El Camino College - Division of Mathematical Sciences

Math 73

Intermediate Algebra for General Education

5 units; 5 hours lecture and 10 hours study

Prerequisite:

Math 40 or Math 41B with a minimum grade of C or qualification by testing (El Camino College Mathematics Placement Test) and assessment

Course Description:

This intermediate algebra course is designed for students who are not considering further study in the sciences, technology, engineering or mathematics.  In the context of studying basic functions and their graphs, students strengthen and expand their algebra skills.  Functions studied include linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, and radical functions, as well as the absolute value function.  Particular emphasis is placed on the operations on functions, solving equations and inequalitities, as well as using functions to model real life situations.  Other topics include solving systems of equations and applications.

Note: Math 73 serves as a prerequisite course for all transfer-level mathematics course sequences, EXCEPT the calculus sequence (Math 170, 180, 190, 191 and 220).  Students who have passed Math 73 and wish to enter the calculus sequence should consult with a counselor.  This intermediate algebra course satisfies the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science general education mathematics competency requirement.

Course Objectives:

1. Carry out numerical operations and manipulate algebraic expressions, including expressions with rational and negative exponents.
2. Recognize functional relationships in the form of graphs, data or symbolic equations.
3. Solve problems involving a variety of function types, including linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational and radical functions, as well as the absolute value function.
4. Graph a variety of functions and relations and draw connections between these graphs and solutions to problems.
5. Solve a variety of equations and inequalities , as well as systems of equations and inequalities, using algebraic and graphical methods.  Types of equations include linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational and radical equations, as well as absolute value equations.
6. Using numerical, symbolic and graphical methods, model application problems, solve them and interpret the results in the context of the problem.

For more information see the Math 73 Course Outline of Record