MTH 065 Elementary Algebra

This is the second term of a two-term sequence in introductory algebra. Students having successfully completed MTH 060 should continue with this course in preparation for taking Intermediate Algebra (MTH 095). Topics include systems of linear equations, exponents, polynomials, factoring, quadratic equations, introduction to functions, and rational expressions.

Credits

Prerequisite

MTH 060 with a C- or better within the past two years OR equivalent placement via the math placement process

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Maintain, use, and expand skills and concepts learned in previous mathematics courses

a. Solve linear equations algebraically

b. Calculate slope of a line and find intercepts

c. Graph equations in two variables

d. Write equations in point-slope form and slope-intercept form

2. Solve linear systems of two equations in two unknowns

a. Solve algebraically and by graphing

b. Solve application problems involving linear systems of equations (Includes simple interest, motion, and mixture problems)

3. Evaluate and/or simplify expressions using the rules of (integer) exponents

4. Use scientific notation

5. Use the terminology of polynomials and add, subtract, multiply, and divide polynomials

a. Recognize and use the terminology of polynomials

b. Evaluate polynomials

c. Add, subtract, and multiply polynomials

d. Divide a polynomial by a monomial

6. Factor polynomials, including multivariable polynomials

a. Factor polynomials by removing a common monomial factor

b. Factor trinomials

c. Factor special products

7. Recognize and use quadratic equations

a. Sketch the graph of a quadratic equation in two variables and identify the intercepts and the vertex graphically

b. Solve a quadratic equation by factoring c. Solve application problems by writing and solving quadratic equations, by factoring, (includes applications involving the Pythagorean Theorem)

8. Understand the basic definition of a function

a. Recognize and interpret function notation

b. Evaluate functions using function notation

c. Find the domain of a function defined by a table or list of ordered pairs

9. Recognize and use rational expressions

a. Recognize values of a variable that make a rational expression undefined

b. Reduce rational expressions to lowest terms

c. Multiply and divide rational expressions

d. Add and subtract rational expressions with like denominators

e. Find the least common denominator of two or more rational expressions

f. Add and subtract rational expressions with unlike denominators

10. Make appropriate and efficient use of scientific calculator. (Note: students will be expected to demonstrate achievement of some objectives without the use of a calculator)