El Camino College - Division of Mathematical Sciences

Math 40
Elementary Algebra
4 units; 4 hours lecture and 8 hours study

Prerequisite: Mathematics 23 or Mathematics 25 with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite, or qualification by testing (El Camino College Mathematics Placement Test) and assessment.

Catalog Description:
This course in elementary algebra includes the study of real number solutions and applications of linear equations, quadratic equations, linear inequalities, and systems of linear equations. Other topics include coordinate graphing of linear equations, factoring techniques, and simplification of rational and radical expressions.

Course Objectives:

1. Use the specialized vocabulary describing the real number system and its properties as well as the fundamentals of algebra.
2. Manipulate (evaluate, simplify, or factor) algebraic expressions, including expressions with fractions and radicals.
3. Solve linear equations and inequalities, systems of linear equations, and quadratic equations.
4. Solve various application problems which feature the mathematics under study using elementary  modeling techniques.
5. Graph linear equations and systems of linear equations on a coordinate plane, isolating features such as intercepts and slope.

For more information see the Course Outline of Record, November 2007.