the teacher.  Pop or food is not allowed in the classroom.