Course Outline – Seattle Central Community College
Course Prefix & No.:
MATH098
Title:
Credits:
INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA
Division: Science & Math
5
Program/Department: Mathematics
Maximum Class Size: Course length: Prerequisite(s):
32
11
weeks One year of high school algebra and placement exam, or
MAT 085 with 2.2 or better, or permission of instructor
Total Contact Hours: 55
Lecture: 55
(11 h. = 1 cr.)
Lab: (supervised; 22 hrs.=1 cr.)
Clinical:
Other:
(unsupervised; 33 hrs. = 1 cr.)
Mode(s) of Delivery:
On campus self-contained
Correspondence
Tele-course
Online instruction
Hybrid (e.g., online and on campus)
Other (please describe):
Course Description
This is an intermediate course in algebra. It is designed to: (1) engage students
in mathematical reasoning through the introduction of the concept of a
function and its relationship to equations, graphs and data tables; (2) prepare
students for their vocational programs by incorporating real world
applications; and, (3) train students in the language of mathematics that they
will need to be successful in college-level courses through the study of algebraic
techniques and their applications.
Learning Outcomes
As a result of taking this course, students will be able to:
 Linear Functions: determine the equation of a line and line of best fit,
explain rate of change and intercepts in context, graph the function,
express the solution sets in appropriate notation and explain the solutions
in context
 Quadratic Functions: solve quadratic functions algebraically and
graphically, determine max/min points, and explain the significance of
intercepts and max/min points in context
 Exponential & Logarithmic Functions: graph exponential functions and
interpret them in context; convert between exponential and logarithmic
forms of an equation and explain their relationship; solve exponential and
logarithmic equations and explain them in context
 Mathematical Modeling: (using graphing calculator) find regression lines
based on data provided in a problem, use regression line to make
predictions, create appropriate graph (window), identify whether a data
set is linear, quadratic, exponential, or logarithmic form and use their
knowledge of the type of data set to an application setting.
 Systems of Equations: solve systems of equations and explain the
significance of the solutions
 Evaluate functions: determine domain and range, use vertical line test,
interpret the graph of functions
 Radical Expressions: simplify radical expressions, rationalize
denominators, and convert to exponential form
 Optional - Rational Equations and Functions: simplify complex fractions
and rational expressions, solve rational equations, recognize extraneous
roots, explain their significance in context
Program/Degree
Outcomes
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
collaboration in mathematical settings
 Demonstrate academic honesty and ethical behavior
Topical Outline
and/or Major
Divisions
This course covers the following topics:
 Exponents: integer and rational.
 Scientific notation.
 Polynomial arithmetic: addition, subtraction and multiplication of single
variable polynomials.
 Linear functions: graphs; equations; slope; slope-intercept form of
equations; writing equations for lines; (optional: inequalities) – solving
graphically and algebraically.
 Linear systems of equations (2×2) and their applications.
 Quadratic functions: solving quadratic equations by factoring, completing
the square, the quadratic formula, graphing; vertex: maximum, minimum
values of quadratic functions; applications of quadratic functions.
 Radicals and rational exponents: rules for radicals; simplifying radical
expressions; operations with rational exponents – confined to one variable
case.
 Exponential functions of form f(x) = abx, graphing the effect of the values
of a, b and x on the graph of the function; logs and the use of the log key
on the calculator to solve exponential equations.
 Applications will be emphasized along with the algebra skills necessary to
treat the included applications.
 Scatter Plots: create plots from data table, determine appropriate linear,
quadratic, or exponential regression.
 Optional: non-linear systems
 Optional: Complex numbers: definition of i, i2, connection between
complex roots of an equation and the graph of a quadratic function.
Distribution Area
Additional
Information
CAC Use Only
Special
Designation (s)
Use of the graphing calculator is required for this course. Its use is an integral
part of the instruction in this course. At the completion of the course, students
should be able to create a data table and find a regression line of best fit for the
data, find logarithms, and graph functions.
QSR
IS
C
GS
US
Outline Prepared by: Andrea Levy, Felice Tiu, Doug Solowan
Date: April 2011
None