COURSE OUTLINE MAT135 Intermediate Algebra & ApplicationsCourse Number Course Title 4 4 lecture hours Credits HoursCatalog description:This course is designed for students who demonstrate some proficiency in algebra but who need to develop additional algebraic skills for use in other college courses or in higher level mathematics courses. Topics include function notation, absolute value function, quadratic equations, rational expressions and equations, rational exponents, radicals, graphing and inequalities.Prerequisites: Completion of MAT037 (formerly MAT034) with a grade of C or better or MAT037A and MAT037B with a grade of C or better in both courses, successful completion of a course equivalent to MAT037, an appropriate score on the Higher Mathematics Placement Test, or permission of the department chairperson.Corequisites: NoneRequired Materials:1. Text: Intermediate Algebra Through Applications, by Geoffrey Akst and Sadie Bragg (Pearson/Addison Wesley Publishers)2. Calculator: A scientific calculator is required.Last revised: Fall 2007Course coordinators: Yvonne Greenbaun Daniel Rose1Course goals:Students will be able to demonstrate through tests, projects and quizzes/homework the ability to:1. Solve inequalities in one and two variables2. Solve and graph both linear and quadratic equations3. Factor a second degree polynomial and some special higher degree polynomials4. Recognize and work with functions and function notation5. Perform operations and solve equations involving polynomial, radical and rational expressions6. Solve a system of two linear equations7. Apply each of the above techniques in various real world applications8. Construct and/or analyze both linear and quadratic models of real life phenomenon and predict future data values from these models 9. Complete multiple projects containing investigative tasks which demonstrate the applications of algebra in real world contextsGeneral Course Structure:The content of the course is divided into four units with approximately the same amount of class time being devoted to each unit. The two primary assessments that will be used in these units are tests and projects, followed by a comprehensive final exam. Tests: Each test covers approximately 6-7 sections of the text. A minimum of 4 tests must be given per semester. The Mathematics Department has tests available in the Academic Testing Center which may be used by instructors in the course.Projects: Specific time has been set aside in this course for students to work together on projects focusing on real world applications of intermediate algebra. It is recommended that a minimum of 1 project be incorporated into the course. Sample projects have been developed by the department and are available on CD and in a binder in the LA office – please see either of the course coordinators to pick up a CD or learn about the binder.Final Exam: A comprehensive final exam should be given at the end of the semester. The Mathematics Department has departmental final exams, which are given in all sections of the course.A suggested day-to-day schedule (based on a 30-class semester) which leaves in-class time for project work and test reviews, as well as a list of minimum suggested homework exercises fromthe text are also available from the course coordinators. Please be sure to obtain a copy. Suggested grading policies are provided at the end of this outline.2COURSE CONTENTUnit I – Linear Modeling: Equations, Inequalities, Slopes and Graphs (3.5 total weeks)Sections of text to be covered during the 3.5 weeks:Chapter 2: Linear Equations and Inequalities (section 2.1, 2.3, 2.4; omit 2.2, 2.5) – 1.5 weeksChapter 3: Graphs, Linear Equations and Inequalities (section 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4) – 2 weeksStudent Goals – Chapter 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.41. Define and solve linear equations in one variable.2. Determine if a given number is a solution to a given linear equation.3. Define and solve linear inequalities in one variable.4. Determine if a given number is a solution to a given linear inequality.5. Graph solutions to linear inequalities on a real number line and express solutions ininterval notation.6. Define, solve, and graph solutions to compound linear inequalities, as well as compoundlinear inequalities using “and” & “or” terminology.7. Plot points and identify quadrants on the coordinate plane.8. Define independent (x-variable) and dependent (y-variable) axes.9. Read, interpret, and explain trends in graphs which model applications.10. Define, calculate and interpret slope, especially as a rate of change.11. Determine relationship between slope and horizontal, vertical, parallel, and perpendicularlines.12. Define and graph linear equations in two variables. 13. Identify and graph x- and y-intercepts of a graph, and interpret them in context.14. Express and graph linear equations in slope-intercept form.15. Use linear modeling to find the equation of a line through two given points, or a slopeand y-intercept.16. Find equations of lines that are horizontal, vertical, and parallel/perpendicular to givenlinesReal World Applications: Examples in the text which facilitate these goals through real worldapplications should be completed. Applications in the text pertain to subjects including, but notlimited to business, nursing, geography, chemistry, economics, banking & accounting, physicalfitness, investments, and profit. Specific text examples of linear modeling facilitating student goals include:- Calculating prescribed medical dosage- Meeting marketing campaign budgets- Allocating investments into bonds and mutual funds- Comparing resulting salaries between two competing job offers- Choosing cost efficient city parking plans- Maintaining a physical fitness schedule- Describing trends in U.S. population- Describing various sociological trends from a given graph- Analyzing recent trends in gasoline prices3- Comparing long-distance packages from two different providers- Analyzing a proposed monthly payment plan for paying off bills- Modeling the relationship between depth under water and pressureUnit II – Functions, Systems of Linear Equations, and Polynomials (3.5 total weeks)Sections of text to be covered during the 3.5 weeks:Chapter 3: Introduction to Functions (section 3.6) – 0.5