Butler Community College
Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Math Division
Bethany Chandler, Cindy Bond
Revised Fall 2016
Implemented Fall 2017
COURSE OUTLINE
Pre-Algebra
Course Description
MA 050. Pre-Algebra. 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: A score at a predetermined level on
a placement instrument or diagnostic credit. This course will enable the student to gain
confidence with the use of basic arithmetic involving whole numbers, integers, fractions,
decimals, variables, algebraic expressions, and techniques for solving equations. The
student will manipulate formulas involving perimeter, area, and volume and simplify
square roots.
Required Materials
Wright, F. D. Pre-algebra and introductory algebra (bundle). Hawkes Learning Systems.
Scientific calculator
*For complete material(s) information, refer to: http://bookstore.butlercc.edu
Butler-Assessed Outcomes
The intention is for the student to be able to
1. Perform basic operations on whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals, variables,
and algebraic expressions.
2. Solve basic algebraic equations.
3. Manipulate formulas involving perimeter, area, and volume and simplify square
roots.
Learning PACT Skills that will be developed and documented in this course
Through involvement in this course, the student will develop ability in the following
PACT skill area(s):
Analytical Thinking Skills
 Problem solving – Through the process of learning to solve multi-step and real
world application problems, the student will develop general concepts involved in
problem solving along with skills that can be applied and transferred to real life
analytical types of situations.
Communication Skills
 Reception and interpretation of messages – Through the process of working
through application problems, the student will develop the ability to interpret and
evaluate real world application problems from text form into mathematical form.
Technology Skills
MA 050 Pre-Algebra
3

Discipline-specific technology – Through the use of scientific calculators, the
student will learn basic skills involved in problem solving and immediate
calculations that apply to mathematics and real world situations.
Major Summative Assessment Task(s)
These Butler-assessed Outcome(s) and Learning PACT skill(s) will be demonstrated by
1. Solving multi-step problems that require course comprehensive knowledge using a
scientific calculator.
2. Solving word problems that require course comprehensive knowledge using a
scientific calculator.
Skills or Competencies
These actions are essential to achieve the course outcomes:
1. Demonstrate basic operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals,
percentages, and integers.
2. Solve equations.
3. Use geometry formulas.
4. Demonstrate basic arithmetic skills.
5. Develop methods to solve linear equations.
6. Define, manipulate, and evaluate polynomials.
7. Manipulate formulas involving decimals, percentages, square roots, and right
triangles.
8. Utilize a scientific calculator to assist in calculations.
Learning Units
I. Whole numbers, integers, and introduction to solving equations
A. Addition and subtraction with whole numbers
B. Multiplication and division with whole numbers
C. Problem solving with whole numbers
D. Solving equations with whole numbers
E. Exponents and order of operations
F. Introduction to polynomials
G. Introduction to integers
H. Addition with integers
I. Subtraction with integers
J. Multiplication, division, and order of operations with integers
K. Application: Change in value and mean
L. Introduction to like terms and polynomials
M. Solving equations with integers
II. Fractions, mixed numbers, and proportions
A. Tests for divisibility
B. Prime numbers
C. Prime factorization
D. Least common multiple
E. Introduction to fractions
MA 050 Pre-Algebra
3
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
Division with fractions
Addition and subtraction with fractions
Introduction to mixed numbers
Multiplication and division with mixed numbers
Addition and subtraction with mixed numbers
Solving equations with fractions
Ratios and proportions
III. Decimal numbers, percents, and square roots
A. Reading, writing, and rounding decimal numbers
B. Addition and subtraction with decimal numbers
C. Multiplication and division with decimal numbers
D. Decimal numbers, fractions, and scientific notation
E. Basics of percent
F. Applications of percent
G. Square roots
IV. Geometry and graphs
A. Perimeter
B. Area
C. Volume
D. The Pythagorean Theorem
Learning Activities
Learning activities will be assigned to assist the student to achieve the intended learning
outcome(s) through lecture, instructor-led class discussion, guest speakers, group
activities, drills/skill practice, and other activities at the discretion of the instructor. These
activities may be either face-to-face or online.
Grade Determination
The student will be graded on learning activities and assessment tasks. Grade
determinants may include the following: daily work, quizzes, chapter or unit tests,
comprehensive examinations, projects, presentations, class participation, and other
methods of evaluation at the discretion of the instructor.
MA 050 Pre-Algebra
3