Course Outline – Seattle Central Community College
Course Prefix & No.:
Title:
MATH 081
Credits:
Basic Math Skills
Division: Science & Math
Maximum Class Size:
Program/Department: Mathematics
Course length:
32
11
5
weeks
Prerequisite(s):
In last 3 years: Placement Test Score into MATH 081
Please see "Additional Information" below!
Total Contact Hours: 55
Lecture: 55
(11 h. = 1 cr.)
Lab: (supervised; 22 hrs.=1 cr.)
Clinical:
Other:
(unsupervised; 33 hrs. = 1 cr.)
Course
Description
Learning
Outcomes
Program/Degree
Outcomes
Mode(s) of Delivery:
On campus self-contained
Correspondence
Tele-course
Online instruction
Hybrid (e.g., online and on campus)
Other (please describe):
This course covers basic math skills, including computations with fractions,
decimals, signed numbers, ratios, proportions, and percents as well as covering
some basic geometry and units of measurement. This class also has a pre-algebra
component, introducing algebraic expressions and simple linear equations.
This course is designed to prepare students for introductory algebra courses.
As a result of taking this course, students will be able to:
 Perform arithmetic (add, subtract, multiply, divide, round) on fractions,
decimals, and signed numbers
 Describe and properly use the order of operations with fractions, decimals,
and signed numbers
 Identify and use the properties of arithmetic and algebra (commutative,
associative, distributive, properties with zero and one, addition and
multiplication properties of equality)
 Compare fractions, decimals, and percents and use inequalities
 Set up and solve proportions and their applications
 Set up and solve percent problems and their applications
 Evaluate and simplify algebraic expressions and formulas
 Solve simple linear equations
 Identify and apply formulas of perimeter, area and volume to simple
geometric shapes
 Convert among different units of measurement (Metric and U.S.)
This course addresses the following program or degree outcomes:
 Have knowledge and skills in critical thinking and quantitative analysis
 Have effective skills for in-person interactions with individuals and within
groups.
 Understand methods and modes of inquiry specific to mathematics
 Demonstrate effective oral and written communication, teamwork and

Topical Outline
and/or Major
Divisions
Distribution Area
Additional
Information
collaboration in mathematical settings
Demonstrate academic honesty and ethical behavior
This course covers the following topics:
• Order of operations with fractions, decimals, and signed numbers
• Properties of arithmetic (commutative, associative, distributive, properties with
zero and one)
• Arithmetic (add, subtract, multiply, divide) with fractions and mixed numbers
• Prime factorizations and least common denominators
• Arithmetic (add, subtract, multiply, divide, place value, round) with decimals
• Ratio, rate, and proportion
• Setting up and solving proportions; applications
• Converting between fractions, percents, and decimals and comparing these
quantities using inequalities
• Setting up and solving percent problems; applications
• Arithmetic (add, subtract, multiply, divide, order) with signed numbers
• Algebraic expressions and formulas (evaluating and simplifying)
• Properties of algebra (commutative, associative, distributive, addition and
multiplication properties of equality)
• Simple linear equations (solving, checking, applications)
• Formulas of perimeter, area and volume for geometric shapes
• Units of Measurement (English, metric, length, liquid, weight, converting)

None of the above/Elective
1) This class assumes an entering student already has basic whole number skills
without the use of a calculator (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division,
rounding, and place value with whole numbers as well as mastery of basic
addition, subtraction, and multiplication "facts/tables"). If a student does not
have these skills, they should first enroll in Adult Basic Education math courses
before attempting MATH 081.
2) Calculator usage in this class is determined by the instructor. However, upon
successful completion of the course, students should be able to work with basic
math skills and algebra without having to excessively rely on calculators.
QSR
IS
C
GS
US
None
CAC Use Only
Special
Designation (s)
Outline Prepared by: Bryan Johns/Susan Chin
Date: 4/14/11