El Camino College - Division of Mathematical Sciences

Math 23
Pre-Algebra
4 units; 4 hours lecture

Catalog Description Course Objectives and Methods of Evaluation
Outline of Subject Matter Planned Instructional Activities

Grading Method: Letter

Non-Degree Credit --- Does not Transfers to CSU and
                                  Does not Transfers to UC

Prerequisite:  Mathematics 10B with a minimum grade of C or qualification by testing (El Camino College Mathematics Placement Test) and assessment.

Catalog Description:
 This course bridges the gap between arithmetic and formal algebra, developing number sense and operation sense, in order to formulate and solve algebraic equations with integers, fractions, and percents. Algebraic principles are applied to problems from a variety of fields. Other topics include: proportional reasoning, spatial reasoning, informal geometry and measurement, coordinate graphing, informational graphs, and data collection and description.

Note: A computer/tutoring laboratory will be available for assistance and group work.
Note: Mathematics 23 was formerly named Mathematics XPA
 
 Course Objectives and Methods of Evaluation:

  1. Course objectives (list the major objectives stated as student outcomes in behaviorally measurable terms.)
    1.  Acquire effective study skills including the use of the calculator in appropriate situations.
    2. Perform various operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and exponentiation) on different sets of numbers (whole, integer, and rational) and recognize equivalence when it occurs, particularly with fractions, decimals, and percents
    3. Formulate mathematical representations of real-world applications including the recognition of proportional relationships.
    4. Estimate to determine the reasonableness of results.
    5. Recognize and apply the concepts of variable, expression, and equation.
    6. Solve linear equations.
    7. Find perimeters, areas, and volumes of various geometrical shapes and use in applications.
    8. Represent linear relationships with tables, graphs, and equations (coordinate graphing).
    9. Read, interpret, and construct tables, charts, and graphs.
  1. Methods of Evaluation - Non-Degree Credit Course
    1. Computational or non-computational problem-solving demonstrations, including:
      1. Exam
      2. Quizzes
      3. Homework
      4. Group Activities
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Outline of Subject Matter
 

Approximate Time

Major Topic

4 hours

I. Introduction to study skills and calculator usage (interspersed throughout the course).

4 hours

II. Informational Graphing:

  1. Measurement/Scale reading
  2. Reading, interpreting and drawing graphs
  3. Collecting and organizing data
  4. Mean, mode, and median

8 hours

III. Geometry and Measurement:

  1. Formulas: area, perimeter, volume, surface area
  2. Dimensional Analysis: converting from one unit to another.
  3. Applications interspersed.

12 hours

IV.  Integers:

  1. Operations on signed numbers
  2. Order of operations
  3. Introduction to algebraic expressions
  4. Applications interspersed

8 hours

V. Equation Solving with Integers:

  1. Simple Linear Equations"
  2. Properties (E.g.., Distributive, equality)
  3. Like Terms
  4. Linear equations with more than 1 operation 

 16 hours

VI. Equation Solving with Common Fractions and Decimal Fractions:

  1. Equivalent forms (1/5 = .2, 0.5 < 0.52, etc.)
  2.  Equations: Formal and Informal methods
  3. Applications interspersed.
12 hours

VII. Ratio, Proportion, and Percent:

  1. Ratio and Proportion
  2. Percent
  3. Equivalent forms (150% - 1.5, 0.5% < 0.01, etc.)
  4. Using algebraic methods to solve proportions and percent problems.
  5. Applications interspersed. 
4 hours

VIII. Coordinate Graphing:

  1. Plotting ordered pairs
  2. Linear graphs and tables of ordered pairs 
4 hours Examinations

Total:

72 Hours

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Planned Instructional Activities:

Lecture, discussion, individual and group work

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Source of information: Course Outline of Record dated November, 2001



 Last Updated On: 4/20/06