MISSOURI WESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY
DIVISION OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS AND PHYSICS

 

COURSE NUMBER: MAT 095 (and equivalents MAT 092, MAT 093, and MAT 094)

COURSE NAME: Intermediate Algebra

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

A continuation of beginning algebra in preparation for College Algebra, Finite Mathematics or Contemporary Problem Solving. Review of elementary algebra including the algebra of polynomials, linear equations, quadratic equations, systems of equations, linear inequalities, integer and rational exponents, factoring, and graphs of lines and conic sections. PREREQUISITE: Grade of C or better in MAT 090 or equivalent or passing placement test.

TEXT:

Elementary and Intermediate Algebra, A Unified Approach, 1st edition, Hutchison, Bergman, and Hoelzle, McGraw Hill COURSE OBJECTIVES: In general, the objective of this course is to provide the student with the algebra skills necessary to succeed in College Algebra, Finite Mathematics or Contemporary Problem Sovling. More specifically, the following goals will be attained:
    1. To perform the operations of intersection and union on sets.
    2. To solve first-degree equations and inequalities.
    3. To factor algebraic expressions.
    4. To add, subtract, multiply and divide rational expressions as well as solve equations containing rational expressions.
    5. To apply the properties of rational exponents and radicals.
    6. To solve quadratic equations by multiple methods.
    7. To graph linear equations and inequalities in two variables, and to graph quadratic equations.
    8. To solve systems of linear equations in two variables.
    9. To utilize function notation.
STUDENT COMPETENCIES:

In order to successfully meet the course objectives, students will be able to:

    1. Utilize set notation.
    2. Find the intersection and union of two given sets.
    3. Solve linear equations, formulas, and literal equations.
    4. Solve linear inequalities.
    5. Solve equations and inequalities involving absolute value.
    6. Factor algebraic expressions including perfect cubes.
    7. Simplify, add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational expressions.
    8. Simplify complex fractions.
    9. Divide polynomials by long division.
    10. Solve equations containing rational expressions.
    11. Perform operations with rational exponents.
    12. Simplify, add, subtract, multiply, and divide radicals.
    13. Solve quadratic equations by factoring and extracting roots.
    14. Solve quadratic equations by completing the square.
    15. Solve quadratic equations by the quadratic formula.
    16. Graph linear equations and inequalities in two variables.
    17. Determine the distance between two points in the rectangular coordinate system.
    18. Determine the slope of a line.
    19. Determine the equation of a line.
    20. Graph quadratic equations.
    21. Solve systems of linear equations in two variables.
    22. Utilize function notation.
    23. Identify special functions and their graphs (i.e., linear, constant, quadratic, and square root.)
COURSE OUTLINE: I. Review of Equations and Factoring
    1. Review of Solving Equations
    2. Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities
    3. Review of Factoring Polynomials
    4. Division of Polynomials
    5. Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring
II. Rational Expressions
    1. Simplifying Rational Expressions
    2. Multiplication and Division of Rational Expressions
    3. Addition and Subtraction of Rational Expressions
    4. Complex Fractions
    5. Rational Equations and Inequalities in One Variable
III. Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities
    1. Solving Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities
    2. Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables, with Applications
    3. Graphing Linear Inequalities in Two Variables
    4. Systems of Linear Inequalities in Two Variables
    5. Matrices and Cramer’s Rule
IV. Radicals and Exponents
    1. Zero and Negative Integer Exponents
    2. Evaluating Radical Expressions
    3. Rational Exponents
    4. Complex Numbers
V. Quadratic Functions
    1. Ordered Pairs and Relations
    2. An Introduction to Functions
    3. Identifying Functions
    4. Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square
    5. Solving Quadratic Equations by the Quadratic Formula
    6. Solving Quadratic Equations by Graphing
    7. The Circle