Math 100 Learning Objectives

Intended Clientele: This is a developmental course intended to bring students to a level at which they can perform successfully in the mathematics and other quantitative courses they need to take for their general education requirements or to support their major. The next course such students would likely take will be one of: Mathematics 105, 110, 115, 116, or 121. The Chapters mentioned below refer to the current text Introductory and Intermediate Algebra, by Robert Blitzer, Pearson/Prentice-Hall, 3^rd ed. 2009.

Goals: This course should help students to acquire a solid foundation in the basic skills of algebra and to develop problem-solving skills.

The student should be able to

· Use the laws of exponents to add, subtract, multiply, and divide polynomials. [Ch. 5]

· Factor by grouping. [6.1]

· Factor quadratic trinomials [6.2-6.5]

· Solve quadratic equations using the square root principle and the zero-product property. [6.6]

· Solve word problems with quadratic equations. [6.6]

· Simplify radical expressions. [7.1]

· Add, subtract, multiply and divide rational expressions and simplify the answer. [7.2-7.4]

· Solve rational equations. [7.6]

· Solve real world problems involving rational equations. [7.7]

· Determine whether a relation is a function and state the domain and range. [8.1]

· Evaluate a function. [8.1]

· Obtain information about a function from its graph (vertical line test, domain and range). [8.2]

· Describe domain and range of a function using interval notation and set builder notation. [8.2]

· Solve linear inequalities. [9.1]

· Solve real world problems involving linear inequalities (including revenue, cost & profit problems). [9.1]

· Solve compound inequalities involving “and” and “or” and relating this to sets. [9.2]

• Solve absolute value equations and inequalities. [9.3]
• Make confident and appropriate use of the graphing calculator in support of the topics listed above.
• Make effective use of web-based learning resources.

Calculator Competencies

1. Convert decimals to fractions and vice versa (math key #1).

2. Calculate using “^” key.

3. Use the calculator to graph linear functions (Y=).

4. Use the calculate tool to identify x and y intercepts, zeros, and points of intersection.

5. Be able to look at the graph in the appropriate window (standard, decimal, and adjust the window manually).

6. Utilize the Table function on the calculator (both Auto and Ask modes).