El Camino College - Division of Mathematical Sciences

Math 65ab
Introduction to the Graphing Calculator
1 unit; 1 hour 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 40 or Mathematics 41B with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite or qualification by testing (El Camino College Mathematics Placement Test) and assessment.

Catalog Description:
This course is designed for students who are using, or plan to use, a graphing calculator in mathematics courses. Students will learn to use a graphing calculator to graph functions, evaluate functions, solve equations, check answers, and calculate descriptive statistics.

Course Objectives and Methods of Evaluation:

  1. Course objectives (list the major objectives stated as student outcomes in behaviorally measurable terms.)
    1. Perform basic mathematical computations using a graphing calculator
    2. Use graphs of functions to solve algebraic equations and inequalities using the appropriate viewing window
    3. Generate tables of values or specific values for a function
    4. Use graphs to find intersections, intercepts, and specific values
    5. Verify solutions to equations
    6. Input data and find the function that best fits the data
    7. Calculate basic descriptive statistics
    8. Solve 2 x 2 systems of linear equations
    9. Access graphing calculator programs through the Internet or other graphing calculators.
  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. Objective examinations, including:
      1. Multiple choice
      2. Completion
      3. Matching items
      4. True/False

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Outline of Subject Matter
 

Approximate Time

Major Topic

1 hour 

I. Basic calculations, function locations and features of the graphing calculator

2 hours

II. Graphing of linear and quadratic functions in the appropriate viewing window ; Intercepts

1 hour 

III. Accessing graphing calculator programs via the Internet and other calculators

2 hours

IV.  Evaluating functions and checking answers

2 hours

V. Solving algebraic equations
2 hours

VI. Tables and lists. Spreadsheet-type analysis and calculations
1 hour

VII. Descriptive Statistics
1 hour

VIII. Graphing linear inequalities
2 hours

IX. Systems of equations; Intersections
2 hours X. Curve fitting

 2 hours

Examinations

Total:

18 Hours

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Planned Instructional Activities:

Lecture, group activities, graphing calculator instruction, individual assistance

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. Manipulate algebraic expressions including expressions with fractions and radicals
  2. Solve quadratic equations and systems of linear equations
  3. Graph systems of linear equations
  4. Solve application problems using linear and quadratic equations
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Source of information: Course Outline of Record dated November, 2001

 Last Updated On: 4/20/06