El Camino College - Division of Mathematical Sciences

Math 130
College Algebra
3 units; 3 hours lecture

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

Grading Method: Letter

Associate Degree Credit --- Transfers to CSU and Transfers to UC

Prerequisite: Mathematics 70 with a minimum grade of C or qualification by testing (El Camino College Mathematics Placement Test) and assessment.

Catalog Description:
  Topics covered in this course include linear and quadratic equations and inequalities; polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions and their graphs; sequences and series, Combinatorics, and the Binomial Theory..
Note: Mathematics 130 was formerly numbered Mathematics 3.

 Course Objectives and Methods of Evaluation:

  1. Course objectives (list the major objectives stated as student outcomes in behaviorally measurable terms.)
    1.  Solve quadratic and rational equations and inequalities.
    2. Find the domain, inverse, and graph (with translations) the following: linear, polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions (as well as the inverse and composition of polynomial and rational functions).
    3. Manipulate polynomials and solve polynomial equations using the Rational Zero Theorem, Synthetic Division, The Remainder Theorem and Factor Theorem.
    4. Solve exponential and logarithmic equations.
    5. Solve polynomial equations by factoring and solve radical equations.
    6. Simplify expressions involving integral and rational exponents and radicals, and complex fractions.
    7. Identify arithmetic and geometric sequences and series and solve practical problems involving both.
    8. Solve problems involving Combinatorics and the Binomial Theorem.
    9. Solve application problems and use technology.
  1. Methods of Evaluation - Associate Degree Credit Course
    1. Substantial writing assignments are inappropriate for this degree applicable course because:
      1. The course primarily involves skill demonstrations or problem solving.
    2. Computational or non-computational problem-solving demonstrations, including:
      1. Exam
      2. Quizzes
      3. Homework Problems

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Outline of Subject Matter
 

Approximate Time

Major Topic

6 hours

I. Polynomials and Rational Expressions

  1. Polynomials
  2. Radical and rational expressions
  3. Integer and rational exponent expressions

6 hours

II. Equations and Inequalities

  1. Complex numbers
  2. Linear, quadratic, rational, and radical equations, and equations with rational exponents, and applications
  3. Linear, quadratic and rational inequalities in one variable

6 hours

III. Functions and Graphs

  1. Inverse and composition of functions
  2. Graphs of relations and functions
  3. Transformations and symmetry of graphs of functions

9 hours

IV.  Polynomial and Rational Functions

  1. Quadratic, polynomial and rational functions, and the Remainder and Factor Theorems
  2. Zeroes of polynomial functions, the Rational Zero Theorem, and Synthetic Division

6 hours

V. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

  1. Graphs of exponential and logarithmic functions
  2. Exponential and logarithmic equations
  3. Application problems involving exponential and logarithmic functions
6 hours VI. Sequence and Series
  1. Arithmetic sequences and series
  2. Geometric sequences and series
6 hours VII. Combinatorics and the Binomial Theorem
  1. The counting principle, permutations and combinations
  2. The Binomial Theorem

 3 hours

Examinations

Total:

54 Hours

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Planned Instructional Activities:

Lecture, discussion, individual and group work

Entrance Skills and Knowledge:

List the required skills and/or knowledge without which a student would be highly unlikely to receive a grade of A, B, C, or Credit (or for Health and Safety, would endanger self or others) in the Target Course.

  1. Solve Linear and Quadratic Equations at the Intermediate Algebra level
  2. Graph Basic Functions; Linear, Quadratic, Exponential and Logarithmic at the Intermediate Algebra level.
  3. Solve Application Problems at the Intermediate Algebra level.

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Source of information: Course Outline of Record dated Fall, 1998



 Last Updated On: 4/20/06