El Camino College - Division of Mathematical Sciences
Math 130
College Algebra
3 units; 3 hours lecture
Grading Method: Letter
Associate Degree Credit --- Transfers to CSU and Transfers to UC
Prerequisite: Mathematics 73 or Mathematics 80 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..
Course Objectives and Methods of Evaluation:
- Course objectives (list the major objectives stated as student outcomes in behaviorally measurable terms.)
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- Solve quadratic and rational equations and inequalities.
- 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).
- Manipulate polynomials and solve polynomial equations using the Rational Zero Theorem, Synthetic Division, The Remainder Theorem and Factor Theorem.
- Solve exponential and logarithmic equations.
- Solve polynomial equations by factoring and solve radical equations.
- Simplify expressions involving integral and rational exponents and radicals, and complex fractions.
- Identify arithmetic and geometric sequences and series and solve practical problems involving both.
- Solve problems involving Combinatorics and the Binomial Theorem.
- Solve application problems and use technology.
- Methods of Evaluation - Associate Degree Credit Course
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- Substantial writing assignments are inappropriate for this degree applicable course because:
- The course primarily involves skill demonstrations or problem solving.
- Computational or non-computational problem-solving demonstrations, including:
- Exam
- Quizzes
- Homework Problems
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Outline of Subject Matter
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Approximate Time
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Major Topic
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6 hours
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I. Polynomials and Rational Expressions
- Polynomials
- Radical and rational expressions
- Integer and rational exponent expressions
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6 hours
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II. Equations and Inequalities
- Complex numbers
- Linear, quadratic, rational, and radical equations, and equations with rational exponents, and applications
- Linear, quadratic and rational inequalities in one variable
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6 hours
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III. Functions and Graphs
- Inverse and composition of functions
- Graphs of relations and functions
- Transformations and symmetry of graphs of functions
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9 hours
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IV. Polynomial and Rational Functions
- Quadratic, polynomial and rational functions, and the Remainder and Factor Theorems
- Zeroes of polynomial functions, the Rational Zero Theorem, and Synthetic Division
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6 hours
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V. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
- Graphs of exponential and logarithmic functions
- Exponential and logarithmic equations
- Application problems involving exponential and logarithmic functions
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| 6 hours |
VI. Sequence and Series
- Arithmetic sequences and series
- Geometric sequences and series
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| 6 hours |
VII. Combinatorics and the Binomial Theorem
- The counting principle, permutations and combinations
- The Binomial Theorem
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3 hours
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Examinations
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Total:
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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.
- Solve Linear and Quadratic Equations at the Intermediate Algebra level
- Graph Basic Functions; Linear, Quadratic, Exponential and Logarithmic at the Intermediate Algebra level.
- Solve Application Problems at the Intermediate Algebra level.
Source of information: Course Outline of Record dated Fall, 1998
Last Updated On: 11/3/09