El Camino College - Division of Mathematical Sciences

Math 41A
Elementary Algebra, Part I
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 --- Does not Transfers to CSU and
                                                  Does not Transfers to UC

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 includes the study of real numbers, the solutions and applications of linear equations and inequalities, polynomials, and coordinate graphing of linear equations.
Note: Students enrolled in this course are required to participate in group activities.
Note: Mathematics 41A and 41B together are equivalent to Mathematics 40.

 
 Course Objectives and Methods of Evaluation:

  1. Course objectives (list the major objectives stated as student outcomes in behaviorally measurable terms.)
    1.  Use the specialized vocabulary describing the real number system and its properties as well as the specialized vocabulary of the fundamentals of algebra.
    2. Manipulate (evaluate or simplify) algebraic expressions, including polynomials.
    3. Solve linear equations and inequalities.
    4. Solve various application problems using linear modeling techniques.
    5. Graph linear equations on a coordinate plane, isolating features such as intercepts and slope.
  1. Methods of Evaluation - Associate Degree Credit Course
    1. Substantial writing assignments are inappropriate for this degree applicable course because:
      1. The course is primarily computational in nature
      2. 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
      4. Group Activities
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Outline of Subject Matter
 

Approximate Time

Major Topic

11 hours

I. Algebraic Expressions and the Vocabulary of Algebra


Comparing and Contrasting:

  1. constant, variable
  2. natural, whole, integer, and real numbers
  3. absolute value
  4. rational and irrational number
  5. prime and composite number
  6. odd and even number
  7. factor, divisor, multiple
  8. base, exponent, power
  9. expression, equation, and inequality
  10. solution, solution set
  11. identities, equivalent equations
  12. linear equations
  13. polynomial, monomial, binomial, trinomial
  14. coefficient, term, degree

11 hours

II. Basic Operations and Manipulations with Algebraic Expressions

  1. Expressions with grouping and mixed operations, including exponents, order of operations
  2. Operations with signed numbers
  3. Operations with polynomials and integer exponents
  4. The Commutative, Associative, and Distributive Properties
  5. Introduction to factoring

8 hours

III. Equations and Inequalities

  1. First degree equations in one variable using the properties of equality
  2. Linear inequalities in on variable

5 hours

IV.  Applications

  1. Algebraic techniques in the solution of problems involving geometric formulas (Perimeter, Area, and Volume)
  2. Translation of situations described in word problems to linear expressions, equations, and inequalities and solving problems involving such topics as percentage relationships, and ratio and proportion

11 hours

V. Graphing

  1. Graphing of solution sets of linear inequalities in one  variable on a number line
  2. Graphing of ordered pairs on a coordinate plane
  3. Interpretation of graphs
  4. Graphing of linear equations in two variables using intercepts and using slope
  5. Analysis of effects of changes in 'm' and 'b' on graphs of lines
  6. Determining the slope of a line form graph or from equation
  7. Determining the equation of a line using slope and y-intercept; or given two points on the line

 8 hours

Examinations

Total:

54 Hours

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Planned Instructional Activities:

Lecture, class discussion, projects, group work, individual assistance, and calculator instruction
 

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. Use arithmetic operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents
  2. Perform operations (at the Pre-Algebra level) on real numbers, using order of operations and exponents
  3. Solve elementary linear equations and apply their solutions to standard situations such as geometric formulas and proportional relationships.
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Source of information: Course Outline of Record dated November, 2001



 Last Updated On: 4/20/06