MATH 81 - Introduction to Algebra

5 Credits

A beginning algebra course that develops proficiency in fraction and signed number arithmetic, evaluation of expressions, and solving linear equations in one variable.

Placement Eligibility Math 081
Fees

Quarters Typically Offered
Summer Day
Fall Day, Evening, Online
Winter Day, Online
Spring Day, Online

Designed to Serve Students needing a first algebra course.
Active Date 20170622T08:38:32

Grading Basis Decimal Grade
Class Limit 32
Shared Learning Environment Yes
Contact Hours: Lecture 55 Lab 0 Field Studies 0 Clinical 0 Independent Studies 0
Total Contact Hours 55
Degree Distributions:
Course Outline
- Arithmetic of fractions and signed numbers
- Evaluation and simplification of expressions
- Polynomial addition, subtraction, and multiplication
- Solving linear equations up to the level of ax + b = cx + d
- Unit conversions
- Area and perimeter of circles, triangles, and rectangles and volume of boxes
- Pie, bar and line graphs
- Summarizing data sets using mean, median, mode, the five-number summary, and histograms or box plots.
- Emphasis on applying concepts and skills learned to relationships and formulas in everyday life and other college coursework
- Emphasis on developing quantitative reasoning ability and symbolic reasoning ability

Student Learning Outcomes
Describe the meaning of and compute efficiently by hand with basic fractions and signed numbers with an accuracy of 80%.

Simplify and evaluate a variety of expressions, including polynomials.

Solve linear equations in one variable up to the level of ax + b = cx + d with 80% accuracy.

Use dimensional analysis to perform unit conversions within and between the English and metric systems.

Describe the meaning of and compute dimensions, perimeters, and areas of triangles, circles, and rectangles, as well as the volume of boxes.

Construct and interpret bar, pie, and line graphs as well as be able to interpret most “newspaper-type” graphs.

Define measures of center and spread, then use them to summarize meaningful data numerically and graphically.

Create and use equations and formulas to answer questions about realistic situations.

Describe and use techniques that improve learning. (This could involve organization, review strategies, notetaking, time management, etc.)

Describe the reasoning on a task as well as patterns in errors.