Our Intermediate Algebra course does not (at the present time) require or
utilize graphing calculators or other technology, partly because we
strongly feel that this is our last chance to hammer on algebraic and
symbolic manipulations, an area in which they are almost always weak. All
of our math courses AFTER Intermediate Algebra DO require graphing
calculators, and so the focus shifts to less pencil and paper type problems
to knowing when and how to effectively use technology to assist in solving
problems. Most of us feel, however, that students will not be able to
EFFECTIVELY use technology as a tool in math if they do not have a solid
grounding in the basics of algebra. (Some of us have dispensed with SOME
of the manipulatives that appear to us to be less useful than in the past
and whose inclusion could be argued to be "doing math for math's sake" at
this point.)
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Outcomes for Intemediate Algebra
Students who successfully complete Intermediate Algebra should:
1. be able to perform basic operations on polynomials, rational expressions,
radicals, and expressions with rational exponents;
2. be able to solve basic linear, rational, quadratic, and radical equations;
3. understand the concept of a linear function;
4. be able to graph linear functions, and find equations of lines;
5. be able to solve systems of linear equations in two variables;
6. understand basic terminology associated with the above concepts, and be able
to use related mathematical notation correctly;
7. be able to construct equations which model situations described in words;
8. be able to use the above abilities to solve word problems, and be able to
express solutions clearly.
Jim Francis ******* * * * * *
Edmonds Community College * * * * * *
Mathematics Department * *** * * *
20000 68th Avenue West ******* * * * * *
Lynnwood, WA 98036-5999 * * * * *
(206) 640-1377 * * * * * * *
jfrancis@edcc.ctc.edu ******* *** * * * * *